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ReidsItaly.com Places in Italy Florence See in Florence Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria ★★★
Florence's main square is a public living room filled with ancient and Renaissance statues and fountains
In Italy, all roads lead to Rome, but in Florence all roads lead to the elegant Piazza della Signoria—the cultural, political, and social heart of the city since the 14th century, named after the oligarchic ruling body of the medieval city.
Today, it's an outdoor sculpture gallery, teeming with tourists, postcard stands, horses and buggies, and outdoor cafes and home to the fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio, off which stretches the "U" of the Uffizi Galleries, Florence's great art museum.
Why Piazza della Signoria has such an odd shape
When the medieval Guelf party finally came out on top of the Ghibellines, they razed part of the old city center to build a new palace for civic government.
It's said the Guelfs ordered architect Arnolfo di Cambio to build what we now call the Palazzo Vecchio in the corner of this space, but to be careful that not one inch of the building sat on the cursed former Ghibelline land.
This odd legend was probably fabricated to explain Arnolfo's quirky off-center architecture.
Florence: Centro Storico
Florence's Palazzo Vecchio is a Gothic town hall decorated by Renaissance masters
Loggia de' Lanzi
An airy medieval porch filled with Renaissance and ancient Roman statues
Fra' Girolamo Savonarola was a firebrand preacher, the "Mad Monk" who briefly turned Florence into a theocracy and church-run police state and who started the original "bonfire of the vanities"
Neptune Fountain
The statue-studded fountain Florentines love to hate
Piazza Della Signoria tours
Introduction to Florence Tour with Accademia and Michelangelo's David
This 3.5 hour Florence city tour includes Michelangelo's Statue of David and the Accademia Florence. Led by a local historian, the walk gives a general overview of Florence and its history combined with a special focus on the Accademia. It is ideal for first-time visitors who want a general overview and to see the Statue of David. Florence City Tour Our walk begins in Piazza della Repubblica, the city's commercial and political heart during the Roman Era. While all of the architecture from the era was demolished after the unification of Italy in an effort to modernize the city, there are clues to the past located in the square. For example, we'll admire the the triumphal arch, known as the "Arcone." Erected in 1895 as part of Florence's redevelopment plans, an inscription on the arch alludes to the demolition of the historic buildings: loosely translated, it says 'the old city was put out of its misery and brought back to life'. After a brief stroll through the center of the city, we will arrive at Brunelleschi's later masterpiece, the Duomo. We will generally make a circuit of the exterior and discuss the importance of the cathedral and nearby Baptistery in Florentine art and civic history. From here, we will move deeper into the center, perhaps to Piazza Signoria, the government center of Renaissance Florence. Accademia Florence Equipped with a better understanding of the city we'll now reach for the Accademia, where we'll become acquainted with the life of Michelangelo in Florence and how his techniques changed forever the way that artists, especially sculptors, would approach their craft. We will discuss his early years and career under the patronage of the Medici family and admire the David, the artists's masterpiece and consummate symbol of the Florentine Renaissance.
2 hr | from €70
In this introductory, two-hour Florence Night Tour we'll join one of our Florence guides for a walk through the city center, passing the Duomo and other major sites, at twilight. We'll get to experience the city when the light softens, the buildings take on a magical hue, and locals partake of la passeggiata, an evening stroll. This tour is intended as an orientation walk. We will not go into too much depth on any one topic or structure, especially spaces like the Duomo or Uffizi that are featured in other Context walks. Instead, the purpose of the Florence Night Tour is to give us a sense of the city, and to let us feel its pulse. We'll likely visit the Piazza SS. Annunziata, an integral public space in the Florence city center, to look at the Ospedale degli Innocenti, a historic building designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. We may also stroll down the shop- and cafe-filled Via dei Servi to check out the exterior of Brunelleschi's later masterpiece, the Duomo, where we'll learn about the importance of the cathedral and nearby Baptistery in Florentine art and civic history. From here, our course will depend on the interests of the group and the specialty of the guide. We may move deeper into the center, perhaps to Piazza Signoria, the government center of Renaissance Florence, or to Piazza Repubblica, which is filled with fire-breathers, jugglers, and some of the most famous cafes in Florence. Or perhaps we'll take our time, stopping for a glass of wine or gelato and enjoying the atmosphere of the city. We may end up talking about anything from fashion or coffee to the Medicis or Michelangelo, depending on our mood. Either way, we will take our time to develop a thoughtful experience that, hopefully, will help us understand this most fascinating city, and leave us well prepared for future exploration.
Florence For Kids: Exploring Symbols and Legends
Florence is a like cultural playground for kids, embedded with cherished symbols that pop up all over town, sometimes when least expected. During this 2-hour tour of Florence for kids we join a local historian specially trained in visual thinking strategies for an interactive scavenger hunt for the great symbols of Florence. During the walk we'll use these symbols—lilies, the Strozzi's moons, and many others—to understand the Renaissance and how art and imagery inscribed the city with meaning. Florence for Kids The path of the walk focuses on the historical center of the city, as every alley and street corner tells a different story. The expert leading this walk has been trained in an interactive, visual thinking strategies which, along with some helpful didactic materials, will encourage discussion and participation among the children in the family.. Florence Scavenger Hunt Our docent will lead us through the city center pointing out key symbols of the city, including its famous lilies and the coats of arms of its most powerful families. Children, meanwhile, will need to keep their eyes out for examples. How many did they find? Did they see something else? Why do they think the city uses different symbols? We'll also encounter the beloved Porcellino (little pig), who stands guard at the town market and has become a veritable mascot of the city. No child visiting Florence can resist touching his golden snout at least once! Looking for more family-friendly activities in Florence? Try our Florence Renaissance Tour for Kids or our Uffizi Tour for Kids. This walk is an excellent way for families to build a knowledge base that will accompany them on their further explorations of the city. The city will become all the more familiar for everyone, after having been introduced to some of its most colorful characters and enduring legends.
Private Piazza della Signoria and Skip-the-Line Palazzo Vecchio Tour
Be amazed by the insuperable harmony of one of the most beautiful monumental complexes worldwide!
Discover with your private Guide the extraordinary beauty of one of most renowned and photographed squares and historical palaces in the world. Piazza della Signoria with the sculptural masterpieces of Loggia dei Lanzi, where to admire absolute treasures as the "Perseus with the Head of Medusa" by Cellini and the "Rape of the Sabine Women" by Giambologna.
It is an incomparable "open-air museum" and the elegant Palazzo Vecchio with the embattled tower has been the political headquarters and one of the symbols of the city for centuries. It was founded in 1299 based on a project by Arnolfo di Cambio and was the seat of the Seignory (Palazzo della Signoria) in the fifteenth century.In the 1500s Cosimo de' Medici appointed Vasari to transform it into a sumptuous palace for the grand-ducal family. Inside we can admire, besides the elegant courtyard, the beautiful "Salone del Cinquecento" and the whole complex of the "Quartieri Monumentali", frescoed by Ghirlandaio, Salviati, Bronzino and Vasari and embellished with sculptures by Michelangelo and Donatello.
Florence in a Day, with Context
Florence allows the visitor to step back in time. Offering a world-class Duomo, Michelangelo's Statue of David, and many other notable delights, the birthplace of the Renaissance has a wealth of substance. Our 'Florence in a Day' itinerary pulls together some of the city's highlights, allowing for a peek into this artisanal Italian center. In the company of a local expert, we'll start in the Uffizi Gallery before moving to discuss the many layers of history in the main historic center of the city. We will stop for lunch and continue our tour in the Accademia in the afternoon. This tour is a wonderful introduction for travelers with (maybe) just a day and a desire to soak up this spectacular Italian city. Florence in a Day For the art and art history lover inspired by the Renaissance Includes an introduction to the city, visits sites such as the Duomo (exterior), Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio (exterior), the Accademia (Michelangelo's David), and the Uffizi Gallery. Local lunch (at own expense). Discovering the Uffizi Gallery Our walk begins at the Uffizi Gallery, which is arguably the greatest collection of Renaissance and Mannerist works of art in the world. We will begin with a short introduction in the Piazza, before entering the museum and spending around 2 hours inside. We'll be introduced to some of the museum's grandest pieces, as well as its lesser-known gems. We may view Renaissance works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Giotto, and Da Vinci. We might then discuss some of the best examples from the Mannerist period, such as Parmigianino and Bronzino. As a group, we will spend some time contextualizing these works, both in respect to local history and their place in the canon of art. We may also look at the wider associations of these masterpieces in the political and social developments in their eras as our time together comes to a final flourish. Florence City Walking Tour We'll leave the collection behind as we move to have an introductory city walking tour. We'll view sites such as the "Arcone", a triumphal arch erected in 1895, the Ponte Vecchio and the exterior of Palazzo Vecchio. We'll continue our stroll through the city as the sight of Brunelleschi's Duomo comes into view. We'll spend some time discussing this intricate structure from the outside and the significance of the cathedral and nearby Baptistery in Florentine art and civic life. Our expert's route may continue deeper into the historical, political, and emotional heart of Florence: the L-shaped square, Piazza della Signoria. We will make a quick stop for lunch at a local restaurant or cafe and use this time to continue our discussion on any of the morning's topics or general questions we might have on Florence. Accademia and Michelangelo After lunch, we will continue our tour to the day's finale: the Accademia. Here, our expert guide will divulge more about the life of Michelangelo and how his techniques permanently altered the way that artists, particularly sculptors, would approach their craft. We'll talk about his career and patronage under the powerful Medici family. Of course, we'll spend some time admiring the Statue of David, Michelangelo's masterpiece and the showpiece of the Renaissance in Florence. Takeaways We'll conclude our 'Florence in a Day' with a deeper appreciation of what Florence has to offer. From outdoor architectural splendor to Renaissance triumphs, we'll have strolled through the city to sites relevant to Florentine (and European) history. Hopefully, our 'Florence in a Day, with Context' tour will set us up for the remainder of our travel in Italy and beyond.
All Florence and Hills guided city tour with Accademia and Uffizi skip the line
Explore the Renaissance city of Florence with this full-day sightseeing tour. With an expert guide, see top Florence sights such as the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, and enjoy skip-the-line entry to either the Accademia Gallery or the Uffizi Gallery. Book the full-day tour, a combination of morning and afternoon tour, for a comprehensive introduction to the Tuscan capital. Upgrade to include a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
On a GT coach you will get to Piazzale Michelangelo, the most breathtaking city view
Stop At: San Domenico Fiesole, Fiesole, Tuscany
A Gt coach ride will take you to Fiesole hill, an ancient village from where it is possible to admire a wonderful view of the city and the countryside around Florence
Guided visit inside the Accademia Gallery
Exterior visit of the famous Medici Churc
Exterior visit of the Duomo Complex: The Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore), Giotto Bell Tower and the Baptistery represent the religious Florence Center and three of the most important monuments of the city
Exterior visit of this wonderful Church, just near the Arno river
Exterior visit of Palazzo Vecchio
Exterior visit of Piazza della Signoria
Stop At: Loggia dei Lanzi, Florence, Tuscany
Exterior visit of the wonderful open air museum when the Perseo by Bernini is located
Guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery
The Beauty of Florence in a Day: Trip from Rome with Lunch Included
15h | from €164
Visit Florence on day trip from Rome and see its top attractions with an expert guide at your side! Start with a guided tour of the incredible Accademia Gallery, seeing Michelangelo's 'David' and Botticelli's 'Madonna and Child,' and then explore the city on a comprehensive walking tour. Gaze in awe at Brunelleschi's Dome at Florence Duomo and then finish your time in Florence with a visit to one of its legendary leather-making schools to see a time-honored craft in action.
Start your day with a pickup from your central Rome hotel, or alternatively, hop aboard your coach in the center of town, near Rome Termini Station. Leave Rome and travel north to the picture-perfect region of Tuscany, passing through the green valley surrounding Tevere River and hills blanketed with olive groves and vineyards. Your destination of the day is beautiful Florence – the region's equally charming capital.
First stop in the city is the world-famous Accademia Gallery (Gallerie dell'Accademia ), home to Michelangelo's original David sculpture, which, of course, you will see on your tour! Head inside to see the Accademia's highlights with your expert guide, learning about Michelangelo's unfinished Quattro Prigioni – a sculpture of prisoners trying to free themselves from the marble in which they are carved – and see Botticelli's Madonna and Child among other noteworthy works.
Leave the museum and set off on your walking tour to see top city attractions like Florence Duomo (Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore). Admire the cathedral's distinctive orange dome, designed by Renaissance supremo Fillipo Brunelleschi, and then admire Giotto's Bell Tower – another Renaissance masterpiece.
Stop near Piazza della Signoria to enjoy lunch in a typical Florentine restaurant, and then continue your walking tour to the Basilica of Santa Croce to see where Michelangelo is buried. Finally, visit one of Florence's famous leather-making schools, where you'll also learn about other ancient Tuscan crafts such as gold metal work and mosaic making.
Return to your coach with your guide and return to Rome, finishing your tour back at your hotel. Alternatively, you can finish your tour with a drop off at Via Veneto, Piazza Barberini, Piazza Venezia or Piazza della Repubblica; simply let your guide know on the day.
Click on the 'View Additional Info' button below to see the tour's meeting point, near Termini Station.
Uffizi Masterclass by an Art Expert & Vasari Corridor Focus
With limited time in Florence, avoid the crowds and take a 3.5-hour walking tour through the Uffizi Gallery with priority entrance. See masterpieces from Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and more, as your guide provides in-depth commentary on each work that you pass. This group tour is limited to 15 people for a no-hassle way to see one of the world's most famous art museums.
Pass By: FlorenceTown, Florence, Tuscany
Descriptio of the location and its history
the guests will discover the art and the history of the fascinating Uffizi Gallery and the masterpieces it contains
Florence Bike Tour
Take a small group bike tour (maximum 15 people) through Florence. Ride around the city and be inspired by the Renaissance on a comfortable bike. You'll cycle in the city of Florence and ducking and weaving between narrow streets along the way too. See all of the major city sites including the Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria and Piazza della Repubblica.
Florence is perfect for biking and this bike tour takes you where the bus tours can't go, in pedestrian areas and little tiny streets. It will take you less time then any walking tours, showing you roads out of the usual tourist paths, too far to be reached by foot, too tiny for a bus!
In 2 hours and a half you will visit all the major tourist attractions, under the experienced guidance of our entertaining and fun professional history guide.
You will ride through the narrow streets of the main center and the Oltrarno district, reaching the most amazing monuments of Florence and unknown spots from where to admire the city: Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza Strozzi, the Duomo, Santa Maria Novella, the artisans district, Palazzo Pitti, Pontevecchio, the Uffizi square, Piazza della Signoria, Santa Croce etc.
Along this pleasant stroll in Florence, you will stop at several locations for history explanations and fun facts about the city, and for photo opportunities.
Relax, enjoy the tour and even taste a wonderful Gelato! (included)
Our licensed guides will help you discover the most of the "cradle of the Renaissance" in less time and in the funniest way.. simply perfect as an introduction as well as for veterans. Either way, we're sure you'll agree that biking is the best way to see the "cradle of the Renaissance".
We have all the options for bikers any age as well as families. For younger kids (0-5 yo) we provide child seats. We can accomodate children 6-8 yo on child seats or bike trailers. We then have other options to accomodate persons any age: tandem bikes (2 seats), for an adult and a second person any age from 9yo and above.
Best of Florence Combo Saver: Walking Tour with Skip-the-Line to David and Uffizi Gallery
Make the most of your time in Florence with this Combo Saver tour covering all of the city's iconic sights in one day. Skip the line at the Accademia Gallery to marvel at Michelangelo's David; gaze up in wonder at the great red dome of Il Duomo, Florence Cathedral from the outside; and explore the streets of the historic city center with insights from an expert guide. Then, skip another line to end the day with a comprehensive tour of the immense Uffizi Gallery.
Start the day with skip-the-line access to the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's David. Nothing prepares you for the scale of this sculptural masterpiece. Your guide will help you appreciate the artistry from every angle, including the techniques Michelangelo used to make marble look smooth as butter.
The highlight of the city walking tour is the Florence Cathedral, whose incredible red dome is the city's crown jewel. The dome was not without challenges for architect Filippo Brunelleschi, as your guide will explain as you view the masterpiece from outside. Entrance to the Duomo is always free, so you can come back at any time to explore the cathedral in more depth, equipped with an abundance of knowledge shared by your expert, local guide.
Your tour continues through the historic center of Florence, taking in the Ponte Vecchio bridge and the Piazza Signoria, where David once stood.
After a break for lunch (be sure to ask your guide for recommendations), you'll skip the line once more at the Uffizi Gallery. Your guide will lead you on a carefully planned route through this immense gallery, wasting no time in showcasing works by Da Vinci, Botticelli, and Titian. Don't forget to rub the nose of Il Porcellino, Pietro Tacca's Baroque bronze boar sculpture, to bring the rest of your vacation good luck.
Whether you're only in Florence for a day or settling in for a longer stay, this is the perfect introduction to a city where beauty awaits around every corner.
Palazzo Vecchio: Power and Prestige
For over seven centuries, Palazzo Vecchio has been the symbol of the civic power of Florence. Towering over Piazza della Signoria, where it was built in 1299, the palace hosted the Medici (as their private home) and the headquarters for the Republic. In this Palazzo Vecchio Tour, led by a trained historian, we will dive into the famed palace and its layered history. Using art and architecture as our text, we'll look deeply into the intrigues, dramas, and machinations that fueled the Florentine Renaissance. Palazzo Vecchio Tour During our three hours together we'll look closely at the rise of the Medici family and their influence on the city. In our exploration we'll encounter such Renaissance thinkers as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and the great Medici power brokers and patrons that helped make their work possible. We'll watch the old republican democracy of Florence fade into the quasi-monarchical court of the Medici, and meet a wide array of significant figures from history, including the radical cleric Savonarola whose apocalyptic preaching and eventual "bonfire of the vanities" shook Florence in the last decade of the 15th century. Along the way we'll gain valuable insight into the politics, biographies, and intrigues that helped shape the Italian Renaissance. On the Walk Our visit begins in front of the palace, in Piazza della Signoria, with a brief introduction on the political forces at work during the era of the Florentine Republic. Stepping into Palazzo Vecchio we'll spend time in the Hall of the 500, a sort of battleground between the Medici and Republican ideals: an enormous chamber packed full of history and fascinating details. Here we'll encounter and familiarize ourselves with the life-long achievements of Cosimo I, Grand Duke of Tuscany. Using the vivid artwork left by Giorgio Vasari and his school, we will retrace the conquests of the Medici grand duchy, discussing the rivalry between Florence, Siena, and Pisa, and how power was consolidated by the Medici family. We will also spend some time discussing a significant and controversial discovery in the Hall of the 500 of a long lost da Vinci fresco and the forty-year research project behind it. From Art to Feminism The rest of our visit will include time in Cosimo's private rooms that highlight the glories of the Medici rulers beginning with Cosimo the Elder, the Pater Patriae, banker and artistic patron who gave rise to the family legacy in the early 15th century. Through Vasari's stunning Hall of the Elements we will reach the apartments of the powerful and influential Eleonora da Toledo, Grand Duchess, where we will have the opportunity to understand the role of female power in the context of Florentine politics. We will proceed to observe the Florentine Mannerist frescos in the Hall of Justice and after lingering on Donatello's original bronze statue of ''Judith and Holofernes'' in the Hall of the Lilies we will stop at Machiavelli's office and the impressive Hall of Geographical Maps, a massive wardrobe for the Medici possessions. Our discussion will range across topics, from art to politics to sexuality; but our narrative will continue to center on the struggle for power and the use of that power once attained. Take Aways At the end of our time together we'll come away with a much more detailed picture of Early Modern Florence, when the city rose to become one of the most important centers of art and learning in the world. We'll emerge with a better understanding of the Medici family and their pivotal influence on history.
Uffizi Tour for Kids: Crash Course
This 2.5-hour-long tour pairs families with specially trained guides for an interactive exploration of the Uffizi Gallery designed to bring this world-famous collection of Renaissance art to life for budding art enthusiasts and introduce them to the great masters of Italy. We'll start our time together with a short introduction in Piazza della Signoria, discussing the Uffizi's structure and its relation to Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's town hall, as well as the importance of the Medici family. After spending some time outside, we will then continue on to the museum, where we will spend roughly two hours exploring the collection. Looking for the grown-up version of this tour? Try our Uffizi Tour. The guide will begin an engrossing dialogue with children about the art, focusing on recurring subjects, themes and symbols, the historical background in which the works were created and biographical information about the artists, while creating an atmosphere of exploration and participation. By the end of the walk, the children will have a very clear idea of how and why art is created and will be able to better appreciate the artwork they will encounter throughout their trip. Looking for more family-friendly activities? Try our Florence for Kids Tour. About You In order to plan the best possible experience for your children, it would be helpful for us know some background. Have they traveled to other countries in the past? If so, where? Have they studied any subjects in school that would relate to the walk? Are they interested in art, music, even food? The more you can tell us, the better. Due to the very interactive nature of this program and given the educational environment our docent aim to evoke, we adhere to a very strict maximum of 6 participants. Groups larger than 6 will need to book two separate walks that can run concurrently, but with different docents.
Private Tour: Florence Sightseeing Full day Tour with Accademia and Uffizi
