Medici Dynasty

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The most important dynasty in Italy revealed.
The Medici family ruled Florence and Tuscany for over three centuries and contributed like no other to the renaissance movement that started in the 15th century. Coming from the Mugello area, just north of Florence, the Medici was a family of bankers that accumulated huge amount of wealth and power that lead them to become Grand Dukes of Tuscany in the 16th century and an important player in the European political and strategic scene. Among them, Cosimo the Elder is considered to be the Father of the Nation, his grandson Lorenzo the Magnificent is by excellence the perfect patron of Renaissance art, philosophy and literature. Cosimo I changed the status of the family from Dukes of Florence to Gran Dukes of Tuscany and unified the region in 1555.

Among the family members, two became Popes in times critical to the Church future and doctrine. While declining in the 17th century and ending in the 18th century, the Medici dynasty left their mark on Florence and Tuscany, and consequently on the world, like few others did.

Travel back in time and understand how this great family shaped history and politics in the times of the Tuscan state and sponsored the art you see now in Florence and Tuscany.

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_single_image image=”4044″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]HALF DAY MEDICI TOUR | 3 Hours
This introductory tour begins with a historical presentation of events related to Florence and the Medici, tracing the roots and raising to be the most powerful family in Florence in the 15th century while visiting important monuments and palaces in the historical center of Florence.

DETAILS
Meeting at your hotel or an established location. Introduction to the tour and explanation of the historical moment and facts. Walking tour starting from Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, San Lorenzo church and square, Duomo square, walk to Piazza della Signoria, Uffizi square and the Oltrarno neighborhood with a special stop at Palazzo Pitti, the Medici residence from the mid 16th century till 1737.

This is a walking and historical tour without museums visit.

PARTICIPANTS | Up to 12 people. Please inquire about larger groups.
DURATION | 3 hours approx.
SCHEDULES | Daily, starts in morning and afternoon.
FEE | From 270 Euro.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]FULL DAY MEDICI TOUR | 7 Hours
In-depth journey into the legacy of the Medici family with special visits to their Palaces and art collection in various museums in Florence.

DETAILS
Meeting at your hotel or an established location. Introduction to the tour and explanation of the historical moments and facts. Walking tour starting at Palazzo Medici-Riccardi and visit to the palace museum, San Lorenzo church and the Medici Chapels, Duomo square, walk to Piazza della Signoria and visit inside Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi square and the Oltrarno neighborhood with a special stop at Palazzo Pitti and visit to the Boboli Gardens.

Experience more with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery and/or Accademia Gallery.

PARTICIPANTS | Up to 12 people. Please inquire about larger groups.
DURATION | 3 hours approx.
SCHEDULES | Daily, starts in morning and afternoon.
FEE* | From 520 Euro.

* Museums entrance fee not included, prices vary from 6 to 16,50 Euro per person per museum. We can arrange for museum ticket reservation (highly recommended due to long waiting lines), please inquire.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Medici Chapels and San Lorenzo

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THE MEDICI’ FAMILY NEIGHBORHOOD
Just few from steps the Duomo, the Medici, in the 14th century, settled in the quarter that is now San Lorenzo / San Marco neighborhood. From this place, their power, both financial and political, grew during the 15th century, making them the absolute lords of the city and leading them to the title of Dukes of Florence and Grand Dukes of Tuscany in the 16th century.

Here you find their original Palace and a church with burial chapels, the famous Medici Chapels, dedicated to the family members that are within a church designed and build by Renaissance architect and genius Filippo Brunelleschi, and an amazing chapel and library by the great master Michelangelo.


MEDICI CHAPELS AND SAN LORENZO | 2 to 5 HOURS
Set in one location, this tour will give you a full experience of San Lorenzo church, chapels and neighborhood.

The Medici Chapels tour include a full tour of the Princes Chapel started in the middle of the 16th century and Michelangelo’s New Sacristy started around 1515. The tour focuses on Michelangelo’s legacy as an architect and sculptur, his statues inside the Chapel and his relation with Medici family at the time and the family members buried inside.

