Santa Croce and Guided Walking Tour in Florence
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross) church in Florence, also known as the "Temple of the Italian Glories" as it is being the burial place of some famous Italians like Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli and etc.
Explore the immense artistic wealth in Santa Croce with the interior, the exterior which is covered with a polychrome marble façade, the Bell Tower, Crypt and the 16 Chapels. Later in the afternoon embark on a walking tour to view the most famous attractions and squares of the Florence city.
Tour Highlights
• Temple of the Italian Glories ( Tempio dell'Itale Glorie)
• Burial place of several Florentine and Italian masters such as
Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo Galilee, Rossini and more
• Find frescos by Giotto and a chapel designed by Brunelleschi
• Walk over the famous Old Bridge
• Learn from a professional guide who will show you the city's hidden treasures
Available options
Winter Schedule in Spanish
Tour Description: The Santa Croce Guided tour operates at 10:30 am, followed by the Walking Tour at 3.00 pm.
Winter Schedule in English
Tour Description: The Santa Croce Guided tour operates at 10:30 am, followed by the Walking Tour at 3.00 pm.
French Guided Tour
Walking Tour Information: The Florence city walking tour will start at 17.00pm. Please refer to the voucher for meeting point information. <br/>Combined Walking & Santa Croce: The Santa Croce tour operates at 10:30 or 15:00 and later followed by the Walking Tour at 17.00pm.
Winter Schedule in German
Tour Description: The Santa Croce Guided tour operates at 10:30 am, followed by the Walking Tour at 3.00 pm.
Italian Guided Tour
Walking Tour Information: The Florence city walking tour will start at 17.00pm. Please refer to the voucher for meeting point information. <br/>Combined Walking & Santa Croce: The Santa Croce tour operates at 10:30 or 15:00 and later followed by the Walking Tour at 17.00pm.
Winter Schedule in Italian
Tour Description: The Santa Croce Guided tour operates at 10:30 am, followed by the Walking Tour at 3.00 pm.
German Guided Tour
Walking Tour Information: The Florence city walking tour will start at 17.00pm. Please refer to the voucher for meeting point information. <br/>Combined Walking & Santa Croce: The Santa Croce tour operates at 10:30 or 15:00 and later followed by the Walking Tour at 17.00pm.
English Guided Tour
Walking Tour Information: The Florence city walking tour will start at 17.00pm. Please refer to the voucher for meeting point information. <br/>Combined Walking & Santa Croce: The Santa Croce tour operates at 10:30 or 15:00 and later followed by the Walking Tour at 17.00pm.
Spanish Guided Tour
Walking Tour Information: The Florence city walking tour will start at 17.00pm. Please refer to the voucher for meeting point information. <br/>Combined Walking & Santa Croce: The Santa Croce tour operates at 10:30 or 15:00 and later followed by the Walking Tour at 17.00pm.
Winter Schedule in French
Tour Description: The Santa Croce Guided tour operates at 10:30 am, followed by the Walking Tour at 3.00 pm.
What's included
Entrance Ticket with reservation to the Santa Croce
Guided city walking tour
Radio system to hear the guide
Officially Certified Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Start the tour in the main square, where the famous soccer game played in medieval costumes, the Calcio Storico Florentino takes place every year in June. Your guide will describe in detail all the immense artistic wealth in Santa Croce; frescoes (1380) by Gaddi in the Cappella Maggiore tell the story of "Santa Croce", and beautiful frescoes by Giotto in the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels show scenes from the life of St. Francis and St. John the Evangelist.
On your way to the left of the entrance, see the memorial of the 19th-century playwright Giovanni Battista Niccolini built as an inspiration for the Statue of Liberty. As you walk through the hallowed walls, learn about the art of Donatello and his crucifix, one of the jewels of the Renaissance, as well as the art of Brunelleschi and the perfect architectural harmony of his Chapel of Fools.
2
See the monumental cemetery and damaged paintings and that was destroyed in the tragic flood of 1966 and have been subsequently restored. After visiting the interior, learn about the exterior which is covered with a polychrome marble façade. Finally, the guide will tour you around the Bell Tower, Crypt and the 16 chapels. The tour takes about an hour, and you will have the opportunity to return to anything you might want to see again after the tour ends.
3
Stop 3
From the point of the meeting, the guide will give you an insight into the history of this Renaissance city and how this incredible cultural movement of the Renaissance transformed not only Florence but eventually the rest of Europe.
The guide will start off with Piazza Della Republica, the main square of Florence that marks the center of the City. After a little talk of history & the changes of Piazza Republica since its origin, you will walk straight to the marvelous piece of art, the Piazza Della Duomo. A showstopper of Filippo Brunelleschi, Giotto, Arnolfo & Francesco Talenti.
4
Stop 4
Walk passing the Duomo Square the guide will lead you straight through the old buildings and some of the historical landmarks of Florence to Palazzo Vecchio, where David’s’ sculpture (the original is in the Galleria dell'Accademia) by Michelangelo is placed outside the Palazzo Vecchio as a symbol of the Republic's defiance of the tyrannical Medici.
