We have just returned from our 'family and friends' celebration to Italy. All of us had a marvelous time, and memories were created to last a lifetime.

What added greatly to this exceptional experience was our local Italian guides and drivers. Let me tell you about our day in Florence. First of all there were eleven of us. Six adults and five kids ages eight to twelve.

The weather was brutally hot - over 100 degrees - and Florence was packed with tourists. Sounds terrible? Well, it was a dream thanks to our English-speaking guide, Lucia.

The planning for our day in Florence began in my Mayflower Tours office several months beforehand. I had canvased my group on what they wanted to do in Florence. All agreed that seeing Michelangelo's David was the number one highlight, followed by the Uffizi Gallery. We also planned lunch at 12:30 in a little outdoor cafe. Using these three items as our basis, we laid out the day. I contacted our receptive Italian tour operator for one of their best English-speaking guides in Florence for July 30. We worked out the timing and purchased the admission tickets to the Uffizi Museum and the Accademia (David's home) before we left for Italy.

July 30th came quickly, we began by being dropped off at the Uffizi Gallery where we met our guide, Lucia. We exchanged cell phone numbers right away, 'just in case'. We had already purchased tickets beforehand so we walked in ahead of the long line and right into the Gallery. Off we went in and out through the best exhibits. Whenever I thought this was just running a little too long, Lucia moved us quickly to the next unbelievable piece of art. Her commentary was to the point and captivated everyone's attention, bringing a new meaning to the artwork we saw.

Lucia kept us moving as we left the Uffizi and walked over the Ponte Vecchio Bridge to our outdoor cafe for lunch.

The afternoon was spent walking around and looking at architecture, and listening to the history of Florence. 3:30pm was the magical time to go to the Accademia to view David. Lucia weaved us in and out of traffic and I could feel the grandkids' excitement as we got closer to the statue of David. Skipping a block-long line because of our advance ticket purchase we entered the museum, turned the corner and down the hall, there it was - Michelangelo's masterpiece! Wow, we were not disappointed.

When the day was over, I knew it was a huge success. All of the kids hugged Lucia goodbye and thanked her for the memorable day in Florence.

After all is said and done, using a local guide for six hours might be considered expensive, probably $60 a person, yet in the grand scheme of things it turned our time in Florence into a very enjoyable, easy, memorable experience.

Yes, I believe in the touring experience - and using a local guide is the secret. It is that special ingredient which turns your event into a life enriching experience! Mayflower Tours' foundation is based on this concept.