Firenze Trip Overview
Make the most of your time in Florence with a 9-hour tour that covers all the highlights, including skip-the-line visits to the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries and a typical Tuscan lunch. Soak in gorgeous city views from the Piazzale Michelangelo and nearby Fiesole, too.
Additional Info
Duration: 9 hours
Starts: Firenze, Italy
Trip Category: Tours & Sightseeing >> Full-day Tours
Explore Firenze Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Firenze, Toscana, Italy
Make the most of your time in Florence with a 9-hour tour that covers all the highlights, including skip-the-line visits to the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries and a typical Tuscan lunch. Soak in gorgeous city views from the Piazzale Michelangelo and nearby Fiesole, too.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Florence, Florence, Tuscany
There is no better way to acquaint yourself with the “Cradle of the Renaissance” than by immersing yourself into our most comprehensive tour of Florence. Be sure to have your camera ready! Meet your friendly, local tour guide at Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal in the morning. Piazzale Montelungo is located 5-10 minutes walking distance from Santa Maria Novella train station. Grab a seat on the comfortable coach bus, and you will shortly depart for Piazzale Michelangelo! During the short drive uphill, your guide will dive into some interesting information about this popular, breathtaking square.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Piazzale Michelangelo, Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence, Tuscany
The bus will drop you off right at Piazzale Michelangelo, saving you the time and effort of walking up a steep set of stairs. Your guide will explain that it is famous for the incredible, panoramic views of the Florentine skyline. In fact, you may want to return here on your own for sunset later in the evening, as the locals do! Your guide will point out some of the prominent landmarks in the skyline – such as Brunelleschi’s dome, Palazzo Vecchio, countless Romanesque-style churches, and the rolling hills and fortresses in the distance. You will have some free time to admire the panorama from various viewpoints, and of course – take plenty of memorable photos!
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Fiesole, Fiesole, Tuscany
Find your seat on the comfortable coach bus, and you will be on the way to your next destination! As your guide discusses some things to do and see in Fiesole, you can admire views of the villas and vineyards throughout the Florentine countryside. In about twenty minutes, you will arrive in this charming, hilltop town. While Fiesole is home to plenty of hidden gems, it is most well-known for the breathtaking, panoramic views overlooking the entire Arno Valley. If you look close enough, you can see Brunelleschi’s Dome dominating the city of Florence. Your guide will point you in the direction of the lookout point along the ancient, cobblestone streets.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Galleria dell’Accademia, Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50122, Florence Italy
After a dream-like morning in the enchanting hills of Florence, the coach bus will take you back to Florence. Follow your guide to the Accademia Galleria, a true treasure chest of Renaissance glory. Your guide will usher you past the long line with skip-the-line passes, and you will begin on your 1.15 hour journey in one of the most famous art galleries in the world…
Your expert guide will lead you directly to the Hall of Prisoners. This hall is lined in Michelangelo’s unfinished sculptures. The ancient marble will forever remain unfinished, portraying the unique art form of “non-finito.” Michelangelo wanted the viewer to experience the emotions of the art, as the characters are trapped in marble, waiting to emerge as a masterpiece. You can admire the exact spots where Michelangelo worked with his chisel and hammer hundreds of years ago. Discover the interesting stories of each of the “Prisoners” in this hall, as your guide leads you to the finale – “David.”
Duration: 35 minutes
Stop At: Galleria dell’Accademia, Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50122, Florence Italy
With much suspense, your guide will introduce you to the unmissable “David,” dominating above the tiny viewers. Weighing over 12,000 pounds and at 17 feet tall, this is one of the largest, and most important pieces of art of all time. Discover the secrets behind this epic sculpture, while you learn more about Michelangelo and his intriguing life. Did you know Michelangelo was at the shy age of 26 years old when he finished “David”? You will visit the intriguing and complex sculpture, “Rape of the Sabines,” by Giambologna. Then, visit works of art by Renaissance masters such as Sandro Botticelli, Jacopo di Cione, and Pacino di Buonaguida. By the end of your tour of the Accademia Gallery, you will undoubtedly have a new appreciation for Renaissance art, and you will be ready to see more!
Duration: 35 minutes
Stop At: Piazza del Duomo, 50122, Florence Italy
Time for some fresh air during a picturesque walk! Your guide will lead you through the most lovely streets in Florence until you reach the unmistakable Piazza del Duomo. You will be welcomed by the white, green, and pink marble… a sight impossible to forget! Your guide will introduce you to the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Giotto’s bell tower, Brunelleschi’s dome, and San Giovanni’s Baptistery. Follow your guide around the square to learn all about these iconic buildings, their rich histories, and even some local legends!
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Duomo, Duomo, Florence, Tuscany
The first half of your tour will finish in front of the iconic Florence Duomo, where you can ask any questions to your friendly guide! After taking some more photos, follow your guide to a nearby restaurant for a relaxing and delicious break.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Florence, Florence, Tuscany
After a delicious lunch and short break to relax and regroup, head to Piazza San Firenze to meet back with your guide. This small, triangular piazza is located in the heart of Florence, just a couple minutes away from the Duomo, San Lorenzo, and the Arno River. From here, you will begin the second half of your comprehensive and captivating tour!
