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Bucket list destination:

Last updated: 19 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Nicky Swallow

Recognised as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence harbours an estimated one million works of art, some 70 museums and more than 60 churches crammed into a compact plain surrounded by on three sides by hills.

The city’s small size (pop. 365,000) makes it simple to navigate, while its 11 million annual visitors guarantee a constant buzz, although during peak season, the sheer volume of tourists can seem overwhelming.

This being Tuscany, food and wine are of primary importance, and there are restaurants galore, from authentic, family-run trattorias to outposts of gourmet, new-wave Tuscan cuisine. Florence is also famed for its fashion brands: Pucci, Gucci and Ferragamo all started here. With so much to see, this capital of culture merits multiple visits.

Orientation

The L-shaped Piazza della Signoria was the tradition centre of civic power in Florence, and today remains the city’s central focal point; it’s home to the 14th-century town hall (Palazzo Vecchio) and the world-famous Uffizi Gallery. Ponte Vecchio and the cathedral (the Duomo), are close by.

Most of the main sites and boutiques – including the prime shopping strip, Via Tornabuoni – are within 15 minutes’ walk of one another.

The River Arno runs on an east-west trajectory through the city centre. Many of the markets and major sites are found in the historic zones north of the river, but there is also plenty to see in the arguably more ‘authentic’ Oltrarno neighbourhood south of the Arno.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

The Best tour in Florence: Renaissance and Medici Tales

Florence

The Best tour in Florence: Renaissance and Medici Tales
This tour is the best walking tour that you can ever have in Florence. It is a great introduction to the city for both first-timers as well as returners. It covers the main attractions of the city and also the hidden gems that are well and truly "off the beaten track" and gives you facts you wouldn't know or notice walking around by yourself. While you'll be led through the city you will be even accompanied through three centuries full of thrilling stories about the Medici family who influenced Florence’s history; little by little the Renaissance will become alive in front of you. You will not be involved in a boring, neutral lecture, but in a pleasant stroll through the center of Florence, in a friendly and easy-going atmosphere.

Price: €3

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [4006 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Bicycle Guided Tour in Florence

Florence

Bicycle Guided Tour in Florence
Discover Florence by bike! The Bike Tour of Florence is available every day, starts at 10 AM, 3 PM and it takes two hours. The meeting point is Via Cavour 21/Red. In 2 hours you will visit all the major tourist attractions, under the experienced guidance of our entertaining and fun, professional history guide. You will ride through the narrow streets of the main center, the Oltrarno, and you will reach some of the most amazing and secluded monuments of Florence. Throughout the tour, you will stop at several locations for historical explanations and to learn fun facts about the city. You will even be shown the best places to find gelato, bistecca Fiorentina, and truffles. Relax and enjoy the tour as your guide helps you discover the best of Florence in a fun and efficient way... perfect as an introduction as well as for veterans. Either way, you will surely agree that cycling is the best way to see the “cradle of Renaissance”.

Price: €26

Min age: 0

Rating 4.69 / 5 [52 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Bike Tour of Florence with Piazzale Michelangelo

Florence

Bike Tour of Florence with Piazzale Michelangelo
Discover Florence by bike ! The Bike Tour of Florence with piazzale Michelangelo is available every day, starts at 10 AM, 3 PM and it takes two hours. The meeting point is Via Cavour 21/Red. In 2 hours you will visit all the major tourist attractions, under the experienced guidance of our entertaining and fun, expert guide. You will ride through the narrow streets of the main center, the Oltrarno, and you will reach some of the most amazing and secluded monuments of Florence included Piazzale Michelangelo.

Price: €31

Min age: 0

Rating 4.77 / 5 [122 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Florence Walk & Talk - On the Medici's Footsteps

Florence

Florence Walk & Talk - On the Medici's Footsteps
See the great Renaissance treasures of Florence on this 2.5-hour walking tour. With an expert guide, visit the Piazza della Signoria to gaze at the Palazzo Vecchio and replica of Michelangelo’s 'David' sculpture, and admire the exteriors of the Duomo, Baptistry, Ponte Vecchio bridge and more. Stop on route for a culinary tasting and discover the crafts neighbourhood of Oltrarno, all as your guide tells fascinating stories of the artists, rulers and life of the Renaissance-era city.

