Thinking about a trip to Florence? Great call. This city is a treasure trove of iconic art, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering local dishes. With so many options out there, picking the right tours can feel overwhelming. Dive into this guide to uncover our top Florence tours and find the perfect one for your adventure!
Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to Florence? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you need it. Check out our guide to Florence for more planning resources, our best Florence tours for a memorable trip, and how to see Florence in a day (with itinerary).
Should You Take a Tour in Florence?
Absolutely! Florence has a rich history steeped in art and culture from the infamous Renaissance period. From the Medici family origins to Ponte Vecchio’s stinky past, there is so much to learn about in Florence.
The best way to do that is with the help of a professional guide who truly loves their city and has the funniest stories to tell. Don’t believe me? Check out what other clients have said!
The 13 Most Popular Florence Tours To Take
Florence has much to offer every kind of traveler, making it a popular destination. It has cultural attractions, beautiful architecture, a great food and bar scene, and a diverse countryside. Tuscan Hills, anyone?
The great news is that the area is extremely well set up for tourism with many innovative tours and experiences. Counting down to our absolute favorites, here are the best Florence tours!
1. Florence Dome Climb & Terrace Tours
The Florence Duomo by Brunelleschi is arguably the most famous site in Florence. You may know you can enter the church, but did you know you can climb to the top of the Dome and visit its Terraces?
Yes! Understanding how to visit the Florence Duomo and climb the Dome is one of the most important things to learn before visiting the city.
You’ll need to reserve in advance and a guided tour is worth it. The terraces are only accessible through guided tours, and are arguably the best part.
Guided tours vary in length and normally average around 2 hours total so they are easy to fit into your day.
We’ve been running tours in Flroence and based on our 1000s of reviews, we feel we are the best company to book tours in Flroence and Italy. We run our own tours and partner with the most trusted operators in the city.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Florence Guide for more info.
2. Florence in a Day Combo Tour with David and Uffizi
Looking to experience Florence in a day? This tour is fine-tuned for those who don’t have a ton of time to spend in Florence but want to hit all the main stops.
Michelangelo’s David at Accademia Gallery
Your one-day adventure begins in the morning where you will skip the line of the Accademia Gallery and immerse yourself in the life of Michelangelo and one of his most famous statues, the David.
Florence Cathedral (Duomo)
After the Accademia, you’ll take a stroll down to visit the city’s main church, the Florence Duomo, whose over-the-top Gothic exterior and imposing red dome by Brunelleschi will be a sight you never forget. In this square, you’ll also see the baptistry whose golden doors by Ghiberti are the most famous in the world.
Florence Piazzas and Ponte Vecchio
Your adventure continues as you take a stroll through the leather market and various little piazzas that make Florence so charming, finishing up for lunch at Ponte Vecchio. At this point, you will have about an hour of free time to sit down in a restaurant or grab a panino and simply people watch.
Uffizi Gallery
Once you’ve finished lunch, you and your expert guide will skip the lines and head into the Uffizi Gallery. If you love Renaissance art or beautiful things in general, then you won’t be disappointed.
During your walk through the pinnacle of Renaissance art history, you will encounter paintings by Raphael, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Caravaggio. Once you have finished you can say with confidence that you hit all the main sights of Florence in one day!
Highlights:
6.5-hour tour
Skip-the-line entry to Accademia Gallery and Uffizi Gallery
See Florence’s top sights, including the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Florence Guide for more info.
3. Tuscany Wine Tour from Florence To Siena and Chianti
On this day trip, venture from the city of Florence to the rolling hills of Chianti and Siena in a climate-controlled luxury bus. Your day starts with your expert guide who will be waiting, together with the driver, to take you on this awesome day of wine and culture.
Siena
Your first stop is the Medieval town of Siena. Historically always at war with Florence, you will fall in love with its small alleys and rich history. You’ll have some free time to explore the beautiful Siena Cathedral on your own and enjoy this gigantic work of art.
Chianti
After Siena, you’ll head to a small, family-owned organic farm and winery in Chianti where you will taste not only a selection of their best wines but also homemade dishes from their kitchen. This is a treat as many of their ingredients are grown right on the farm. After lunch, you’ll tour the winery and have the opportunity to purchase wine to bring home to your friends and family.