Follow your expert guide through some of the medieval streets of Florence, complete with artisanal shops, gelato stands, art boutiques. You will make your way to one of the most important churches in the city – Basilica di Santa Croce. The spellbinding square will take your breath away at first glance – Florentine, medieval architecture surrounding a majestic church covered in pink, green, and white marble, similar to the Duomo. During its peak, Santa Croce was frequented by some of the most famed characters, including Dante Alighieri. Now, it is home to the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Niccolo Machievelli, among others.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Florence, Florence, Tuscany
Your guide will lead you to the front of the church, where you can learn about its intriguing history, lovely facade, and some local legends.
Next, you will head to one of the undisputed symbols of Florentine elegance – Ponte Vecchio. Although it is now home to luxury jewelry shops, this bridge was not always such a lavish part of the city. For years, Ponte Vecchio was home to Florence’s smelly meat markets! Discover the story of the bridge’s transformation throughout time, as well as why it was the only bridge spared during the bombings of World War 2. Make sure to have your camera ready – the view from Ponte Vecchio is one of the most picturesque in Florence!
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Piazza della Signoria, 50122, Florence Italy
Next, your guide will head in the direction of Piazza della Signoria. This historic, L-shaped square is a beautifully decorated open air museum, where the history of Florence unfolds. Throughout time, this was always the civic heart of Florence – where people heard news of the government, where they defended their city from rivals, where they feasted for holidays, and where they met with friends. Because of its importance, the powerful Medici family decided this was the perfect place to build Palazzo Vecchio, and ultimately, Loggia dei Lanzi, home to priceless, famous sculptures. Did you know that the “David” sculpture by Michelangelo was originally supposed to be placed in Piazza della Signoria? Learn all about this special corner of Florence from your passionate guide!
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Uffizi, Uffizi, Florence, Tuscany
After a full day of discovery in the heart of Florence, finish your tour in the most famous museum of the city – the Uffizi Gallery. Save time by following your guide past the lines, and enter the treasure trove of Renaissance art! Your guide will lead you through the elegant halls and rooms in chronological order, from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century – making sure you spend the most time at the most famous works, out of the nearly 2,000 masterpieces showcased in the Uffizi. Between halls, you can admire ancient Roman and Greek sculptures, the frescoed ceilings, and the lovely views from the large windows.
Your 1.45 hour Uffizi Gallery tour will begin in the 13th century, the birth of the Renaissance era. Discover world-famous Gothic artworks covered in gold, and beautifully depicting images of Madonna and the child. The breakthrough into the Renaissance began with Giotto, who used three-dimensional elements in his masterpiece, forevering changing artistic style.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Uffizi, Uffizi, Florence, Tuscany
Next, your guide will lead you to the hall of International Gothic masterpieces, most notably, “Adoration of the Magi,” by Gentile da Fabriano. This was another turning point, when art began to tell a story, instead of simply depicting characters. Your guide will truly bring the art to life, pointing out small details you may not have noticed before.
Then, continue through the centuries into the 1400s, when artists began experimenting with three-dimensional space. The best example of this progression in art can be found in “Battle of San Romano,” by Paolo Uccello. Your guide will point out two of the most famous works of art in the Uffizi, “Madonna with Child and Two Angels,” by Filippo Lippi; then, “Dukes of Urbino,” by Piero della Francesca. These artists began to idealize the features of men and women in paintings, which greatly influenced later artists including Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Uffizi, Uffizi, Florence, Tuscany
It is impossible to visit the Uffizi without seeing the extensive and fascinating Botticelli collection, with their mystic scenes of nature. Your guide will go into detail about each of his masterpieces and the artist’s tie to the powerful Medici family. Spend plenty of time admiring the two most famous paintings, “The Birth of Venus,” and “Primavera.”
Dive into the vibrant Renaissance, with works of art by da Vinci and Michelangelo. While the paintings in the Uffizi are not these artists’ most famed works, it is still emotional to be inches away from masterpieces by men of their prestige. Enjoy learning all about the artists and the works, “Tondo Doni” by Michelangelo; and “Baptism of Christ” and “The Annunciation” by Leonardo da Vinci.
The rest of your tour will lead you to three giant halls containing numerous works of art by Raphael, Titan, and Caravaggio. Each artist has varied styles and mysterious backgrounds.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Uffizi, Uffizi, Florence, Tuscany
The Uffizi Gallery is truly a window into the history of Florence. Through the collections of art, you can discover the different eras of time, as well as the culture and traditions that still exist in the soul of Florence today. At the end of your tour, feel free to stay inside the Uffizi to independently explore, or grab a cappuccino or spritz from the gallery’s own cafe and enjoy the terrace overlooking Palazzo Vecchio and the Florentine skyline.
Duration: 5 minutes
