Enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Florence by embarking on a private guided tour of its stunning basilicas. An expert local guide will lead you through the architectural marvels and artistic treasures of San Lorenzo, Santa Croce, and Santa Maria Novella, revealing the captivating stories behind these historic sites. Discover the tombs of notable figures like Michelangelo and Galileo, and explore the religious significance and Renaissance legacy that shaped this renowned city. With a comfortable pace, insightful discussions, and the option to indulge in a Tuscan lunch, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Florence’s remarkable past.
Key Points
- This private guided tour offers an immersive exploration of Florence’s renowned basilicas, including San Lorenzo, Santa Croce, and Santa Maria Novella.
- The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and includes a local professional guide and earphones for groups over 7 participants.
- Visitors can discover the rich cultural and architectural heritage of these historic sites, such as the Medici family tombs and Giotto’s Crucifix.
- The tour provides an opportunity to experience the iconic Gothic and Renaissance features of the basilicas and their enchanting cloisters.
- Admission fees for the basilicas are structured to accommodate visitors of various age groups, ensuring accessibility for all.
👉 Check out our guide to the 25 Best Dining Experiences In Florence
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Highlights
- Basilica of Santa Croce
- Basilica Di Santa Maria Novella
- Basilica Di San Lorenzo
- Meeting and Pickup Details
- Admission Fees
- Tour Logistics
- Guest Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Book This Tour for a Party Smaller Than 7 People?
- Does the Tour Include a Full or Just a Simple Tuscan Lunch?
- Is There a Guided Audio Available for the Tour in Other Languages?
- Are the Churches Wheelchair Accessible During the Tour?
- Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed Inside the Churches?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Florence
- More Guided Tours in Florence
- More Tours in Florence
- More Tour Reviews in Florence
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Florence we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Highlights
What’re the highlights of this private guided tour of Florence’s basilicas?
This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore three of Florence’s most renowned churches and cloisters: San Lorenzo, Santa Croce, and Santa Maria Novella.
With a local professional guide and the use of earphones for groups over 7, participants can explore the rich history and architectural marvels of these sacred spaces.
The tour also includes a simple Tuscan lunch option, making it a well-rounded experience.
Lasting approximately 2 hours, this guided tour provides a comprehensive and immersive exploration of Florence’s religious and cultural heritage, all at a price starting from $194.13 per person.
Loving the local insights? Here are more guided experiences we recommend in Florence
Basilica of Santa Croce
Located in the heart of Florence, the Basilica of Santa Croce marks the first stop on this private guided tour.
This Gothic church boasts a multi-colored marble facade, immediately captivating visitors.
Inside, the tombs of renowned Florentines, including Galileo, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli, command attention.
The basilica’s architecture and artistic treasures provide a glimpse into Florence’s rich cultural heritage.
With an admission fee of €8 for adults and €6 for ages 11-16 (free for children 10 and under), the Basilica of Santa Croce offers an affordable opportunity to explore this historic landmark on the guided tour.
Basilica Di Santa Maria Novella
The tour then moves on to the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, which boasts a striking Renaissance facade designed by Leon Battista Alberti.
Inside, visitors can admire the Crucifix by Giotto, the Trinity by Masaccio, and the frescoes by Filippino Lippi and Ghirlandaio.
The tour ends in the Green Cloister, where murals by Paolo Uccello adorn the walls.
Admission for adults is €7.50, €5 for ages 11-16, and free for children 10 and under.
Basilica Di San Lorenzo
The Basilica di San Lorenzo stands as the oldest church in Florence, having been consecrated in 393. Inside, visitors can explore the "Old Sacristy" designed by Brunelleschi, as well as the tombs of the prestigious Medici family. The church also features the Cloister of the Canons, which boasts a 16th-century orange tree. Admission to the Basilica di San Lorenzo is priced at €6 for adults, while children under 11 years old can enter for free.
| Admission Prices | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | €6 | ||
| Ages 11-16 | €- | ||
| 10 and under | Free |
Meeting and Pickup Details
The meeting point for this private guided tour is the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, situated at Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 18, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.
The tour commences at 10:00 am. After visiting the three churches and cloisters, the tour concludes at the Basilica of Santa Croce, located at Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it doesn’t operate on major holidays. Public transportation is available near the meeting and end points.
This is a private tour, so only your group will participate.
Want to keep it personal? More private experiences we love in Florence
Admission Fees
Admission fees vary across the three basilicas visited on this private guided tour. At the Basilica of Santa Croce, adults pay €8, while those aged 11-16 pay €6, and children 10 and under enter for free. The Basilica di Santa Maria Novella charges €7.50 for adults, €5 for ages 11-16, and free admission for those 10 and under. Finally, the Basilica di San Lorenzo asks €6 for adults, with free entry for children under 11.
| Basilica | Adult | Ages 11-16 | 10 & Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Croce | €8 | €6 | Free |
| Santa Maria Novella | €7.50 | €5 | Free |
| San Lorenzo | €6 | N/A | Free |
Tour Logistics
This private guided tour begins at the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, located at Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 18, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.
The tour departs at 10:00 am and ends at the Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Lasting approximately 2 hours, the tour provides a professional local guide and earphones for groups over 7 participants.
The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and doesn’t operate on major holidays. Conveniently located near public transportation, this private tour ensures only your group participates.
Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.
Guest Reviews
Reviewers have consistently praised this private guided tour, awarding it an impressive 5.0 overall rating based on 6 reviews.
Guests highlighted the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who provided informative discussions on the art, history, and architecture of the three churches and cloisters visited.
The tour’s comfortable pacing was appreciated, with reviewers noting it was suitable for all ages.
Visitors valued the depth of insight offered, remarking on the guides’ expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book This Tour for a Party Smaller Than 7 People?
Yes, you can book this tour for a party smaller than 7 people. The tour is a private guided experience, and there’s no minimum group size requirement.
Does the Tour Include a Full or Just a Simple Tuscan Lunch?
The tour includes a simple Tuscan lunch option. It doesn’t provide a full meal, but rather a basic, traditional lunch selection as part of the overall experience.
Is There a Guided Audio Available for the Tour in Other Languages?
The tour includes earphones for groups over 7 participants, allowing the guide to provide commentary in multiple languages. However, there’s no mention of a guided audio option for self-guided exploration in other languages.
Are the Churches Wheelchair Accessible During the Tour?
The tour is not wheelchair accessible. The churches and cloisters visited have uneven floors and stairs that may be difficult to navigate for those with mobility issues. Visitors using wheelchairs may have limited access during the tour.
Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed Inside the Churches?
Photography and video recording are generally allowed inside the churches, but visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting services or other visitors. It’s best to check with the tour guide or church staff for any specific restrictions.
Private Guided Tour of Florence Basilicas and Their Cloisters
“Highlights is an accurate description of the activity. May want to return to some of the churches for more "in depth" visit”
Recap
Enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Florence with a private guided tour of its stunning basilicas. Explore architectural marvels, artistic treasures, and the tombs of notable figures, while learning about the city’s religious significance and Renaissance legacy. Whether you opt for a Tuscan lunch or not, this tour provides an insightful and comfortable experience.
