As you will discover over the course of your very own holiday Tuscany there are clearly a lot of things that locals indulge themselves in over here with ease. In this post, we will give you insights into the kind of activities that locals here indulge themselves in, in Florence.

Take Cooking Classes

As much as Florence is known for its historic aspects, food and cuisine are integral to this part of Tuscany and Italy. So while in Florence, make the most of cooking classes which many of the locals organize.

Photography

Locals in Florence know the value of photography, given the immense scenic views all around the city. As a visitor on your Florence Italy tour do make the most of your time by taking up photography lessons, especially if you are passionate about it and yet somewhat of a rookie.

Glass Bead Making

Glass bead making is immensely popular among Florentines. You could take some valuable tips while on your tour Toscana.

Serving as a Guide

Locals in Florence have taken to functioning as guides in a very big way. Given the flurry of tourists into the city, it is effectively no surprise at all that there are so many guides speaking a variety of tongues! As a foreigner too, with the necessary formalities in place, you can always serve as a guide for visitors who speak your language in particular!

Aperitvo

Apperitvo is essentially akin to a happy hour which sees locals all decked up and going to their favourite bars. You can surely indulge yourself in that as well! You will never run out of choices in terms of trendy places to hang out at so do make the most of your Apperitvo outing in Florence!

Enjoy Jazz

With jazz being a daily routine at piazza Della SS Annunziata through June and September, locals treat themselves to ravishing jazz concerts during this time of the year. You as a visitor can certainly join in and have a truly “jazzy” time in the midst of your holiday Tuscany.

Mark your date with God

OK, we don’t mean it that literally but while in Florence on your Toscana tour, the sight and sound of churches is simply unmistakable. We would suggest you make the most of it and visit as many churches as you can, just as the locals do. Most entrances are free so cost will not be a factor.

For a FREE quote on your customized private tour of Florence simply fill up the form below and we will take care of the rest!

OK so you have landed at Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci international airport or perhaps reached Florence by train at the city’s main Firenze Santa Maria Novella station. Now what? What are the sights that you absolutely cannot and should not miss? This post will provide you with some visually delectable insights!

Museums

Remember that Florence is steeped in history and what better way to discover the historical magic of the city than to take a peek at its museums? There are so many anyway and that is the reason we have clubbed them together as a single must visit sight in the city.

In our opinion, your first stop should ideally be Galleria degli Uffizi on Piazzale degli Uffizi. Here you will discover exquisite Renaissance paintings including The Birth of Venus by Sandro Boticelli, among many other exclusive works of art.

For more Renaissance as well as Mannerist creations, your next stop could be Bargello or The National Museu of Bargello on Via de Proconsolo 4, where you can lay your sights on a plethora of artistic creations from Ammannati, Desiderio da Settignano, Antonio Rossellino, Donatello and of course Michelangelo himself.

Given the fact that there are so many museums in Florence, you could then head to Accademia Gallery on Via Ricasoli where you will be visually treated to Michelangelo’s David (who would want to miss seeing that anyway?).

Fashionistas would love visiting Gucci Museum where you can enjoy an eclectic collection of ensemble fashion creations by the Italian fashion giant, Gucci, which was founded in the city.

Palazzo Vecchio

The Palazzo Vecchio is a beautiful palace in the old town of Florence which should certainly be very high on the priority list of all visitors to the city. A major draw is the replica of Michelangelo’s David placed right outside the main door of the palace, where the original statue (now housed within Accademia Gallery as mentioned above) was situated.

Piazza Signoria

Piazza Signoria is a very active market square in Florence which scores not only for the abundance of shops and cafes around it but also for the plentiful statues within it including the “fake David”. Here you will particularly relish seeing the beautiful Florence Town Hall also referred to as Palazzo Vecchio.

Boboli Gardens

Situated right behind the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens, along with the Bardini Gardens offer exquisite landscapes which are a visual treat in themselves along with great views of the entire city.

Santa Croce

Santa Croce is a church which has the monumental tombs of Machiavelli, Dante, Michelangelo and Galileo within it which by itself make it an absolute must visit, besides the exquisite artwork that the church is adorned with.

