Top Things to Do in Florence

On our art capitals of Italy tour, experience the essence of Florence through private art excursions that delve into the city's rich artistic legacy. These tours are designed to transport you into the heart of Florence's iconic landmarks and museums, such as the Uffizi and Accademia galleries. With a private guide, you'll not only skip the lines, but also gain exclusive access to these world-renowned institutions, allowing you to truly feel the presence of masterpieces by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Botticelli.

As you walk through the galleries, expert guides will weave stories about the historical and cultural context of the artworks, bringing to life the tales behind the artists and their creations. Stand beneath the majestic ceiling of the Uffizi, surrounded by the masterpieces that have shaped art history. A private tour of this gallery can be tailored to your interests, whether you wish to explore the entire museum or focus on specific artists like Michelangelo or Caravaggio.

Beyond the galleries, you can opt for combined tours that blend art with other facets of Florentine culture, such as fashion or history. A fashion and gallery tour will reveal the city's influence on Italian haute couture as you wander through iconic museums. With the flexibility to customize your itinerary, you'll enjoy a seamless and enriching experience in this artistic treasure chest. Every moment in Florence is an opportunity to breathe in the beauty and history that permeates its streets and landmarks.

Florence is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, offering a variety of experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in the city's gastronomic delights. From fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants to hands-on cooking classes, the city provides a culinary journey that is educational and indulgent.

One of the highlights of Florence's culinary scene is the opportunity to dine at exclusive venues where you can savor traditional Florentine cuisine with a modern twist. Enjoy ribollita, a hearty Tuscan bread soup whose name means "reboiled." It’s a dish steeped in history that originated from humble peasant traditions, where leftover soup was reboiled with day-old bread. For a more intimate experience, join a chef’s table in a beautifully restored building, where you can watch culinary masters prepare exquisite dishes like pappardelle al cinghiale, wide, flat pasta ribbons served with a rich wild boar ragù that tantalizes your taste buds with every bite.

Beyond fine dining, Florence offers a range of interactive culinary experiences led by sommeliers and food historians that delve into the city's authentic culinary scene. Engage your senses in hands-on cooking classes, where you will learn the art of traditional Tuscan cuisine. Knead dough for homemade pasta, feeling its texture transform under your hands, and inhale the fragrant aroma of fresh basil as you prepare a classic pesto. When visiting the region on Zicasso’s in-depth culture of Tuscan wine and cuisine tour, you’ll not only learn to cook, but also appreciate the stories behind each dish and ingredient.

As you explore local markets like Sant'Ambrogio, lose yourself in the vibrant colors of fresh produce and the intoxicating aromas wafting from artisanal stalls. Each moment will be an opportunity to engage with the rich flavors and textures that define Tuscan cuisine, making your culinary adventure truly unforgettable.

Florence is nestled in the heart of some of the world's most celebrated wine regions, offering a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes and exceptional wines. Wine and vineyard tours invite you to step into the essence of Tuscan wine culture. Take a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Tuscany, the sun casting a golden glow over the vineyards as the scent of ripening grapes fills the air.

At family-owned wineries, you'll be greeted with a warm welcome and a guided tour of the vineyards and cellars. As you walk through the vineyards, feel the earth beneath your feet and listen to the rustling of leaves in the gentle Tuscan breeze. Inside the cellars, learn about the winemaking process, from the careful harvesting of grapes to the aging of wines in oak barrels, where the aroma of aged wood and fermenting wine envelops you. The experience culminates in a wine-tasting session, where you'll savor fine wines like Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano paired with local delicacies such as creamy cheese, crusty bread, and rich olive oil.

For a more exclusive experience, private wine tours can be arranged to multiple wineries in renowned regions like Chianti Classico, Montalcino, and Montepulciano. These excursions often include lunch or dinner in a vineyard setting, where you can indulge in a leisurely meal amidst the picturesque Tuscan landscape. As you dine, the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses blend with the serene ambiance of the vineyards, creating a truly unforgettable experience that weaves together culture, history, and gastronomy.

Florence is renowned for rich artisanal traditions, among them the art of perfumery. Perfume classes in the city provide an exclusive experience during which you will learn the secrets of creating handmade fragrances from local masters.

These classes are typically conducted in intimate settings, such as artisan studios or historic perfumeries, where you can engage with expert perfumers. As you step into these spaces, you're enveloped by the intoxicating aromas of essential oils and fragrances, from the sweet, floral notes of jasmine to the rich, earthy scent of bergamot. A private perfume-making workshop will have you creating your own scent under the guidance of a renowned fragrance master. With each blend, you'll inhale the heady aroma of freshly distilled lavender, the spicy warmth of cinnamon, and the subtle nuance of rose petals. This experience not only teaches the technical aspects of perfumery, but also delves into the cultural significance of handmade perfumes in Florence, allowing you to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into each fragrance. As you craft your own unique scent, those of the perfumery will transport you to a world of sensory delight.

For a more historical perspective, the Santa Maria Novella workshop is a hidden gem that you can visit on Zicasso’s in-depth tour of Florence. This ancient venue will see you learning about Florence's long-standing tradition of perfumery and pharmacy. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, these classes provide a unique and engaging way to experience Florence's artisanal craftsmanship firsthand.

Florence boasts a number of enchanting secret gardens that you can visit on our extraordinary Tuscany vacation. They are wonderful if you are looking for a tranquil retreat amidst nature.

Giardino delle Rose is a beautiful garden that features over 350 types of roses and offers stunning views of Florence. Lose yourself in the scent of this popular spot for locals and visitors who enjoy its peaceful surrounds.

If you are an iris lover, take a wander through Giardino dell'Iris, which is dedicated to Florence’s symbolic flower and is open from late April to late May, when it hosts an international competition.

Another spectacular garden is Giardino dei Semplici, which was originally created to house medicinal plants like cycads and now features a lush environment with ancient species like an English yew planted in 1720 and a majestic cork oak, alongside exotic plants like palms and orchids.

For incredible views of Florence and beautiful plant life that includes roses and irises, the Bardini Gardens are a must-visit in Florence, while the Torrigiani Gardens are one of the largest private gardens in Europe. Spanning 17 acres, they feature a variety of rare plants, a neo-Gothic tower, and other architectural delights.

Each year, the Italian Historic Houses Association (ADSI) opens over 30 private gardens and courtyards in Florence to the public. This event allows you to explore the city's hidden botanical and architectural treasures, providing a unique perspective on Florence's heritage.

Florence weaves together art, culture, cuisine, and hidden treasures that will capture your soul. From private art tours and exquisite culinary experiences to vineyard excursions, perfume-making workshops, and serene gardens, the city offers countless opportunities to create lasting memories while immersing yourself in the rich heritage of this Renaissance jewel.

For more inspiration and detailed information about Florence and its wonders, explore our Florence travel guide, where you'll discover additional insights to help craft your perfect Tuscan adventure. You can also take a look at our Italy travel guide and Italy tours and trips.