A private tour is ideal for enjoying Florence in the comfort of a private vehicle: accompanied by your own private guide, you'll enjoy personalized attention on your luxury private tour of Florence to discover Piazzale Michelangelo, Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower, Baptistery, Accademia, Fiesole, Santa Croce, Piazza Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia de' Lanzi, Uffizi.
Meet your private driver and guide at your hotel and drive along the romantic Viale dei Colli up to Piazzale Michelangelo: a stop to admire the wonderful panorama of the city, one of the most beautiful in the world.
The tour will proceed through the old city center, with the guided Visit of the renowned Accademia Gallery, where you can admire the famous David by Michelangelo and other works by the great artists.
The tour proceeds then with a walking tour including the outdoor guided visit of San Lorenzo Church and the Duomo complex: the Baptistery with its bronze doors including the famous Porta del Paradiso and the Cathedral with the magnificent Brunelleschi's Dome and Giotto's bell tower
Stop At: Basilica di San Lorenzo
Exterior visit of San Lorenzo Basilica and light lunch in a Typical Restaurant with the following menu: crostone al pomodoro (bruschetta with tomato), maccheroni al ragù (pasta with meat sauce or with tomato for vegetarians), penne al pesto (pasta with pesto sauce), dessert or coffee, drinks included: a glass of wine and half liter of mineral water per person.
During the afternoon, a fine car tour, by chauffeured vehicle, will offer panoramic views of the unparalleled beauty of Florence, taking in Fiesole, a delightful town of Etruscan origin set on the hills overlooking Florence and the Arno Valley.
Your private tour continues to the old city center for a visit to the Franciscan Church of Santa Croce (exterior).
A short walk through the historic streets of the heart of Florence brings you to the famous Piazza Signoria, where your private guide is pleased to show you the imposing PalazzoVecchio (exterior)
Exterior visit of Loggia de Lanzi
The tour continues with a private guided tour of the famous Galleria degli Uffizi where you can admire the superb paintings of Botticelli,Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello,Giotto, Cimabue, Masaccio. The guided tour ends at the Uffizi Terrace where you can enjoy an amazing and exclusive view of the city's most important monuments. Once your private guided tour is over, it is possible to stay in the museum.
Florence Photography Walking Tour: Palaces, Palazzos and Bridges
Turn your vacation snaps into masterpieces on this 3-hour private photography walking tour of Florence. With a professional photographer guide, explore the exquisite Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio, plus some of the city's lesser-known sights as you learn how to capture their beauty on camera. Choose between the Birth of Renaissance tour that focuses on Florence's Renaissance gems; or book the Palaces, Palazzos and Bridges tour that adds the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens to the itinerary. Receive full attention from your guide on this private tour.
Book your chosen private tour, and with your digital, SLR or disposable camera, or smartphone in hand, meet your guide in central Florence.
Start your walk and learn how Florence became a cradle of art in Renaissance times under its ruling Medici family, and how as a result, it offers countless photo opportunities for all levels of photographers.
Stop en route to capture the city's highlights on camera, as well as some lesser-known sights. Learn how to 'spot' great photos, master light and composition, and get invaluable tips on how to use your camera settings to best effect.
Florence Night Segway Tour
Discover the magic of Florence by night on a 2.5-hour evening Segway tour! On your self-balancing, electric Segway, follow an expert guide around Florence's charming streets. Visit beautiful city squares, enjoy artisan gelato and see top Florence attractions like Palazzo Vecchio, Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence Duomo and more!
This small-group Florence Segway tour is limited to eight people, ensuring you'll receive special attention from your guide.
Undeniably gorgeous by day, Florence is somehow even more so by night, when the city seems to positively glow from lights flickering on its Renaissance buildings. Handily, your Florence Night Segway Tour takes place at this ideal time, ensuring you'll capture the magic of top Florence sights at night, minus the daytime crowds and the soaring midday heat.
In the early evening, meet your friendly guide and start with a 30-minute orientation to get familiar with your two-wheeled, electric, self-balancing Segway. Once you feel comfortable, you'll weave through Florence's charming narrow streets, following your guide into the historical center.
Glide from Piazza della Repubblica, a bustling city square, to the beautiful Basilica of Santa Croce with its distinctive green and white marble façade. After stopping for photos and to listen to audio commentary about this historic area, set off again drawing cheerful glances from stylish Florentines on their evening strolls.
Piazza della Signoria is the next stopping point, and you'll quickly discover why so many consider this as the beating heart of Florence. Framed by more majestic monuments, statues and picturesque buildings than you could ever hope to see, the square's true showstoppers include the copy of Michelangelo's famous David sculpture and the grand town hall – Palazzo Vecchio.
Continue out of the square to see Strozzi Palace, a glittering showcase of Renaissance architecture, and gaze in awe at Florence Duomo, with its distinctive orange dome dominating Florence's nighttime cityscape.
Before your Segway tour finishes, follow your guide to one of Florence's most prestigious gelaterias for an artisan gelato and a well-deserved sit down. Your tour finishes nearby, and after returning your Segway, your guide will point you in the best direction to get back to your hotel.
Pisa and Florence Shore Excursion from Livorno
This tour will take you to Pisa to see the Piazza dei Miracoli, with its famous Leaning Tower, before moving onto Florence for a walking tour that will take in the main sights - including the Santa Maria Del Fiore Cathedral, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Piazza della Repubblica. You'll then be able to enjoy some free time in the birthplace of the Renaissance before heading back to the port.
The drive from the cruise port to Pisa takes about 45 minutes. Your dedicated guide will give you running commentary throughout the journey and will stay with you throughout the day, except during your free time in Pisa and Florence.
At Pisa you'll get approximately 45-60 minutes to experience the attractions of the Piazza dei Miracoli (Miracle Square), including the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistery and the Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery).
The coach will then transport you through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance - a journey of approximately one and-a-half hours. On arrival, you'll be taken on a short walk, passing the Accademia Gallery on to the Duomo Square to set the meeting point. From here, you will embark upon a walking tour of the historical centre of Florence, starting from the Santa Maria Del Fiore Cathedral to the Baptistery, Giotto's Bell Tower and Brunelleschi's Dome. You will pass the Piazza della Repubblica, the Orsanmichele Church, the Piazza della Signoria (Palazzo Vecchio), and the Uffizi Gallery , ending with a view over the Arno river and Ponte Vecchio.
You'll then have free time to explore the narrow streets full of shops, café bars and trattorias – or to simply relax and admire the beautiful views across the river.
After some free time to dine, shop or simply relax, your transportation will return you to Livorno port in plenty of time to rejoin your cruise ship.
All of Florence's museums are closed on Mondays throughout the year.
• Pick-up from the port of Livorno
• Journey to Pisa (approximately 45 minutes)
• Drop off at the Pisa parking area for a 15-minute walk to the Square of Miracles
• Free Time in Pisa for shopping and walking around the square (approximately 45 minutes)
• Meet tour guide for departure from Pisa to Florence (1 hour 45 minutes)
• Arrive in Florence, with a short walk
• Walking tour of the historical centre starting from Santa Maria Del Fiore Cathedral
• Free time after the walking tour with a typical Tuscan Lunch option (Lunch is not included within the tour price and please ask your guide for recommendation)
• Meet tour guide and take the 20-minute walk towards the Santa Maria Novella Station
• Return to Livorno Port
Florence in a Day from La Spezia Port: Private Concierge Shore Excursion
8–10h | from €199
• English-speaking driver and private vehicle
• Expert, licensed English-speaking guide
• Views of Florence and the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the Baptistery of St. John, and the Florence Duomo.
• A private tour with skip-the-line tickets at the Accademia Gallery to experience Michelangelo's most famous sculpture, "David," OR a private tour with skip-the-line tickets of the Uffizi Gallery, one of Florence's most important museums
• Lunch at a local, selected trattoria to experience local, authentic Tuscan cuisine (price not included).
Piazzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo Square) is a square that offers one of the best panoramic views of Florence.
The Ponte Vecchio "Old Bridge", is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River
The Palazzo Vecchio is the town hall of Florence, Italy. It overlooks the Piazza della Signoria with its copy of Michelangelo's David statue as well as the gallery of statues in the adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi.
Piazza della Signoria is an L-shaped square in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. It is the main point of the origin and history of the Florentine Republic and still maintains its reputation as the political focus of the city.
Palazzo Strozzi is an example of civil architecture with its rusticated stone, inspired by the Palazzo Medici, but with more harmonious proportions. Unlike the Medici Palace, which was sited on a corner lot, and thus has only two sides, this building, surrounded on all four sides by streets, is a free-standing structure. This introduced a problem new in Renaissance architecture, which, given the newly felt desire for internal symmetry of planning symmetry: how to integrate the cross-axis. The ground plan of Palazzo Strozzi is rigorously symmetrical on its two axes, with clearly differentiated scales of its principal rooms.
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is the cathedral of Florence. It was begun in 1296 in the Gothic style to a design of Arnolfo di Cambio and was structurally completed by 1436, with the dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The cathedral complex, in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile. These three buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the historic centre of Florence and are a major tourist attraction of Tuscany. The basilica is one of Italy's largest churches, and until the development of new structural materials in the modern era, the dome was the largest in the world. It remains the largest brick dome ever constructed.
Stop At: Battistero di San Giovanni, Florence, Tuscany
The Florence Baptistery is a religious building in Florence and has the status of a minor basilica. The octagonal baptistery stands in both the Piazza del Duomo and the Piazza San Giovanni, across from Florence Cathedral and the Campanile di Giotto. The Baptistery is one of the oldest buildings in the city, constructed between 1059 and 1128 in the Florentine Romanesque style.
Giotto's Campanile is a free-standing campanile that is part of the complex of buildings that make up Florence Cathedral on the Piazza del Duomo in Florence. Standing adjacent to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistry of St. John, the tower is one of the showpieces of Florentine Gothic architecture with its design by Giotto, its rich sculptural decorations and its polychrome marble encrustations.
The Uffizi houses some of the most famous works of art in the world, including works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Opened to the public 1769, the museum houses a large portion of the Medici family's collection, and welcomes close to 2 Million visitors per year, making it one of the most famous Museums in the world.
Florence Uffizi Gallery Private Tour with Skip-the-line Tickets & Hotel Pickup
Be picked up at your hotel and enjoy this 2-hour and a half private tour of Florence's Uffizi Gallery.
The Uffizi itself is of historic and architectural interest, with its glorious ceilings, richly detailed architecture, and elaborate corridors and galleries , in the company of a local, expert guide you will see the highlights of this wonderful museum and with skip-the-line access there will be no waiting in queues!
You will meet with your guide at your central located hotel or just outside the Uffizi Gallery in Piazza della Signoria and by-passing the queues go directly inside. You can choose either a 9:30am or 2pm visit.
Built by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 it has magnificent ceilings, wonderful architectural detail and highly decorated corridors and galleries.As you proceed through the collections in the various galleries your guide will regale you with stories about the lives of the various Renaissance artists and explain how the politics and fashions of the day shaped the masterpieces on display.
You will also learn something of the patrons and benefactors who commissioned these priceless works of art. Displayed in the Uffizi are artworks by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Giotto and Caravaggio to name a few.
All of the great Renaissance artists have their work on display. Of particular interest is Botticelli's Birth of Venue and Da Vinci's Annunciation but you will also see splendid sculptures and paintings that demonstrate the importance of the city of Florence during the Renaissance period. If there is anything you wish to know then ask your guide!
Depending upon your tour start time guide will leave you at either 12:00pm or 4:30pm. You will however then be free to explore this magnificent gallery until closing time at 6.50 pm.
Child-friendly Tour of Florence Must-see Sites with Gelato Tasting
If you would like to discover Florence in a fun and entertaining way, this is the tour you are looking for!
In this 2.5-hour walking tour our kid-friendly guide will make sure your children don't get bored by using fun games and activities such as flashcards, i-pad games and other multimedia activities to stimulate children's attention and curiosity.
The main highlights of this tour are: Piazza della Signoria, the Santa Croce church, the "Porcellino" fountain, San Lorenzo Market, the Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Repubblica and many more famous sites along the way!
You will be invited to taste local genuine gelato during the tour: a perfect break for kids and adults!
There are so many fascinating places to see in Florence, the city where the Renaissance was born, and on this tour with a local child-friendly guide we have made sure you and your children will have the best possible experience discovering all the wonders that Florence has to offer in a fun and entertaining way!
The meeting point will be in Piazza Santa Croce near Santa Croce church, where Michelangelo's tomb is situated. Then you will start your walking tour in the city centre and the first stop will be Ponte Vecchio. Have your camera ready when you get to this point because the view over Florence's surrounding hills is breathtaking!
After that you will arrive at the political centre of Florence, Piazza della Signoria, with the amazing Loggia where you can admire the famous statues in marble and bronze made by Florentine artists from the 16th century.
From here you can also see the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world's top rated galleries that used to be the seat of the Florentine Guilds, and the majesty of Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's town hall.
Continuing your walking tour you will get to the old market, another vibrant city location, where you and your children will have fun rubbing the "Porcellino" (a statue of a wild boar) fountain's nose in order to receive good luck!
Then you will reach another famous Florence square, Piazza della Repubblica, and our expert family tour guide will fascinate you with stories and anecdotes about life in Florence, as well as its history and culture.
Next stop will be the amazing Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, or as the locals know it, The Duomo (cathedral), the first of its kind in terms of dimension and structure, and a symbol of the Renaissance in Florence.
The dome was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and it is a major architectural masterpiece which was way ahead of its time. Led by our guide, you will learn some of the history and interesting facts about the cathedral.
At the end of the tour you can relax and have a typical lunch at San Lorenzo's market, where you can also walk around the folkloristic market stalls.
This is an outdoor sightseeing tour that requires lots of energy and walking, and since kids (and adults aswell!) can get very tired, we suggest you to do it at the beginning of your holiday in Florence, making it your only tour of the day. During the tour there will be a free gelato tasting!
The whole family will enjoy this tour and at the end of it you will feel like you have a better knowledge of this wonderful Italian city.
The best of Florence and Pisa from Livorno sea port
tour duration 8 hours
vehicle Merceds benz minivan
Stop for pictures of the leaning tower, Saint John baptistery and a cappuccino break.
To claim the tower need the reservation ahead of time
Best view of Florence from the hill. Great pictures
Stop on the Santa Croce square with a picture of the marble front of Santa Croce church
Walk in the Florence most important square . Pictures of Giotto bell tower, Santa Maria del Fiore church and Saint John baptistery
Have a look of an open space museum, this square with all this unbelievable sculptures, Neptun fountain and the best replica of the statue of David . From here a fantastic walk on Via dei Calzaioli , Florence greatest pedestrian road
A walk on the most important and old Florence bridge
Pass By: Chianti Road, Tuscany
Have a look at the Tuscan wine country landscape
The best of Florence and Pisa from La Spezia sea port
Tour pick up: port of la Spezia
vehicle Mercedes benz minivan
Tour drop off: Port of la Spezia
Pass By: Parco Regionale delle Alpi Apuane, Seravezza, Province of Lucca, Tuscany
A view of the Alps and the marble quarries of the city of Carrara
We will stop for Pictures in the most incredible scene that overview Florence City from the hill
You will have a great time walking on Florence most known square,
A great view of Giotto bell tower, Santa Maria del fiore church and the baptistery
The best replica of the statue of David , the Neptune fountain, Palazzo Vecchio and many sculptures master piece right in the square . From the square you reach via dei Calzaioli one of the most relevant pedestrians street of Florence
Walk on the Florence most important bridge
We will stop for pictures of Saint John baptistery, Santa Maria Assunta church and of course pictures of the leaning tower.
Maybe a cappuccino in one of those great caffè place .
If you didn't purchase the ticket to claim the tower we will still have a great time in the miracle square
Travel Photo Tour Shooting in Florence
I am a lifestyle, portrait and destination wedding photographer based in Florence. I started working professionally in the family photography. My style is natural and I compose elegant and timeless stories spontaneously, but also with posed images.
We will organize a tour according to the preference of the travelers. An option is to start next to the Duomo, follow to Ponte Vecchio and Finish in Piazza della Signoria.
Pass By: Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence, Tuscany
Another option, starting at the top, is the Piazzale Michelangelo, and then down to the river with photos using the Ponte Vecchio as background. To finish the church of Santa Croce and some picturesque little streets in the surroundings.
Complete Florence Skip-the-line Full Day Guided Tour Uffizi David & Hotel Pickup
On this tour you visit the most important of Florence's piazzas and landmarks as well as two of its most celebrated exhibition centers. We begin on the north of the city with a visit to the Accademia Gallery and the Duomo with its famous Bell Tower and Baptistery. Following a break for lunch we continue to Piazza della Signoria with its wonderful display of Renaissance statues, followed by a visit to the Uffizi Gallery that houses a number of famous masterpieces; Botticelli's' "The Birth of Venue", Leonardo da Vinci's "Annunciation" and Michelangelo's "Holy Family" to name a few. Take advantage of skip-the-line entry and enjoy this private tour.
The tour has been specifically designed for those spending only one day in Florence. You see the exterior of the famous buildings in Piazza Duomo: the Cathedral (Duomo) Campanile (Bell Tower) and Baptistery. Then you walk towards Piazza della Signoria to see the Palazzo Vecchio and proceed towards the Ponte Vecchio seeing as you pass examples of medieval towers and Renaissance palaces. The morning is dedicated to the Galleria dell'Accademia where the focus is on Michelangelo's two famous masterpieces, David and the Prisoners. There is time allowed for lunch (at your own expense). Your guide can book a local trattoria or give you some suggestion of where to enjoy a typical Tuscan, lunchtime snack.You meet up again with your guide after lunch for an afternoon at the Uffizi Gallery. On this tour you will really appreciate the knowledge of your local, licensed guide as you walk through the ancient streets of this romantic Renaissance city with its enchanting piazzas. You will learn of Florence's history told through the numerous monuments that line your route. The tour is private so that you can really take advantage of the guide's knowledge and with skip-the-line entry make the very most of your day in Florence.
3-Day Italy Trip: Florence and Pisa
Escape to the romance of Tuscany on a 3-day tour from Rome! The rolling hills of Tuscany continue to shape Italy's rich culture, be it through art, history or the finest Italian produce. Departing Rome, you will travel to the heart of Tuscany in Florence. The city is home to an abundance of paintings and sculptures housed in numerous galleries and public squares. Next it's onto Pisa with its biggest attraction, the Leaning Tower.
Day 1: Rome-Florence
Firenze, capoluogo della Toscana, ospita molti capolavori dell'arte e dell'architettura rinascimentale. Uno dei luoghi più celebri è il Duomo, la cattedrale con cupola di tegole progettata dal Brunelleschi e il campanile di Giotto. La Galleria dell'Accademia espone la scultura del David di Michelangelo mentre nella Galleria degli Uffizi si trovano La nascita di Venere di Botticelli e l'Annunciazione di Leonardo da Vinci.
Day 2: Florence-Pisa-Florence
Stop At: Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa, Province of Pisa, Tuscany
Pisa known above all for the famous leaning tower. Already off-axis to its completion, in 1372. Piazza dei Miracoli houses the monumental Camposanto and the Baptistery, where every day non-professional singers put themselves to the test with their famous acoustics.
Day 3: Florence-Rome
A walk through history among works of art unique in the world.
An open-air museum, full of architectural masterpieces and works of art unique in the world: the historic center of Florence, enclosed in the ancient layout of the medieval walls, houses the most important cultural heritage of the city and has been declared by UNESCO Heritage Humanity.
Mediterranean Dream Italy - Spain 16 Days
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Immerse yourself in the most significant places of two symbolic Mediterranean countries, such as Italy and Spain. This unforgettable experience will give you the opportunity to combine the best of the beauty of those two lands.
Discover the colors, the smells and the historical and artistic heritage of two sensational countries thanks to our combination created exclusively for connoisseurs.
Are you ready to experience this wonderful experience? It will be a sensational journey that is hard to forget!
NEW! Mediterranean Dream: Italy - Spain 16 Days / 15 Nights
ROME > MADRID
+8 Meals
Rome > Assisi > Siena > Florence > Bologna > Padua > Venice >
Tuscany Wine Region (Montepulciano) > Rome
Barcelona > Madrid > Cordoba > Sevilla > Granada > Toledo > Madrid
Pass By: Piazza Venezia, Rome, Lazio
The Eternal City
"Without having seen the Sistine Chapel, it is not possible to form an appreciable idea of what a single man can achieve."
(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
The Sistine Chapel (dedicated to Maria Assunta in Cielo, is one of the most famous cultural and artistic treasures of Vatican City. It was built between 1475 and 1481, at the time of Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere, from which it took its name.
It is known throughout the world both for being the place where the conclave and other official ceremonies of the Pope are held, and for being decorated with one of the most famous and celebrated works of art of Western artistic civilization, the frescoes by Michelangelo Buonarroti, that cover the vault (1508-1512) and the back wall (of the Last Judgment) above the altar (1535-1541).
occupy a large part of the vast Belvedere courtyard and are one of the largest art collections in the world, as they exhibit the enormous collection of works of art accumulated over the centuries by the Popes: the Sistine Chapel and the papal apartments frescoed by Michelangelo and Raphael are part of the works that visitors can admire in their journey.
The grandeur of the seventeenth-century façade of Carlo Maderno makes the idea of the gigantic dimensions of St. Peter's Basilica, still today one of the largest churches in the world.
The dome designed by Michelangelo surprises in its size and harmony, characteristics that are appreciated in the challenging but rewarding climb that allows you to admire both the inside and the outside.Among the many masterpieces, not to be missed is the Pietà by Michelangelo, the work that has been surprising for centuries in terms of technique and emotion.
