Walking tours in Florence: focus on arts, food, handicraft
Day Tours & ActivitiesDuration: 3 or 4 hours
Rates
FLORENCE IS FIRENZE
You might think this statement is obvious, yet many visitors think that they are two different places! Visiting the most important tourist city in Tuscany is sometimes complicated, as many spots are now affected by overtourism. This is why we make a difference for you. Learn the many reasons why you should book a Florence tour with us.
- Meet the nicest city guides in town. Our professional & fully licensed city guides are not only the most prepared and experienced tour guides in town: in particular they love their job and they make you feel welcome and entertained.
- We set for you the easiest meeting point. Our guides will wait for you on the platform of your train at the central station or right where your private driver drops you in town. We are experts of the logistics in and around the town, so our advice is crucial to save time and skip traffic lines.
- Our guides customize their route around you. You might be focusing on architecture, on street foods in town, on leather goods .. or in all of them. We understand that every visitor is special and we personalize the day on your own interests.
- Take our advice. A city like Florence can be visited during special occasions like Calcio Storico, focusing on very unexpected aspects like the handicraft traditions or in most convenient hours to skip crowds or heatwaves. We can suggest you the best way to visit according to the day you are here.
- Skip the line. Most attractions in town, need to be booked in advance with the skip-the-line formula, for a pleasant and smooth enjoyment. The same is for the best and most exclusive restaurants.
- The luxury of a private driver. While you can take advantage of your day in Florence to experience Italian railways or try the adventure of the Italian way to traffic, certainly the most relaxing way is a chauffeured car or van, with exclusive access to restricted areas. We have the most professional drivers in the area and the cleanest and smartest vans. Here are some topics and itineraries we suggest:
| M14. The Medici Intrigues & David di Michelangelo | |
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Start a journey through Florence and the Renaissance era with a tour that takes you into the incredible history of this town during the prosperous and powerful Medici years. This particular tour places a special focus on the artistic genius of Michelangelo, an extraordinary Tuscan artist whose works transcend imagination.Your visit to the Accademia museum will unveil the masterpiece of Michelangelo, the iconic statue of David, along with other attractions linked to Michelangelo and the influential Medici family.This tour promises an immersive experience, allowing you to witness firsthand the brilliance of Michelangelo’s creations and the enduring legacy of the Medici dynasty in shaping the artistic and cultural landscape of Florence during the Renaissance.
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| M20. The other side of Florence: Pitti Palace and Oltrarno district | |
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Meet your guide on the iconic Ponte Vecchio, cross the enchanting river Arno, and step into the Oltrarno district—an area of Florence that is unique, lively, and brimming with charm, with many local trattorias, osterias, and craftsmen’s workshops. Your journey continues with a visit to the Palatina Gallery inside the Pitti Palace, the former residence of the powerful Medici Family for centuries. And discover works of art by Raffaello, Tiziano, and Caravaggio as you explore this magnificent gallery. If open, seize the opportunity to visit the beautiful church of Santo Spirito, featuring Michelangelo’s crucifix. For an extended experience, consider booking a version of the tour that includes a guided visit to the romantic Boboli Gardens, situated behind the Pitti Palace. These unique gardens, once owned by the Medici family, showcase grottos, nymphaeum, and temples, adding an extra layer of historical and natural splendor to your exploration of Florence.
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| M16. Florence for foodies | |
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If you’ve already explored the museums and historical attractions of Florence and are looking for a fresh perspective, why not delve into the city through its culinary delights? Join our expert guide for a food-focused tour, exploring local markets and shops to discover the essence of typical Florentine products. Uncover the secrets behind the making of dried tomatoes, fresh vegetables, home-made pasta, porcini mushrooms, honey, salami, pecorino cheese, prosciutto, and extra virgin olive oil. The tour includes tastings of Tuscan focaccia, known as schiacciata, typical cookies, and, of course, some local wine. ALL RATES |
| M15. Artisans in Florence | |
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Discover the rich tradition of old Florence by exploring the famous artisans’ workshops, known as ‘botteghe’. This unique tour begins with a visit to some of the main squares and highlights of Florence before delving into the area where ancient crafts are passed down from one generation to the next. Immerse yourself in century-old traditions as you learn about the commesso Fiorentino, the typical Florentine hard stone inlaid mosaic. Gain insights into the art of crafting natural perfumes, and wander through a maze of alleys and side streets where skilled goldsmiths continue to create earrings reminiscent of those worn by noble ladies in times gone by. This tour offers an authentic glimpse into the living history of Florence, providing a connection to the artisans who carry on centuries-old traditions, shaping the cultural and artistic fabric of this remarkable city.
