Florence tours

Things to do in Florence

Florence, Italy, is a living masterpiece, where art and history permeate the air. The city pulses with lively piazzas, soft melodies from street musicians, and the aroma of fresh espresso. Your Florence tours, led by your guide, will unveil the soul of this Renaissance marvel. Picture skipping the line at the Uffizi Gallery, standing before Botticelli’s Venus with insider insights illuminating each brushstroke. A leisurely walk through the cobblestoned Oltrarno district reveals artisan workshops and tucked-away cafes. On a food and wine tour, enjoy Chianti and handmade gelato. Your guide ensures Florence is not just seen but deeply felt, turning your visit into a personal cultural journey. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Florence. Explore Florence your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Florence tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Florence for every interest, including: Art and Culture tours: stand before Botticelli at the Uffizi and Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia, then cross to the Oltrarno to meet goldsmiths and bookbinders in their workshops. A local can fold in a stop for cantucci and Vin Santo near Santa Croce while you learn how artisans keep traditions alive. Museums tours: pair the Bargello’s Renaissance sculpture with the Medici treasures in the Palatine Gallery at Palazzo Pitti, with timed‑entry tickets arranged by your guide. Your private museums tour can also focus on the Duomo Museum to examine the original Gates of Paradise and Donatello’s Mary Magdalene up close. History tours: trace Medici power from San Lorenzo and the Chapels to Palazzo Vecchio’s Salone dei Cinquecento, hearing how the city’s guilds shaped the streets you’re walking. Stroll Dante’s neighbourhood, view the Vasari Corridor from the river, and learn why towers like the Torre della Pagliazza survived. The historic centre is very walkable, and trams and buses connect the station area to neighbourhoods beyond the river. For winery visits, hill towns like Fiesole, or farther day trips, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your guide about private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Florence inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Discover the essence of Florence with a private walking tour, guided by a local who can introduce you to its diverse neighborhoods. There's no better way to uncover the city's secrets than with someone who calls it home. - Oltrarno: Known for its artisan workshops and authentic Florentine vibe, this neighborhood is ideal for cultural tourists and those seeking to connect with local craftspeople. - Santa Croce: Visit this vibrant area famous for its stunning basilica and lively piazzas. A great spot for families and anyone interested in art and history. - San Lorenzo: Explore the bustling markets and taste local delicacies with your guide. Perfect for foodies and multi-generational groups eager to experience Florence’s culinary scene. Day trip ideas from Florence Use Florence as a base and slip into nearby towns, walled cities, and vineyard country on easy day trips that match your love for art, food, or quiet streets. - Pisa | See the Leaning Tower and the marble masterpieces in Piazza dei Miracoli, then wander the riverfront for simple snacks and photos; if you like architecture and classic icons, your tour can keep things compact and skip long museum lines. - Siena and San Gimignano | Siena’s shell-shaped square and striped cathedral pair well with San Gimignano’s medieval towers; great if you enjoy history, people-watching, and views, with time for local pasta or a gelato stop folded into your tour. - Chianti Classico | Rolling vines, stone villages, and small wineries make an easy countryside loop; ideal for wine fans or photographers, and your guide can pace tastings with short village walks so the day feels balanced. - Lucca | Bike or stroll atop the tree-lined walls, listen for echoes of Puccini, and duck into quiet churches; if you prefer calm streets over crowds, this is a gentle day that can include a market visit or a café break. - Cinque Terre | Colourful coastal villages linked by short trains and cliff paths; choose sea views, light hikes, or focaccia and anchovies, and your tour can focus on the villages that fit your energy level and timing. These day trips from Florence work well with private tours, letting you shape the pace and focus without fuss. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Florence most travellers miss.