Private Renaissance Discovery Tour of Florence

There is no better way to discover the beauty, history, and culture of Florence than with a private local guide! Enjoy the personalized attention in which only a private tour can provide. Your art and history loving guide will meet you directly outside of your accommodation in Florence (if centrally located). From there, your journey throughout the “Cradle of the Renaissance” will begin!

As you stroll through the picture-perfect Florentine streets, your guide will lead you to one of the most historic and beautiful squares of Florence - Piazza San Giovanni! You will immediately be welcomed by the breathtaking view of Brunelleschi's Duomo, the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, the San Giovanni Baptistery, and Giotto's Bell Tower. Your guide will walk you around the cluster of buildings and share some interesting information about the buildings’ fascinating histories as well as some fun, local stories. Discover how this square grew from a single building into the intricate architectural masterpiece it is today. Then, spend a couple of minutes snapping photos of the incredible scenery - white, pink, and green marble decorations glowing throughout the whole square. Not only is this complex a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is also an international symbol of Italy!

Follow your captivating guide to Piazza della Repubblica, right around the corner from Florence’s Duomo. This square is one of the most historic points in the city. Hundreds of years ago, and throughout various ruling families, Piazza della Repubblica remained the civic heart of Florence. As your guide explains its vivid history, imagine going back in time to when the ancient men and women walked on the same grounds in which you are standing. Although the square is now home to Florence’s luxury shops and elegant cafes, it was once a bustling, local marketplace. Your expert guide will be happy to answer any curious questions you may have about the fascinating Piazza della Republica.

Be sure to have your camera ready, your local guide will lead you through the most picturesque streets of the city until you reach Loggia del Mercato Nuovo. As you approach the marketplace, you can admire the historic Renaissance arches of this famous market. Although its name translates to, “New Market,” it has been standing for centuries! In fact, the market was originally opened in the 1500’s as a place for foreign silk and precious stone vendors. Now it is most famous for a very unique sculpture… Your private guide will lead you through the vendors to the “Porcellino,” or piglet statue, where it is good luck to rub the nose of the baby pig. Italy is home to many strange legends, and your guide will gladly share some of the local Florentine generational stories as you wait your turn to pet the nose of “Porcellino” for good luck!

Next, you will head to one of the undisputed symbols of Florentine beauty - Ponte Vecchio. Although it is now home to luxury jewelry shops, this bridge was not always such an elegant and lavish destination. 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 loveliest in Florence!

If you would like to enhance your experience, ask your friendly guide to extend your tour to Pitti Square (not included in tour). Admire panoramic views of the Florentine skyline from along the Arno River until you reach the Oltrarno district. Here, you can find Pitti Square, dominated by the imposing Palazzo Pitti. This massive palace takes its name from the original owner, Luca Pitti. Later, it was expanded by none other than the powerful Medici family. Behind the palace, the natural slopes are home to the gorgeous Boboli Gardens.

After visiting the most famous sites in Florence, you may be looking for somewhere to relax off-the-beaten-path. Upon request, your guide (not included in this tour) will gladly lead you to the Oltrarno district of Florence. Oltrarno translates to, “other side of the Arno, and this is a much less touristy area of the city, with local stores, restaurants, cafes, and markets. Enjoy the peace and tranquility away from the crowds. This part of Florence is home to many hidden treasures… There are always new things to discover in the capital of Tuscany!