San Gimignano
Once your belly is full, our final stop will be San Gimignano. This picturesque town is known as the “Manhattan of Italy” due to all the medieval towers that you’ll find throughout the town. You’ll have free time to wander a bit, do some shopping, or just eat gelato and people-watch in the little square.
Highlights:
9-hour tour
Luxury transport
Visit historic Tuscany towns Siena and San Gimignano
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Tuscany guide for more info.
4. Florence Walking Tour with Statue of David
As one of our top sellers, this experience is definitely one of our best Florence tours. Explore the heart of Florence with your local expert guide who will bring the city’s folklore to life!
Michelangelo’s David at Accademia Gallery
You will start by discovering what is probably the most famous statue on the planet: Michelangelo’s David. You will skip the long lines of the Accademia Museum, which is a major bonus.
Florence Duomo
After the David, you’ll stroll over the famous Duomo of Florence or Florence Cathedral. Your guide has lots to share about the fascinating history of this historic building. This is the main church of Florence and is crowned by the famous dome of Brunelleschi.
Ponte Vecchio
Our tour continues on to pass through the famous leather market, charming squares, and even where Dante grew up. We will leave you at Ponte Vecchio, which is famous today for its great views of the river Arno and its jewelry shops.
There are very few Italian things more iconic than the Vespa. In this tour, you’ll learn to ride the stylish motorcycle that has been a cornerstone of Italian style. Then, you’ll set off from Florence and ride through the rolling hills and ancient villages of Tuscany.
Along the way, you’ll stop at two of the best Chianti wineries to taste some fantastic wine and local produce. Your guide will point out their favorite places and views as your ride through the region’s enchanting countryside.
This tour is an exciting way to get outdoors and explore beyond the city of Florence and sample the good food, wine, and way of life in this famous part of Italy.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Tuscany guide for more info.
6. Florence Local Food Tour in Santo Spirito
There is no country that takes food more seriously than Italy. Taste Florence’s authentic flavors on this evening food tour through the local neighborhoods.
We have carefully handpicked each site for a delicious food experience that explores the local meats, cheeses, pasta, wine, and of course the famous Bistecca Fiorentina or Florentine Steak!
Beginning at the Piazza della Signoria, this light walking tour brings you over the famed Ponte Vecchio bridge and through the heart of Florence and into the city’s most exciting food district—Santo Spirito. You’ll try some delicious local aperitivo (typically wine before a meal), prior to a traditional dinner of Tuscan pasta and one of the best Florentine steaks you can find anywhere in the city.
Along the way, make sure to leave room for plenty of wine. You’ll sample a wide variety of it at an 800-year-old wine shop, paired with delicious olive oil and truffles. And after your dinner, try the vin santo with local biscotti. This is a great food tour with a guide knowledgeable in the rich and detailed history of Florence and its food, without waiting to eat.
Highlights:
3-hour tour
Florence walking tour, including Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and Santo Spirito
Wine tasting at a local enoteca older than the Renaissance
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Florence Guide for more info.
7. Tuscany Wineland Safari from Florence
While the price is a bit higher than your average tour, this experience is one of a kind. Instead of a tour bus, or even a luxury van, you will jump into an iconic Land Rover and traverse the Tuscan countryside.
You’ll find yourself going from paved roads to vineyard trails in no time. It is a special experience for the adventurous at heart that will make your trip that much more memorable. The tour includes pick-up in Florence, a stop at a vineyard with wine tasting, a wine-filled picnic, and various stops in Tuscan towns, including a medieval castle.
Highlights:
Comfortable Return transport from Florence in a modern minivan
Explore Tuscany in a state-of-the-art Range Rover Defender
Wine tour of a Chianti farmhouse, cellar, and vineyards
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Tuscany guide for more info.
8. Explore Tuscany in a Vintage Fiat 500
We’ve all got that image of Italy, the quintessential Italy. Rolling green hills, a girl in dark sunglasses and a head scarf, a 1960’s Fiat 500 growling as it struggles up another hill. Well, we can provide the Fiat 500 and the rolling green hills, but you’ll have to bring your headscarf.
Your day of exploring the Chianti Classico area begins in southern Florence. At your meeting point, you’ll find your professional tour driver, who will be waiting with your vintage FIAT 500! Before leaving the city, your guide will take you toward the Piazzale Michelangelo for the best birds-eye-view of Florence. After taking in the panoramic vista and snapping a few photos with your legendary FIAT 500, hop back in the passenger’s seat and get ready to feel like a movie star as you cruise the lush hills of the Tuscan countryside!