Price: €35

Min age: 0

Rating 4.62 / 5 [223 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Florence Airport Private Arrival Transfer

Florence

Florence Airport Private Arrival Transfer
Travel from Florence Airport to your centrally located Florence hotel in the luxury of a private vehicle. Enjoy a hassle-free arrival in Florence with this private transfer service. Meet your driver at the Florence Airport, and relax on the journey to your hotel in the city center. These private vehicles can accommodate up to eight passengers. One-way private transportation from the Florence airport to your Florence hotel. Stress-free way to start your time in Florence. Service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Mercedes Benz sedan for one to two people; Mercedes Sprinter or Mercedes Viano minivan for three to eight people

Price: €44

Min age: 0

Rating 4.48 / 5 [132 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Florence Airport Private Departure Transfer

Florence

Florence Airport Private Departure Transfer
Travel from your Florence city centre (hotel or private apartment) to Florence Airport in the luxury of a private vehicle. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Price: €44

Min age: 0

Rating 4.63 / 5 [71 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Florence Vintage Bike Tour featuring Gelato Tasting

Florence

Florence Vintage Bike Tour featuring Gelato Tasting
Take a small group bike tour (maximum 12 people) through Florence. Ride around the city and be inspired by the Renaissance on a comfortable bike. You'll cycle in the city of Florence and ducking and weaving between narrow streets along the way too. See all of the major city sites including the Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria and Piazza della Repubblica.

Price: €45

Min age: 0

Rating 4.51 / 5 [486 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Electric Cart Tour Florence

Florence

Electric Cart Tour Florence
Welcome to a fantastic way of visiting the historical city of Florence! We are really happy to provide a unique way of exploring the city’s artistic centre in the most relaxing way in our electric vehicles. Whether you are feeling energetic and full of fun or looking for an easier way to visit the city, don’t miss out this experience! The tours will enable you to uncover the beauty of this city in the shortest possible time. So let's go, leave your old-fashioned ways and jump onto the most revolutionary way of travelling through Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance! Explanations of points of interest are provided with audio guide!

Price: €49

Min age: 0

Rating 4.64 / 5 [1171 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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The best of Florence walking tour

Florence

The best of Florence walking tour
This tour is the best walking tour that you can ever have in Florence. It is a great introduction to the city for both first-timers as well as returners. It covers the main attractions of the city and gives you facts you wouldn't know or notice walking around by yourself. You will not be involved in a boring, neutral lecture, but in a pleasant stroll through the center of Florence, in a friendly and easy-going atmosphere.

Price: €49

Min age: 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [149 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Florence Walking Tour with Skip-the-Line to Accademia & Michelangelo’s ‘David’

Florence

Florence Walking Tour with Skip-the-Line to Accademia & Michelangelo’s ‘David’
Take a small group tour of the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's famous statue of David and afterwards enjoy your walking tour of Florence. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 17 people ensuring you'll receive personalized attention and audio headsets guarantee that you'll hear the guide clearly. And by booking ahead, you won't waste any time waiting in line at the Accademia Gallery!

Price: €52

Min age: 0

Rating 4.51 / 5 [1297 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Florence Hills Electric Bike Tour with amazing Views and Delicious Gelato

Florence

Florence Hills Electric Bike Tour with amazing Views and Delicious Gelato
Explore Florence Hills with little effort and lots of fun on this 2-hour electric bike tour. Starting from the heart of Florence, follow your guide to cross all the neighborhoods of the city, far from the historical center: thanks to the bike paths, getting to the hills is easy-going. Once outside the town, immerse yourself into the sound, the good smells and the colours of the Tuscan countryside, with secular cypresses, olive groves and small vineyards hidden in the middle of the hills from where to enjoy amazing and breathtaking views. Finally, end this fantastic tour tasting one of the best “gelato” of the city. You can also enlarge your experience with a Lunch in a typical "Trattoria" located in Florence city center. -Visit the Hills of Florence in an Eco-Friendly Way - Live a wonderful Experience with Little Effort - Enjoy a Ride through the Tuscan Countryside - Taste a Delicious "Gelato" in the historic centre - Enrich your experience with a typical lunch in a "Trattoria"

