Italienischer Luxus und Kunsthandwerk

Before your cruise, fall under the spell of Florence, timeless jewel of the Italian Renaissance, where each stone tells a story of refinement and elegance. Get a sneak preview in private of the Gucci experiences, characterised by exceptional craftmanship, offered during this stay as well as during your cruise. In the heart of the city, discover the world of the House of Gucci, symbol of Florentine luxury and Italian savoir-faire. Historic archives, iconic creations and exceptional taste experiences will punctuate this unique interlude. By booking this pre-cruise programme, you will enjoy guaranteed access to these privileged moments, for which places are limited. This will enable you to make the most of another experience during the Livorno port of call. Throughout your stay, a Ponant representative will ensure your comfort and the perfect harmony of your Florentine experience, until you embark in Livorno.

 

Day 1 – Florence

On arrival at Florence Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred in a private vehicle (saloon car, minivan or coach depending on your flight arrival) to your hotel The Westin Excelsior 5* (or similar), an emblematic establishment overlooking the River Arno.
After settling in, fall under the charm of these first Florentine moments — ochre façades, lively little streets, the scents of leather and coffee. Evening and dinner on your own to enjoy the incomparable charm of the city of the Medici.

Night in Florence.

Day 2 – Florence & Gucci

After breakfast, set off to discover the Gucci universe with your English-speaking guide. The morning will be dedicated to the Gucci Archives, the sanctuary of the House which conserves drawings, sketches and iconic pieces retracing almost a century of Italian audacity and elegance.

At lunch time, enjoy a gourmet break at a restaurant, enjoying refined Tuscan cuisine and Italian conviviality.

In the afternoon, you will continue your immersion at the Palazzo Gucci, where the Gucci Galleria exhibition will plunge you into the brand’s artistic and visionary world.

Available as an option and at additional cost: extend this exceptional day with a gastronomic dinner at the Gucci Osteria, for a sensorial experience blending haute couture with fine dining.

Night in Florence.

Day 3 – Florence / Chianti Region / Livorno

After breakfast, you will complete your hotel check-out, before being transferred to the port of Livorno. On the way, you will be charmed by Chianti’s rolling landscapes: a mosaic of vineyards, olive groves and stone villages bathed in light.

Your first stop will be at the Poggio Amorelli winery, where a guided visit of the cellars will be followed by a tasting of prestigious wines, veritable expressions of the Tuscan terroir.

You will then arrive at the Fonterutoli Estate, located a few miles away from Castellina in Chianti, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. In this family-owned property, one of the oldest in the region, enjoy an exclusive experience combining way of life, history and gastronomy. After the visit, you will be served a tasting lunch at the Osteria di Fonterutoli, where the chef enhances local products through a menu in perfect harmony with the estate’s wines.

At the end of the afternoon, you will get back on the road towards the port of Livorno for your embarkation aboard the ship, your heart still imbued in Florentine flavours, aromas and beauty.

Your programme includes:

• 2 nights in a Deluxe Room at the Hotel Westin Excelsior 5*, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
• The meals mentioned in the programme.
• Beverages during meals (mineral water + 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer or 1 soft drink + 1 coffee or tea).
• Transfers, guided tours and entry to the monuments mentioned in the programme.
• The services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:  

• Personal expenses.
• Dinner or lunch on Day 1
• The gastronomic dinner at the Gucci Osteria
• Early check-in or late check-out.
• The costs associated with visas, if necessary.
• Tips for the driver and the guide.
• Other services not mentioned in the programme. 

 

Please note:

• If you have chosen a different flight to that selected by Ponant: in order to book your transfer from the hotel to the airport, it is essential to provide your adviser with the details of your departure flight, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise.
• This programme includes a guided walking tour covering around 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) in the centre of Florence.

 

Your hotel:

Hotel Westin Excelsior 5*, an emblematic address on the River Arno, where Florentine elegance meets unparalleled contemporary luxury. Sumptuous rooms, panoramic views over the town and customised service create an exclusive experience, reserved for travellers in search of absolute refinement.

Superior category rooms may also be requested, based on availability. Extra charges will apply. Please contact your travel agent for more details.

