Wandering the streets of Florence resembles the visit of an open-air museum. But what are the stories behind Florence’s most frequented buildings and squares? Our quest begins in the courtyard of the Uffizi Gallery and the Piazza della Signoria, home to the prestigious Palazzo Vecchio, the historical seat of the city’s government where Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci used to hold their artistic disputes. Gazing up to the Loggia dei Lanzi, we marvel at the admirable works of art while learning about the emblem of the symbolic city rising from the Middle Ages.
Narrow alleys and crowded streets take us to the famous square of Santa Croce. The church, a smaller, quieter version of Florence’s iconic Duomo, is the final resting place of many illustrious Italians such as Dante Alighieri, Michelangelo, and Galileo Galilei.
Following the external path of the Vasari Corridor, we reach Ponte Vecchio, the picturesque bridge with its unique goldsmith shops that was rebuilt after the tragic flood of 1966. South of the Arno River, we make our way towards Palazzo Pitti, the impressive monument were the Medici family and later even the King of Italy resided.
Our tour then takes us to the most authentic districts of Florence. Famous for their artisan shops and the ancient tower houses that have remained intact to this day, the Oltrarno district and the neighborhoods of S. Frediano and Santo Spirito boast an international flair mixed with local traditions that give a wonderful insight into Florence’s vibrant local scene.
From Ponte Santa Trinita we reach Via Tornabuoni, also known as the “Salone della Moda,” and Palazzo Strozzi, a sumptuous example of splendid Renaissance architecture.
As we stroll through the Piazza della Repubblica, we are moving closer towards the heart of Florence. Arriving in the Piazza del Duomo, we come face to face with Florence’s iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Vis-a-vis with the Duomo’s stunning marble decorations, we marvel at Giotto’s Bell Tower, the precious tiles of gold displayed on the Baptistery’s Paradise Gate and discover the incredible story of Brunelleschi’s ambitious construction of the cathedral’s mighty Dome.
Attention shopping and food lovers: Before sending you back into the vibrant bustle of Florence’s streets, your certified guide equips you with indications on how to reach the famous San Lorenzo Market, a go-to address for fun shopping and traditional street food.
What is included in the tour:
- Single-language tour conducted by a certified tour guide;
- Earphones to clearly follow your guide’s explanations.
What is NOT included in the tour:
What you will do on the tour:
- Explore the best of Florence’s open air museum filled with art, history and architecture on foot;
- Discover the stories behind the places, moments and people who shaped the cradle of the Renaissance;
- Follow the trails of masters such as Dante Alighieri, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, or Galileo Galilei;
- Find out about the Medici family’s influence over Florence;
- Experience the most authentic districts of Florence;
- Explore Florence from different angles, in different squares, north and south of the Arno River;
- Marvel at the iconic Duomo with Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery’s Paradise Gate.
Main features:
- Duration: around 1.5 hours;
- Languages: Italian, English;
- Meeting Point: Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli 32/r, 50122 FLORENCE;
- Available: Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday - Saturday - Sunday.
Information
- This tour involves a fair amount of walking;
- Accessible in a wheelchair;
- We accept electronic and printed vouchers.