Florence Private WALKING TOUR

Exploring Florence becomes a seamless and enriching experience with the Florence Private WALKING TOUR. Priced at $174.16 per person, this 3-hour journey offers a personalized exploration of the city’s most iconic sights, guided by a licensed expert. The tour departs from the central Piazza Santa Maria Novella and concludes at Ponte Vecchio, making it ideal for those with limited time but a deep interest in Florence’s art, history, and architecture.

What truly sets this tour apart is its private nature, ensuring an intimate experience with only your group participating, coupled with headsets that guarantee clear narration from your guide. The tour is highly recommended—100% of previous participants have endorsed it—and it’s booked on average 55 days in advance, reflecting its popularity among visitors seeking a well-organized, comprehensive introduction to Florence.

Key Points

• Private and personalized experience led by a licensed guide
• Includes free entrance to Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy and outside views of major landmarks
• Duration of about 3 hours with flexible morning or afternoon start times
• Visits 11 key sites, including the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Medici Chapels
• Headsets provided for easy listening, ensuring no detail is missed
• Perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time in Florence

Discover the Heart of Florence from Santa Maria Novella

The tour begins at Piazza Santa Maria Novella, right in the bustling center of Florence. The first stop is the Santa Maria Novella church, one of the city’s most significant religious sites. Inside, the church welcomes visitors with its stunning façade and historic significance, while outside, the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, established by monks centuries ago, invites guests to smell fragrances and learn how perfume was originally created—a delightful peek into Florence’s aromatic history. This 20-minute stop is free to enter, making it a practical and charming start to the tour.

Exploring a Historic Pharmacist’s Legacy

Next, the tour allows a brief 20-minute visit to Officina Profumo Farmaceutica Di Santa Maria Novella. This pharmacy is among the oldest in the world, created by monks from the nearby church. Visitors can experience the fragrant scents that have been crafted here for centuries, offering a sensory connection to Florence’s spiritual and medicinal past. While no entrance fee is required, the focus is on enjoying the aromas and understanding the pharmacy’s enduring tradition.

The Palazzo Antinori and Tuscan Wine Stories

A quick 10-minute stop at Palazzo Antinori offers a glimpse into Florence’s aristocratic architecture. Known as the residence of one of the most famous wine-producing families in Tuscany, this landmark provides an opportunity to hear stories about the region’s wine heritage. Though the interior isn’t visited, the guide’s commentary enriches understanding of Tuscany’s wine culture.

Visiting the Medici Capels and Florence’s Royal Resting Place

The Medici Chapels are among the most notable stops, where visitors view the final resting place of Florence’s powerful Medici dynasty. This 10-minute outside viewing offers a look at the UNESCO-listed architecture and sculptures that pay homage to Florence’s influential rulers. The not-included admission fee means the interior remains outside the scope of this walk, but the exterior and stories about the Medici family add depth to the experience.

The First Florentine Cathedral: San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo, the city’s first cathedral sponsored by the Medici family, is a 5-minute viewing stop. Its simple yet historic façade hints at Florence’s early architectural beginnings, and the guide shares insights into Medici patronage and the church’s role in city life.

The Medici Palace and Michelangelo’s Residence

The Palazzo Medici Riccardi marks the 10-minute visit to the Medici’s residence, where the famous Renaissance figures once lived. While the interior is not included, the guide describes how Michelangelo lived here under Lorenzo the Magnificent’s protection, adding context to Florence’s Renaissance history.

The Baptistery of San Giovanni and Brunelleschi’s Dome

A 20-minute stop at the Battistero di San Giovanni highlights the city’s oldest building, renowned for its Gates of Paradise. The guide shares stories about its architecture and the artistry involved in its design. The adjacent Duomo, with its massive dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is admired from outside for 20 minutes. It’s celebrated for its flower-shaped plan and represents a milestone in engineering, famously praised by Michelangelo himself.

Dante’s District and the Casa di Dante Museum

A 20-minute walk takes visitors through Dante’s historic district. The Museo Casa di Dante is a 1000-year-old church where Dante met his muse. While the entrance isn’t included, the guide narrates Dante’s significance and the city’s literary heritage, enriching the cultural context of Florence.

Government and Political Squares: Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria

The tour continues with a 15-minute view of Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s ancient government palace. Its medieval fortress architecture and history as the Medici’s residence make it a compelling sight. The Piazza della Signoria offers a lively, open-air sculpture museum with works by Renaissance masters, adding to the city’s artistic landscape—all observed from outside.

The Iconic Ponte Vecchio

The tour concludes at Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest and most famous bridge, with its shops hanging over the Arno River. This 10-minute stop encapsulates the city’s charm and historical commerce, as the bridge’s jewelry shops are world-renowned. It’s a fitting end to a tour that balances grand landmarks with stories about Florence’s enduring beauty.

Practical Details and Accessibility

This private tour is led by a licensed guide who provides headsets, so every word is heard clearly, even amidst crowds. The meeting point is in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, and the tour finishes at Ponte Vecchio. The experience excludes entry to interior museums or buildings, focusing instead on exterior views and exterior architecture, which helps maintain a relaxed pace. The tour is suitable for most travelers and accommodates service animals.

Booking and Cancellation Flexibility

Reservations are confirmed upon booking, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This flexibility allows visitors to plan confidently, knowing they can reschedule or cancel if needed, with full refunds available if canceled early. The tour is weather-dependent, but if canceled due to poor conditions, an alternative date or full refund is offered.

Florence Private WALKING TOUR: A Comprehensive City Introduction

This tour offers a balanced blend of Florence’s renowned monuments, historic neighborhoods, and artistic landmarks, all delivered through an engaging personal guide. The private format ensures an intimate experience, ideal for those who prefer personalized storytelling over large group tours. The 3-hour duration is sufficient to cover the highlights without feeling rushed, making it suitable for first-time visitors or those with limited time.

The inclusion of headsets and exterior views makes this tour accessible and easy to follow, even in crowded areas. While entrance tickets to interior sites are not included, the outside views and stories provide plenty of context and visual appreciation. The tour’s popularity and positive reviews highlight its quality, especially regarding the knowledgeable guides like Olga, who bring Florence’s history to life with clarity and passion.

This tour offers a well-organized, engaging, and rundown of Florence’s most iconic sights, making it an excellent choice for travelers who want a meaningful introduction without the hassle of navigating alone or joining a large group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is mostly outdoors and accessible, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers who can walk comfortably and listen attentively to the guide.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the tour only includes the viewing from outside of buildings like the Medici Chapels and Duomo. Entrance tickets for interior visits are not part of this experience.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon start?
Yes, the tour offers flexible start times in the morning or the afternoon to fit your schedule.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The provided information does not specify accessibility features; it’s advisable to contact the provider for details if needed.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a hat are recommended, especially in warm weather. The guide provides headsets so you won’t miss any commentary.

How long in advance should I book?
It’s best to book around 55 days in advance, given its popularity.

What if I cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund.

Does the tour include food or drinks?
No, it does not include food or drinks; the focus is on sightseeing and storytelling.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at Piazza Santa Maria Novella. The exact address is provided upon booking.

How many stops are included?
There are 11 key stops during the tour, covering Florence’s major landmarks and historical sites.