On request, the tour can be followed by a tour of San Lorenzo Church with focus on Brunelleschi new style and the passage from Gothic style in architecture to Renaissance. Follow up, a visit to the Laurentian Library can be planned (morning visit only) and a visit to the Medici-Riccardi Palace.

After the tour and within two minutes walk, you will be visiting a vibrant neighborhood with Florence main food market (Mercato Centrale or Mercato di San Lorenzo) around the corner. It is the right place to introduce yourself to the rich and diversified Tuscan cuisine.


TOUR DETAILS
Participants | Up to 12 people. Please inquire about larger groups.
Duration | 2 to 5 hours approx.
Schedules | Daily at an arranged hour. Major museums close at 6.00 Pm and on Monday.
Fee* | From 230 Euros.

* “Skip the Line” tickets not included, price around 10 Euro per person per museum. At Touring Florence, we don’t charge a commission for tickets if you book our tours.

For opening hours and other information, please check the Polo Museale Fiorentino official website.

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Medici-Riccardi Palace, Courtyard.

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Laurentian Library, Michelangelo.

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Mercato Centrale, authentic Italian food shop.

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Dark Side of Florence

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1430388802573{padding-top: 100px !important;padding-right: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 100px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;background-image: url(https://touringflorence.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/florencedark.jpg?id=3511) !important;}” gmbt_prlx_bg_type=”parallax” gmbt_prlx_break_parents=”4″ gmbt_prlx_smooth_scrolling=”gambit_parallax_enable_smooth_scroll” gmbt_prlx_video_mute=”” gmbt_prlx_video_force_hd=”” gmbt_prlx_opacity=”100″ gmbt_prlx_video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ gmbt_prlx_parallax=”down” gmbt_prlx_speed=”0.3″ gmbt_prlx_enable_mobile=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_custom_heading text=”Dark Side of Florence” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Conspiracies and political intrigues in 15th and 16th century Florence.

This experience is a journey into the political intrigues and struggle for power thatcharacterized Florence at the beginning of Renaissance. Discover hidden rooms in Palaces of power and get an in-depth view of the violent infighting between Florentine families and within the Medici family to establish the domain over the city.

DARK SIDE OF FLORENCE | HALF DAY or FULL DAY

Your specialized tour guide will introduce you to the unique events and facts during the political struggle in Florence while visiting important locations related to the events. Get a first hand view and understand turning points in the city history, ranging for politics to family affairs and to forbidden studies:

  • The Pazzi Conspiracy: The most violent conspiracy in the city history with complex intrigues involving players such as the Pope and other local and European figures.
  • The Florentine rebellion of 1494 and the expulsion of the Medici: The role of Domenican monk Savonarola.
  • The Medici return in 1512: Giovanni (future Pope Leone X) and his brother Giuliano.
  • The murder of Duke Alessandro in 1537 and the end of the main branch of the family.
  • The poisoning of Francesco I of Medici and his second wife Bianca Cappello: The ambiguous role of his brother Cardinal Ferdinando I, future Gran Duke of Tuscany.
  • The forbidden study of dead bodies by Michelangelo and Leonardo: a tolerated practice.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]TOUR DETAILS
You’ll begin the tour by meeting with your guide for an introduction to the day ahead, including a presentation and identification of events and facts. Then, you’ll walk throughout the historical center of Florence, including a stop at Palazzo Vecchio and the secret rooms with in-depth explanation of the Pazzi conspiracy (Congiura dei Pazzi) and following events. Short visit to Santa Croce neighborhood, where the Pazzi lived.

At 1:30pm, there will be a lunch break (not included in fee) and discussion.

The afternoon program (if requested) is dedicated to events related to the Medici rule in the city and the establishment of their absolute domain.

The tour will conclude with evening aperitif (included in fee) and discussion.

PARTICIPANTS
Up to 12 people. Please inquire about larger groups.
DURATION
6 hours approx. + 1 hour lunch break
SCHEDULES
Daily, starts at 9.00am by appointment. Tour can be split in two half-day tours.
FEE
Please inquire.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Send an inquiry

Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria

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THE CENTER OF FLORENTINE POLITCAL POWER
A square like no other in the world: an open air museum and a window on history, this is Piazza della Signoria.