Price: €52

Min age: 3

Rating 4.75 / 5 [206 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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E-Scooter: Two Hour Florence Highlights Tour

Florence

E-Scooter: Two Hour Florence Highlights Tour
Explore the heart of the Renaissance by Electric Scooter on this tour of Florence. Led by a local, professional guide, you will glide by the most famous sites like the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo as well as a few hidden gems. Cover more ground than a walking tour as you hear the history behind this famous city from your guide. Headsets are provided so that you can hear the commentary more clearly as you coast past the crowds without breaking a sweat. - Guided tour of Florence's highlights by E-Scooter (made by Segway) - Easier than a walking tour - Escorted by a professional and knowledgeable local guide - Numbers limited to a maximum of five, ensuring safety and personalized attention from your guide

Price: €59

Min age: 14

Rating 4.79 / 5 [399 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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E-Scooter: Panoramic tour of Florence

Florence

E-Scooter: Panoramic tour of Florence
Watch the panorama over the beautiful city of Florence on this 2-hour Electric Scooter Tour. Led by a local professional guide, you’ll coast past the architectural gems of the Renaissance. Cruise along the river, see the iconic Ponte Vecchio, the magnificent Santa Croce and some of the hidden gems of the Oltrarno. - A local guide will bring the history of the city to life - Cruise past the crowds without breaking a sweat - Magical photo opportunities in the golden hour

Price: €65

Min age: 14

Rating 4.84 / 5 [64 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Best of Florence: Small Group Tour Skip-the-Line David & Accademia with Duomo

Florence

Best of Florence: Small Group Tour Skip-the-Line David & Accademia with Duomo
Experience the Tuscan capital's top attractions on a small-group walking tour through Florence. Begin with skip-the-line access to view Michelangelo's 'David' in the Accademia Gallery, and learn how the House of Medici shaped Florence. Then see the Duomo, the city's iconic, Gothic-style cathedral with your skip the line access. Afterwards your guide takes you to Piazza della Signoria, an open-air art gallery where Michelangelo's David was originally supposed to stand. Then explore the streets of Florence, taking in landmarks like the Ponte Vecchio bridge, Palazzo della Signoria e Piazza della Repubblica.

Price: €67

Min age: 0

Rating 4.74 / 5 [717 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Skip-the-Line Florence Highlights and David Walking Tour

Florence

Skip-the-Line Florence Highlights and David Walking Tour
A guided walking tour Florence discovering the main attractions such as Piazza della Signoria, the Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo's David and hidden gems of this magic city. Possibility for private tour upgrade.

Price: €76

Min age: 0

Rating 4.78 / 5 [651 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Legends of Florence 2-Hour Walking Private Tour by Night

Florence

Legends of Florence 2-Hour Walking Private Tour by Night
Allow your private tour guide to lead you and immerse yourself in the heart of Florence, exploring its ghosts and curiosities by night. Listen to historical anecdotes and stories that you won't find in any tourist guidebook. Admire legendary sites like the Duomo illuminated by the magic of the night.

Price: €89

Min age: 0

Rating 4.60 / 5 [28 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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PRIVATE Walking Tour around Medici Family

Florence

PRIVATE Walking Tour around Medici Family
Discover the Medici's story with a walk through the most important streets and palaces. On this tour we deal with the rise of the Medici family and the relationship between political power and art. You will discover how it was possible that this family could govern in Florence for over three centuries and how they supported the main artist in the world: Michelangelo, Botticelli Raphael.

Price: €99

Min age: 0

Rating 4.98 / 5 [170 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Skip-the-line Florence City Tour with Accademia & David - Private Tour

Florence

Skip-the-line Florence City Tour with Accademia & David - Private Tour
Relive the Italian Renaissance in Florence during this 2.5 hour private guided museum & walking tour covering highlights including the Accademia with Michelangelo's David. This private tour pairs you with your own personal guide to explore the history and secrets of Florence and its most famous citizens.

