Tour difficulty
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Duration
3 hoursFlorence Walking Tours: City Tours
The Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
Pitti Palace: A Window into Royal Elegance
Embark on a regal journey through the grandeur of Renaissance Florence with Your Own Italy’s exclusive tour of the Pitti Palace and its majestic Boboli Gardens. This personalized experience offers a deep dive into the opulence of the Medici family’s former residence, an enduring symbol of the wealth and power of Florence’s ruling dynasty. The tour seamlessly blends art, history, and nature, providing an unparalleled exploration of one of Florence’s most significant cultural treasures.
Pitti Palace: A Window into Royal Elegance
Palatine Gallery: Your tour begins in the Palatine Gallery, where the walls are adorned with an impressive collection of Renaissance paintings, including works by Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio. Each room, richly decorated with luxurious furnishings and frescoes, tells a story of the Medici family’s patronage of the arts.
Royal Apartments: Venture through the Royal Apartments, a series of rooms exquisitely preserved to reflect the daily lives of the palace’s royal inhabitants. From sumptuous bedrooms to grand reception halls, the apartments offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Medici and later, the House of Lorraine and the Savoy family.
Modern Art Gallery: Explore the evolution of Italian art in the Modern Art Gallery, which spans the late 18th to early 20th centuries. This collection highlights the transition from the grandeur of the Grand Duchy to the modern Italian state, featuring works by artists who continued to shape Italy’s artistic legacy.
Boboli Gardens: Nature’s Grandeur Unveiled
Sculptures and Fountains: As you step into the Boboli Gardens, be greeted by an open-air museum of sculptures dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries, set amidst meticulously designed landscapes. The Neptune Fountain and the Island Basin are just a few of the stunning water features that punctuate the gardens’ pathways.
Amphitheater and Garden Layout: Discover the Amphitheater, the first of its kind in a garden setting, famous for its Egyptian obelisk. Wander through the gardens’ carefully planned layout, a testament to the ingenuity of Renaissance and Baroque landscape architecture, inspiring royal gardens throughout Europe.
Kaffeehaus and The Limonaia: Don’t miss the Rococo-style Kaffeehaus, offering panoramic views of Florence, and the Limonaia, a greenhouse that shelters citrus trees during the winter, embodying the Medici’s fascination with botany and the natural world.
Your Own Italy: A Gateway to Florence’s Royal Past
With Your Own Italy, the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens tour is more than just a visit; it’s an immersive experience into the heart of Florence’s royal heritage. This tour invites you to explore the lavish lifestyle of the Medici, the art that adorned their walls, and the gardens that served as their sanctuary.
Embark on Your Regal Exploration
Are you ready to step into the world of Medici magnificence at the Pitti Palace and stroll through the historical splendor of the Boboli Gardens? Contact Your Own Italy to plan your personalized tour, and unlock the doors to Florence’s most illustrious past, where art and nature converge in a display of unmatched beauty and grandeur.
What's Included
Your exploration of Florence’s rich history and culture begins right outside your accommodations, where your personal guide will whisk you away to the grand Pitti Palace, a cornerstone of Renaissance grandeur. This adventure through time immerses you in the art, fashion, and botanical beauty that define the Italian Renaissance and the legacy of the Medici family.
– Pitti Palace: Originally intended to overshadow the Medici, this Renaissance palace became their opulent home, showcasing the wealth and taste of Florence’s ruling family.
– Palatine Gallery: Marvel at the works of Raphael, Rubens, and other masters of the European Renaissance and Baroque periods in a sumptuous gallery setting.
– Costume Gallery: Explore a fascinating collection of over 6,000 items, including historical costumes from the 18th century, tracing the evolution of fashion through the ages.
– Silver Museum: Known as the “Treasures of the Medici,” this museum displays an exquisite collection of jewels that highlight the Medici family’s wealth and influence.
– Porcelain Museum: Admire some of Europe’s most exquisite porcelain, showcasing the intricate artistry and craftsmanship of the era.
– Boboli Gardens: Step into the vast green expanse behind the Pitti Palace, a stunning example of outdoor museum space adorned with ancient and Renaissance statues, grottos, and breathtaking fountains like the Fountain of Neptune and the Ocean.
This personalized tour not only offers an intimate glimpse into the grandeur of the Pitti Palace and its collections but also invites you to wander through the storied Boboli Gardens, where history, art, and nature intertwine to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Tips for Your Tour
– Wear Comfortable Shoes: Expect to walk extensively, especially in the Boboli Gardens.
– Photography: Bring a camera, but be mindful of restrictions on flash photography within the museums.
– Stay Hydrated: Carry water, particularly during the garden tour.
– Sun Protection: A hat and sunscreen are advisable for the outdoor portions of your tour.
– Be Mindful of Museum Etiquette: Keep noise levels low and be respectful of the artworks and other visitors.
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
Duration Of Tour
Tour times are average – some groups prefer a more leisurely pace with fewer sites, with your private guide, this is your option.