Private highlights of Florence walking tour

You’ll begin your tour at the Piazza della Signoria named for the Signoria of Florence, the city’s former ruling body. This piazza has been a focal point of governmental, social, artistic and even religious activity for centuries. Our guides will recount the dramas that have taken place within the square itself and will introduce you to the Palazzo Vecchio, the Loggia dei Lanzi and the other important buildings sitting along its edges.

From here you will make your way, with your private tour guide, to the magnificent Duomo, the Basilica Santa Maria del Fiore (or Saint Mary of the Flowers). With its massive yet elegant red-brick dome, designed by Brunelleschi in the 15th century, this basilica undoubtedly forms the most iconic silhouette of the Florentine skyline. Admire its architectural magnificence while your guide relays the amusing tales of its designers and their work. Here you’ll also have a chance to become acquainted with two other important structures: the Baptistery, dating back as early as the 5th Century, where many notable Florentines, including Dante Aligheri, were baptized, and Giotto’s Tower, the remarkable gothic-style bell tower at the church’s side.

The tour also includes a visit to the Accademia Gallery. In addition to offering its visitors a view of works by Florentine greats like Botticelli, Ghirlandaio and Andrea del Sarto, the “Academy” is home to one of Florence’s (the world’s, for that matter) greatest treasures: Michelangelo’s glorious statue of David.