Florence complete tour part 1 travel itinerary

Day 1

⬇️ starting point

X. Duomo di Firenze

We start our tour by visiting one of the most iconic sites in Florence, the Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore 🔗 (National Monument), located in the heart of the city. The entire complex, which includes the cathedral, the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, the Battistero di San Giovanni, and the famous Cupola del Brunelleschi 🔗, is an extraordinary work that showcases centuries of history and art. Visits also include the Cripta di Santa Reparata and the Campanile di Giotto 🔗, as well as the Piazza Duomo, a central reference point for the entire city.

📌 Visiting the Cupola del Brunelleschi requires a reservation. You can find the phone number on the clickable Google Maps link in the table.
📌 During high tourist seasons, it is recommended to book in advance or join guided tours to avoid queues and ensure entry. See the detailed page 🔗.

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A. Basilica di San Lorenzo

The route continues with the Basilica di San Lorenzo, one of the oldest churches in Florence, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Inside the basilica are masterpieces such as the Sagrestia Vecchia and the Cappelle Medicee 🔗, designed by Michelangelo. Visiting the Sagrestia Nuova and the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana, which houses important manuscripts, completes this essential stop to understand the history of the Medici dynasty.

Day 2

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B. Museo di Antropologia ed Etnologia di Firenze

The second day takes us to the Museo di Antropologia ed Etnologia, an institution that collects and preserves ethnographic collections from around the world, offering an overview of different cultures and traditions.

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C. Museo Casa di Dante

We continue with a visit to the Casa di Dante (National Monument), a museum celebrating the life and works of Dante Alighieri, the father of the Italian language. Here, you can explore sites connected to his figure and poetry.

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D. Chiesa di Orsanmichele

The Chiesa di Orsanmichele, famous for its elegant sculptures and its role as an important center of devotion, also hosts the Museo di Orsanmichele, where works by artists such as Donatello and Ghiberti can be admired.

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E. Museo Nazionale del Bargello

A visit to the Museo Nazionale del Bargello 🔗, which exhibits a vast collection of Renaissance sculptures, allows us to appreciate works by artists such as Michelangelo and Donatello. Nearby is the Badia Fiorentina, an ancient monastery worth a stop.

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F. Museo Franco Zeffirelli

An immersion into cinematic art is a must at the Museo Franco Zeffirelli, which collects objects, costumes, and sets related to the films of the famous Italian director.

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G. Museo Gucci

A dive into fashion and luxury at the Museo Gucci, exploring the history of the famous Florentine brand through a collection of clothes, accessories, and advertising materials.

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H. Palazzo Vecchio

The route concludes with a visit to the majestic Palazzo Vecchio 🔗, symbol of Florence’s civic power. The Museo di Palazzo Vecchio hosts the Donazione Loeser and the famous Studiolo di Francesco I, providing insights into the life and works of the Medici court. Piazza della Signoria, with its Loggia dei Lanzi and Fontana del Nettuno, is one of the city’s most iconic squares, where history and open-air art converge.

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I/X. Galleria degli Uffizi is a shared stop 🧩 – See initial stop of the next route

Morning

⬇️ starting point

I/X. Galleria degli Uffizi 🧩

Our route begins with one of the most famous galleries in the world: the Galleria degli Uffizi 🔗, a true cradle of Renaissance art. The collection includes extraordinary works by masters such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael. We cannot miss the Collezione Contini Bonacossi, which adds an additional layer of charm to this visit, as well as the Gabinetto dei Disegni e delle Stampe, which houses some of the most significant drawings of Renaissance art.

📌 the Gabinetto dei Disegni e delle Stampe can be visited upon request. You will find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the link in the table.

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A. Mercato del Porcellino

We continue with a visit to the Mercato del Porcellino, an iconic place where tradition and commerce meet. The Loggia del Mercato Nuovo is the reference point for those looking for local crafts and souvenirs. The Fontana del Porcellino, famous for a tradition linked to good luck, is another attraction that enriches this corner of Florence.