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| M21. Firenze & Uffizi gallery | |
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Join us for an unforgettable guided tour of Florence, a city brimming with art, history, and culture. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Piazza del Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the stunning Palazzo Vecchio. The highlight of the tour is a visit to the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Michelangelo and Caravaggio. Your expert guide will provide fascinating insights into the art and history of Florence, making every step of the journey come alive. You’ll also have the chance to stroll through charming streets, hidden squares, and vibrant markets, enjoying fully the beauty of this timeless city. Whether you’re an art lover or a history enthusiast or simply curious about art and history in Florence, this tour promises an enriching experience in one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. Note: the time spent at the Uffizi is around 1 hour. If you are interested in spending more time in the museum, this tour can be extended. ALL RATES |
Whom you meet
In our tour we like showing you places off the beaten track and introducing you to Tuscan people with their personal stories, careers and characters.
You will have one of our guides with your party during the whole tour. Please, see below all the guides who can be with you.
During this experience you can also meet some of the Tuscan friends involved in the events. Please, see below which friends you are likely to encounter.
Laura is a smiley and experienced licensed city guide for Florence and its province. She is very fond of Renaissance art and she welcomes our guests with a big smile before walking with them in town for a half or a whole day. She knows all the best places in town and can advise for any need or help. 
The total rate for this activity does not vary according to the number of people in your party.
Check rates in the table below.
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WALKING TOURS IN FLORENCE
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| TYPE OF TOUR | RATES | EXTRAS |
| M14. THE MEDICI INTRIGUES & DAVID DI MICHELANGELO – 4 hours | € 500 for 2 people | Every extra person: € 40 |
| M20. THE OTHER SIDE OF FLORENCE – 3 hours | € 440 for 2 people | Every extra person: € 30 |
| M16. FLORENCE FOR FOODIES – 3 hours | € 460 for 2 people | Every extra person: € 40 |
| M15. ARTISANS IN FLORENCE – 3 hours | € 380 euro per party | / |
| M21. FIRENZE & UFFIZI GALLERY – 3 hours | € 480 for 2 people | Every extra person: € 55 |
Rates include
- A private English speaking licensed Florence city guide for the all tours
- For M14: Skip the line tickets to David at Accademia
- For M15: Visit to the workshops
- For M16: Tasting of 4 typical products
- For M20: Skip the line tickets to Palazzo Pitti
- For M21: Skip the line tickets to Uffizi Gallery
Rates do NOT include
- For M15: monuments or museums are extra
- For M16: more tasting are possible at extra charge
- For M20: 1 additional guided hour to visit the Boboli Gardens extended version € 120 per party. € 10 per person for the ticket to Boboli Gardens to be paid onsite.
- For M21: Extension of the tour: € 120/hour per party
- Transportation
Transportation is not included in the rates above. For more info on transportation, please see the box “Transportation options”.
Here the note of appreciation of our private guided Florence tour from the Adams (US) in July 2018:
Hello! We really enjoyed our Tuscan cooking class Veronica and Laura, and Florence tour with Elana. Diego was a great driver as well!
We talked to Veronica about buying local olive oil during our class. Could you get us the info for that please? We wanted to buy at least 8 cans of the olive oil.
Also, could we get the recipes for our cooking class please? We made the bruscetta with the 3 toppings, the gnocci with sauce, and the strawberry tiramisu. Have a wonderful night! Grazie!
The Adams’ Family
Here the message of appreciation of Antony and Jeannene, who visited Tuscany in November 2017 and enjoyed our tours so much:
Dear Arianna,
We just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed our visit to Italy. That was due in large part to the tours we booked with you and the wonderful guides that accompanied us. It can be difficult when traveling internationally, and not speaking the language, to find the best way to experience the country you are visiting. We are very happy that we found Arianna and Friends.