Conclusion

Florence has a plethora of sights which you simply would not want to miss while you are in Florence for the first time. The above are only a representative sample of what we feel are some of the most attractive sights.

For a FREE quote on your customized private tour of Florence simply fill up the form below and we will take care of the rest!

Florence can be quite an intimidating experience for first time tourists to the city, considering the absolute plethora of sights to see there as well as the swarms of tourists that come to the city. So how does one plan out a perfect day in Florence without much ado? This post will clearly offer you some great insights!

Largely our experience tells us that try and avoid packing in too much into a single day. Instead your Florence Italy tour should be worked out in such a way wherein you are able to relax, soak in the entire experience and yet at the same time, are able to see as much of all that this historical and magical city has to offer. Therefore it would make sense that you do not have a very tight schedule spread over say only a day or two and instead are adequately prepared to spend at least 4 – 5 days in the city at the minimum.

With this thought in mind, if you were to kick start your first day in Florence, it would quite aptly be something on the lines of the following…

First, head to the Galleria degli Uffizi museum on Piazzale degli Uffizi. This museum is truly unique since its fine art collection is indeed one of the best that you are ever likely to come across anywhere in the world, such as The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli. Make sure that you reach this place early (opens at 8:15 in the morning, Tuesday to Sunday). If you can be there latest by 9, you can comfortably see the works of art on display at least till lunchtime. There is a restaurant or café within the museum so you can have your lunch there and then head out.

Next as part of your private tour of Florence you can visit the Gucci museum where a plethora of creations from the Gucci stable are on display. This place is open till 8 pm, so after your lunch at the café in Galleria degli Uffizi museum, you could easily be here say between 2 or 3 pm till about 5 pm or so.

In summer when the days are longer and there is a fair amount of sunshine as well as daylight, you can leave Gucci museum at 5 pm or maybe even earlier and then head to the old town where you can be privy to the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral as well as Giotto’s Tower next to it. These are captivating views in themselves and should easily take up the remaining part of your day in Florence.

To get a good head start on this awe-inspiring city, this should really be sufficient for the day, with lots of memories and vivid feelings in your mind for the next day of your Florence private tour…

For a FREE quote on your customized private tour of Florence simply fill up the form below and we will take care of the rest!

Right in the center of Florence, near the Basilica with the same name, runs through the streets the San Lorenzo market. Founded in the late nineteenth century, this market is one of the most important in the city, due to its vicinity to the church of Santa Maria del Fiore and the city center. The market is particularly renowned for leather goods and bags, which are one of the most characteristic products of Florence and the region, and in the production of which Tuscan people truly excel.

The San Lorenzo market is closed on Sundays and Mondays; during the rest of the week is open and full of all kinds of handbags, wallets, belts, jackets and leather shoes made in Tuscany. All products are on sale at excellent prices and suit all tastes.

In Florence there are also many other markets, such as the Market of the Pulci, the one named “of the Cascine“, the Central Market and the New Market. The Central Market is a red building at the center of San Lorenzo Market and is the main hub for trading fruit and vegetables; however, here you can buy also other local products, such as truffles, widely used in Florence, Tuscan pecorino , artichokes Empoli, breads, such as the “Schiacciata”, cakes with crushed grapes and castagnacci. Here you can also taste a glass of wine from the region, such as the Morellino di Scansano, the Chianti or the Brunello of Montalcino. Also on sale, are the typical Chianina’ steaks, which you can buy under vacuum and cook at home.

You can not miss the opportunity to visit the San Lorenzo Basilica, which is one of the oldest in the city, and is very close to the San Lorenzo market. The church has been decorated, among others, by the great Michelangelo and Donatello. There are many works by Donatello, like two bronze pulpits and the marble sarcophagus of the Martelli family from Florence.

Around the San Lorenzo market, there are also numerous restaurants and taverns where you can enjoy a good Florentine (a big steak), the lamprey (a dish made of the offal of beef or veal) or Ribollita (vegetable soup), such as Osteria da Nerbone or the restaurant Fonticine, or the classic tripe carts where you can enjoy a sandwich before continuing the tour!

If you would like to take this opportunity to make your Christmas shopping in Florence and in the San Lorenzo market, do not hesitate to contact us for a quote!