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B. Corridoio vasariano

The Corridoio Vasariano is one of the most fascinating and secret works in Florence, an elevated passage that connects Palazzo Vecchio to the Uffizi, passing above Ponte Vecchio. Originally created to allow members of the Medici family to move safely, today it is a true artistic treasure, with numerous works to discover along its route.

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C. Ponte Vecchio

One of the most famous bridges in the world, the Ponte Vecchio is renowned for its goldsmith shops displaying their creations in a unique atmosphere. The bridge is also a perfect panoramic spot to take breathtaking photos of the city and the Arno River.

Afternoon

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D. Chiesa di Santa Felicita

The Chiesa di Santa Felicita is another place of great religious and artistic importance in Florence. Inside is the Cappella Capponi, designed by the famous architect Giorgio Vasari, which houses magnificent works.

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E. Palazzo Pitti

Palazzo Pitti 🔗 is one of the most majestic historic residences in Florence. Inside, the Galleria Palatina displays works by some of the greatest Italian artists, including Raphael and Titian. The Galleria d’Arte Moderna offers an overview of 19th-century art, while the Tesoro dei Granduchi tells the story of the Medici through precious objects. The Appartamenti Imperiali e Reali and the Museo delle Carrozze are further testimonies of the grandeur of the Florentine court.

📌 the Museo delle Carrozze di Palazzo Pitti can be visited upon request. You will find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the link in the table.

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F. Basilica di Santo Spirito

The Basilica di Santo Spirito (National Monument), designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is an extraordinary example of Renaissance art. The Quartiere Santo Spirito, located around the church, is one of the most authentic areas of Florence, full of small artisan workshops and characteristic cafés.

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G. Museo della Moda e del Costume

A dive into the world of fashion and style is a must at the Museo della Moda e del Costume of Palazzo Pitti, which houses collections of clothing and accessories that tell the story of the evolution of Florentine and international fashion and taste.

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H. Oratorio di San Sebastiano De’ Bini

The itinerary concludes with a visit to the Oratorio di San Sebastiano De’ Bini, a small but fascinating place of worship that houses valuable works of art, including paintings and sculptures that deserve attention.

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I/X. Museo di Zoologia “La Specola” is a shared stop 🧩 – See starting stop of the next route.

Morning

⬇️ starting point

I/X. Museo di Zoologia “La Specola” 🧩

Our route begins with the Museo di Zoologia “La Specola”, the oldest scientific museum in Europe that still exists today. Here we can admire an extraordinary collection of taxidermied animals, natural history specimens, and the famous collection of anatomical wax models, unique of its kind for precision and realism.

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A. Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista della Calza

We continue with the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista della Calza, an ancient place of worship that houses the evocative Cenacolo della Calza, a fascinating representation of the Last Supper frescoed by Franciabigio, a work of great artistic and religious significance.

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B. Giardino delle Scuderie Reali

Crossing the Giardino delle Scuderie Reali, a little-known but charming green area, we reach Porta Romana, one of the main historic entrances to the city and part of the ancient Florentine city walls.

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C. Giardino di Boboli

A must-see stop is the Giardino di Boboli 🔗 (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the famous Renaissance park that became the model for many European royal gardens. Inside stands the remarkable Grotta del Buontalenti, a scenic structure enriched with artificial stalactites, water features, and extraordinary sculptures, representing a perfect example of Mannerist taste.

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D. Museo delle Porcellane

Inside the Giardino di Boboli, we visit the Museo delle Porcellane, located in the Palazzina del Cavaliere. The collection includes refined porcelain pieces that once belonged to royal families, including items from the manufactories of Meissen, Sèvres, and Doccia.

Afternoon

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E. Forte Belvedere

The afternoon begins with the climb to Forte Belvedere, one of the most important fortifications in the city, built by the Medici to defend Florence and provide a safe refuge in case of danger. Today it is also an extraordinary panoramic viewpoint and hosts contemporary art exhibitions.

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F. Giardino Bardini

Continuing onward, we reach Giardino Bardini, a lesser-known but extremely beautiful corner of Florence. The path leads us through flowered terraces, wisteria pergolas, and fountains, all the way to Villa Bardini, which hosts art exhibitions and a terrace offering one of the most spectacular views over the city.

