Florence · HISTORICAL TOURS

Top 15 History Tours in Florence

32 tours  ·  from $11

Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 history tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.

Tipsy Tour: Guided Bar Crawl In Florence with Dark History - Giardino Martin Lutero and the first glass of wine
Drinking Tours, Guided, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Tipsy Tour: Guided Bar Crawl In Florence with Dark History

1.Tipsy Tour: Guided Bar Crawl In Florence with Dark History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 271 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $78Our pick

Join an English-speaking guide such as Zofia, Juliette, Anna, or Didar for a three-hour Florence night out. Sip wine by the river, hear scandalous Medici stories, visit a wine window, and enjoy two cocktails plus a shot while meeting fellow visitors.

“The tipsy tour was so fun! I loved the group I ended up with and our guide Juliette was awesome! She was so sweet, funny, and go with the flow! My group ended up being all women and it was so much fun to go out and drink together (especially as a solo female traveler)! I’ve done the tipsy tour in Rome and Barcelona before and every time I have had such great experiences, definitely recommend this tour!”

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Florence Cooking Course with Historic Local Market Visit - Cooking Tuscan food with a professional chef
Cooking Classes, Florence Cooking Classes, Historical Tours, Markets, Shopping Tours, Tour Reviews

Florence Cooking Course with Historic Local Market Visit

2.Florence Cooking Course with Historic Local Market Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 151 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $95

Meet at Piazza San Lorenzo for a guided tasting walk through Mercato Centrale, then head to a cooking school for a Tuscan starter, two main courses, dessert, and wine. Chefs such as Francesco, Caterina, Noemi, and Greta lead small groups of up to 15 per chef. Recipes go home with you.

“Everything was amazing! The market experience was great - got to taste lots of samples and see the market in action. The cooking class itself was fabulous! We made 4 courses and everything was so delicious! I liked this cooking class because nothing was too difficult to potentially replicate at home. The chefs were so nice and made this a wonderful experience for us!”

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Florence: Medici Family History Tour - Inside Palazzo Medici Riccardi
Florence Kids and Family Tours, Historical Tours, Medici Family Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Florence: Medici Family History Tour

3.Medici Family History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 93 reviews · 2 hours · from $137

Walk through Florence’s Medici story in a small group of up to eight. Enter Palazzo Medici Riccardi and the Chapel of the Magi, then follow your guide past rival palaces and major squares. You’ll connect Lorenzo, Cosimo, Piero, Michelangelo, and the family’s enemies in two focused hours.

“Super, zweisprachig. Hier wäre ein Kopfhörer ab und zu gut gewesen, wenn man sich mal zum Fotografieren entfernt hat.”

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Historical Guided Tour of Florence's Iconic Cathedral - Inside Santa Maria del Fiore
Florence Duomo Tours, Guided, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Historical Guided Tour of Florence’s Iconic Cathedral

4.Historical Guided Tour of Florence’s Iconic Cathedral

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 88 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $10Best value

Meet near Via de’ Pucci for a one-hour English tour inside Florence Cathedral. Your licensed guide explains the Duomo, Brunelleschi’s cupola, Vasari’s Last Judgment, and the cathedral’s art. Audio headsets help, but this tour does not include the Brunelleschi Dome climb.

“We should have planned better to purchase tickets ahead of time on our own, because it was a good bit of money for the access - BUT we wanted to see the dome and climb it. All tickets to the public were sold out so this was the only way. Very thankful to have climbed and seen, but not worth the $$.”

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Florence: Fashion History Guided Walking Tour & Museum Visit - Cobblestones, boutiques, and famous Italian names
Florence Walking Tours, Guided, Historical Tours, Museums, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Florence: Fashion History Guided Walking Tour & Museum Visit

5.Fashion History Guided Walking Tour & Museum Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 72 reviews · from $90

Walk Florence’s cobbled streets with an English or Spanish-speaking guide, tracing fashion from medieval textiles to Ferragamo, Gucci, and other Italian labels. The 1.5-hour tour includes the Ferragamo Museum and finishes at Palazzo Spini Feroni. Guides may include Ivan or Francesca.

“It was beautiful. Walking the small streets, so much history. The Ferragamo museum was interesting with the hand written thank you cards from queen Elizabeth and princess Diana. Lunch at the Gucci osetra restaurant was magic.”

