Serene Florence: Timeless Beauty & Hidden Treasures
3.5 hours
Begin your morning where Florence’s skyline unfolds like a Renaissance masterpiece: San Miniato al Monte, perched high above the city. Here, you’ll hear tales of saints, miracles, and the city’s fiery origins—all while soaking in what might just be the most breathtaking view in Tuscany.
Step inside the oldest church in Florence, a serene sanctuary nearly 1,000 years old, where every corner whispers stories. Marvel at the mosaics, frescoes, and intricate intarsia woodwork—a showcase of Florentine artistry across the ages. Listen for the monks’ Gregorian chants drifting from the monastery, where they still craft ceramics, honey, and herbal tisanes (perfect souvenirs!).
From there, wander downhill to the Piazzale Michelangelo, where a bronze David stands guard over the city. Learn about Michelangelo’s turbulent life and genius as you admire copies of his greatest sculptures, with the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio as your backdrop. (Yes, this is the ultimate photo spot!)
Next, a hidden gem: the Rose Garden, a fragrant oasis with unrivaled views of Florence’s medieval walls and towers. Then, choose your adventure:
Option 1: Santa Croce & Artisan Secrets
Cross the Arno into the Santa Croce district, stopping at a traditional perfumery where scents are blended like alchemy.
Walk in the footsteps of Romans along cobblestones that trace the ancient amphitheater’s ruins.
Enter the Basilica of Santa Croce—Florence’s "Temple of Glory"—where Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli lie beneath stunning frescoes. Step into the Pazzi Chapel, Brunelleschi’s Renaissance masterpiece, where geometry and light create perfect harmony. (Ticket required: €9)
Option 2: Oltrarno’s Bohemian Soul
Explore the Santo Spirito neighborhood, Florence’s creative heart, and visit a stone mosaic workshop. Watch artisans cut and assemble colorful marble pieces using 16th-century techniques—a rare glimpse into a vanishing craft. (Closed weekends!)
Why this tour stands out:
Monks, mosaics & Michelangelo—dive deeper than the typical highlights.
Artisans at work—meet real Florentines keeping traditions alive.
Designed for curiosity—whether you love history, art, or hidden corners.
Note: Not available Sunday mornings. Santa Croce tickets not included in Option 1.
Guide Bio:
Your guide is a brilliant British-Italian expert in Renaissance culture, with decades of experience teaching art and history at prestigious institutions. A published academic and former broadcaster for renowned arts programs, she blends deep scholarly knowledge with a storyteller’s flair. Fluent in the secrets of Florence, she’s dedicated to sharing the city’s wonders beyond the guidebooks.
Private Group Pricing:
1 person: €340 (a private deep dive into Florence’s soul)
2 people: €170 per person
3 people: €115 per person
4 people: €85 per person
5 people: €69 per person
6 people: €59 per person
7 people: €50 per person
8 people: €45 per person