Several companies offer bus tours to Rome by air conditioned coach. Though itineraries may vary; travelers generally enjoy a guided visit to the Academy Museum, home of Michelangelo's David, perhaps the most universally recognized of the Renaissance master's sculptures. The entrance fee is included in the cost of the tour as are any other fees and tolls encountered during the course of the tour. Also included is a walking tour by a local guide to Basilica di Santa Maria del Fior, the cathedral church (Duomo), accompanied by Giotto's bell tower and baptistery, the Santa Croce church, and a stroll across the PonteVecchio Bridge. Most tours offer lunch and a stop at a few of the city's ubiquitous leather and gold "factories." Licensed tour guides lead the sightseeing activities.
Driver tours feature English-speaking chauffeurs who know Florence well. The drivers give a general overview of the history of the sites, but are not licensed tour guides and so cannot give full tours. These types of tours can either be customized or follow the driver's recommendations. They are in luxury automobiles or vans, with pricing according to the number of people participating.
It is also possible to hire a car and driver for the journey from Rome to Florence. Upon arrival, a licensed tour guide joins the individual or tour group to highlight their exploration of Florence. Tour companies such as Avventure Belissme offer such private guided tours. An English-speaking driver picks up the party from their hotel and drives to Florence where an expert local guide conducts a three-hour walking tour. These tours are booked with a per person fee. In addition, some companies such as ToursByLocals.com offer excursions by licensed driving guides that provide tours of Florence for up to eight people.