Pass By: Church of Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Tuscany
Day 3: Rome-Assisi-Siena-Florence
Roma The Eternal City
Stop At: Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi
The Basilica of San Francesco is the sacred place par excellence of Assisi, since here the remains of the famous saint are preserved and preserved.It has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the Lower Basilica, the single-nave interior with transept houses the extraordinary "allegorical frescoes" by Giotto, the "Madonna Angeli e San Francesco
Stop At: Piazza del Campo, Siena, Tuscany
The Heart and Soul of the City of Siena
Universal symbol of the city, the particular formation of Piazza del Campo is just one of the reasons why UNESCO identifies Siena as the perfect and ideal example of a medieval city: it was built, in fact, in the exact place where the three ancient cities hilly gently sloping joined together, before joining forces to create the community of Siena.
Day 4: Florence
Santa Maria del Fiore, whose construction was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, is the third church in the world (after San Pietro in Rome, San Paolo in London) and the largest in Europe at the time of its completion in the 15th century.
Stop At: Campanile di Giotto, Florence, Tuscany
Giotto's Campanile is one of the four main components of Piazza del Duomo.
It is the most eloquent testimony of Florentine Gothic architecture of the fourteenth century, which despite the vertical momentum does not abandon the principle of solidity.
Covered with white, red and green marble like those that adorn the Cathedral, the majestic square-based bell tower, considered the most beautiful in Italy - probably created more as a decorative than functional element - was started by Giotto in 1334.
The center of the political world of Florence Piazza della Signoria has been at the center of Florence's political life since the 14th century.
The famous sculptures located in Piazza della Signoria have references to the political affairs of Florence, with some contrast. The David (the original is in the Accademia Gallery) was built by Michelangelo and positioned in front of the Palazzo Vecchio to symbolize the power of the Florentine Republic in contrast to the tyranny of the Medici. Hercules and Cacus (1534) by Bandinelli instead symbolizes the physical power of the family. The Neptune (1575) of Ammannati recalls the maritime ambitions of the Medici
Piazza Santa Croce in Florence owes its name to the basilica of the same name, one of the largest Franciscan churches in Italy famous not only for preserving Giotto's frescoes, but also for being the place of burial of personalities of the caliber of Galilei, Foscolo, Michelangelo and Machiavelli becoming a symbol of the homeland even before the unification of Italy.
Stop At: Basilica di San Petronio, Bologna, Province of Bologna, Emilia-Romagna
The Basilica of San Petronio, dedicated to the patron saint of the city (eighth bishop of Bologna from 431 to 450), is the largest and most important church in Bologna (132 m long, 66 wide, 47 high).
Construction was begun in 1390.
In 1514 Arduino degli Arriguzzi proposed a new Latin cross model that would have exceeded the size of the church of San Pietro in Rome. According to legend, Pius IV blocked the realization of this megalomaniac dream, soliciting work for the construction of the Archiginnasio.
Stop At: Basilica di Sant'Antonio, Padua, Province of Padua, Veneto
The Basilica of Sant'Antonio, known as "Il Santo", is the most important religious center of the city, and a destination for thousands of pilgrims who invade the city every year, and in particular on June 13, feast of the Saint the famous procession.
Stop At: Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California
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Day 5: Florence-Bologna-Padua-Venice
Stop At: Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Province of Bologna, Emilia-Romagna
The heart of the city, Piazza Maggiore is the result of centuries-old transformations that enriched it gradually with important buildings: the Basilica of San Petronio, the Palazzo dei Notai, the Palazzo d'Accursio, the Palazzo del Podestà and the Palazzo dei Banchi.
Stop At: Piazza San Marco, Veneto
Elegant, precious, inimitable, fun, romantic: this is Venice, a gem of the Venetian and Italian tourist scene, where churches, palaces, ancient bridges, monuments and squares tell the artistic and cultural liveliness that marked and still marks the history of this city.
The heart of Venice is the splendid Piazza San Marco, the most elegant living room in Europe, surrounded by works of unquestionable value: the imposing bell tower and the Basilica with its five portals and the decorations of marble and mosaics that anticipate the magnificence and interior riches; the Palazzo Ducale, symbol of the golden age of the Serenissima; the Torre dei Mori, better known as the Clock Tower, for the engineering masterpiece that has marked the time in Venice for centuries
Day 7: Venice-Montepulciano-Rome
Stop At: Piazza Grande a Montepulciano, Montepulciano, Tuscany
Perched on the top of a hill, south of Tuscany and not far from Siena, Montepulciano is a medieval town of rare beauty that certainly deserves to be visited! A unique village with elegant Renaissance palaces, ancient churches, splendid squares and small hidden corners. Moreover, from Montepulciano you can enjoy a fabulous and endless panorama of the Val d'Orcia and the Val di Chiana.
Day 8: Rome-Civitavecchia
Rome the Eternal City
Pass By: Civitavecchia Port, Civitavecchia, Province of Rome, Lazio
Day 9: Arrival in Barcellona
Pass By: Cruise Port
Barcelona Cruise Port
Day 10: Barcelona
Stop At: La Barceloneta, Barcelona, Catalonia
The Barceloneta district was built in the XVIII century to house the inhabitants of the Ribera who saw their houses demolished at the hands of Philip V of Bourbon, who wanted to build the Ciutadella, military fortress of the city demolished in 1868 to give space to the spectacular Park of Ciutadella.
Stop At: Plaza de Colon, Barcelona, Catalonia
The monument is among the most famous of the city and of whole Spain and boasts a height of 60 meters. It was built on the initiative of the merchant Antoni Fages I Ferrer in honor of the great Genoese navigator, to remember that in this city, returning from the New World, Columbus went to Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, Spanish sovereigns. It is located in the Portal de la Pau square (Portal of Peace), a point of union between the lower end of the Ramblas and the Passeig de Colom (Colombo promenade) opposite the port.
Stop At: Plaza de Cataluna, Barcelona, Catalonia
With an area of 30,000 square meters, Plaça de Catalunya is one of the largest in Spain and one of the most important places in Barcelona, a meeting point between the historic center and the Ensanche.
Day 11: Barcelona-Madrid
Stop At: Madrid-Puerta de Atocha Train Station, Madrid
Stop At: Plaza Mayor, Madrid
Madrid, the capital at the center of Spain, is a city characterized by elegant boulevards and large, well-kept parks, such as the Buen Retiro park. A large number of European works of art are kept in Madrid, such as the paintings of Goya, Velázquez and other Spanish masters found at the Prado museum. Plaza Mayor, surrounded by arcades, is the heart of Habsburg Madrid. Not far away is the baroque Royal Palace and its Armory, where ancient weapons are exhibited.
Day 12: Madrid-Cordoba-Sevilla
Pass By: Madrid-Puerta de Atocha Train Station, Madrid
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha.
Stop At: Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
The great mosque of Cordoba, today the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Mary Most Holy in Cordoba, is one of the main expressions of Arabic-Islamic art and of Gothic and Renaissance architecture in Andalusia.
Stop At: Jewish Quarter (Juderia), Cordoba, Province of Cordoba, Andalucia
La Judería is among the most beautiful and characteristic neighborhoods of the city of Cordoba. Located in the historic center - a stone's throw from the Alcazar of Cordoba - this little corner of the city is a fairy-tale labyrinth of white lanes with flowers and wrought-iron balconies: getting lost in its narrow streets is a pleasure for the eyes and the spirit.
Pass By: Santa Justa Railway Station, Seville, Province of Seville, Andalucia
Santa Justa Railway, Veville, Spain
Day 13: Sevilla
Stop At: Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville, Province of Seville, Andalucia
Seville is the capital of the region of Andalusia, in the south of Spain. It is famous for flamenco.
Among the most famous places in Seville we find the barrio Santa Cruz, it is a neighborhood very frequented by Sevillians and tourists because it is one of the ideal points to enjoy the city. The main pizza in the center of the neighborhood is the Plaza de Santa Cruz, famous for a central cross dating back to 1692 and made entirely of wrought iron. In this area, there are many places of interest and monuments,
Stop At: Plaza de Espana, Seville, Province of Seville, Andalucia
The Plaza de España in Seville is one of the most spectacular architectural spaces in the city and neo-Moorish architecture. The square is located within the Park of María Luisa, its entrance is very close to the Cid Campeador roundabout, exactly opposite the ancient Royal Tobacco Factory.
Day 14: Sevilla-Granada
Stop At: The Alhambra, Granada, Province of Granada, Andalucia
The Alhambra is an Andalusian palatial complex in Granada. Etymologically, the Alhambra in Arabic is "al-Ḥamrā", since its full name was Qalʿat al-amrā'ʾ. According to some versions the name came from the pink color of the walls that surrounded the Alhambra.
Day 15: Granada-Toledo-Madrid
Stop At: Casco Historico de Toledo, Toledo, Province of Toledo, Castile-La Mancha
On a promontory, surrounded by the Tagus River, the historic city of Toledo awaits you. The center, with more than a hundred monuments of almost all artistic styles, is an exceptional "urban museum", declared World Heritage by UNESCO.
Day 16: Madrid
Pass By: Aeropuerto Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport
Best of Italy: from Rome to Venice
Breath the atmosphere of the Eternal city and discover the vibrant Trastevere area eating like a local, with locals!
Enjoy a funny Ape Calessino tour along the most fascinating Baroque sites
Discover the hidden corners of Florence, Bologna and Venice thanks to our local buddy guides
Visit the artisans shops in the most authentic quarter of Florence
Enjoy the slow rhytm of Siena and San Gimignano
Treat yourself with an exclusive dinner in a noble villa in Chianti hills
Be surprised by the colours of Rialto Market and taste the local "cicchetti" , the real Venetian tapas
Day 1: Arrival, Private Transfer & Ape Calessino Tour
Stop At: Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Lazio
In the late afternoon, enjoy a welcome tour to Rome aboard a snappy Ape Calessino, "cousin" of the Vespa but more like a buggy, that was very popular among the youth and even became a protagonist of roman Dolce Vita in the 1960's, still preserves its timeless charm. This vehicle, originally designed for the transport of goods and animals, turned into a comfortable mode of transport for passengers, will accompany you to discover the wonders of the Eternal City.
You will see the most iconic sites of the city with its baroque squares. From Piazza di Spagna to Trevi Fountain, you will walk through the Eternal City and visit its most picturesque spots.
Dinner at leisure. Return to the hotel and overnight.
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel 4* centrally located, Hotel Palladium Palace or similar
Day 2: Imperial Rome Tour (morning) + Trastevere Food Tour (afternoon)
After breakfast, you will discover the greatness of the ancient Rome thanks to our Imperial Rome tour visiting the Coliseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine hill with views over the Forum and Circus Maximum.
Lunch at leisure.
Visit of Roman forum
Stop At: Trastevere, Rome, Lazio
In the late afternoon enjoy a stroll through the charming neighborhood of Trastevere, one of Rome's most authentic and vibrant areas. Thanks to our buddy guide you will really eat local, with locals!
In our tour we will show you that Italian cuisine is more than just pizza and pasta, there is so much variation and regional differences! We will try to give you an overview of the Roman cuisine and you will learn the 'do' and 'don'ts' of Eating in Italy. Our local buddy guide will tell you interesting stories about the food, regional recipes, and will introduce you to local vendors. Everything you will taste is very simple but made with high quality and locally sourced ingredients. Some of the tasting locations include a century old cheese shop, a cookies' factory that dates back to 1920, a traditional wine cellar. As a backdrop to our walk, Trastevere will surprise you, especially because our tour does not exclusively visit the famous squares and streets known and visited by most, but we travel the intricate alleyways and hidden corners and go off the beaten paths.
The tour includes food and wine tastings in 5 different locations.
Evening at leisure. Overnight.
• Dinner: Food and wine tastings in 5 different locations.
Day 3: Vatican Museums
Breakfast. The morning will be dedicated to the visit of the Vatican Museum, including the St Peter's basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Free time for lunch and free afternoon to discover the city by your own or to book and additional excursion. (Frascati Wine tour , Bracciano Lake, Tivoli)
Admire the masterpiece of Michelangelo
Visit this imposing work of art
Day 4: Rome-Florence by train & Florence walk with Gelato/Cappuccino Tasting
Breakfast, check out and departure by train to Florence. Arrival, accommodation in hotel 4*. Free time for lunch.
Meet your guide for a pleasant walk in the heart of the historical centre. Discover Florence's unique secular heritage and breathtaking beauty with an expert tour guide. Learn about the Medici family – masters of Florence and learn about historic and architectural evolution from Roman foundation through Medieval centuries to Renaissance glorious period.
Admire the Duomo, the Baptistery with its 'Gates of Paradise', Giotto's independent bell tower, Brunelleschi's Dome
During this walk admire Santa Trinita and Orsanmichele Church, Pontevecchio Bridge and the secret Vasari Corridor, as well as famous shopping streets and the Oltrarno – the fourth and last district, the manual crafts neighbourhood.
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel 4* centrally located, Hotel Cellai or similar
Day 5: Siena, San Gimignano & Dinner in boutique winery on Chianti hills
Breakfast. Time at disposal to explore the town by your own or by an extra activity (Vasari Corridor & Uffizi Gallery tour, cooking class).
After lunch, enjoy a small-group tour to Siena, San Gimignano and the Chianti countryside*. The tour will end admiring the sunset on the Tuscan hills and tasting a typical dinner in a fascinating location before going back to Florence.
Starting from Florence, you will be taken to Siena by a comfortable air-conditioned minivan by an English speaking driver and tour leader. Here you will enjoy a guided walking tour of this compact city that will let you discover also Piazza del Campo, the main central square where the famous Palio horse race takes place every year, as well as exploring quieter backstreets and learning everything about the Contrade, the 17 medieval city districts that compete against each other in the Palio. During the visit in Siena you will also have the opportunity to have a surprise tasting of a typical product.
The journey continues to San Gimignano, famed for its medieval skyscrapers, high walls and narrow streets that typify most peoples image of a Tuscan hill town. San Gimignano is unique in the preservation of about a dozen of its tower houses, which, with its hilltop setting and encircling walls, form an unforgettable skyline.
After some free time in San Gimignano, gaze in awe at a marvellous sunset on the Tuscan hills and then enjoy a typical Tuscan dinner in the cellar of a fascinating noble Villa in the Chianti countryside. During your dinner you will also enjoy a wine tasting, pairing different wines with the various courses of your Tuscan meal.
(*The tour is available from April till October, in low season it will be replaced with the Chianti tour with lunch)
Stop At: Historic Centre of San Gimignano, San Gimignano, Tuscany
Visit of the city centre of this medieval gem
Pass By: Duomo di Siena, Siena, Tuscany
Admire this imposing Church
See the original square where the famous Palio horse race takes place twice a year
Wine tasting and dinner in boutique winery
• Dinner: Wine tasting and dinner in boutique winery on Chianti hills
Day 6: Florence-Venice by train, Venice walking tour including St Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace
Breakfast. Check out and departure by train to Venice. Arrival and accommodation in hotel 3* centrally located.
In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour of the city discovering the iconic site of St Mark's square, the Basilica, and the Doge palace. Evening at leisure.
Stop At: Doge's Palace, Veneto
Admire one of the most beautiful palaces in Italy
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel 3* centrally located on Venice island, Hotel Il Mercante di Venezia or similar
Day 7: Venice Food Tour: Rialto Market, Bacari Food Tour & Jewish Ghetto
Pass By: Ponte di Rialto, Veneto
See the amazing Rialto bridge
Stop At: Mercati di Rialto, Veneto
After breakfast, join us on a gastronomic adventure in Venice most genuine neighborhood.
The best way to understand the history of Venice is through its food. With your guide you'll visit the famous Rialto Fish Market, learning about the culture of the city. Then taste cicchetti, wine, fritti, pasta and hop aboard a Gondola to cross the Grand Canal.
This tour will be led by a local Venetian foodie, who will reveal the secrets spots where locals congregate. You'll meet near the Rialto Bridge and start your culinary adventure right at the Rialto Fish Market. This is where the seafood restaurants in Venice buy their fish daily, deciding their menus based on the day's catch. It's also where you'll first come to grips with the strange quirks of island living. Your first food stop is a bacaro that is a popular gathering spot for locals thanks to its nbeatable cicchetti and a mean spritz. You'll try two items of your choice here along with a glass of wine, prosecco or spritz. We would highly recommend the baccalà, a salted cod dish served here whipped, slathered on bread and so fresh it will knock your socks off. Next up is another great cicchetti bar. Like the Spanish tapas, cicchetti is a food form synonymous with Venice. Although menus change daily, they are usually dominated by crostini; slices of bread with various creative toppings; panini, which we know as sandwiches; and fritti, or fried food – mostly fish and vegetables. Cicchetti are a big part of Venetian food culture, as the perfect snack for fisherman, who arrive home from sea around 9am and settle down in their favorite dark bars for a bite to eat and a glass of wine. Hop aboard a gondola to cross the Grand Canal with your guide, disembarking in the historic neighborhood of Cannaregio.Historically the Jewish Ghetto, it's the most historic and storied part of the city, as you'll learn from your guide. Settle down for another glass of wine and a plate of the city's best fresh fish pasta.
In the afternoon you will have some time at leisure, you can visit the Lagoon islands by boat or just get lost in the narrow streets of the city centre
Stop At: Cannaregio, Veneto
See the Jewish Ghetto, one of the most authentic quarter in Venice
• Lunch: Cicchetti food & Wine tasting during the Bacari tour
Day 8: Transfer to Venice airport and departure
Stop At: Venice Taxi Airport, Veneto
Breakfast, check out. Transfer to Venice airport and departure
Florence: The best of the city in 4- Days
Four day tour in the Florence, Italy. The product includes tours organized to visit some of the most famous and popular destinations in Tuscany. We will take you from the city center to the country-side of the Tuscan.
• All Guided Tours & Accommodations
• Explore Cinque Terre
• Visit the Showstopper in the middle of Duomo Plazza
• Visit the Most famous museums: Accademia & Uffizi Gallery
• Visit the county-side: Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano
Day 1: Sightseeing of Florence
Stop At: Foundation Architects Florence
The customers will be greeted at the arrival & transferred to check-in at the hotel in Florence.
Stop At: Piazzale degli Uffizi, Florence, Tuscany
Later in the morning visit, Uffizi Gallery on an organized small group guided tour.
Uffizi Gallery Tour- Explore the glory of masterpieces from the past at the Uffizi Gallery. A world-famous museum of Florence, it contains one of the oldest and famous collections of art in the world. Visitors to Florence should not miss the chance to view some of the most precious and amazing pieces of art done by Giotto, Filippo Lippi, Raphael, and Caravaggio. On this guided tour, you will be able to "skip-the-line" to obtain a priority entry ticket to the Uffizi gallery.
Free time for Lunch and Shopping (on your own expense)
You'll be meeting your guide in front of the Hard Rock Cafe for the evening walking tour of Florence.
Walking Tour - Join an amazing journey through the most famous squares and streets of Florence with and informative, friendly, and engaging guide. Walk to the stunning Florence Duomo, the Old Bridge, and the Signoria Square with its replica of Michelangelo's David.
After the tour, enjoy a free Gelato offered by Star Florence.
Accommodation included: 3 Star or 4 Star Hotel in Florence
Day 2: Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni & Chianti Wine Tasting
Stop At: Monteriggioni, Monteriggioni, Tuscany
Once picked up at the meeting point, you'll cross the beautiful Chianti hills we arrive at the Medieval hilltop gem of MONTERIGGIONI, with its still intact walls. Here you can drink in the history and relive the atmosphere of olden times.
Stop At: Duomo di Siena, Siena, Tuscany
You'll see the famous Gothic architecture and the traditional Palio horse race. Follow your local guide to the suggestive Piazza del Campo, where the magnificent Palazzo Pubblico stands, with its Torre del Mangia. Visit Piazza del Duomo and be impressed by the imposing Cathedral, one of the finest achievements of Italian Gothic. Before leaving Siena, you will be served a LIGHT LUNCH in a cozy restaurant where, together with genuine Tuscan products, you will savour traditional pastries.
Stop At: San Gimignano 1300, San Gimignano, Tuscany
Next, we drive to SAN GIMIGNANO, famous for its white wine, the world-renowned Vernaccia, and its skyscrapers, also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO! The visit is free for independent sightseeing, strolling around the narrow streets and admiring the relaxing landscape.
At the end of the day tour, we move into the CHIANTI area, with its picture-postcard landscapes. You have the chance to taste the best Chianti red wine in a rustic wine estate along with home-made snacks and sampling of wines and oil.
• Lunch: Light lunch in a cozy restaurant in Siena. And tasting of traditional pastries & wines, and regional products
Accommodation included: Star or 4 Star Hotel in Florence Please: You'll be transferred back to Florence
Day 3: Cinque Terre
Stop At: Trail 531 Riomaggiore to Manarola, Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, Liguria
Our visit begins at daybreak, with the arrival at RIOMAGGIORE: the village, dating back to the early thirteenth century, is famous for its historic character and local wine. You can admire the houses leaning one against the other and stroll along the narrow cobbled alleyways and sheltered paths.
Stop At: Manarola Scenic Viewpoint
We then reach MANAROLA by walking along the famous "Via dell'Amore" (The Path of Love) a romantic and evocative walk known from the rocks falling sheer into the sea. The tiny harbor has a boat ramp and picturesque buildings clinging to the ravine.
Stop At: Footpath Monterosso - Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, Liguria
Our journey continues to MONTEROSSO, an ancient fishing village considered "The Pearl of the Cinque Terre", where you will be awed by its enchanting beaches and the lush vegetation encircling the little town.
Later you'll have lunch in a typical restaurant in Monterosso,
Stop At: Vernazza, Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, Liguria
Here you will have free time to plunge into the crystal sea and sunbathe, before taking the boat to VERNAZZA, a seaside town surrounding a small natural port. As well as comfortable clothes and shoes, we recommend you bring your swimwear!
• Lunch: Lunch includes Sea salad,"Trofie" with pesto sauce, dessert, Water and wine.
Vegetarian option available upon request
Accommodation included: 3 Star or 4 Star Hotel in Florence Please: You'll be transferred back to Florence
In the morning, after seeing the Duomo from all sides and visiting the inside of the cathedral, all you need to do to complete the experience is a climb to the top of the cupola. See the entire city from a single point by climbing to the top of Florence's Dome by Joining a guided tour with local expert guides to discover the structure's full history.
Free time for Lunch (on your own expense)
After lunch, you'll meet the guide in front of the Ticketing office of Accademia.
Accademia Tour - The Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze, or "Gallery of the Academy of Florence", is an art museum in Florence, Italy and is best known as the home of Michelangelo's sculpture David. It also has other sculptures by Michelangelo and a large collection of paintings by Florentine artists, mostly from the period 1300-1600, the Trecento to the Late Renaissance.
It is smaller and more specialized than the Uffizi, the main art museum in Florence. It adjoins the Accademia di Belle Arti or academy of fine arts of Florence, but despite the name has no other connection with it.
Pass By: Foundation Architects Florence
After the tour ends you'll be escorted back to the hotels for check out and transferred to the same pickup point near the Train Station in Florence.
Squares in Florence
Mannerist art
Renaissance architecture
Arnolfo di Cambio
at the south end of Via de Calzaiuoli
Open: 24/7
★★ The Bargello Museum
Life is either a daring adventure
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all."


