Florence , Italy

Pitti Palace and Palatine Gallery: A Royal Art and History Tour

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(41 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the grand-ducal residence of the Medici family, their vast private collection of paintings, arranged in rooms sumptuously decorated with baroque stuccoes and frescoes, and the royal apartments, joined to the gallery, once the residence of the king of Italy.

Available options

Promo: German Guided Tour

Palatina & Pitti Guided Tour: Palatina Gallery & Pitti Palace Guided Tour in German

Spanish Guided Tour

Promo: Italian Guided Tour

Palatina & Pitti Guided Tour: Palatina Gallery & Pitti Palace Guided Tour in Italian

Italian Guided Tour

German Guided Tour

Promo: French Guided Tour

Palatina & Pitti Guided Tour: Palatina Gallery & Pitti Palace Guided Tour in French

Promo: Spanish Guided Tour

Palatina & Pitti Guided Tour: Palatina Gallery & Pitti Palace Guided Tour in Spanish

Promo: English Guided Tour

Palatina & Pitti Guided Tour: Palatina Gallery & Pitti Palace Guided Tour Promo in English

English Guided Tour

French Guided Tour

What's included

Official certified guide

Radio system to hear the guide

Entrance Ticket with reservation

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Enjoy the guided tour inside this marvelous palace, which was built during the 15th century and then bought by the Medici Family becoming their glorious residence. The guide will escort you through the Palatine Gallery (Galleria Palatina) in order for you to enjoy the beauties kept there.

Stop 2

This private collection is made up of a vast group of paintings owned by the Grand Dukes and they are displayed in the official staterooms on the first floor of the Pitti Palace. Along with your local guide, you will discover dozens of Renaissance paintings, including the most remarkable masterpieces by Botticelli, Titian, Rubens, Caravaggio, and many other Italian and European painters from the 15th to the 17th century, through the Planetary Rooms. These rooms were designed by the great Baroque painter Pietro da Cortona and they create an overwhelmingly stunning environment of frescoes and stucco, where you will soon find that this beautiful setting provides the perfect background of the superb exhibition of paintings from the Medici collection. Finally, you will visit the royal apartments.

Stop 3

The tour takes about one and an half hours, the perfect amount of time to appreciate the art collections, and you are also free to return to anything you might want to see again after the tour ends. This is the ideal tour for art and history lovers alike, made all more the better by your knowledgeable tour guide and coveted skip-the-line access

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Food and drinks

Transportation to/from attractions

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

14 reviews

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

27 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The tour operator guarantees 'skip the line' tours even during peak season, except in the event of delays or strikes by the museum management.

Please note that the tour requires a minimum number of two guests to run.

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.

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.

Meeting point

Please be present in front of the Central Gate (Piazza de'Pitti), 15 minutes before departure time in order to avoid any delays.

Important notes

The entrance tickets will be delivered by the guide or our representative at the meeting point prior to the start of the tour.

Please follow the instructions to the meeting point as on the voucher.

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