Tourtime: 3 – 6 hours.
Discover: Tuscan region.
Features: English Speaking Driver, Private Guided Excursion
Pick Up Locations: Civitavecchia Sea Port, Hotel, Livorno Sea Port.
Tour Duration: 3 – 6hrs.

The private excursion to Florence and Pisa is a fine opportunity to admire the Gothic art of the greatest monuments inside the medieval wall of Pisa to see Piazza dei Miracoli, Leaning Tower (reservation required to climb up) the Romanesque Baptistery and the Duomo . The private excursion to Florence continues to the capital of Renaissance, city of art and culture and good food. To feel the past, walking over Pontevecchio or in Via dei Calzaiuoli where Michelangelo to stroll relaxing at the end of a busy day, another step and you can see Giotto‘s Bell Tower and the Duomo , about two minutes we reach Santa Croce Church to see Tomb of Michelangelo and the Univeristy of leather where the best products of Florentine’s artisans are produced, five minutes to the Accademy to see the David (reservation required) and Piazza della Signoria (Medici medieval Palace). I will find for you a typical Trattoria Toscana and before the private excursion to Florence and Pisa ends you can have a breathtaking view of the city up the hill of Piazzale Michelangelo.

OK so you have landed at Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci international airport or perhaps reached Florence by train at the city’s main Firenze Santa Maria Novella station. Now what? What are the sights that you absolutely cannot and should not miss? This post will provide you with some visually delectable insights!

Museums:
Remember that Florence is steeped in history and what better way to discover the historical magic of the city than to take a peek at its museums? There are so many anyway and that is the reason we have clubbed them together as a single must visit sight in the city. In our opinion, your first stop should ideally be Galleria degli Uffizi on Piazzale degli Uffizi. Here you will discover exquisite Renaissance paintings including The Birth of Venus by Sandro Boticelli, among many other exclusive works of art. For more Renaissance as well as Mannerist creations, your next stop could be Bargello or The National Museu of Bargello on Via de Proconsolo 4, where you can lay your sights on a plethora of artistic creations from Ammannati, Desiderio da Settignano, Antonio Rossellino, Donatello and of course Michelangelo himself.
Given the fact that there are so many museums in Florence, you could then head to Accademia Gallery on Via Ricasoli where you will be visually treated to Michelangelo’s David (who would want to miss seeing that anyway?). Fashionistas would love visiting Gucci Museum where you can enjoy an eclectic collection of ensemble fashion creations by the Italian fashion giant, Gucci, which was founded in the city.

Palazzo Vecchio:
The Palazzo Vecchio is a beautiful palace in the old town of Florence which should certainly be very high on the priority list of all visitors to the city. A major draw is the replica of Michelangelo’s David placed right outside the main door of the palace, where the original statue (now housed within Accademia Gallery as mentioned above) was situated.

Piazza Signoria:
Piazza Signoria is a very active market square in Florence which scores not only for the abundance of shops and cafes around it but also for the plentiful statues within it including the “fake David”. Here you will particularly relish seeing the beautiful Florence Town Hall also referred to as Palazzo Vecchio.

Boboli Gardens:
Situated right behind the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens, along with the Bardini Gardens offer exquisite landscapes which are a visual treat in themselves along with great views of the entire city.

Santa Croce:
Santa Croce is a church which has the monumental tombs of Machiavelli, Dante, Michelangelo and Galileo within it which by itself make it an absolute must visit, besides the exquisite artwork that the church is adorned with.

Conclusion:
Florence has a plethora of sights which you simply would not want to miss while you are in Florence for the first time. The above are only a representative sample of what we feel are some of the most attractive sights.

For a FREE quote on your customized private tour of Florence simply fill up the form below and we will take care of the rest!

As you will discover over the course of your very own holiday Tuscany there are clearly a lot of things that locals indulge themselves in over here with ease. In this post, we will give you insights into the kind of activities that locals here indulge themselves in, in Florence.
Take Cooking Classes:
As much as Florence is known for its historic aspects, food and cuisine are integral to this part of Tuscany and Italy. So while in Florence, make the most of cooking classes which many of the locals organize.

