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Life in Medieval and Renaissance Florence Tour – Private Tour

Experience the vibrant life of medieval Florence on this private tour. Walk in the footsteps of Florence’s Renaissance residents, explore iconic sites, and discover how the Black Plague and Boccaccio’s Decameron shaped the city’s history and culture.

Step into the Lives of Florence’s Renaissance Citizens

This tour unveils the everyday life of medieval and Renaissance Florence. Wander through architectural marvels and hear stories that capture the essence of Florence during one of the most culturally transformative eras in history.

Boccaccio’s Decameron and the Black Plague

Our journey takes you back to the time of Boccaccio’s Decameron, when young Florentines met at Santa Maria Novella to escape the city and the devastation of the Black Plague. Picture the scenes as the young men and women fled to the countryside, leaving behind Florence’s plague-ridden streets.

Santa Maria Novella: Florence’s Gathering Spot

Outside the stunning Santa Maria Novella, learn about the social lives of Florentines who gathered here to discuss politics, love, and city happenings. Explore how this piazza served as a meeting place for young people, and hear how Florentines tried to escape the chaos of the Black Plague.

Palazzo Davanzati: A Glimpse of Noble Life

Visit the Palazzo Davanzati, a well-preserved example of a medieval Florentine home. Here, you’ll see rooms that reveal details about the home life, dining customs, and daily activities of Florence’s elite.

Orsanmichele and the Patron Saints of Florence

Originally a granary, Orsanmichele became a church representing Florence’s powerful guilds. Admire statues commissioned by each guild and learn about Florence’s reliance on faith and community resilience during times of adversity.

Basilica of Santa Croce: Resting Place of Florence’s Greatest Minds

Conclude at the Basilica of Santa Croce, where you’ll visit the tombs of influential figures such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. This basilica stands as a testament to Florence’s cultural and intellectual heritage, with frescoes that illustrate the spiritual and artistic spirit of the Renaissance.

FAQs about Life in Medieval and Renaissance Florence Tour

What sites will we visit on this Florence medieval life tour?
We’ll visit key sites such as Palazzo Davanzati, Basilica of Santa Croce, Orsanmichele, and the square outside Santa Maria Novella. Each stop provides insights into Florence’s medieval and Renaissance life, culture, and resilience.

Is this Florence medieval life tour suitable for children?
Yes, this tour is fascinating for families with older children and history enthusiasts. Note that some walking and stairs are involved.

How much walking is required?
This tour includes a leisurely walking route within Florence’s historic center. We recommend comfortable shoes for navigating cobblestone streets and stairs.

Will we learn about the Black Plague and its impact on Florence?
Yes, our guide will provide insights into the devastating impact of the Black Plague and share stories from Boccaccio’s Decameron, which illustrates Florentine society during that time.

Are transfers from nearby cities available?
Transfers can be arranged from Florence or other nearby locations for an additional fee. Please contact us for a quote.

Is the Florence medieval life tour customizable?
Absolutely. If you’d like to add additional stops or extend the tour, we’d be happy to accommodate your requests.

Book Now!

Secure your place on this immersive historical experience today. Artviva has over 20 years of experience bringing Florence’s history to life. Book early to avoid missing out on this unforgettable journey through Florence’s past.

Don’t Miss Out!

We recommend booking at least two months in advance, as our popular tours often reach capacity quickly. Don’t miss this chance to explore the captivating history of Florence with an expert guide.

What You Will Love About This Tour

 

  • Step Back in Time to Renaissance Florence
    Immerse yourself in the stories and daily lives of Florence’s citizens during one of the most fascinating periods in history.
  • Boccaccio’s Decameron and the Black Plague
    Relive the gripping tales of survival and escape from the Black Plague, as told in Boccaccio’s Decameron. Feel history come alive at Santa Maria Novella, where Florentines once gathered to find solace and community.
  • Explore Palazzo Davanzati: A Noble Home Preserved in Time
    Step inside this authentic medieval Florentine home to see how the elite lived, dined, and socialized in the Renaissance era.
  • Discover Orsanmichele: Guilds, Faith, and Resilience
    Marvel at this unique granary-turned-church, where Florence’s powerful guilds left their legacy in the form of magnificent statues and architecture.
  • Santa Croce: Florence’s Hall of Fame
    Pay tribute to the city’s greatest minds, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, as you explore the resting place of Florence’s cultural legends.
  • Feel the Spirit of Florence Come Alive
    From bustling piazzas to intimate homes and grand churches, this tour paints a vivid picture of life during the Renaissance. You’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for Florence’s history, resilience, and enduring beauty.

Discover More Unforgettable Florence Experiences

 

Meeting Point

We’ll confirm the meeting point with you after booking.
If you would like a private transfer to the meeting point please choose the optional add-on.

FAQ's

We accept most major credit cards and payment forms. Please see the bottom of our website for the payment types accepted.

Most of our customers enjoy having the benefits of a private tour. You have your own guide. You can have rest stops when you like. We can tailor the tour to suit your needs and preferences. We always choose the best guide for your needs, whether you are a family, an art school, or a company doing an incentive event.

