Top 15 Unforgettable Tours in Florence

Florence is one of Italy’s most historic and elegant cities. The capital of the stunning Tuscany region, Florence is a city of masterful architecture and artistic gems that are, quite simply, calling out to be admired.

The skyline is composed of grandiose medieval buildings that demonstrate the importance the city held during the medieval period and onwards, making Florence the epicenter of the Renaissance period.

There are exceptional tours available in Florence, allowing you to explore its fascinating history, cultural landmarks, and charming Tuscan spirit. Participate in tours of magnificent palaces and art galleries, ascend centuries-old cathedrals, or venture into the Tuscan countryside for a genuine taste of rural life.

Here are the best Florence tours to maximize your Tuscan experience.

1. Florence Dome Climb: 1 Hour Priority Entrance Tour

Commence your exploration of Florence with a visit to the city’s most iconic structure, the Florence Duomo. This historic cathedral, tracing its origins back to the 13th century, occupies a central position in the city.

As the most frequented attraction in Florence, it can become quite crowded; however, this tour provides the advantage of priority access. Accompanied by an informed guide, you will discover the Duomo’s significance and its evolution through the centuries before embarking on a challenging ascent of over 400 steps to the dome’s summit, where you will be rewarded with the finest views over Florence.

2. Florence Hop on Hop off Bus Tour: 24, 48 or 72 Hour Ticket

Florence features an astounding array of attractions, making it a challenge to plan how to see all the best sights, especially for first-time visitors.

This hop-on-hop-off bus tour provides a convenient exploration of Florence. Your transportation is included, and you can disembark at chosen stops to experience the attractions you wish to visit. Available ticket options include durations of 24, 48, or 72 hours, accommodating your stay in the city.

3. Florence: Private Customized Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Given its popularity, Florence can become an overwhelming destination. This customized private tour, led by a local guide, offers a comfortable experience, enabling you to discover the city with a resident who knows how to avoid crowds while revealing numerous hidden gems that await exploration.

4. Florence Walking Tour of Historic Centre

Florence’s rich history deserves more than aimless wandering without a grasp of the remarkable events and narratives encapsulated within its buildings and streets. This guided walking tour of the historic center immerses you in captivating stories of the past, journeying through the city’s most iconic locations while your guide shares their Florentine knowledge with the group.

5. Florence Medici’s Mile: Medici Residences and Vasari Corridor

The Medici Family is perhaps the most renowned dynasty in Florence. This affluent lineage wielded significant influence to transform the city during the Renaissance period, shaping much of its current architectural landscape.

Your tour will delve into their fascinating lives, unveiling scandals and conflicts, as you explore the Medici Residences and stroll along the Vasari Corridor, witnessing the opulence accumulated by this powerful family. This tour is highly recommended for history enthusiasts or those wishing to gain insights into the city’s enthralling past and the influential figures who sculpted its identity.

6. Skip the Line: Michelangelo’s David Guided Tour

Michelangelo’s David is among the world’s most celebrated sculptures, located in the Accademia Gallery at the center of Florence. Crafted over several years during the Renaissance, this marble statue depicts the Biblical character David.

Like many attractions in Florence, the line to access the gallery can be formidable; however, this tour allows you to bypass the queues, providing priority access to view David ahead of the crowds. While visiting the Accademia Gallery, you will also have the opportunity to explore additional exceptional Renaissance artworks housed here.

7. Palazzo Vecchio Entrance Ticket and Audioguide

Initially intended for placement in the cathedral, Michelangelo’s David was too large, resulting in its installation outside the Palazzo Vecchio before eventually being moved to the Accademia Gallery in later years. Today, an impressive replica stands outside the Palazzo Vecchio, where this audio tour provides detailed insights into the sculpture’s history while granting you entrance to the former residence of the Medici family.

8. Ultimate Uffizi: 2 Hour Priority Entrance Tour

The Uffizi Gallery represents one of the city’s premier art museums, offering an exceptional opportunity to delve into the remarkable collection of Renaissance artwork housed within. Commissioned largely by the Medici Family in the 16th century, the gallery features masterpieces by renowned artists such as Michelangelo and Botticelli.

9. Da Vinci Museum Ticket Entrance and Guided Tour

Leonardo Da Vinci stands as one of Florence’s most illustrious historical figures. He was a polymath whose immense talent and intellect placed him centuries ahead in various scientific pursuits. Da Vinci’s talents spanned a multitude of disciplines, including painting, sculpting, engineering, and mathematics.

This guided tour of the Da Vinci Museum offers insights into his remarkable creations while also uncovering intriguing aspects of his eccentric life that may otherwise go unnoticed.

10. Pizza and Gelato Preparation Class in Florence

Take a respite from the crowded museums and galleries of Florence and immerse yourself in culinary culture during your visit. Italy is renowned for its cuisine, and Florence is no exception.

Guided by a local chef, this cooking class will instruct you on creating authentic Italian-style pizza while also exploring the rich history behind gelato and regional culinary techniques.

11. Palatina Gallery and Pitti Palace Guided Tour

The Pitti Palace ranks among the most magnificent structures in the city, constructed by the Medici Family as a symbol of their wealth and influence.

This guided tour provides insight into the palace’s unique historical narrative and leads you through the Palatina Gallery, situated within this expansive architectural marvel.

12. Chianti Colours and Flavours Day Trip

Venture beyond the city and immerse yourself in the scenic Chianti region, experiencing the charm of local life amidst the picturesque countryside.

Your itinerary includes a visit to the quaint medieval town of Greve, as well as stops at wineries nestled within the idyllic Tuscan hills for tastings of regional wine.

13. Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano Full Day Wine Tour

This extensive day tour encompasses three exceptionally well-preserved medieval villages: Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano, located in the breathtaking countryside surrounding Florence.

With a focus on both history and gastronomy, you will visit local wine cellars where tastings of exquisite regional wines and cheeses are highlighted.

14. Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano with Lunch and Wine in Chianti

This fascinating tour provides an opportunity to explore not only the picturesque countryside, complete with lunch and wine in Chianti, but also nearby attractions including Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano.

In Pisa, prepare to be awestruck by the Leaning Tower, in Siena, discover one of the best-preserved Renaissance cities in Italy, and revel in the medieval charm of San Gimignano, while also savoring the splendid Chianti wines.

15. Seaside Beauty: Day Trip to Cinque Terre

Take a day trip from Florence to explore one of Italy’s most picturesque coastal areas, Cinque Terre. This collection of five vibrant villages clings to the rugged Italian coastline, offering a breathtaking spectacle perched upon steep cliffs.

Experience the medieval architecture, beaches, and scenic coastal landscapes while learning about the lifestyle of its residents.