5
Stop 5
Afterward, as you walk past the Palazzo Vecchio, the guide will explain to you about the Uffizi Gallery, one of the greatest museums of the world, and then you will reach the most famous old bridge in Florence known as “Ponte Vecchio”.
6
Stop 6
Your next stop is Palazzo Pitti, the enormous palace of Florence's largest architectural monuments of Filippo Brunelleschi and the household of the Pitti Family, later of the Medicis’.
The tour takes about two hours, enough time to help you understand the uniqueness and beauty of Florence city.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Transportation to/from attractions
Entrance tickets to the attractions of the walking tour
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
ES
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
A refusal of entry due to inappropriate dress code, the tour will not be rescheduled or refunded
Walking Tour is subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date.
Please note that if you arrive after the tour start time you will not be able to join and will not be refunded or have your tour rescheduled
Please note that the tour requires a minimum number of guests to run. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements, in the event of this occurring you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Please note that the walking tour will only be conducted from the outside of each attraction mentioned in the itinerary
The customers choosing the Santa Croce guided tour at 10.30 am or 03.00 pm join the walking tour at 05.00 pm
During the Winter Season, the customers will choose the Santa Croce guided tour at 10.30 am and later join the walking tour at 3.00 pm
Meeting point
Walking Tour Meeting Point - The tour will operate at 17.00 as mentioned on the vouchers. Please be present in front of the Hard Rock Cafe Firenze (Via dei Brunelleschi, Piazza della Repubblica, 1, 50123 Firenze FI)
Important notes
The tickets will be delivered by the guide or our representative at the meeting point before the start of the tour.
Please refer to the correct meeting point which will be displayed during the reservation stage.
Meeting point 01- Please be present next to the Dante Alighieri Monument, Piazza di Santa Croce, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Meeting point 02- Hard Rock Cafe, Via dei Brunelleschi, 1, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
- The customers choosing the Santa Croce guided tour at 10.30 am or 3.00 pm, joins the city walking tour at 5.00 pm.
- During the Winter Season, the customers will choose the Santa Croce guided tour at 10.30 am and later join the walking tour at 3.00 pm.
About Florence
Florence, the capital of Italy's Tuscany region, is a treasure trove of art, architecture, and history. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, it's home to iconic masterpieces, stunning cathedrals, and a rich cultural heritage that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
Top Attractions
Duomo
The Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Its iconic dome, designed by Brunelleschi, offers panoramic views of the city.
Architecture/Religious
2-3 hours
Free to enter the cathedral, €18 for the climb to the dome
Uffizi Gallery
One of the world's most famous art museums, the Uffizi Gallery houses works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.
Museum/Art
2-3 hours
€20
Ponte Vecchio
A medieval stone bridge famous for its jewelry shops. It's one of the most iconic landmarks in Florence.
Architecture
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Piazzale Michelangelo
A panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views of Florence. It's a perfect spot for sunset and photography.
Scenic Viewpoint
1-2 hours
Free
Accademia Gallery
Home to Michelangelo's famous statue of David, the Accademia Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers.
Museum/Art
1-2 hours
€16
Must-Try Local Dishes
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
A thick-cut, grilled T-bone steak, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. It's a must-try for meat lovers.
Dinner
Contains beef, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Ribollita
A hearty vegetable and bread soup, traditionally made with leftover bread and vegetables. It's a classic Florentine dish.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian, can be made vegan
Lampredotto
A Florentine street food made from the fourth and final stomach of a cow. It's typically served in a sandwich.
Lunch
Contains beef, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Cantucci
Almond biscotti traditionally served with Vin Santo, a sweet Tuscan wine. They are crunchy and perfect for dipping.
Dessert
Contains almonds, can be made gluten-free
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Tuscan countryside
Cycling tours
Hot air balloon rides
Wine tasting tours
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Strolling through the gardens of Villa medici
Visiting museums and art galleries
Attending opera or concerts
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
15-28°C
59-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Florence is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and petty theft can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Florence Airport • 5 km from city center
- Pisa International Airport • 85 km from city center
By train
Santa Maria Novella Station
By bus
Villa Costanza Bus Station, Florence Airport Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The bus network covers the entire city and is the primary mode of public transport. Buses are frequent and reliable.
Taxis
Available • Apps: MyTaxi, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Santa Maria Novella
Oltrarno
San Lorenzo
Santa Croce
Day trips
Siena
70 km from Florence • Half day to full day
A medieval city known for its stunning Piazza del Campo and the Palio, a traditional horse race held twice a year.
Pisa
85 km from Florence • Half day
Home to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, this city offers a mix of historic sites and scenic views.
Chianti Wine Region
30-50 km from Florence • Full day
A picturesque wine region known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages.
Festivals
Festa di San Giovanni • June 24
Calcio Storico Fiorentino • June (dates vary)
Firenze dei Fiori • April to June
Pro tips
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Book tickets for popular attractions in advance to save time and avoid long queues
- Explore the city's hidden gems, such as the Oltrarno neighborhood and the secret passages of the Palazzo Vecchio
- Try local specialties like Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Ribollita, and Lampredotto
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