Contact information for your hotel:

Hotel Westin Excelsior 5*

Piazza Ognissanti 3,

50123 Florence

Italy

Telephone number: +39 055 2716 3857

 

The duration and order of visits are provided as an indication only and are subject to change. To find out your Ponant flight times, please contact your adviser. You may also refer to the e-ticket included with your travel booklet. 

 

Before starting your cruise, fall under the spell of Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and excellent Italian craftmanship, a city whose every little street exudes history and refinement. Get a sneak preview in private of the Ginori 1735 experiences, characterised by exceptional craftmanship, offered during this stay as well as during your cruise. Plunge into the heart of the legendary Ginori 1735 Manufactory, a symbol of Italian elegance and savoir-faire since 1735. By booking this pre-cruise programme, you will enjoy guaranteed access to these privileged moments, for which places are limited. This will enable you to make the most of another experience during the Livorno port of call. For your comfort, you will enjoy the attentive support of a PONANT representative, who will guide you throughout your Florentine experience and until your embarkation.

 

Day 1 – Florence

On arrival at Florence Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred in a private vehicle (saloon car, minivan or coach depending on your flight arrival) to your hotel NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa 5* (or similar), an elegant establishment located in the historic heart of the city.

After settling in, set off for a guided walk to the Ginori 1735 shop, a veritable showcase of porcelain, where you will enjoy a welcome cocktail. Immerse yourself in its refined atmosphere, admire the delicate lines of the pieces on show and the mastery of the artisans’ craft.

Dinner on your own, and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2 – Florence & Ginori 1735

After breakfast, set off for Sesto Fiorentino on a coach, with your English-speaking guide. Plunge into the universe of the Ginori 1735 factory, where each piece tells the story of Italian porcelain and its emblematic patterns. Let yourself be swept away by the precision of the artistry and the delicacy of the decor, while discovering the factory shop and the contemporary creations, inspired by centuries of tradition.

Back in Florence, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. You will be transported into the heart of Italian gastronomy, with local products and subtle flavour combinations. The remainder of the afternoon will be free to stroll around the small streets, discover the local arts and crafts shops or simply immerse yourself in the light and the panoramas of Florence.

In the evening, a gastronomic dinner awaits you, with each elegant and refined dish celebrating the riches of Florentine cuisine. You will then walk back to the hotel for a peaceful night.

Day 3 – Florence / Chianti Region / Livorno

After breakfast, you will complete your hotel check-out, before being transferred to the port of Livorno. On the way, admire the hills of Chianti, dotted with vineyards, cypress trees and villages of terra cotta façades. You will stop at the Fonterutoli winery for a visit of the cellars and a wine tasting, during which the aromas of the grapes and the woody scent of the barrels will awaken your senses. Then, you will go to Castellina in Chianti for a typically Tuscan lunch.

After this timeless moment, you will get back on the road towards the port of Livorno and embark aboard your ship to begin your cruise.

Your programme includes:

• 2 nights in a Superior Room at the Hotel NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa 5*, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
• The meals mentioned in the programme.
• Beverages during meals (mineral water + 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer or 1 soft drink + 1 coffee or tea).
• Transfers, guided tours and entry to the monuments mentioned in the programme.
• The services of a local English-speaking guide.

 

Your programme does not include:  

• Personal expenses.
• Dinner or lunch on Day 1
• Early check-in or late check-out.
• The costs associated with visas, if necessary.
• Tips for the guide and the driver.
• Other services not mentioned in the programme. 

 

Please note:

If you have chosen a different flight to that selected by Ponant: in order to book your transfer from the hotel to the airport, it is essential to provide your adviser with the details of your departure flight, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise.

This programme includes a guided walking tour covering around 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) in the centre of Florence.

 

Your hotel:

The Hotel NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa 5* is a historic setting blending Italian charm, contemporary comfort and exceptional refinement. On arrival, let yourself be enveloped by the unique atmosphere of this hotel, an ideal starting point for exploring Florence’s art, heritage and exclusive universe.

Superior category rooms may also be requested, based on availability. Extra charges will apply. Please contact your travel agent for more details.

Hotel NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa 5*

Via Porta Rossa 19

50123 Florence

Italy

Telephone number: +39 055 2710911

 

The duration and order of visits are provided as an indication only and are subject to change. To find out your Ponant flight times, please contact your adviser. You may also refer to the e-ticket included with your travel booklet.