We have to let you in on a little secret: Faraday riders are an amazing bunch. Sprinkled throughout the United States from Honolulu to Cambridge, it is hard to find a more diverse, enthusiastic and forward-thinking group. While they are notoriously hard to track down as they zip through their neighborhoods at 20 mph, we managed to catch up with a handful of riders to share a photo and a few words about their bike. This week we are featuring a few friendly faces so you can hear what they have to say about being a Faraday owner.
People like Ligaya, Tim & Gail are the best part of coming to work at Faraday Bikes. We love seeing their smiling faces and we can't wait to meet the next generation of Faraday owners. This is the first of an ongoing series where we'll share the amazing stories, photos, and feedback we've received from the Faraday community. To join these three and the rest of our Faraday riders, place your pre-order today for our next limited-edition run, shipping March 2015. Looking for just a taste of the Faraday experience? Look for a dealer near you, sign up for our Demo Program today, or call us up – we're here to answer your questions.


Today's post is a little bit different that usual. Last week in my technology class I had to do a photography project showcasing small objects. I had to take ten pictures showcasing the detail of small items and I thought I would share some of them!
The first picture was of my brother's Legos.
The next picture was of this gnome I got for Christmas a few years ago. This is one of my favorite pictures from the project.
I love this little hedgehog plant pot!
A shell I got at the beach when I was younger.
Another shell I got at the beach.
A sand dollar from the beach.
My jewelry plate with pearls.