Photography:
Locals in Florence know the value of photography, given the immense scenic views all around the city. As a visitor on your Florence Italy tour do make the most of your time by taking up photography lessons, especially if you are passionate about it and yet somewhat of a rookie.

Glass Bead Making:
Glass bead making is immensely popular among Florentines. You could take some valuable tips while on your tour Toscana.

Serving as a Guide:
Locals in Florence have taken to functioning as guides in a very big way. Given the flurry of tourists into the city, it is effectively no surprise at all that there are so many guides speaking a variety of tongues! As a foreigner too, with the necessary formalities in place, you can always serve as a guide for visitors who speak your language in particular.

Aperitvo:
Apperitvo is essentially akin to a happy hour which sees locals all decked up and going to their favourite bars. You can surely indulge yourself in that as well! You will never run out of choices in terms of trendy places to hang out at so do make the most of your Apperitvo outing in Florence!

Enjoy Jazz:
With jazz being a daily routine at piazza Della SS Annunziata through June and September, locals treat themselves to ravishing jazz concerts during this time of the year. You as a visitor can certainly join in and have a truly “jazzy” time in the midst of your holiday Tuscany.

Mark your date with God:
OK, we don’t mean it that literally but while in Florence on your Toscana tour, the sight and sound of churches is simply unmistakable. We would suggest you make the most of it and visit as many churches as you can, just as the locals do. Most entrances are free so cost will not be a factor.

For a FREE quote on your customized private tour of Florence simply fill up the form below and we will take care of the rest!

Are you planning of visiting Florence and want to have a wonderful time whilst there? Or are you already in town and are looking for a place to eat? I have shortlisted for you five of the best restaurants in Florence, from the most exclusive to the best ‘cheap-eats’; here they are:

Ora D’Aria – for luxury eating:
Ora D’Aria is an exclusive restaurant located very close to Piazza della Signoria – internationally renowned as one of the best restaurant in Florence. Eating here, you can enjoy gourmet Italian dishes, from spaghetti to guinea fowl, accompanied by the best wines, mainly from Tuscany but also from the rest of Italy and from France. The menu is a little pricey, with mains ranging from €20 to €30; however, this may be a price worth paying for enjoying Michelin-star eating in beautiful Florence.
Address: Via dei Georgofili 11r, Florence
Telephone: +39 055 200 16 99

Casa del Vino – for the wine lovers:
Casa del Vino is truly the place to go for those who enjoy wine. It offers one of the best wine selections in Florence; here, you’ll be able to enjoy a great variety of wines; from vintage Tuscan ones, to the sweet and sparkling. Also on offer are delicious sandwiches (pictured), focacce, salads and crostini to accompany your drinks. Casa del Vino has good prices and is definitely one of the best restaurants in Florence, perfect for a break during your sightseeing day even though tends to be pretty packed with wine lovers.
Address: Via dell’Ariento 16 rosso, Florence.
Telephone: + 39 055 21 56 09.

Alla Vecchia Bettola:
One of the best restaurants in Florence chosen by the locals. If you want to enjoy traditional eating, Alla Vecchia Bettola is the place to go. An old Florentine restaurant, serving exclusively Tuscan foods; this is a great favorite of both locals and tourists. It is normally really packed with diners, so I advise you book a table before making your way there.
Address: Via Luigi Ariosto 34r, Florence
Telephone: +39 055 22 41 58

Cibrèo – for eating fish:
Cibrèo is renowned as one of the best restaurants in Florence to eat fish. Its menu changes with the seasons, but there are new dishes daily and weekly, according to the selection of fish offered by local fishermen. Founded in 1978, Cibrèo has been sourcing only the best ingredients, rapidly becoming one of the best places to eat in the magical Tuscan town. If you prefer a more informal dining experience, you can also try Cibrèo Trattoria or, for a coffee, Caffè Cibrèo.
Address: Via del Verrocchio 8r, Florence
Telephone: +39 055 234 11 00

Carabé – for the best ice-cream in Florence:
Well, you may argue Carabé could not be defined as an actual restaurant; however, in the Summer heat an ice-cream from the best parlour in Florence may turn out to be a great lunch substitute. Carabé il located just few steps away from Michelangelo’s David and offers, apart from a great selection of ice-creams, also granita and various other delicious desserts. If you have a sweet tooth, it is really worth trying.
Address: Via Ricasoli 60 rosso, Florence.
Telephone: +39 055 28 94 76.