The square has been and is Florence political center, it has been defined by centuries of struggle for political power by Florentine families and parties, till the Medici claimed absolute power in the 16th century. Leaning over the Square, the seven centuries old Palazzo Vecchio and its high tower, Arnolfo Tower, is one of the world’s most recognizable medieval buildings.


PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA AND PALAZZO VECCHIO | 2 to 5 HOURS
A touring experience set in a very small space but that will impress you with the history and art in each detail of the Square, Without having to walk more than a couple of minutes, you and your group will acquire all the information necessary to understand the history and the politics in Florence while enjoying and learning about the art around you.

Experience an open air museum!


THE TOUR
Meeting at your hotel or an established location. Walk to Piazza della Signoria and start with an urban architectural introduction. Continue with potilical facts and learn about the continuous struggle over power from the 13th to 16th century in Florence. Focus on original art present in the Square by great masters such as Giambologna, Cellini, Ammannati and replicas of art by Donatello and Michelangelo (the David) and many other artists.

Continue the tour inside the Palazzo Vecchio, starting at the interior courtyards and then visiting the first floor and the breathtaking Hall of the Five Hundred, a majestic chamber, 52 meters (170 feet) long.

On the second floor, you can admire different interior spaces, apartments and chambers, that have been remodeled in the 16th century, when the Medici lived in the Palace, by artists and architects like Vasari, Ghirlandaio and Bronzino.

On request, follow up with a tour of the adjacent Uffizi Gallery.


TOUR DETAILS
Participants | Up to 12 people. Please inquire about larger groups.
Duration | 2 to 5 hours approx.
Schedules | Daily except on Thursday.
Fee* | From 230 Euros.

* “Skip the Line” tickets not included, price around 10 Euro per person per museum. At Touring Florence, we don’t charge a commission for tickets if you book our tours.

For opening hours and other information, please check the Musei Civici Fiorentini official website.

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Neptun Fountain, Ammannati.

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Hall of the Five Hundred,
Palazzo Vecchio.

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The Rape of the Sabine Women,
Giambologna.

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A Night at the Opera

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A unique musical experience with a Night at the Opera.

Florence is the birth place of Opera. At the end of XVI century, a group of Florentine intellectuals and musicians called the Camerata de’ Bardi, created this new theatrical musical genre. This exclusive and unique experience is a journey of discovery of art, under its musical and theatrical form.

TOUR DETAILS
Start this experience by joining your tour/music expert for a panoramic of the musical scene in Florence and the history of Opera. You will also be touring the historical center of Florence with special stops at locations of interested for music and Opera. Stop for a short aperitif or dinner break and then continue your tour by going to the Opera.

MUSIC AND OPERA DETAILS
Concerts, Operas and musical events are available almost on daily basis. Florence has three main theaters. Below you will find links to their websites where you can check the programs.

Teatro Comunale – Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
https://www.maggiofiorentino.com/?q=en/node

Teatro Verdi (Italian website)
https://www.teatroverdionline.it/site/home.asp

Teatro della Pergola (Italian website)

https://www.teatrodellapergola.com

Touring Florence will gladly offer you information on what’s available during your visit to Florence.

PARTICIPANTS
Very small groups.
DURATION
5 Hours approx.
SCHEDULES
Daily, by appointment.
FEE
Please inquire.

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Kids and Pinocchio

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Did you know that the story of Pinocchio was written here in Tuscany?

This specially planned tour offers families with kids visiting Florence and Tuscany the opportunity to take part in a touring experience that is both educative and entertaining to their kids.
We based our tour on the Adventures of Pinocchio, probably one of the most famous stories ever told, and whose writer, Carlo Collodi, is Tuscan and first published the story in 1880 in Florence.

KIDS AND PINOCCHIO | HALF DAY

This tour of the historical center of Florence will take you and your kids on an adventure including story telling, visit to special toy shop and science discovery. It is the most entertaining way to introduce children to city of Florence and its attractions without boring them.