All our tours except our Sex, Drugs and Renaissance tour are kid friendly. When doing a private tour with us, you have your own guide, so tell us in the notes of the booking the ages of your kids and we will tailor the tour and choose a guide that’s great for kids for you. We also have 4 special kids’ tours in Florence.

No large bags or backpacks in museums, in churches shoulders and knees must be covered so bring a scarf to cover your shoulders. IF it’s a walking, bicycle or a countryside tour make sure to bring comfortable shoes.

It’s important for everyone to bring their ID

student or children for the museum

All tours are conducted in English only unless otherwise noted or requested. Other languages available for all private tours on request.

We recommend arriving 15 minutes before departure time for all tours and services

We are offering mainly Private and some Semi-private tours at the moment. We do not offer many semi private small group tours anymore due to the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. The difference between Private and Semi-private is that the private tours are fully private tours with your own guide and the Semi-private are small shared group tours where individuals can join others.

Knees and shoulders must be covered to enter the churches! Travelling in hot weather? Don’t worry, you can drape a shawl over your shoulders.

If you enjoyed your tour and would like to give your guide a token of appreciation, tips are happily accepted. When asked, the office staff recommends whatever amount you feel comfortable with giving.

Yes, visit our Get In Touch page for all our contact details.

Save time by browsing our website for ideas on romantic getaways, historic residences, palace and castle stays, beautiful views, good value vacations, classic Tuscan country holidays and top attractions. Stop by to chat with us about the best shopping and restaurants in Florence and Tuscany!

Yes. ArtViva, The Original and Best Walking Tours is an ASTA registered company based in Florence, Italy, respecting national and international laws and regulations regarding tourism. (Chamber of Commerce Number 516411)

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EU's new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into effect on May 25, 2018. We want to let you know we’ve updated our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions

Information about the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

We inform you that for the establishment and execution of the contract with you, when you book one of our services our organization comes into possession of some of your data, also acquired verbally, qualified as personal by the European Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR).According to the law, this treatment will be based on principles of correctness, lawfulness, transparency and protection of your privacy. According to article 13 of the GDPR 2016/679, therefore, we provide you with the following information: Nature of the data processed:We process your data:• Anagraphic, fiscal and of an economic nature necessary for the performance of contractual relationships with you, whether current or future;• Spontaneously supplied by you for the personalized execution of the current or future contract, bearing in mind that there is no obligation on your part to supply them. The data are processed with your express consent (Article 24 letter a, b, c Privacy Code and Article 6 letter b, and GDPR) accepting - with a click in the box at the end of the completion of the form - the terms and conditions of the service we perform.All data will be used solely and exclusively to fulfill:• Pre-contractual, contractual, post-contractual and tax obligations arising from relationships with you;• To the obligations established by law, regulations, community legislation or an order of the Authority.We are not in possession of your data that can be classified as sensitive, particular or of a judicial nature (articles 9 and 10 of the GDPR). Purpose of the processing and duration:Your data are processed for the entire duration of the relationship contract and also subsequently, for contractual requirements and related fulfillment of legal obligations and taxation, and for effective management of financial and commercial relationships. The Data Controller will process personal data for the time necessary to fulfill the aforementioned purposes and in any case for no more than 10 years from the termination of the relationship for the purposes of service. Methods of processing: The processing will be carried out with both manual and / or computerized tools telematics with organizational and elaboration logistics closely related to the purposes themselves and however in order to guarantee the security, integrity and confidentiality of the data in compliance with the organizational, physical and logical measures provided for by the provisions in force. Obligation or right to provide data:As regards the data that we are obliged to know, in order to fulfill the obligations established by law, their non-conferment by you involves the impossibility of establishing or continuing the relationship, to the extent that such data are necessary for execution of the same. Scope of knowledge of your data: The following categories of subjects may become aware of your data, as managers or processors, appointed by the undersigned company:• Data controller;• Accounting and billing staff;• Those involved in the marketing and execution of services. Communication and dissemination:Your data will not be disseminated to third parties by us for their provision or consultation.Your data may be communicated by us to entities, as far as their respective and specific competence is concerned and in general to any public or private entity with respect to which there is obligation for us (or faculty) recognized by law or secondary or community legislation) or need for communication, as well as to our consultants, within the limits necessary to carry out their duties at our office organization, after our letter of appointment imposing the duty of confidentiality and security. Rights of the interested party: In accordance with Art. 7 of Legislative Decree 196/03 of the Articles of the GDPR 679/16: 15 / Right of access, 16 / Right of rectification, 17 / Right to cancellation, 18 / Right to limitation of treatment, 20 / Right to portability, 21 / Opposition right, 22 / Right to oppose the automated decision-making process of GDPR679 / 16. You can exercise your rights by writing to the Data Controller with an email to: [email protected] Withdrawal of consent: With reference to Art. 23 of Legislative Decree 196/03 and Article 6 of GDPR 679/16, you can revoke the consent given at any time. Owner and manager of the treatment: The data controller is PIER CARLO TESTA, Director of the company "The Original & Best Walking Tours" with registered office in Via Sassetti 1 in Florence (Italy). The Data Processor, who can be contacted to exercise  rights and / or for any clarificationsregarding the protection of personal data, can be reached at: [email protected]
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