Today I have presented you 5 of the best restaurants in Florence; if you have the chance to visit them next time you are there remember to let me know if you enjoyed the food. Or have you already been to Tuscany? Did you eat at any of these restaurants? Share your experience leaving a comment below.

If you wish to visit this beautiful town, request a FREE QUOTE by visting the

Duration: 3 hrs.
Location: Galleria of Academia, The Uffizi, Pontevecchio Palazzo della Signoria, Palazzo Pitti, St. Croce church, the Duomo Campanile Bell of Giotto.

TOUR DESCRIPTION:
A fluent English licensed guide meet you at the lobby of the hotel to start the tour. Florence historical center is easy to walk, thus your tour can be a relaxing experience while exploring the secret aspect of the city where the best renaissance artists worked and lived. Also my trusted guide can show you the Galleria of Academia to see the David, The Uffizi to see the Art collection arranged by The Medici Family. Day tour continue to see other venues like, Pontevecchio, Palazzo della Signoria, Palazzo Pitti, St. Croce church to see Michelangelo monument, the Duomo and Campanile Bell of Giotto. To avoid line at Museums I can make reservation for you. NOTE: The price of day tour, shore excursion or transfer includes the cost of the private vehicle, driver, gas, road tolls, parking fees and taxes. It does not includes entrance fees to sites, private guides for museums or archaeological sites or walking tours, the cost of lunch, gratuity for your driver and for the guide. The tour sequence may be changed due to clients need, local problem or traffic problem, always covering the sights mentioned with tour description and time frame. Your driving guide assist you for the location to see, but he does not enter the sites with you. Please understand we receive several request and the tour is sold to the first customer that buy it after filling up properly the reservation form sent to you. The request via email does not entitle priority for booking.

MAP:

Duration: 12 hrs
Location: Florence: The Duomo,The Bell of Giotto, Pontevecchio…

TOUR DESCRIPTION:
This day excursion is operated with a comfortable minivan, equipped for a minimum of 2 max to 8 person, driven by a fluent English speaking driver.
Also with my vehicle the tour in every Italian town is without restriction through ZTL (Zone Traffic Limited), so that your group is driven few steps beside the sites of interest to see, no long walking. A drive through Latinum and Umbria regions along the panoramic A1 autostrada your group reach easily Florence and stop at Piazzale Michelangelo from where you take a breath- taking view of the valley of Florence. Tour continue to see hilites of the city like The Duomo, Campanile Bell of Giotto, Pontevecchio, S.Lorenzo area, Santa Croce church to see monument to Michelangelo, Piazza Santa Croce with its typical flee market, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Medici and Palazzo Pitti from the outside, Academia to see David by Michelangelo or Uffizi Gallery, and other sites of interest in town. A stop by a local place for lunch, pizza slice or gelato is considered.
To avoid line at Academia or Uffizi Gallery i book for you.
Day excursion is of a minimum of 12 hour from pick up to drop off at your Hotel in Rome. Admission fees for Academia, Santa Croce church, lunch and driver tip are not included.
NOTE: The price of day tour, shore excursion or transfer includes the cost of the private vehicle, driver, gas, road tolls, parking fees and taxes .It does not includes entrance fees to sites, private guides for museums or archaeological sites or walking tours, the cost of lunch, gratuity for your driver and for the guide. The tour sequence may be changed due to clients need, local problem or traffic problem, always covering the sights mentioned with tour description and time frame. Your driving guide assist you for the location to see, but he does not enter the sites with you. Please understand we receive several request and the tour is sold to the first customer that buy it after filling up properly the reservation form sent to you. The request via email does not entitle priority for booking.

