Florence

The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance provides the backdrop to a fantastic school trip for young artisans, historians and students of Italian language. There can be few cities that rival Florence for its stunning natural surroundings and it is easy to see why artists and sculptors were inspired to create masterpieces that can now be enjoyed within the many piazzas, galleries and museums.

Educational Value: Art • History • Modern Foreign Languages

Florence by coach*
Day 1: Leave your school in the morning and head to the most convenient UK crossing terminal. Continue your journey to your overnight stop-over in Lyon, France.
Day 2: Continue your travels to Italy. Arrive at your Italian accommodation and get unpacked before evening meal.
Day 3: Your first day in magical Florence will be spent seeing the sights in the morning and enjoying the Uffizi Gallery in the afternoon.
Day 4: The towns and villages surrounding Florence are equally worth a visit and today your group will enjoy Pisa and Lucca.
Day 5: Siena and San Gimignano are a must for all young historians and today will give your pupils a chance to really appreciate why.
Day 6: Start your journey home via over-night stop in Lyon, France.
Day 7: Return Channel crossing and back to the UK.

Florence by air*
Day 1: Flight from London to Pisa or Bologna with coach transfer to your hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Day 2: Your first day in magical Florence will be spent seeing the sights in the morning and enjoying the Uffizi Gallery in the afternoon.
Day 3: The towns and villages surrounding Florence are equally worth a visit and today your group will enjoy Pisa and Lucca.
Day 4: Siena and San Gimignano are a must for all young historians and today will give your pupils a chance to really appreciate why.
Day 5: After breakfast coach transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Recommended Excursions

Uffizi Gallery
Pre-booking is advised to jump the queues as this is an extremely popular destination for art lovers and tourists alike. Every room, corridor and hallway of the Uffizi is covered in artwork and sculptures all beautifully presented against the subtle interior.

Bargello Museum
Sculptures are prevalent throughout this museum most notably works by Michaelangelo and Donatello, there are also some fine examples of jewellery, Venetian glass and Islamic sculptures.

Duomo
The Basilica di Santa Maria Del Fiore is one of Italy’s largest churches and the dome itself is the second largest in the world. The Gothic style cathedral complex includes the Baptistry and Giotto’s Campanile: the free standing bell tower that has some great views of the city.

Ponte Vecchio
This was the only bridge not to be destroyed during WWII, hence the name (vecchio means old in Italian). Jewellers and goldsmiths line the medieval crossing and the wealthy noblemen and women used to walk above the stores to avoid any brushes with the general public.

Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens
The palace of the Pitti family empire contains works by Rubens and Raphael and is renowned for costumes and a fine collection of modern art. The adjacent Boboli gardens present some fabulous views of the city and a peaceful oasis of sculptures and hedges where your group can pause for thought.

Sienna
This is the home of the famous and dangerous Palio horse-race that takes place every year in the Piazza del Campo, a circular bowl like piazza in the centre of the city. The medieval cobbled streets, courtyards and cafes make Sienna a ‘must see’ excursion for anyone interested in Italian medieval history and typical Tuscan vistas.

San Gimignano
Taking its name from the man who saved it from the Barbarians, San Gimignano is best-known for its most visible symbols, the 7 medieval bell-towers, the 12th century cathedral, and the narrow streets at the heart of its historic centre. Podesta‘s Tower can be climbed for incredible views of the town and surrounding countryside.

Pisa
Intended to be an embellishment of theneighbouring basilica, the tower has become the main attraction of Pisa thanks to its famous foundation issues. This Italian icon is once again open to the public following extensive renovations to stabilise it.

Recommended Accommodation

Hotel Cordova, Florence
Medium-sized 2-star bed and breakfast hotel located in Florence city centre, 10 minutes walk from the Duomo.

Facilities:
• 22 rooms
• 2-4 bedded
• All with private facilities
• 24-hour reception
• Bar
• TV room

Ethic Etapes - CISL, Lyon
This hotel is perfect for short stays and to use as a base when visiting Lyon. We recommend it for price and comfort when travelling to Italy.

Facilities:
• 100 rooms
• 2, 3 and 4 beds
• Canteen
• Breakfast room
• Terrace dining area
• 10 meeting rooms
• Reception desk
• Dinner in nearby restaurant

*The highlighted itineraries are entirely flexible to suit your group’s educational and recreational needs.
For more details regarding excursions, prices and alternative activities contact us on: 01273 320993.