text:
Emerging economies aim flak at revived plans for CO2 caps on aviation
The world's biggest developing economies say they will shoot down proposed caps on aviation emissions, writes Juhi Chaudhary
We encourage you to republish China Dialogue articles, online or in print, under the Creative Commons license. Please read our republishing guidelines to get started.
Juhi Chaudhary
Meeting for the first time since the Paris summit, Brazil, South Africa, India and China said they would sign the Paris agreement, but would oppose an aviation levy that is being discussed by the UN's aviation arm.
The BASIC group of countries (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) is worried about a European Union proposal to tax carbon emissions caused by flying. The EU was forced to postpone plans for a unilateral tax on all aircraft taking off and landing in its airspace after the US joined large developing countries to oppose the move.
The EU brought the aviation tax proposal back during the climate summit in Paris last December, but was persuaded to postpone the discussion in the interest of reaching a consensus Paris Agreement. It is now scheduled for discussion at the next meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organisation in September.
Meeting in New Delhi on April 6 and 7 — their first meeting since the Paris summit — ministers of BASIC countries fired the first salvo against the proposal.
Maesela Kekana, Chief Director, International Climate Change Relations and Negotiations of South Africa, said, "We are collectively concerned about the draft proposal that's on the table. We are concerned about the nature of the proposal. It does not reflect the principle of the common but differentiated responsibilities."
Common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR&RC) is one of the pillars of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. It distinguishes between rich nations that have historically emitted most of the greenhouse gases (GHG) causing climate change and developing nations that are bearing the brunt of the effects.
Prakash Javadekar, India's Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, said not only was the proposed aviation levy against CBDR&RC, it was "not in alignment with the Paris agreement". He feared it would "pose an inappropriate economic burden on developing countries".
See also: Can airlines cap their carbon emissions?
New York meeting
The meeting was also attended by Xie Zhenhua, Special Representative for Climate Change of China and Antonio Marcondes, Under Secretary-General for the Environment, Energy, Science and Technology, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil.
All four told journalists afterwards that their countries would formally sign the Paris Agreement during the ceremony planned at UN headquarters in New York on Earth Day, April 22.
Summarizing the reasons for China's support, Xie said, "The contents of the accord (Paris Agreement) fully reflect the principle of historical responsibility. It reiterates CBDR&RC and takes different national circumstances into account. There is a clear distinction between developed and developing countries."
A UN spokesperson said over 130 countries have already confirmed they will sign the Paris Agreement that day, and the number is going up. Over 60 heads of state and government will attend the ceremony.
The agreement will enter into force 30 days after at least 55 countries, accounting for 55% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, deposit their instruments of ratification or acceptance with the UN Secretary-General.
At the New Delhi meeting of the BASIC countries, representatives expressed their concern at the slow pace of work in the Green Climate Fund, the organisation supposed to provide finance to help mitigate GHG emissions and adapt to climate change impacts. These impacts are already affecting farm output worldwide, making droughts, floods and storms more frequent and more severe, and raising the sea level.
Javadekar said BASIC countries and other developing nations were already doing more to combat climate change than what is mandated under international agreements, while rich nations were still behind in fulfilling their financial support promises. All four ministers urged developed countries to scale up their level of financial support with a complete roadmap to deliver the promised US$100 billion per year by 2020.
The Paris Agreement goes into effect in 2020. BASIC nations also urged rich countries to scale up their pre-2020 actions. Their joint statement said: "Ministers reiterated the importance of pre-2020 actions in building trust amongst the Parties and noted with concern the pending ratification by many Annex I Parties of the Doha Amendment, which establishes the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol." The Kyoto Protocol requires rich nations to reduce their GHG emissions, but many of them have effectively pulled out of it after 2012.
China backs India against WTO ruling
During the New Delhi meeting, China came out in support of India against a recent World Trade Organisation ruling. On a plea made by the US, the WTO had said India cannot insist that a certain portion of solar power manufacturing equipment be built within the country.
Read: WTO ruling sets back India's solar plan
Javadekar said, "It is unfortunate that when India has launched a very big 175GW of renewable programme, and a very small portion of it is to be procured from domestic manufacturers, even this was challenged. We are preparing to file an appeal."
Xie immediately said, "We support the position of India. Most countries are giving subsidies (to domestic manufacturers) for development of renewable energy."
Juhi Chaudhary is special correspondent at India Climate Dialogue.
aviationcarbon emissionsclimate changeclimate impactsnegotiationsrenewablessolartransport

