We believe that every person deserves a memorable and high-quality vacation experience. That is why we have been providing exceptional tours and excursions in Florence, Tuscany, and throughout Italy for over 60 years. Let us help you discover the beauty and rich cultural history of Italy – trust Gray Line Florence to take care of all the details and create an experience that you'll never forget.
Tour Expert, Gray Line Florence
You have probably heard of the Uffizi gallery, it's one of the most famous art museums in the world. I highly recommend it to any art enthusiast, or even if you just want to escape the rain. Housing some of the most famous artworks such as Botticelli's 'The Birth of Venus' and a wide collection of Renaissance masterpieces. My one tip here is if you want to make the most of your time, be sure to book your Gray Line Florence Skip-the-Lines tickets in advance to avoid long waits.
The view from the top of the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo, is breathtaking. And if you appreciate engineering, it's a great opportunity to get up close to the dome of the cathedral. Not one for the faint hearted, and I mean that literally; It's a bit of a workout to get to the top, but well worth the climb for those with a curious spirit.
This area of Florence south of the Arno River is less touristy, and has a more local feel to it. Be sure to check out the Piazza della Santissima Annunziata. Oltrarno is a less touristy area, but still has many interesting things to see, including traditional shops, artisans and picturesque squares like Piazza della Santissima Annunziata.
If you're not including the river in another tour, then take some time out of your day and jump on the tram. You're looking for the stop before Leopolda Station. From here you can appreciate the river which has been Florence's lifeblood for over 2000 years. Those who live on the north side of the river have access to the city's most important religious and political buildings, as well as squares and luxury shops. And located on the south bank of the Arno river is the Oltrarno neighborhood, named after its characteristic narrow streets, artisan shops, and delightful parks. Did you know that Oltrarno is translated as the 'other side of the Arno'? Check out some of the famous bridges on your walk, such as Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita.
This palace was the residence of several Grand Dukes of Tuscany, and now it's open to the public and houses several museums, including a Gallery of Modern Art, a Costume Gallery, and a Porcelain Museum, which are all situated within the palace itself. Visiting the palace and gardens is definitely well worth your time, but you will need to be prepared to spend at least a couple of hours there.
Did you even visit Florence if you didn’t sample the city's delicious gelato? Gelato has always been a staple of Italian cuisine, and in Florence, you will find many artisanal gelaterie that use the best ingredients for making the gelato we’ve all come to love. Hot tip, find the places where the locals queue for the most authentic experience.
If you want to rest up a bit, take an electric bike tour of Florence at night, you'll be able to take in the city's sights in the warm glow of street lights with ease. You’ll get to tick off some of the sites you saw through the day such as Arno bridge and Piazzale Michelangelo, but now you can see all of Florence's landmarks in all of their celestial glory.
Florence is a great base for exploring the rest of Tuscany. Consider taking a day trip to nearby towns such as Siena, San Gimignano, or Pisa. These towns have their own unique charm and they are all worth visiting. I'd recommend either renting a car, or if that sounds draughting, there is a great Gray Line Florence tour that'll pick you up and take you to each location, adding historical and cultural context to your trip along the way. Also, they know all the best snack locations!
If you are visiting Florence, you should not miss out on some of the traditional Tuscan dishes such as pasta with wild boar sauce or ribollita, which are famous for their delicious Tuscan cuisine. If you wish to maximize the culinary experience you will have in Italy, you should take a Gray Line Florence cooking class where you can learn how to prepare some of these delicious dishes from local experts in order to maximize the experience.
Florence is a popular tourist destination and many of the major attractions have long lines, especially during peak season. To make the most of your time and to avoid wait times, consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets for popular attractions such as the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery. This way, you'll be able to see more of the city and enjoy your visit to the fullest. Book in advance and you can worry less about waiting and more about making the most of your time in the city.
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