DETAILS
Pick up at your hotel lounge or an established location and special visit to an English and international bookstore for kids to introduce them to the story of Pinocchio. Walk in the medieval part of Florence and visit to a toy store with hand made wood figures and explanation. Walk through Piazza della Signoria and Uffizi Square and tour the Institute and Museum of the History of Science of Florence, where they will explore a wide range of instruments while assisting to live demonstrations and presentations.

Small souvenir gift offered during the tour.

PARTICIPANTS
Families with kids*. Tour suitable for children between 5 and 12 years old.
DURATION
3 to 5 hours.
SCHEDULES
Daily, by appointment.
FEE
Please inquire.

* Kids must be accompanied by at least one of their adult family members all the time during the tour.

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Send an inquiry

Great Florentine Women

[vc_row gmbt_prlx_break_parents=”4″ gmbt_prlx_smooth_scrolling=”gambit_parallax_enable_smooth_scroll” gmbt_prlx_parallax=”down” css=”.vc_custom_1532431913276{padding-top: 150px !important;padding-right: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 150px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;background-image: url(https://touringflorence.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/women2.jpg?id=3492) !important;}”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Great Florentine Women” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Behind every great city there are often great women.

Florentine women played a great role in the historical and political evolution of Florence and Tuscany. Some of them became major players in the European political scene and others dedicated their life and time in Florence to art, literature and society.

This unique experience, provided by no other company in Florence, is a tribute to the roles of those amazing women.

GREAT FLORENTINE WOMEN | FULL DAY

Your specialized tour guide will lead you in a journey to discover the city through the achievements of its great women. Learn about their origin, life, accomplishments and legacy and visit locations in Florence that will bring the story of these great women to life:

  • Beatrice Portinari (1266-1290), Dante’s loved one, his inspiration and his divine love, she is the subject of the most beautiful Canti of his Divine Comedy and Vita Nuova.
  • Lucrezia Tornabuoni (1425-1482), mother of Lorenzo de’ Medici, the magnificent Lord of Florence and patron of the arts, she is also a sonnet writer and poet.
  • Eleonora da Toledo (1522-1562), Spanish princess, wife of Cosimo I  de’ Medici, Duchess of Florence and first lady. Great administrator of the family property in Tuscany, she acquired Palazzo Pitti, the new magnificent residence of the Family.
  • Laura Battiferri (1523-1589), writer and humanist, she surrounded herself by the greatest minds of her time. She is also the wife of Bartolomeo Ammannati, court architect and sculptor.
  • Caterina de’ Medici (1519-1589), daughter of Lorenzo II de’ Medici, future queen of France by marriage to Henry II, her life is a legacy of greatness and political endurance.
  • Giovanna d’Austria (1547-1578), wife of Francesco I de’ Medici and mother of Maria, and part of the greatest love triangle in Florentine history.
  • Bianca Cappello (1548-1587), noblewoman, mistress and second wife of Francesco I de’ Medici, they died on the same day, possibly poisoned by his brother, Cardinal Ferdinand.
  • Maria de’ Medici (1575-1642), second of the family to be queen of France, she lived in times of extreme political tensions and intrigues. She is the grandmother of the greatest French king of all: Louis XIV, le Roi Soleil.
  • Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–1656), Roman Born from Tuscan parents, she spent 6 years in Florence where she achieved a huge success. Her life is a struggle to establish herself as a great painter in a world dominated by male artists.
  • Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici (1667-1743), the last of the Medici, her legacy is forever related to Florence and the art in the city by the Family Pact, in which all the treasures of the Medici were given to the city, never to be moved out of it.

Of the numerous great Florentine women, we selected these few inspiring names and dedicated this tour to all the women of the world.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]TOUR DETAILS
You’ll begin the tour by meeting with your guide for an introduction to the day ahead, including a presentation and identification of the Great Florentine Women. Then, you’ll walk throughout the historical center of Florence, including a stop at Dante’s House, and finish with a special visit to Palazzo Vecchio with access to the private Medici rooms inside the Palace.

At 1:30pm, there will be a lunch break (not included in fee) and discussion.

The afternoon program is dedicated to the political role of women in the Medici family dynasty, from the raise to power in Florence to having two queens of Florence from the family.

