First, explore the city center, including the historic Academia. This gallery is home to one of the world’s most iconic statues, David, by Michelangelo. Your guide will discuss the artistic mastermind behind this giant nude statue and his other 16th century works on display in the museum. You’ll also wander the streets outside, learning about Florence’s long history as it unfolded in public squares like Piazza dellaSignoriaand Piazza dellaRepubblica.

See the only bridge to survive World War II, the Ponte Vecchiowhile discussing the noble Medici family who put Florence on the map. Follow in the steps of artists like Leonardo da Vinci who would have marveled at the city’s stunning architecture including the imposing Duomo. Hear all about this magnificent church that towers over Florence, including the gleaming bronze Baptistery Doors.

After a break for lunch, we move inside to the Uffizi, Italy’s most visited museum. Designed as a building for the offices – or uffizi– of the Florentine magistrates, the structure grew to house the stunning collection of art amassed by the wealthy Medici family. Overlooking the Arno River, the gallery is as picturesque as the many paintings hanging on its walls. You’ll learn about its turbulent history including a mafia car bomb and severe flooding that threatened the artwork. The Uffizi has undergone extensive modernization through the early 21stcentury, making it a world-class museum.