Renaissance & Medieval Florence Guided Walking Tour plus mobile App

Explore Florence’s Renaissance and Medieval neighborhoods on a guided walking tour designed for history lovers and first-time visitors. Priced at $31.35 per person, this approximately 90-minute experience takes you through the heart of Florence with a local expert guide, revealing the stories behind the city’s most celebrated sites.

You’ll stroll through San Lorenzo, admire the Duomo complex, and see the Ponte Vecchio. An added feature is a self-guided mobile app that enables further exploration after the tour, making it a flexible option for those wanting a quick yet comprehensive introduction to Florence’s history and architecture.

While the group size is limited to 20 travelers, reviewers note that the guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience both informative and enjoyable. The tour is ideal for visitors eager to understand Florence’s history without a long commitment, though some mention that language switching can slow the pace.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $31.35, offering a detailed overview of Florence’s key sights.
• Approximately 1.5 hours of guided exploration, perfect for a quick city intro.
• Led by a local expert guide, providing insights into Florence’s Medici past and Renaissance masterpieces.
• Includes a mobile app for self-guided exploration post-tour, adding flexibility.
• Stops at major landmarks like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, and Medici Chapels.
• Group limited to 20, ensuring a comfortable experience with personalized attention.

Starting Point and Tour Duration

The tour begins at Via de’ Martelli, 50, in central Florence, at 10:00 am. The entire experience lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it an efficient way to see Florence’s highlights without taking up an entire day. The meeting point is easily accessible near public transportation, and the tour ends at the Ponte Vecchio, allowing for continued exploration or shopping.

Exploring Florence’s Medici Past at San Lorenzo

The tour kicks off at Basilica di San Lorenzo, a site central to Medici history. The church, designed by Michelozzo di Bartolomeo, is known for its elegant cloister designed by Brunelleschi. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful green space amid the bustling city. The Medici Chapels, designed by Michelangelo and Matteo Nigetti, are notable burial sites of the Medici family, emphasizing their influence on Florence’s art and politics.

The Palazzo Medici Riccardi, with its inviting courtyard, also features in this stop. This segment offers a glimpse into the Medici’s political power, their patronage of art, and their lasting impact on Florence’s architecture.

Marveling at the Duomo and Its Surroundings

Next, the tour takes you to the Duomo complex, an iconic symbol of Florence. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is famous for its Cupola by Brunelleschi, a marvel of Renaissance engineering. The Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery of San Giovanni, with its Gates of Paradise, provide beautiful examples of Florence’s intricate architecture.

While the tour does not include entry inside these sites, the external views and historical explanations offer enough to appreciate their grandeur. The Baptistery and Bell Tower are standout photographs and illustrate Florence’s architectural innovation.

The Legend of Il Porcellino

A fun stop is Il Porcellino, the bronze piglet statue in the Straw Market. Known for its superstition, rubbing the pig’s nose is believed to bring good luck. This statue is a popular photo spot and a fun cultural touchpoint before heading to the city’s main squares.

Piazza della Signoria and Its Sculptural Collection

The tour continues at Piazza della Signoria, considered an outdoor sculpture museum. Dominated by Palazzo Vecchio, this square hosts several famous statues, including Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine Women. The square’s lively atmosphere makes it a perfect place for photos and to observe Florence’s political history through architecture.

Following the Vasari Corridor Path

A unique feature of this tour is the external walk along the Vasari Corridor, the secret passage built by Giorgio Vasari. The route passes through the Uffizi Courtyard, crosses the Arno River via the Ponte Vecchio, and reaches the Pitti Palace. This outside segment is largely observational, showcasing Florence’s historic corridors and bridges that connect important governmental and aristocratic sites.

Ponte Vecchio and Jewelry Shops

The famous Ponte Vecchio bridge marks the tour’s endpoint. Known as the “jewels bridge,” it is the oldest in Florence and lined with jewelry shops. While the inside of the shops is not part of the tour, the exterior views are spectacular and provide great photo opportunities. The bridge’s history and architecture are explained, giving insight into Florence’s medieval trading history.

Discovering the Medieval Quarter and Dante’s Residence

The tour concludes in the Medieval Quarters, where Dante Alighieri once lived. Here, visitors can see the Badia Fiorentina and the Bargello Palace. These locations highlight Florence’s medieval past and its influence on Italian literature and architecture. The walk through narrow streets offers a glimpse into Florence’s darker, more historic side.

Practicalities of the Guided Tour and App

The guide provides multilingual audio commentary, enhancing understanding of each site. The self-guided mobile app, accessible via VOX CITY, extends the experience by offering additional itineraries and points of interest after the tour. Travelers need to download the app and have their own smartphone and headphones for an optimal experience.

The tour maintains a group size of up to 20 people, ensuring more personalized attention but also requiring coordination, especially if multiple languages are spoken. Some reviews mention that multilingual explanations can slow the pace, but guides are generally praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

Accessibility, Logistics, and Price

The meeting point is conveniently located in central Florence, close to public transportation. Comfortable shoes are recommended due to the walking nature of the tour. The price of $31.35 offers good value considering the access to major sights, expert guiding, and the included mobile app.

Note that entry to attractions is not included, so visitors interested in inside visits will need separate tickets. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with some caution advised for those with mobility concerns due to walking on cobblestone streets.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour appeals to history buffs, first-time visitors, and those wanting a quick but rundown of Florence. The small group size and local guides foster engaging conversations. However, people sensitive to language switching or crowded streets may find the pace slower at times.

Final Advice for Tour Participants

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and having a fully charged smartphone ready for the mobile app. The tour begins promptly at 10:00 am, so arriving a few minutes early helps with check-in. Be prepared for some outdoor walking and brief stops, with plenty of opportunities for questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly visitors?
The tour is generally accessible, but participants should be comfortable walking on cobblestone streets for about 1.5 hours.

Are tickets to museums or attractions included?
No, entry to attractions like the Medici Chapels or the Duomo is not included, so additional tickets are needed if inside access is desired.

Can I participate if I only speak English or only French?
The tour accommodates both languages, but guides switch between them, which can slow the pace. It may be less engaging for monolingual participants if the language switch is frequent.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes, a smartphone with the VOX CITY app downloaded, and headphones are recommended to enjoy the full experience.

Is there free cancellation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, offering flexibility in case of change of plans.