The tour will conclude with evening aperitif (included in fee) and discussion.

PARTICIPANTS
Up to 12 people. Please inquire about larger groups.
DURATION
6 hours approx. + 1 hour lunch break.
SCHEDULES

Daily, starts at 9.00am by appointment. Tour can be split in two half-day tours.
FEE
Please inquire.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Send an inquiry

The Bargello

[vc_row gmbt_prlx_break_parents=”4″ gmbt_prlx_smooth_scrolling=”gambit_parallax_enable_smooth_scroll” gmbt_prlx_parallax=”down” css=”.vc_custom_1430339508123{padding-top: 100px !important;padding-right: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 100px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;background-image: url(https://touringflorence.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/Bargello.jpg?id=3419) !important;}”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”The Bargello” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1430339139490{padding-top: 100px !important;padding-right: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 100px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF SCULPTURES
The Bargello is to sculptures what the Uffizi Gallery is for paintings: one of Italy’s most important marble, bronze and ceramics collection, a must visit while in Florence.

This fortified 13th century building, a prison and headquarters of the feared «Captain of Justice« is now a place where you find works by great Florentine masters: Donatello, Michelangelo, the Della Robbia workshop, Giambologna, Cellini and many others.

Also here you find a large of collection of ceramics (majolica), fabrics, ivory, silver, armors and old coins in different styles and from different collections.

THE BARGELLO | 2 hours to 4 hours
On this, you will be experiencing a fine and unique collections of sculptures by different artists and coming from different locations in Florence. The courtyard itself a unique place to explore, rich in details and decorated with engravings from centuries ago.


DETAILS
Pick up by your tour guide at your location or meeting in our central office, walk to the Bargello, just few steps from Piazza della Signoria. In-depth explanation of the history and the role of the building and view of the courtyard. Visit to ground collection with focus on one of Michelangelo‘s early works: The Bacchus and Brutus. Visit to first floor collection and encounter with Donatello‘s masterpiece: The David. View and discussion of the Sacrifice of Isaac bronze panels by Ghiberti and Brunelleschi (Baptistery door competition, 1401) Follow up with Della Robbia collection special with focus on their legacy in the ceramics and porcelain production in Florence. End tour with visits to different smaller rooms with various collections of smaller items and metal casting works.


PARTICIPANTS | Up to 8 people. Please inquire about larger groups.
DURATION |2 to 4 hours.
SCHEDULES | Daily, available all hours.
FEES | from 160 Euros flat.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Santa Croce Grand Tour

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1430256043749{padding-top: 100px !important;padding-right: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 100px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;background-image: url(https://touringflorence.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/Santa-Croce-2.jpg?id=3298) !important;}” gmbt_prlx_bg_type=”parallax” gmbt_prlx_break_parents=”4″ gmbt_prlx_smooth_scrolling=”gambit_parallax_enable_smooth_scroll” gmbt_prlx_video_mute=”” gmbt_prlx_video_force_hd=”” gmbt_prlx_opacity=”100″ gmbt_prlx_video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ gmbt_prlx_parallax=”down” gmbt_prlx_speed=”0.3″ gmbt_prlx_enable_mobile=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_custom_heading text=”Santa Croce Grand Tour” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:36|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]A FLORENTINE AUTHENTIC NEIGHBORHOOD.

Piazza Santa Croce and it’s neighborhood are a magical place. Colorful, joyful and dynamic, the neighborhood is Florence’ playground. In it’s huge square, the locals and the visitors come to relax, play and visit unique markets.

The Basilica, the largest Franciscan church in the world, is one of the masterpieces of the Italian Gothic architecture and is the «Pantheon« of the great Florentines and Tuscans: here are buried Alberti, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Galileo and many others.

Here also, in summer, you can participate in the “Calcio Storico Fiorentino” events, a mix of soccer and rugby: the sport that has inspired modern time football.

PIAZZA SANTA CROCE | 2 to 4 HOURS.
Set in one location, this tour will give you a full Florentine experience. Within two minutes walk, you will be visiting an incredible square, a unique church and many small and hidden locations within the neighborhood. Inside the church, you will admire centuries old Frescoes and visit the tombs and monuments of great Tuscan artists buried inside the church.

