Florence tours

In addition to being filled with incredible art and architecture, Florence is the capital of Tuscany, the Italian region known for its world-class wine. Here are a few ways to enjoy it all on our tours of Florence:

· Try the wine. Take a bottle of locally produced red (you can’t go wrong with Brunello di Montalcino) to Piazza Michelangelo, and sip it while savoring a golden sunset as staffer Gustavo suggests in The Go Ahead Travel Guide to Florence.

· Enjoy the view. Climb the 400-plus stairs to the top of the city’s iconic cathedral (a.k.a. the Duomo) or Giotto’s Bell Tower.

· Pay your respects to trailblazing Italians. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, where Galileo, Michelangelo, and other famous Italians are buried.

For more ideas, check out 6 unique experiences to have in Florence that go beyond an Italian guidebook.

Here are some of the top attractions to see on our Florence tours:

· Ponte Vecchio. This iconic bridge stretches across the Arno River and is a popular spot for strolling, shopping, and taking pictures. Experts believe its construction dates back to the 10th century.

· Piazzale Michelangelo. Designed in 1869 by Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi, this terrace affords some of the best views of Florence.

· Uffizi Gallery. This famous Florentine gallery’s collection includes sculptures and paintings by Botticelli, Caravaggio, Raffaello, Michelangelo, Corregio, and other masters.

· Accademia Gallery. This gallery is most famous for housing Michelangelo’s giant marble sculpture of David.

· The Duomo. Florence’s cathedral is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, thanks in part to its rust-colored dome, which Filippo Brunelleschi designed.

Looking for more? Read this guide to must-see works of Renaissance art in Florence.

Here are some essentials that travelers on tours to Florence will want to add to their suitcase:

· Comfortable walking shoes. Florence is a pedestrian-friendly city, and Florence tours typically include lots of walking. Keep your feet happy in a pair of comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.

· Pants, long skirts, and long-sleeve shirts. When you visit Florence, you’re likely to enter churches, cathedrals, and other houses of worship. Pack a few items of clothing that cover your shoulders and knees.

· A small backpack or tote. Tours to Florence often include stops at churches and museums that only permit guests to carry in small handbags. Believe us when we say that you don’t want to be turned away from any of Florence’s spectacular sites.

Although you’ll find plenty of pasta in Florence, the city has some of its own signature dishes, too. Here are a few to try on tours of Florence:

· Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Steak might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Italian food, but in Florence, trying this bone-in, rare steak is a must.

· Ribollita. This traditional Tuscan bread-and-vegetable soup is simple, comforting, and packed with flavor.

· Schiacciata. Depending on where you try it in Florence, you might find this flatbread topped with ingredients like prosciutto and pecorino cheese.

See Tour Director Sabra’s favorite gelato spots in the city, and for more signature Florentine dishes, check out The Go Ahead Travel Guide to Florence.

To snap some truly stunning panoramic photos during your Florence tour, consider skipping the climb to the top of the Duomo and take the 414 steps to the top of Giotto’s Campanile instead. You’ll still enjoy spectacular views of the city, but rather than shooting from the Duomo, the iconic cathedral will star in your photos.