Your guide will drive you to a breathtaking Chianti Classico wine estate, where you’ll be treated to an exclusive visit to their stunning gardens and wine cellar. After touring the property, enjoy a traditional, Tuscan light lunch, along with a wine and extra virgin olive oil tasting.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Florence Guide for more info.
9. Skip the Line Uffizi Gallery Tour
This Uffizi Gallery tour will give you a great scope and appreciation of the renowned artwork produced by the Renaissance era’s superstars: Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, and more.
You’ll fall in love with the art as your expert guide shares interesting stories about the artists. Time will fly by as you learn why Michelangelo was so stubborn or how Caravaggio was the bad boy of Italy. Your expert guide will lead you on a journey through art and history as they share the important stories behind each painting, as well as their context within Florentine and Italian culture.
We offer many tours that visit the Uffizi Gallery. However, this one is specifically focused on the Uffizi and does not visit other areas of Florence. It’s especially for lovers of art history who don’t want to wait in line to see these Renaissance masterpieces.
Highlights:
2-hour tour
Skip-the-line Uffizi Gallery tickets
Discover the masters and masterpieces of the Renaissance
Are you seeking the ultimate wine adventure in Tuscany?
Join this small-group food and wine safari, which takes you to hidden gems that other tours often miss, all in a rugged 4×4 Range Rover! Venture off the beaten path for a more personal exploration of the stunning Chianti wine region.
Starting from Florence, you’ll journey through picturesque hills, valleys, charming villages, and lush vineyards in Italy’s wine-making heart. Taste exquisite wines, explore a breathtaking 13th-century castle, and indulge in a traditional 3-course Tuscan lunch.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Tuscany guide for more info.
11. Authentic 4-Course Meal at a Local’s Home in Florence
Looking to connect with locals while savoring authentic Italian cuisine in Florence?
Immerse yourself in classic Italian hospitality as a local Cesarina welcomes you into her home for a personal cooking demonstration! Observe as she skillfully prepares a sumptuous 4-course meal using cherished family recipes. Then, gather around her dining table to enjoy the delightful feast together. This small-group experience is a unique culinary journey you won’t want to miss!
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Florence Guide for more info.
12. Statue of David Evening Tour
If you’re looking to see the David with almost no crowds at all, our Statue of David Evening Tour is a great option. This tour focuses solely on the Accademia Gallery, home of Michelangelo’s 17-foot tall masterpiece, the David.
During this tour, you won’t only see the David with no crowds, but at least four lesser-known statues by Michelangelo that were never completely finished. This will give you a true sense of appreciation for the work that goes into making something beautiful with just a hammer and chisel!
Your expert guide will explain Michelangelo’s life and upbringing as well as some carving techniques. But don’t worry, it won’t be too technical—just the fun stuff! Because most visitors go to the Accademia in the morning, this tour provides an exclusive experience, entering the museum after closing time.
Highlights:
1.5-hour tour
After-hours gallery access
See Michelangelo’s iconic statue of David with a few others
Florence is an extremely walkable city, which makes it perfect for a bike tour. Meet at the Arno River in the heart of Florence and cruise across the cobblestone streets in this mostly flat city.
You’ll hit all the main outdoor attractions, including the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, explore the city’s Renaissance-age piazzas, and see the great statues and fountains, including the statue of David’s original site.
Take this tour in the morning, afternoon, or evening—whenever suits you. Along the way, you’ll hear some amazing stories, discover hidden gems, and eat some of the city’s best gelato. It’s a great way to see Florence!
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Florence Guide for more info.
14. Florentine Gondola Boat Tour
Venice is not the only city in Italy with its very own taxi-like boats! That’s right, Florence has a type of boat known as “Barchetti” and while they are not as common as Gondolas, they achieve the same purpose!
With a glass of wine and soft drinks included, this one-hour experience is a great way to see Florence from a much different vantage point. You’ll have views of places like the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo as your traditional Barcaiolo skipper takes you under the iconic Ponte Vecchio and other historic bridges.
Highlights:
1-hour tour
Arno river boat ride with a glass of wine (or soft drink)
Enjoy views of Florence and some top sights
Cruise under Ponte Vecchio and other historic bridges
Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!
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