The three guides that took us on our three different journeys were outstanding. They were knowledgeable, engaging, and most importantly, they were all very passionate about their craft. Moira enchanted us in Pisa, paced the tour to accommodate my mobility issues, rekindled those old art history memories from our college days with her extensive historical expertise, and shared some nice quiet conversation while we all enjoyed our aperitif.
Massimo overcame the surprise of the olive oil mill machinery not running that day by painting us such a vivid picture of the process by using his own family experiences. It was like we were right there with him and his father. Massimo’s tutorial during the tasting was exceptional. On the way home we passed through Lajatico and the Teatro del Silenzio, with its magnificent panoramas, an extra treat.
Valentina, stepping in for Laura, who was ill, (we hope she is feeling better) made our day in Florence very special. With so much to see and do, Valentina expertly maneuvered us through the Uffizzi, L’Accademia, Il Duomo, and the streets and piazzas making sure we saw everything we wanted to see. It was not unusual for other people to quietly gather around us to try and listen to her speaking about all of the wonderful art we were viewing.
All of our guides went above and beyond to make sure our experience was perfect, but what touched us the most was their genuine warmth and goodwill. They are all wonderful old souls and made us feel right at home.
Thank you so much for a magical experience. We know we will return to Tuscany someday and look forward to sharing some time with you again.
Attached are 3 photos we wanted to share with you. Enjoy.
Best Regards,
Anthony and Jeannene
Jeannene and our guide Valentina visiting the Accademia Gallery in November 2017
This is a message from Tracey, who appreciated her guided tour with our valued guide Laura:
Wonderful tour with Lara. Can you please share this picture with her?
This message was sent to us from Laurence who stayed in Florence on the occasion of the 2009 edition of Teatro del Silenzio in Lajatico and enjoyed our walking tour in town with a visit to the Accademia
Sorry for the delay. I have not had Internet access until now. I just want to say THANK YOU for everything from reselling the tickets to making last minute arrangements for our ride from Rome to Florence and accommodations here in Florence. We are having a great time in Florence. And thank you for making the reservations for Uffizi and Dell’Accademia for us. It was a real time saver not having to queue up.
In regards to the credit of 81 Euro, would you be able to credit my credit card? If not, then just keep it as credit until we return to Italy. Thanks again for everything!
Cheers,
Laurence
This is a message we received from Betty, who visited Siena and Florence and met Arianna for one of our cookery lessons.
Dear Arianna,
I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful experiences we had on our Italy trip. Isabelle is a fantastic guide and she enabled us to get the most out of a short journey to such historic sites. Our entire family will not ever forget our cooking class with you and Ester. I will be sure to write the reviews for Trip Advisor since that is how I found you myself.
Thank you for your patience with our bad driving. I am so very glad that we eventually found you!!
Happy Easter! Best regards, Betty
This walking tour takes place in the city of Florence (Firenze). The meeting point can be reached by public transport.
MEET-UP LOCATION:
Unless differently specified, the meeting point with the guide is in Florence downtown. Detailled instructions will be provided.
DURATION:
This program takes 4 hours. Time for reaching the meeting point not included.
AVAILABILITY:
Available all the year through, from Tuesday through Sunday.
LANGUAGE:
This tour is available in English or Italian with no surcharge. For German, French, Russian or Spanish a surcharge applies.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
Easy
CHILD FRIENDLY:
Ideal for children
CLOTHING:
No particular clothing required.
TRANSPORTATION:
This program and its rates do not include transportation to the meeting point and are set on a self-driving base. For further information see the box "transportation options".
The destinations reached during this activity are in the town of Florence, an area that can be reached by private and public transport. It is possible to reach Florence by public bus service and by train.
Yet, the public service is not well diffused in all Tuscany so we highly recommend renting a car or a scooter in order to reach the meeting point.
As an alternative, we can offer a valued service by chauffeured car, van or minibus. Any cost of transportation is to be added to the rates displayed on the rate table of this page.
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