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The History of Florence: The Renaissance Era Private Tour - The Medici Chapels: Florence’s ruling family in stone
Florence Renaissance History Tours, Historical Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

The History of Florence: The Renaissance Era Private Tour

6.The History of Florence: The Renaissance Era Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $198

Spend three hours with a private English-speaking guide exploring Florence’s Renaissance landmarks, from the Medici Chapels and Dante’s birthplace to the Duomo area. The route can shift around your interests, and the tour ends with a terrace view of Brunelleschi’s dome.

“You go to a special entrance area. You don’t wait in the terribly long lines and waste time. The tours in Europe that you purchase through Viator are worth it.”

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Pitti Palace and Palatine Gallery: A Royal Art and History Tour - The Palatine Gallery and the Medici collection
Historical Tours, Museums, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Pitti Palace and Palatine Gallery: A Royal Art and History Tour

7.Pitti Palace and Palatine Gallery: A Royal Art and History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 42 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $93

Explore Florence’s Pitti Palace and Palatine Gallery in about 90 minutes with an English-speaking guide. See Medici paintings by Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Caravaggio, and Botticelli, then tour the Planetary Rooms and royal apartments. Groups are capped at 15, with radio headsets provided.

“Our guide was Lara, who was amazingly knowledgeable about the history of Florence and the Medici family, as well as the artwork and history of the Pitti Palace. My wife and I got very lucky, and did the tour solo with Lara, who was very sweet and engaging. She guided us through the significant works of the many rooms, and also explained how the different rooms were used by the Medici family over the years, even through Napoleon’s (unfortunate) rule of the area. We wanted to do the Boboli Gardens also, but am glad now we didn’t book as a combo - it’s too much for one single visit. I…”

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Private Tour of the Historic Center of Florence by Golf Car - Why the golf car works in Florence
Florence Golf Cart and Tuk-Tuk Tours, Historical Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Private Tour of the Historic Center of Florence by Golf Car

8.Private Tour of the Historic Center of Florence by Golf Car

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 40 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $66

This 75-minute private golf-car ride begins near Florence’s Central Market and circles the historic center before heading to Piazzale Michelangelo. English-speaking guides such as Simone and Milan share local stories, stop for photos, and can make the city easier to see if walking is difficult.

“This was outstanding! Our guide was very informative and had a great personality. He was a safe driver as well! 👍👍 We enjoyed him very much and we got a great overview of the area. Highly recommend!!! 😁👍👍”

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Florence tour of the historic center. Stories, legends and gossip - Officina Santa Maria Novella adds scent and daily life
Florence Renaissance History Tours, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Florence tour of the historic center. Stories, legends and gossip

9.Florence tour of the historic center. Stories, legends and gossip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · from $45

Join licensed guide Elena for a three-hour walk through Florence’s historic center, limited to 10 people. See Santa Maria Novella, the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and more while hearing legends, Medici gossip, food traditions, and overlooked details.

“My husband and I came to see and learn the history of Florence. Elena is a wonderful guide! She's punctual, attentive! It contains a lot of interesting and reliable information, which my husband and I passed on))) it has so much love for its business, for Florence and great and Read moreAuto-translated”

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Art and History in Florence: Small Group Walking Tour - Palazzo Medici Riccardi and San Lorenzo: Florence begins with the Medici
Florence Walking Tours, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Art and History in Florence: Small Group Walking Tour

10.Art and History in Florence: Small Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · 1 hour 35 minutes (approx.) · from $30

Walk through Florence’s historic center with an English-speaking guide, stopping at Medici palaces, the Duomo, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and Pitti Palace. Guides such as Francesco, Julia, Giovanni, and Raffaello bring art, architecture, food, and Florentine politics into focus. Museum and church entry costs extra.

“This was just OK. I think our original guide maybe have had an issue come up and they did some last minute rearranging. If I had it to do over again I would use this time to visit one of the museums.”