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
British National Squash Championships 2014 • 10-16 February • Manchester
PLAYERS: #7
#7: Tom Richards
RICHARDS USING SELBY UPSET AS TITLE SPUR
While the smart money points towards a sixth National crown for Nick Matthew next weekend, Tom Richards is using Daryl Selby's surprise 2011 success as his inspiration for a first National title.
Selby upset Matthew 3/2 in a thrilling 84-minute final three years ago to claim the trophy, after twice coming from behind.
"You'd be foolish to look past Nick for the title with the form he's in at the moment," said Richards, who is seeded 5/8 in Manchester.
"However, there are several players who on their day can produce an upset. Daryl's victory three years ago has given hope that it is possible to upset the odds and win."
Coincidentally, it is Selby whom the 27-year-old from Surrey is scheduled to meet if he wins his first two matches.
"It's a similar draw to last year in that I'm seeded to play Daryl in the quarters after two tough matches against young hungry players in the previous rounds," said Richards, who plays Tom Ford first.
"Every year the strength of the draw shows the depth of England squash and this year is no different. It goes without saying that every match will be tough.
"It's a cliche, but I'll take it match by match. I hope I can reach the quarters and play Daryl, as we always have tough but fair matches."
Richards defeated Selby in the quarters last year, only to fall to Matthew, the eventual champion, 3/1 in the semis after taking the first game.
A lot has happened since then, though, with injuries leading to Richards' ranking falling from 12 this time last year to 26 currently.
However, the four-time PSA Tour tournament winner pointed out: "I feel like I'm back close to the form that saw me reach 12 in the world.
"Last year was a tough year with injuries and perhaps I underestimated the length of time it would take to recapture my form, but since the start of the year I've been playing well in training. Whilst I've lost 3/0 to both Greg [Gaultier] and Nick in my previous two tournaments, I felt I competed well."
Richards, who also reached the National semi-finals in 2011, would love to progress a stage further.
"The Nationals are very important to me," he said. "The list of past champions is littered with greats of the game, so to add my name to that would be a dream come true.
"It's also a chance to play in front of appreciative crowds in familiar settings, which is always a pleasure."
SquashSite | England Squash | Allam British Open | World Champs 2013
www.nationalsquashchamps.net


