The Best of a City Tour: A Michelangelo Tour of Florence

Whether you’re an art history buff or not, it’s impossible to City florence tour, Michelangelo, and not be amazed by its Renaissance masterpieces. The city’s storied past—from its Medici family origins to the “stink” of Ponte Vecchio—is just as intriguing as its visual delights. Luckily, a guided tour will help you see the best of Florence without missing any of its most important landmarks.

Start by visiting the famous Uffizi Gallery, one of the most renowned museums in the world. Learn about the evolution of painting in Florence—from stiff Byzantine works to more naturalistic ones—as well as gain a deeper understanding of why Renaissance artists created these stunning pieces.

From there, head to Palazzo Vecchio, which was home to the Medici family for centuries. Explore the soaring rooms of this grand palace, including the New Sacristy, designed by Michelangelo, which has come to symbolize the unstoppable passage of time.

Next, stroll beneath Brunelleschi’s magnificent Duomo and discover why the cathedral is considered the pinnacle of Renaissance architecture. Your expert guide will explain the historical significance of the church and its role in Florentine art and civic life. Then, admire the Baptistery’s amazing bronze doors (known as the Gates of Paradise), which took 21 years to complete and prompted Michelangelo to declare that they were worthy of standing in front of the entrance to heaven itself!

After this, walk over the famous Ponte Vecchio, which connects the Piazza della Signoria and is arguably the most iconic bridge in the city. Your guide will point out its unique structure and tell you about its history, including how it escaped destruction during World War II.

Then, head to Galleria dell’Accademia, where you’ll see one of the most famous statues in the world: Michelangelo’s David. The colossal sculpture, which was carved by a young Michelangelo in his twenties, is awe-inspiring, and your guide will share details about the piece’s history and its influence on future sculptors. You’ll also be able to admire the other sculptures on display here, such as Prigioni, which was intended for a tomb in Rome and appears to be struggling to emerge from the marble.

Your guide will then lead you to the Boboli Gardens at the Pitti Palace, a beautiful mixture of greenery and artworks that combines nature with grottoes and fountains. Then, take a stroll along the Corridoio Vasariano, which provides a glimpse into what it was like to be in the shoes of Florence’s rulers as you walk above the busy streets on a hidden corridor that once connected the palace with their offices and residences. It’s truly a magical experience!