The historical centre of Florence is like one big open-air museum, with some of the most important artists, architects and inventors in the world having been born here. Michelangelo grew up in the foothills of the city centre; Leonardo da Vinci studied here with Italian painter, sculptor and goldsmith Andrea del Verocchio; and Donatello’s workshop is situated in the square where the magnificent Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore was built. This cathedral is the fourth largest in the world and took over 300 hundred years to build. This should give you a good sense of the sheer depth of history you’ll experience on this tour.

We’ll start in the Piazza della Repubblica where Julius Caesar founded the city in 59 BC. Today, you’ll see architecture from the unification of Italy in 1837 that represents the grand square where the original forum once stood.

Next we’ll make our way along the Via Roma toward the iconic Ponte Vecchio, once lined with butchers and fish mongers. See part of the Vasari Corridor, an 800-metre walkway used by the powerful Medici family who ruled Florence for 350 years when Tuscany was a separate city state. The Corridor was a private passage from the town hall (Palazzo Vecchio) to the Pitti Palace, the last home of the Medici.

Our next stop is the Piazzale degli Uffizi where we’ll stroll down a walkway surrounded by the impressive Uffizi Gallery, designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560. See the monuments of famous Florentine personalities that surround the museum including Dante Alighieri, Galileo Gallilei, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Leon Battista Alberti, to name a few. See the Lanzi Lodge, an open-air sculpture gallery that houses original sculpture by Benvenuto Cellini along with copies of sculptures by Giambologna. 

At some point, we’ll make a quick stop to enjoy a proper Italian coffee, stand-up of course, as the locals do!  There are many historical cafes in the city centre; we’ll take you to our favourite for a locally roasted caffe macchiato (or whatever else you fancy). 

Then we’ll make our way to the Palazzo Vecchio to see the entry to the medieval town hall along with its room of maps with original paintings and a layout of the city. We’ll then continue along the main street toward the Cathedral where you’ll get the chance to see (and snap some pics of) the architectural masterpiece that is Brunelleschi’s dome, the largest dome in the world.

Before the tour comes to an end, heads and Instagram feeds filled with the historic beauty of Florence, we’ll enjoy an aperitivo of prosecco or Aperol (including a seasonal snack such as bruschetta and olives). Don’t forget to ask your local guide for more tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay in the city.