Considered the birthplace of the Renaissance by many art history scholars, Florence is one of the most popular places in Italy to visit. However, many of our tourists come to see the art and architecture without fully grasping what they're looking at.
One of the best ways to get the most out of your Florence travel experience is to schedule Florence walking tours. You can learn all about the historical significance of Florence's top landmarks from the people who call Florence home.
What can you get out of the city free tour in Florence? We're here to tell you. Read on to learn everything you need to know about scheduling and enjoying Florence Free Tours.
Why Should You Schedule a Florence Walking Tour?
Exploring Florence on foot is the only way to see the top sights the city has to offer. Why should you explore with the help of a tour guide? Here are the top reasons.
Unpacking the City's History and Culture
Florence played an important role in the Italian Renaissance, with citizens believing their city to be the "new Athens." Everyone from Florence artists to architects to politicians sought to create a new society founded on humanistic beliefs. During your walking tour, you'll learn more about Florence history, art, and architecture than you would by visiting sights and reading plaques.
Learning About Hidden Gems
During your walking tour, you'll get to see some of the most important cultural centers in Florence, many of which are top destinations. However, your tour guide is a wealth of information. From them, you can find out about hidden gems like our best bed and breakfasts, dining spots, and more.
Planning the Rest of Your Trip
Your free walking tour of Florence will last about two hours from start to finish. Many of our guests use the walking tour to plan the rest of their trip by noting the places they'd like to take a closer look at. For example, you may want to return to places like Ponte Vecchio to do some shopping after your tour is over.
What We'll See on a Florence Free Tour
When you schedule a city free tour in Florence, you'll see some of the most renowned places in the city. Let's take a closer look at the places you'll not only visit but learn about when you take a Florence free tour with us.
Santa Maria Novella Square
We'll begin at Santa Maria Novella Square, which Visit Florence deems the most beautiful square in the city. Here, you'll learn about the stunning architecture of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. As the city's first great basilica, the facades and frescoes played an important role in establishing the architectural style of the Renaissance.
Strozzi Square
Next, we'll walk through Strozzi Square, home of Palazzo Strozzi. Once home to Filippo Strozzi, this palace was designed to intimidate the powerful Medici family.In the twenty-first century, the Palazzo Strozzi plays an important role in Renaissance studies, fashion shows, and more.
Piazza della Republica
We'll stroll through the Piazza della Republica, one of the liveliest squares in Florence. You're bound to see street performers playing instruments or creating artwork amongst the square's notable statuary. This is also a great spot to grab an espresso or cappuccino for a mid-day pick-me-up.
Duomo Square
Next, we'll head to Duomo Square, often considered the heart of Florence architecture and history. We'll spend plenty of time discussing the Florence Cathedral with its iconic dome designed by Brunelleschi. You can't say you've experienced Renaissance architecture firsthand without seeing the Florence Cathedral.
Piazza Signoria
After departing from Duomo Square, we'll walk through Piazza Signoria, once the hub of artistic and political pursuits. We'll take a walk around Palazzo Vecchio, which still serves as Florence's town hall. This is also where you'll find the famous replica of Michelangelo's statue of David.
Uffizi Gallery
You're likely eager to explore our museums and galleries, and our free tour of Florence isn't complete without a stop at the Uffizi Gallery, home to pieces by:
Michelangelo
Leonardo da Vinci
Botticelli
Raphael
Uffizi Gallery is not only one of the most important museums in Italy, but it's considered one of the most important testaments to art history in the world.
Pitti Palace
Finally, we will conclude our tour at Pitti Palace. At this point, we'll ask you to recall Palazzo Strozzi, and consider that Pitti Palace was the home of the all-powerful Medici family (and Strozzi's ultimate rival). This is an appropriate final stop, as the Medici family played a huge role in funding the Renaissance movement.
What to Know About Scheduling a Free Tour in Florence
Before we wrap things up, let's answer a few of the questions we get most often about our free tours of Florence. Don't skip this useful information as you plan your trip to Florence.
How Often Are Free Tours in Florence?
On most days, we'll hold two tours per day. We often hold a morning tour and an afternoon tour, and no two tours are identical. To get the exact schedule for the week of your visit, get in touch.
Should I Schedule My Tour in Advance?
We are one of the most popular tour providers in Florence and we do recommend scheduling your tour in advance. That said, we can often fit small groups into our upcoming tours with only a few days' notice. Each tour tends to serve between five and 15 people.
Are Free Tours Really Free?
Our free tours really are free! Please keep in mind that our tour guides earn money via tips. If, after your tour is complete, you feel like it was valuable to you, we would appreciate it if you could tip your tour guide accordingly.
Plan Your Florence Travel With a Free Walking Tour
If you're coming to Italy, don't forget to schedule your city free tour in Florence. There's no better way to experience the city and learn about our rich history and culture.
Florence Free Tours is the first free walking tour in Florence, serving visitors since 2009. As the top free walking tour, we work with only the most informed tour guides and stop at the most important places in Florence. Book your tour today!
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