DETAILS
Pick up by your tour guide at your location or meeting in our central office, walk toSanta Croce with an extended stop in the square for a historical introduction and in-depth explanation. Follow with an entry to Santa Croce Church, with focus on architecture and the spatial design from the foundations by Arnolfo di Cambio to the 19th century facade. Follow up by visiting the Chapels with in-depth view on the Frescoes and paintings within. Continue the interior’s visit with close encounter with artists buried inside. Exit the Church and visit the unique Pazzi Chapel and the main courtyard. After a short break, visit the famous School of Leather and experience one of Florence best trades. End the tour with a wine tasting of Chianti and Tuscan wines and other local specialties.


PARTICIPANTS
Up to 8 people. Please inquire about larger groups.
DURATION
2 to 4 hours.
SCHEDULES
Daily, available all hours.
FEES
Please inquire.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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The Florentine Genius

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1430258261175{padding-top: 100px !important;padding-right: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 100px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;background-image: url(https://touringflorence.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/sanlorenzo1.jpg?id=3341) !important;}” gmbt_prlx_bg_type=”parallax” gmbt_prlx_break_parents=”4″ gmbt_prlx_smooth_scrolling=”gambit_parallax_enable_smooth_scroll” gmbt_prlx_video_mute=”” gmbt_prlx_video_force_hd=”” gmbt_prlx_opacity=”100″ gmbt_prlx_video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ gmbt_prlx_parallax=”down” gmbt_prlx_speed=”0.3″ gmbt_prlx_enable_mobile=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_custom_heading text=”The Florentine Genius” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:36|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Meet the Masters That Changed The Arts.
The Florentine Genius is a SPECIAL AND UNIQUE TOURING EXPERIENCE with a specialized tour guide and art/architecture historian to learn about the great artists and masters: Filippo Brunelleschi, Donatello, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo …[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”grey” align=”align_center” style=”” border_width=”” el_width=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]MICHELANGELO | FULL DAY EXPERIENCE

This unique tour is a tribute to the life and art of Michelangelo Buonarroti, one of the greatest creators of all times. As the supreme master of the Renaissance, Michelangelo is one of the greatest talents Florence has offered to the world. He grew up in Florence, the city that contributed most to and benefited profoundly from his prolific artistic genius!

During this comprehensive look at the Master’s life and art, especially those found in the center of Florence, special attention will be given to his sculptures and architecture. You will also be introduced to his writings, drawings and paintings. It is a process that will open your senses and give you the tools to understand and live the art of the “Divine One” like you never did before.


Details
The tour starts at 9 am at our offices with a short walking tour and an introduction to Michelangelo’s life, art and legacy. It is followed by a tour dedicated to introducing and analyzing his sculptures with visits to:

  • Bargello Museum.
  • Opera del Duomo Museum.
  • Accademia Gallery (the David and the Slaves).

At 1.30 pm, we plan a lunch break and discussion.

The afternoon program is dedicated to architecture, paintings and multimedia presentation as follow:

  • Visit to the Medici Chapels and Biblioteca Laurenziana in San Lorenzo complex.
  • Casa Buonarroti.
  • Multimedia presentation at a historical palace.

Special multimedia presentation of the Tondo Doni painting in Uffizi Gallery is planned for late afternoon. A separate visit to the Uffizi can be planned by request.

At 7.00 pm, we sojourn for an aperitif where we welcome open discussions and feedback of the day discoveries.
Each participant will be presented with a special gift at the end of the tour.


Participants | Up to 12 people. Please inquire about larger groups.
Duration | 7 to 9 hours approx.
Sschedules | Daily, starts at 9.00am by appointment. Tour can be split in two half day tours.
Fee | Please inquire.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

LEONARDO DA VINCI | FULL DAY

Leonardo is the universal man by excellence, the supreme genius of art and science. He is the sublime expression of a unique moment in human history, a man who elevated art and knowledge to a level never known or seen before. Leonardo’s roots and ties to his birthplace, the town of Vinci near Florence and its surroundings and his immense talent are the proof of the special moment the city of Florence lived through the 15th and 16th century. This perfect background was a treasure to Leonardo’s talent, which exploded in Florence and spread to other great cities in Italy and beyond.

