Tour difficulty

  • Easy
  • Medium
  • Hard

Duration

3 hours

Florence Walking Tours: History Tours

In the Footsteps of the Medici Family

 

Description

The glory of the Medici family began in the first half of the fifteenth century under the leadership of Cosimo de’ Medici. Despite being expelled from the city twice, the family returned each time more determined than before to leave legacies of their absolute power in the form of the visual image. The tour begins at the San Marco Monastery and Museum, housing the world’s largest collection of the works of Fra Angelico, an early Renaissance painter whose talent Vasari described as “rare and perfect.” The monastery was nurtured by Lorenzo the Magnificent, and its magnificent library contains priceless Medici manuscripts. At the Medici Palace, the family’s Renaissance home, is the family’s private chapel, the Cappella dei Magi, decorated with the world-famous frescoes of Benozzo Gozzoli depicting the arrival of the Magi in a splendid Renaissance cavalcade. Behind the family church of San Lorenzo are the Medici chapels housing the statues of Lorenzo, the Duke of Urbino, the Duke of Nemours, allegories of Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk, and a Madonna and Child. The tour culminates in the Piazza della Signoria, virtually an open-air museum that underlines the absolute authority of the Medici in art as well as politics.

What's Included

  • Expert, licensed English-speaking tour guide
  • Private tour of the main sites connected to the Medici family
  • Entrance tickets
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Other Info

  • This is a private tour – your party only
  • Some of the sites may be closed on Sundays and Mondays
  • Modest attire is required in churches and basilicas; knees and shoulders must be covered
  • Large bags and umbrellas are not allowed in the museum; retrieving checked items could affect your ability to cover the entire suggested itinerary.
  • Please wear comfortable shoes, as this tour requires a fair amount of walking
  • This tour is not fully accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. Please contact us directly and we devise an alternate route suitable for you.

Faq

Is there a dress code I should know about?
There is a dress code for churches and basilicas. Shoulders and knees must be covered; shorts, miniskirts, and sleeveless shirts are not permitted. It is also recommended that you not take large bags or backpacks on tours that include churches as you may not be permitted to enter and storage accommodations are not usually available.
What if there is bad weather?
Our tours operate rain or shine!
Is tipping customary in Italy?
Tipping is indeed customary in Italy ! It is considered a kind gesture and proper etiquette to leave “a little something extra” depending on the level of service you receive. For a private guide it is suggested to leave 15 – 25 euros for a typical 3-hour tour.
What happens after I’ve requested a booking through your website?
Your Own Italy will send a confirmation email within 24 hours of your booking. You will then be invited to make your payment using a link that will be provided.
Can wheelchair users go on this walking tour?
Not all walking tours are fully accessible for wheelchair users or those with walking disabilities. However, if anyone in your group requires special accommodation, please let us know when completing the booking and we will work out suitable alternative routes.
Can tours be modified?
Yes, we will do our best to adjust any tour to accommodate special requests.
How far in advance should I book my walking tour?
Tours should be booked 48 hours in advance. While we cannot guarantee availability if booking occurs in less than 48 hours, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
What are Your Own Italy’s payment terms?
Full payment is due when the tour confirmation email is sent, within 24 hours of your booking. You will be provided with a link to our payment page. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
What is your cancellation policy?
Tours must be canceled by email 24 hours prior to the start of the tour. If cancellation is made in less than this time, Your Own Italy cannot guarantee a full refund.
How do I amend a reservation?
Any changes to existing reservations must be requested by email. All efforts will be made to accommodate changes, but they cannot be guaranteed.
What should I do if I have a larger group than the size suggested on the website?
Your Own Italy is delighted to accommodate large groups. Please specify the number in your party when booking, and every effort will be made to organize a tour within the time limits provided.

Meeting Point

Please specify when booking whether you would prefer to meet your private guide at your accommodations or at a designated point near the highlights of the tour.

Duration Of Tour

Walking Tours last approximately 3 hours unless otherwise specified.
Tour times are average – some groups prefer a more leisurely pace with fewer sites, with your private guide, this is your option.