Price: €116

Min age: 0

Rating 5 / 5 [25 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Tour: Florence Walking Tour

Florence

Private Tour: Florence Walking Tour
Accompanied by your own private guide, you'll relish personalized attention on your day tour of Florence. Through your thrilling walking tour you will admire the highlights of Florence city center: San Lorenzo Square, Duomo Square with Cathedral, Giotto Bell Tower, Baptistery, Dante’s House, Piazza Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Straw Market, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza Pitti.

Price: €119

Min age: 0

Rating 4.74 / 5 [54 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Skip the line: Uffizi and Accademia Small Group Hidden Highlights Walking Tour

Florence

Skip the line: Uffizi and Accademia Small Group Hidden Highlights Walking Tour
• Skip the line Unforgettable experience with genuine tour • 4-hour small group (max 10-15 people) tour of the Accademia and the Uffizi • Discover the incredible masterpieces of Renaissance art • Priority entrance to the most important museums of Florence • Walking tour through Duomo Square and Piazza della Signoria The “Florence & Global ” Touch.  See Florence the right way with us Want to see Florence with a guide but are not keen on being herded around in a large, impersonal group or spending a fortune for a private tour? Look no further. “Florence & Global ” tours are designed for the selective traveller, providing all the benefits of a private tour with the group tour value.

Price: €124

Min age: 0

Rating 4.66 / 5 [1805 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Florence in a Day: Michelangelo's David, Uffizi and Guided City Walking Tour

Florence

Florence in a Day: Michelangelo's David, Uffizi and Guided City Walking Tour
Immerse yourself in history, art, and architecture; skip long entry lines at the Accademia and also the Uffizi Gallery; then take to the streets with your guide to experience the endless charm of Florence. See the Florence Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the outdoor gallery of Piazza Della Signoria. This tour will leave you with no doubt as to why Florence is one of the world’s most dazzling cities.

Price: €125

Min age: 0

Rating 4.77 / 5 [372 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Best of Florence: The David, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery & More

Florence

Best of Florence: The David, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery & More
Are you short on time but still want to experience the best of Florence? Look no further than our small group guided city tour! Accompanied by a passionate local guide, you'll be able to see the city's top attractions without feeling rushed. Marvel at Michelangelo's David, gaze up at the breathtaking Florence Duomo, stroll across the historic Ponte Vecchio while perusing its jewelry market, and admire famous works by Caravaggio and Botticelli in the Uffizi Gallery. And with skip-the-line tickets, you won't waste a moment standing in queues. Join us for a day you'll never forget as we explore the stunning galleries and architecture that make Florence one of the most beloved cities in the world.

Price: $133

Min age: 0

Rating 4.61 / 5 [55 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Florence Sightseeing Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Florence

Florence Sightseeing Walking Tour with a Local Guide
This 2 hour walking city tour will take you to the highlights of the city of Florence led by a local expert guide.  This tour is a great introduction to the city and you will see Santa Croce Church, the Bargello Palace, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, the Cathedral, Giotto's Bell Tower, Uffizi Gallery's courtyard, the church of San Lorenzo (all from the outside) . The guide will give you also precious suggestions on how to spend your holiday in Florence and where to eat.

Price: €159

Min age: 0

Rating 4.77 / 5 [84 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Guided Tour of Florence by Night including Duomo and all the must-see highlights

Florence

Guided Tour of Florence by Night including Duomo and all the must-see highlights
This 2 hours walking city tour will take you to the highlights of the city of Florence after sunset with a top-rated local guide. This night walk includes the most important monuments of Florence such as Duomo, Baptistery, Belltower, piazza Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, Porcellino market, piazza Repubblica and much more. This tour is a perfect option for your holiday evenings in Florence to explore more of the city and meet new friends.

Price: €159

Min age: 6

Rating 4.6 / 5 [15 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Best of Florence Private Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals

Florence

Best of Florence Private Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals
This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Florence from a unique perspective! Get to know Florence on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, with city highlights, hidden gems, storytelling, and a local treat - this tour has it all! Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Florence at its best but from the eyes of a local. Check out main landmarks like Piazza del Duomo, Piazza Pitti, Ponte Vecchio and uncover hidden gems and city secrets with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. And the cherry on top, a local treat is included. Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems Private City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups.