Drugajanje is a concentrated short contemporary arts festival organized in collaboration with secondary school in Maribor at their theatre and at other venues in Maribor. The focus is on performing arts, especially contemporary theatre and dance. The festival was founded with the purpose of bringing the young generation and the whole city some fresh and vibrant performance art. At the same time it enables Slovene performances to spread out from Ljubljana, where most of the national contemporary scene is being produced. Contrary to the belief that special performances for the youth should be produced for the youth, Drugajanje has always had a strong contemporary artistic profile and the program through the years always consisted of state-of-the-art contemporary theater and dance.


text:
Permit System To Keep Victoria COVIDSafe
11/01/21 2.50am
Victoria will establish a new permit system for all domestic travel into the state, helping to
support Victoria's rapid contact tracing efforts and giving Victorians greater certainty when they travel.
It will be based on a traffic light system that allows Victoria to designate regions in other parts of Australia as green, orange or red, depending on the coronavirus risk in a particular area.
Zones will be declared by the Chief Health Officer, based on the public health risk for coronavirus transmission and mean that certain restrictions will apply for travellers from that area. The new permit system will go live from 5.59pm on Monday, 11 January. Current permits – including transit and worker permits – will remain valid, so long as they are consistent with public health's advice on zones.
Under the new system, you will need to apply for a permit to enter Victoria from anywhere in Australia, except border communities in NSW where locals will require proof of their home address.
The type of permit will depend on where you have been, with applicants required to provide details on where they are coming from and where they are traveling to. These details will allow our contact tracing team to rapidly reach people should a new risk emerge.
A red zone means if you have visited this area in the past 14 days you will not be allowed to enter Victoria without an exception or exemption. If you try to enter Victoria at a land border, you will be turned away.
Returned Victorian travellers arriving by plane or by water without a valid reason or exemption will be required to self-isolate at home for 14 days and will receive a fine of $4,957. Interstate residents presenting at an airport or seaport without a valid reason or exemption will be fined $4,957 and returned to their destination on the next available flight. If this requires an overnight stay, these individuals will need to stay in hotel quarantine until their departure.
An orange zone means that you will be able to apply for a permit and will need to take a coronavirus test within 72 hours after arriving in Victoria, isolating both before and after your test, until you receive a negative result.
A green zone means that you will be able to apply for a permit and enter Victoria. Once in Victoria, and as always, you should watch for symptoms and get tested should you feel unwell.
As part of the permit application, you will also be asked whether you have any COVID-19 symptoms, whether you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are a close contact with someone who has and whether you have visited particular exposure sites. Providing misleading information is an offence, punishable with a fine of up to $1,652.
Under the new system, and based on the latest advice of our public health experts, regional NSW, including the Central Coast will be reclassified as an orange zone. That means local residents, as well as Victorians holidaying in these areas, will be able to enter Victoria if they isolate upon their arrival, get tested and stay home until they receive a negative test result.
Exceptions and exemptions will continue to apply. More information on these, in
addition to applications for the new permit system, will be made available through the Service Victoria portal at
www.service.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
"Until we have a vaccine, we'll need to continue to react and respond to changing circumstances. This system will make sure we can do just that, while supporting the rapid response of our contact tracing team."
"With an easy to understand traffic light system, Victorians and Australians will understand exactly what the latest public health advice means for them, and their travel plans."
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley
"The necessary public health restrictions in place for the New South Wales border have been without doubt a challenge – but they've also been integral to making sure we protect the wins of every single Victorian."
210111 - Permit System To Keep Victoria COVIDSafe.pdf
Reviewed 11 January 2021