This Itinerary is a magical journey into the art, science, ideas and life of the Genius, with highlights on his Florentine youth and accomplishments during his life in Florence.

Details
The tour starts at 9 am with pick up by Van or luxury Sedan and drive to Vinci, Leonardo’s birth place 10 miles out of Florence, and an introduction to his life, art and works.

  • Visit to Leonardo’s Museum and home.

At 1.00 pm, we plan a lunch break and discussion. The afternoon program is dedicated to, paintings, sketches, machines and multimedia presentation. It starts with a dedicated tour and analysis of his artistic training and his paintings and visits as follow:

  • Uffizi Gallery.
  • Palazzo Vecchio and the lost Fresco.
  • The Inventions and Machines Museum.
  • The sketches and drawings.
  • Multimedia presentation.

At 7.00 pm, we plan an aperitif drink with open discussion and feedback. Each participant will be presented with a special gift at the end of the tour.

Participants | Up to 12 people. Please inquire about larger groups.
Duration | 7 to 9 hours approx.
Schedules | Daily, starts at 9.00am by appointment. Tour can be split in two half day tours.
Fee | Please inquire.

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FILIPPO BRUNELLESCHI | FULL DAY

At the beginning of the 15th century, Filippo Brunelleschi visited Rome with his friend Donatello to study and sketch Roman antique architecture and monuments. That experience simply changed the world. On his return to Florence, Brunelleschi proposed a new style of architecture and that was the beginning of Renaissance in architecture and in art in general. A stubborn and hard person to deal with, he lead the way, along with Donatello and Masaccio, into this new form of artistic expression based on classical values and the search of universal truth (he is the father of geometric perspective). Last but not least, he is the architect of the magnificent Dome of Florence.

TOUR DETAILS
Meet your Renaissance architecture expert and tour guide around 9.00 am for a tour briefing and presentation. Follow up with visits and tours of Brunelleschi’s architecture in Florence historical center:

  • Visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) and climb up the Dome.
  • Visit to San Lorenzo Church and Old Sacristy.

At 1.00 pm, we plan a lunch break and discussion The afternoon program is as follow:

  • Tour of Piazza S. S. Annunziata and exterior of the Ospedale degli Innocenti.
  • Tour of Santo Spirito Church complex.
  • Visit to the Pazzi Chapel inside the Santa Croce religious complex.

This walking tour will let your discover Florence by spending a full day walking its streets and squares, without visits to museums.
At 6.00 pm, we plan an aperitif drink with open discussion and feedback. Each participant will be presented with a special gift at the end of the tour.

Participants | Up to 12 people. Please inquire about larger groups.
Duration | 7 to 9 hours approx.
Schedules | Daily, starts at 9.00am by appointment. Tour can be split in two half day tours.
Fee | Please inquire.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]DONATELLO | FULL DAY

Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi is for sculpture what Brunelleschi is for architecture: a man who revolutionized the style and principles of sculptures. Donatello metal bas-reliefs are amazing examples of his sense of perspective and his desire to apply depth in his work. His marble statues went from being under scaled human figures to fully scaled ones, preparing the way to Michelangelo’s “Gigantismo”.


TOUR DETAILS
Meet your tour guide and plan day ahead. The tour starts with an introduction about the life of Donatello and his background and training. The morning is as follow

  • Short visit to Orsanmichele and St. Mark statue.
  • Tour of Duomo Square and visit to Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.

At 1.00 pm, we plan a lunch break and discussion The afternoon program is as follow

  • Bargello museum in-depth visit.
  • Visit to historical marble workshop.

At 5.30 pm, we plan an aperitif drink with open discussion and feedback. Each participant will be presented with a special gift at the end of the tour.


Participants | Up to 12 people. Please inquire about larger groups.
Duration | 7 to 9 hours approx.
Sschedules | Daily, starts at 9.00am by appointment. Tour can be split in two half day tours.
Fee | Please inquire.

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Send an inquiry