Price: €171

Min age: 1

Rating 4.90 / 5 [176 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Florence Dome Climb & Private Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour with Hotel Pickup

Florence

Florence Dome Climb & Private Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour with Hotel Pickup
This private walking tour begins when you meet with your guide at your centrally-located hotel to discover the wonderful Renaissance city of Florence. The tour is a fantastic introduction to the city’s highlights: Santa Croce Church; the Bargello Palace; Piazza della Signoria; Ponte Vecchio; Palazzo Vecchio; the Cathedral; Giotto's Bell Tower; Uffizi Gallery's courtyard and the church of San Lorenzo. With skip-the-line entry, you can climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome for a spectacular view of Florence. The Dome itself is a symbol of the city, famous for its design and architectural engineering. Note that your Dome ticket also allows you entry to the Cathedral, the Crypt, the Baptistery, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Museo dell’Opera. Tickets are valid for 72 hours from first entry.

Price: €219

Min age: 0

Rating 5 / 5 [9 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Florence City Tour, Skip-the-line David & Uffizi Gallery - Private Tour

Florence

Florence City Tour, Skip-the-line David & Uffizi Gallery - Private Tour
Maximize your time in Florence with a combo tour to visit Florence’s must-see attractions, including the Accademia with Michelangelo's David, and the Uffizi Gallery. This 5.5 hour private guided walking and museum tour pairs you with a guide to visit the Tuscan capital and all of its most important marvels.

Price: €222

Min age: 0

Rating 4.94 / 5 [35 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Florence City Tour, Skip-the-line David & Uffizi Gallery - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

Florence

Florence City Tour, Skip-the-line David & Uffizi Gallery - Semi-Private 8ppl Max
Maximize your time in Florence with a combo tour to visit Florence’s must-see attractions, including the Accademia with Michelangelo's David, and the Uffizi Gallery. This 5.5 hour semi-private (8 guest maximum) guided museum & walking tour will explore the Tuscan capital and all of its most important marvels.

Price: €222

Min age: 0

Rating 5 / 5 [13 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Discover Florence: Uffizi and Accademia Gallery semi-private tour

Florence

Discover Florence: Uffizi and Accademia Gallery semi-private tour
See some of Florence's art treasures during this 7-hour walking tour that starts with a guided walking tour of the city historic center of Florence, followed by a visit of the Accademia Gallery. Then end with a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery in the afternoon. You'll have free time in the middle for lunch. Join our semi-private guided tour.

Price: €265

Min age: 0

Rating 4.04 / 5 [21 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Full Day Walking Tour of Florence Highlights with Uffizi and Accademia

Florence

Private Full Day Walking Tour of Florence Highlights with Uffizi and Accademia
Full day tour in Florence with skip the lines entrance to Uffizi and Accademia. Admire the most important sites of Florence in one day. The tour will give you an overview of the city center, starting from Piazza della Repubblica, admire the Cathedral, Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's bell tower, the Baptistery, Piazza della Signoria and cross the Ponte Vecchio to explore the Oltrarno area, and the Pitti Palace. Visit the Uffizi and its world famous collection of paintings by Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, and the Accademia museum, where you will admire the famous original David by Michelangelo. We will take care of reserving skip the line tickets to Uffizi and Accademia. Tickets included I. The price

Price: €370

Min age: 0

Rating 4.89 / 5 [28 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Florence Private Full-Day Tour with Uffizi and Accademia Gallery

Florence

Florence Private Full-Day Tour with Uffizi and Accademia Gallery
Very comprehensive tour of 6 hours to visit, see and get to know all the most important about the city including the two of the most important museums in Florence, Italy and the whole world: Galleria degli Uffizi and Accademia Gallery.