text:
Nora Ricci, née Eleonora Ricci le  à Viareggio et morte le  à Rome,  est une actrice italienne.

Biographie
Fille de Renzo Ricci et de l'actrice Margherita Bagni, Nora Ricci passe, après la séparation de ses parents, son enfance chez sa grand-mère paternelle Adolfa Ciapini à Florence, pour ne revenir à Viareggio qu'en été, en vacances chez ses grands-parents maternels.

À 17 ans, elle quitte l'école et s'installe à Rome pour entrer à l'Académie Royale d'Art Dramatique, où elle rencontre, en 1941, Vittorio Gassman dont elle est la première épouse de 1944 jusqu'en 1952 et de qui elle a une fille, Paola Gassman, également comédienne.

Avant tout actrice de théâtre, Ricci joue avec succès à la télévision. Ses rôles au cinéma sont marginaux et épisodiques, de simples seconds rôles néanmoins significatifs, comme dans Ces messieurs dames de Pietro Germi en 1965.

Elle travaille régulièrement avec Luchino Visconti, de 1951, dans Bellissima à 1972, dans Ludwig ou le Crépuscule des dieux. Elle interprète, en 1972 à la télévision, le rôle de Giselda dans la série télévisée des Sœurs Materassi, basée sur le roman du même nom d'Aldo Palazzeschi. Elle participe également au drame La Fiera della Vanità d'Anton Giulio Majano en 1967.

Nora Ricci meurt, agée de 51 ans, d'un cancer du foie le  à Rome.

Filmographie partielle
 1951 : Bellissima de Luchino Visconti : l'employée de la blanchisserie
 1962 : Vie privée de Louis Malle (non créditée)
 1963 : Le Jour le plus court (Il giorno più corto) de Sergio Corbucci : Une femme à la gare
 1966 : Ces messieurs dames (Signore & signori) de Pietro Germi : Gilda Bisigato 1967 : Les Sorcières (Le Streghe), film à sketches collectif ; sketch : la Sorcière brûlée vive (La Strega Bruciata Viva) de Luchino Visconti : la secrétaire de Gloria
 1969 : L'Amour à cheval (La Matriarca) de Pasquale Festa Campanile : la mère de Mimi
 1969 : Les Damnés (La caduta degli dei) de Luchino Visconti : La gouvernante 1969 : Disons, un soir à dîner (Metti, una sera a cena) de Giuseppe Patroni Griffi
 1971 : Mort à Venise (Morte a Venezia) de Luchino Visconti : La gouvernante
 1972 : Ludwig ou le Crépuscule des dieux (Ludwig) de Luchino Visconti : Comtesse Ida Ferenczy 1974 : Portier de nuit (Il Portiere di notte'') de Liliana Cavani : la voisine

Référence

Liens externes

Naissance à Viareggio
Actrice italienne du XXe siècle
Naissance en juillet 1924
Décès en avril 1976
Décès à 51 ans
Décès à Rome
Personnalité inhumée au cimetière Flaminio

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia