Tuscany Highlights: San Gimignano, Siena and Chianti Wine Tour
Explore the market town of Greve and the square of Siena and San Gimignano, then pop into a local winery to learn about the local sangiovese grapes.
Visit the Fantastic, Flourishing, Fabulous Florence on a Private Tour
Visit the flourishing, fabulous and fantastic Florence on a private tour. It is an amazing city full of fascinating places to see such as museums, palaces, and churches that house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world.
Some of the most popular, important and enjoyable sites in Florence are the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello or the Accademia. Take sightseeing tours of the churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce which are more like art galleries or the library of San Lorenzo that has a magnificent and impressive exhibition of Michelangelo's architectural genius.
Wander the oldest streets in the city until you get to the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio where you can experience the "up and coming" area of Florence, the Oltrarno. It is here you get to see the vast and varied art collection housed in the Pitti Palace.
Florence and its magnificent treasures are just waiting for you to come and visit! Read More...
See Famous Landmarks on Sightseeing Tours of Florence Such as Michelangelo Statue ‘david” or Guided Tours of Fabulous Art Galleries
The city of Florence is not just all about museums or monuments after a busy day on sightseeing tours take a stroll through the Boboli Gardens. These Gardens are fabulously landscaped with lots of renaissance sculptures and a great way to wind down the late afternoon.
In relation to food and relaxation during the day there are plenty of fantastic cafés, eating places and between meals snack bars. Not to mention the white or red wine bars for a spot of refuelling!
Florence is an exceptional city to visit full of history, culture, great cuisine and a very entertaining nightlife, so all your needs are fulfilled.
Top 10 Things to Do in
Duomo in Florence
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Duomo is Florence’s most iconic landmark. The doomed roof is capped by Filippo Brunelleschi’s red-tiled cupola and its breathtaking pink, white and green facade really dominate the medieval cityscape. The interior has frescoes by Vasari and Zuccari and around 44 stained class windows. When on a guided tour you are also brought down the to Cripta Santa Reparata. There is nearly 'too much' to see here that is fascinating.
Ponte Vecchio
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On a guided tour walk across Ponte Vecchio or 'Old Bridge' which is the most ancient of the bridges across the Waterway Arno. Thankfully it was the only bridge across the Arno not to be destroyed by fleeing Germans during World War II. It is certainly one of the strongest ancient bridges because in 1966 is miraculously withstood the rush and weight of the water when Arno burst its banks. The views are stunning from here.
Uffizi Gallery
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Take a guided tour of the very precious treasure chest that is the Uffizi Gallery. In the Gallery, there is the long labyrinth of well-organised rooms that display amazing works of art in chronological order. The stunning frescoes ceilings alone are worth a visit to this gallery, but there are countless artefacts here in amongst the grandiose building of fabulous architecture that will take your breath away.
Palazzo Medici Riccardi
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Palazzo Medici Riccardi was the Renaissance home of the powerful Medici family. There is a famous chapel called the Cappella dei Magi which was specially built for the family. It is an artistic wonder decorated with frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli. The palace has undergone changes over the centuries, but on a guided tour you can still see parts that have remained intact throughout. The interior is of Baroque style.
The Academia Gallery
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The highlight of a guided tour of The Academia Gallery has to be the magnificent giant marble sculptures that were created by Michelangelo that include the infamous glorious ‘David’. There are, of course, so much more to see in this gallery that will amaze you and keep you enthralled. Some of the sculptures are so intricate and full of detail, they will astound you. It is certainly a memorable place to visit.
Florence Baptistery
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Take a sightseeing tour of Florence Baptistery which is the oldest religious site in the city. It was even mentioned in ‘Dante’s’ words in the divine comedy where he described it as “my beautiful San Giovanni’ and one of the most important monuments in Florence. Outside of the Baptistery is covered in patterned coloured marble that is of Florentine Romanesque architecture. Even the doors are something else in their decoration.
The Abbey of San Miniato al Monte
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On a sightseeing tour, see the Abbey of San Miniato as Monte which is located just outside the city and a great place to see panoramic views from its surrounding areas. The architecture and 12th-century decorative facade is another example of stunning craftsmanship found in Florence. As you walk through the abbey, the intricate detail in the carvings and sculptures is exceptional and wonderful to look at.
The Basilica of Santa Croce
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See The Basilica of Santa Croce, on guided tour, that was rebuilt for the Franciscan order in 1294. It is famously known for being the burial place of such greats as Michelangelo, Rossini Machiavelli and Galileo Galilei. There is a memorial to Dante although he is buried in Ravenna due to his exile from Florence. The memorial to the playwright Giovanni Battista Niccolini that is said to be the inspiration for the statue of liberty.
Boboli Gardens
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Florence may seem all museums, churches and monuments, but that is not all because Florence has many beautiful gardens to see on sightseeing tours. Boboli Gardens as an example is spread over 111 acres of pristine landscaped greenery, sculptures, fountains and other works that are well worth being sought after and admired. It is a wonderful are to relax and unwind with many picnic areas discreetly hidden within the park.
Giotto's Bell Tower
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On a guided tour of Giotto’s Campanile, you get to see the most spectacular views from the top of the Tower. There is unfortunately 414 steps to reach these views but so worth it. There are stopgaps on the way up, so you are not totally worn out when you get to the top. There are detailed sculpted decorations on the outside of the tower and cravings all representing different aspects of Florence’s history.
Travel Tips for Florence
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Florence will all depend on your preferences; If it is a sun-soaked holiday beside the pool or on the beach then anytime during the summer months is for you. If you are more interested in sightseeing or want to do more activities then April, May, September and early October are better-suited weather wise. Those months are also ideal months for going on private tours as they are less crowded and cheaper.
Typical Costs
The prices of food, drink and accommodation may vary slightly within Italy, but there are always good places to find that are reasonable. On average you are looking at a B&B for one night for around 22Euro offseason and 40Euro peak season. There are lots of small restaurants the will do great deals for early bird meals. For private tours, the prices again will vary depending on the time of the year you are looking to go on one.
Know Before Visiting
Always do good research on the destination you are travelling to and book any private tour you can before travelling. Keep all valuables in a safe place and only carry enough money to do you for the day. When carrying money be aware of pickpockets, it does not matter what country you are in; they are everywhere. Drink bottled water to be on the safe side and always check that the cap is sealed before opening it. Never walk alone at night in dark streets.
Weather
Italy has a typical Mediterranean climate which means that it is cool in the winter with a good bit of rainfall. The northern mountainous areas have snowfalls that can be extreme during January. In Southern Italy however, the temperature rarely drops to freezing in the winter. The summer months are very hot with temperatures rising to 32-degree Celsius or higher. Spring and Autumn's months have lovely warm days and chilly nights.
Tuscany Tour Pisa and Florence With English Speaking Driver
Great holiday in Tuscany with english speaking driver and the possibility to have atour guide at your disposal (with extra charge). Book us
8 Days Rome, Florence and Venice Signature
Italy’s most enchanting cities - Rome, Florence & Venice - tailored just for you. On this stylish journey, you’ll walk in the steps of the Colosseum’s ancient gladiators, cruise canals in a gondola and live La Dolce Vita.
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