Price: €390

Min age: 1

Rating 4.85 / 5 [34 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Best of Florence: Half, 1 or 2-Day Private Guided Florence Tour

Florence

Best of Florence: Half, 1 or 2-Day Private Guided Florence Tour
See the highlights of Florence that most interest you on a customized private tour with your local tour guide. Duration of Half day tour is 3 and half hours. Duration of Full day tour is 6 hours.  Rub the nose of the boar fountain of the Porcellino to ensure you will return to Florence, Marvel at Brunelleschi's huge dome at the Duomo, Take time out at an al fresco café on Piazza Signoria, Cross the River Arno by the Ponte Vecchio. Exterior explanation of all sites with flexible tour itineraries will give you chance to see most of the splendid city with live commentary of a licensed tour guide. Please note that entrance fees are not included in the tour to maintain the flexibility of program. If you would like to go inside of Galleria Uffizi or Galleria del Academia, you need to book your entrance tickets in advance. Please remember that most of the museums in Florence is closed on Mondays.

Price: $525

Min age: 0

Rating 5 / 5 [9 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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When to go

Florence is almost always crowded with visitors. If you can, avoid summer (June-August) when temperatures can be unbearably hot and the streets unbearably crowded. Unless you’re in town to participate, also avoid the Pitti menswear fashion shows (January and June), when 30,000 industry folk swarm into town. Visit during spring or autumn for the best combination of warm weather and manageable crowds. If you want to avoid queues altogether, visit in the winter (avoiding Christmas, New Year and Carnival).

Getting there and away

Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci airport is at Peretola, 5km outside the city centre. There is a frequent tram service from just outside the Arrivals Hall to Santa Maria Novella train station; the journey time is 20 minutes.  Alternatively, take a taxi (approximately 30 minutes).

Many  flights land at Pisa’s Galileo Galilei Airport, a one-hour train ride or 70-minute bus journey west of Florence. There is a shuttle train (The People Mover) from Pisa Centrale train station to the airport. Alternatively, you can catch a taxi, but be prepared for a hefty bill.

Getting around

Florence’s plentiful, efficient but expensive taxis can be picked up at taxi ranks or contacted by telephone (they can’t be hailed on the street). A network of minibuses links up key points in the historic centre and two new tramlines connect the station to the city’s northern and western suburbs.

Given its compact and car-free centre, the best way to get around Florence is to walk or cycle, and there is an increasing number of cycle lanes.  Download the Mobike app to use the fleet of bright orange bikes.

Where to stay

If you want to stay in the thick of things (and don’t mind battling with the tourist hordes), book accommodation around the Duomo-Piazza della Signoria drag. The Oltrarno neighbourhood south of the river is quieter and more ‘Florentine’ and is home to some lovely small hotels.

But Florence is so small that wherever you stay, the main sites will rarely be more than a 30-minute walk away. If you opt to stay out of the centre, check that the hotel provides a shuttle service into town.

Where to eat or drink

As a rule of thumb (although there are some notable exceptions), steer clear of the most touristy areas when you are searching for somewhere to eat in Florence. There are few good restaurants near the Duomo, for example, while neighbourhoods such as Santa Croce, the Sant’Ambrogio market area and San Niccolò are far more interesting gastronomically speaking, and this is where the Florentines go to eat.

The Oltrarno neighbourhood, south of the river, has a particularly buzzy and eclectic dining and drinking scene.

Where to shop

Florence’s designer drag is Via Tornabuoni, in the historic centre north of the river, but the surrounding streets are home to equally glamorous shops. For low-priced leather goods, try the market in San Lorenzo or the shops around Piazza Santa Croce. For classier, handcrafted artisanal products – from gloves to handmade shirts – head to bohemian Oltrarno. Florence’s out-of-town discount fashion malls are increasingly becoming an essential shopping stop.

What to buy

Since Renaissance times, Florence has been renowned for its world-class craftmanship. Centuries-old techniques have survived in Florence, and the Oltrarno area – the city’s artsy south bank – is today crammed with artisans’ ateliers selling hand-made, high-quality wares.

Also look out for fashion and accessories by local designers, leather goods, herbal beauty products, handcrafted shoes, ceramics and household linens, gold jewellery, olive oil, Tuscan food and wine.

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