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Guided Medici Tour Florence: Discover Mysteries & History - Palazzo Medici Riccardi and the first Renaissance palace
Florence Renaissance History Tours, Guided, Historical Tours, Medici Family Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Guided Medici Tour Florence: Discover Mysteries & History

11.Guided Medici Tour Florence: Discover Mysteries & History

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 23 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $50

Follow an English-speaking guide through Medici Florence, from the family chapel and first Renaissance palace to the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Pitti. Groups are capped at 10, though chapel entry and the final stop can vary.

“Very interesting history. Did the 3 pm English tour on July 4, 2024 (can't remember the guides name, buy he was excellent).”

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Private Chianti Classico Tour with wine and food tasting in a Historic Estate - A historic cellar and a working wine estate
Chianti Tours, Florence Food Tours, Florence Wine Tastings, Food, Food & Drink, Historical Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wine Tastings in Chianti, Wine Tours

Private Chianti Classico Tour with wine and food tasting in a Historic Estate

12.Private Chianti Classico Tour with wine and food tasting in a Historic Estate

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 23 reviews · from $341

Leave central Florence by private car for Greve in Chianti and a historic wine estate. Your English-speaking driver handles the roads, while a local wine guide leads the cellar visit and tasting of Chianti Classico, Super Tuscan wines, and local snacks.

“The driver was prompt and very knowledgeable . He accommodated our requests . However, Viator shouldn't advertise "tour the castle" when the castle is closed. Do your homework and provide alternatives .”

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Essential Florence Walking Tour to discover its history - Medieval towers, Renaissance palaces, and the making of David
Florence Walking Tours, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Essential Florence Walking Tour to discover its history

13.Essential Florence Walking Tour to discover its history

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

Walk Florence with an English-speaking guide such as Becky, Lisa, or Andrea, tracing Roman origins, Medici power, Renaissance architecture, Dante, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Oltrarno. The three-hour tour includes gelato, headsets, and several outdoor sights, with a short indoor visit at Santa Trinita.

“Amazing. Our guide was so interesting and knowledgeable. She answered all of our questions and was really friendly.”

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Guided Walking Tour of Florence – Duomo & Historic Squares - San Lorenzo and the city behind the monuments
Florence Duomo Tours, Florence Walking Tours, Guided, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Guided Walking Tour of Florence – Duomo & Historic Squares

14.Guided Walking Tour of Florence – Duomo & Historic Squares

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 12 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $46

Walk central Florence with guides such as Alessandra and Chiara, tracing Roman beginnings, Medici power, and the lives of Michelangelo and Dante. In 90 minutes, you visit the Duomo, San Lorenzo, Signoria Square, Piazza della Repubblica, and Ponte Vecchio. The tour is in English, outdoors, and admissions are not included.

“Wow! My guide was great! Full of knowledge and really great at presenting information in an interesting way. Loved the pacing. Worth every euro!”

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Florence: Guided Tour Medici Family Secrets, Chapels and History - Palazzo Medici Riccardi and the family business
Florence Kids and Family Tours, Guided, Historical Tours, Medici Family Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Florence: Guided Tour Medici Family Secrets, Chapels and History

15.Guided Tour Medici Family Secrets, Chapels and History

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 12 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $95

Spend two hours with a local guide such as Marco, Martina, Vanessa, Jade, or Leonardo, tracing Medici power from the chapels to Palazzo Vecchio. Pre-booked entry gets you into the New Sacristy, while the walking route adds Michelangelo, banking, family rivalries, and Florence’s political heart.

“I had a great tour with a great tour guide. I do not remember her name but was her last tour before becoming mother (congratulation). She gave us so many info about the Medici familia adding some interesting gossip of them. The cappelle medicee ste unbeliveble breathtaking.”

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Uffizi Gallery ToursAccademia Gallery and David ToursFlorence Duomo ToursFlorence Wine TastingsChianti ToursFlorence Cooking Classes
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Explore Florence

Pick a gallery, a kitchen or a road out of town.

Galleries and palaces

Uffizi GalleryAccademia and DavidPalazzo VecchioPitti and BoboliGalileo and Leonardo

The cathedral quarter

The DuomoDome ClimbSanta CrocePonte VecchioPiazzale Michelangelo

Food and wine

Wine TastingsCooking ClassesFood ToursGelato and TiramisuTruffle Hunting

Out of the city

ChiantiSiena and San GimignanoPisa and LuccaCinque TerreFiesole