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G. Piazzale Michelangelo

One of the most evocative moments of the itinerary is the visit to Piazzale Michelangelo, from which you can enjoy an unparalleled view of Florence. Here we can admire the Belvedere Franco Zeffirelli, dedicated to the famous Florentine director, and walk along the Sistema delle Rampe del Poggi, a masterpiece of urban engineering that leads up to the square. Finally, we take a relaxing break at the Giardino delle Rose, a fragrant oasis with more than 350 varieties of roses and contemporary sculptures.

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H. Torre di San Niccolò

The final stop of the route takes us to the Torre di San Niccolò, one of the few medieval towers of Florence that remains intact. Built in the 14th century as part of the city’s defensive walls, today it is accessible during the summer months and offers a suggestive view over the city and the Arno River.

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I/X. Museo Stefano Bardini is a shared stop 🧩 – See starting stop of the next route.

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I/X. Museo Stefano Bardini 🧩

The itinerary begins with the Museo Stefano Bardini, a hidden gem that houses an eclectic collection of artworks gathered by the antiquarian Stefano Bardini. Among Renaissance sculptures, paintings, antique furniture, and musical instruments, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the collecting tastes of the period.

📌the Museo Stefano Bardini can be visited by appointment. You can find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible from the link in the table.

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A. Museo Horne

We continue with the Museo Horne, created from the collection of the English antiquarian and art historian Herbert Horne. The museum is housed in a Renaissance palace and offers an exceptional collection of works, including paintings by Giotto, Simone Martini and Filippino Lippi, as well as furniture and decorative art objects.

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B. Museo Galileo

A must-see stop for science and history enthusiasts, the Museo Galileo preserves one of the most important collections of historical scientific instruments, including those that belonged to Galileo Galilei. Here you can admire telescopes, globes, measuring instruments, and the famous telescope of the great scientist.

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C. Basilica di Santa Croce

One of the most significant stops of the tour is the Basilica di Santa Croce (National Monument), one of the most important churches in Florence and the burial place of great personalities such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Inside the basilica you can find Giotto’s frescoes in the Cappelle Bardi e Peruzzi, as well as the magnificent Cappella Pazzi, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The Museo dell’Opera di Santa Croce preserves artworks originating from the basilica, while the Cenacolo di Santa Croce houses an important fresco of the Last Supper. Finally, Piazza Santa Croce is one of the most characteristic places in the city, home to historic events such as the Calcio Storico Fiorentino.

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D. Casa Buonarroti

Dedicated to Michelangelo, the Casa Buonarroti is a small museum that gathers works and drawings by the great master, as well as testimonies about his life and career. Among the most famous pieces are his early sculptural reliefs, such as the “Madonna della Scala” and the “Battaglia dei Centauri”.

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E. Loggia del Pesce

Located in Piazza dei Ciompi, the Loggia del Pesce is a Renaissance architectural work designed by Giorgio Vasari. In the past it served as the city’s fish market, and today it represents an interesting example of the restoration of historical heritage.

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F. Chiesa di Sant’Ambrogio

The Chiesa di Sant’Ambrogio is one of the oldest places of worship in Florence, with a history dating back to the 8th century. Inside you can admire important works of art, including the “Miracolo dell’Ostia” by Cosimo Rosselli.

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G. Sinagoga di Firenze, Museo Ebraico di Firenze

Another essential stop is the Sinagoga di Firenze, one of the most beautiful and monumental in Europe, characterized by a spectacular green dome and Moorish-style decorations. Inside is the Museo Ebraico di Firenze, which tells the story of the Florentine Jewish community through documents, ritual objects and historical testimonies.

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H. Teatro della Pergola

The tour concludes with a visit to the Teatro della Pergola, one of the oldest theaters in Italy, inaugurated in 1657. This splendid Italian-style theater hosted the first performances of many opera works and still today represents an important reference point for the Florentine theater scene.

📌 The visit to the Teatro della Pergola requires advance booking. You can find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible from the link in the table.

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I/X. Museo della Fondazione Scienza e Tecnica is a shared stop 🧩 – See the starting stop of the first route of Florence Complete Tour Part 2.