MAP:

Duration: 12 hrs
Location: Florence: The Duomo,The Bell of Giotto, Pontevecchio…

TOUR DESCRIPTION:
This day excursion is operated with a comfortable minivan, equipped for a minimum of 2 max to 8 person, driven by a fluent English speaking driver.
Also with my vehicle the tour in every Italian town is without restriction through ZTL (Zone Traffic Limited), so that your group is driven few steps beside the sites of interest to see, no long walking. A drive through Latinum and Umbria regions along the panoramic A1 autostrada your group reach easily Florence and stop at Piazzale Michelangelo from where you take a breath- taking view of the valley of Florence. Tour continue to see hilites of the city like The Duomo, Campanile Bell of Giotto, Pontevecchio, S.Lorenzo area, Santa Croce church to see monument to Michelangelo, Piazza Santa Croce with its typical flee market, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Medici and Palazzo Pitti from the outside, Academia to see David by Michelangelo or Uffizi Gallery, and other sites of interest in town. A stop by a local place for lunch, pizza slice or gelato is considered.
To avoid line at Academia or Uffizi Gallery i book for you.
Day excursion is of a minimum of 12 hour from pick up to drop off at your Hotel in Rome. Admission fees for Academia, Santa Croce church, lunch and driver tip are not included.
NOTE: The price of day tour, shore excursion or transfer includes the cost of the private vehicle, driver, gas, road tolls, parking fees and taxes .It does not includes entrance fees to sites, private guides for museums or archaeological sites or walking tours, the cost of lunch, gratuity for your driver and for the guide. The tour sequence may be changed due to clients need, local problem or traffic problem, always covering the sights mentioned with tour description and time frame. Your driving guide assist you for the location to see, but he does not enter the sites with you. Please understand we receive several request and the tour is sold to the first customer that buy it after filling up properly the reservation form sent to you. The request via email does not entitle priority for booking.

MAP:

Duration: 9 hrs.
Location: Florence and Pisa:

TOUR DESCRIPTION:
The private excursion to Florence and Pisa is a fine opportunity to admire the Gothic art of the greatest monuments inside the medieval wall of Pisa to see Piazza dei Miracoli, Leaning Tower (reservation required to climb up) the Romanesque Baptistery and the Duomo. The private excursion to Florence continues to the capital of Renaissance, city of art and culture and good food.

To feel the past, walking over Pontevecchio or in Via dei Calzaiuoli where Michelangelo to stroll relaxing at the end of a busy day, another step and you can see Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Duomo, about two minutes we reach Santa Croce Church to see Tomb of Michelangelo and the University of leather where the best products of Florentine’s artisans are produced, five minutes to the Academy to see the David (reservation required) and Piazza della Signoria (Medici medieval Palace).

I will find for you a typical Trattoria Toscana and before the private excursion to Florence and Pisa ends you can have a breathtaking view of the city up the hill of Piazzale Michelangelo.

MORE INFO:
Your tour start from Ship side, where a comfortable minivan driven by a fluent English speaking driving guide is waiting for you.
With my vehicles the tours in every Italian town are without restriction through ZTL (Zone Traffic Limited) thus your group is driven few steps beside the sites of interest to see, no long walk. Also each minivan is equipped to accommodate a minimum of 2 max to 8 people.
Pisa leaning Tower, Piazza dei Miracoli, Baptistery and Duomo – a drive along the way to Florence to see Tuscany country side – When in Florence a breath-taking view of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo, then hilites like Duomo, Campanile Bell of Giotto, Pontevecchio, St. Lorenzo area, St. Croce church to see monument to Michelangelo, its typical flee market, Piazza della Signoria and other sites of interest you need to see.
Day tour includes also Academia (David) or Uffizi Gallery. A stop by a local place for lunch, pizza slice or gelato can be considered.
To avoid line at Academia or Uffizi i make reservation for you. Shore excursion is of 9 hour from pick up to drop off ship side, cost is according to people on tour. Payment is cash in euro to the driver at the end of the day .

NOTE:
The price of day tour, shore excursion or transfer includes the cost of the private vehicle, driver, gas, road tolls, parking fees and taxes.
It does not includes entrance fees to sites, private guides for museums or archaeological sites or walking tours, the cost of lunch, gratuity for your driver and for the guide. The tour sequence may be changed due to clients need, local problem or traffic problem, always covering the sights mentioned with tour description and time frame.
Your driving guide assist you for the location to see, but he does not enter the sites with you.
Please understand we receive several request and the tour is sold to the first customer that buy it after filling up properly the reservation form sent to you.
The request via email does not entitle priority for booking.

MAP: