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Private tour in Florence Francesco C
New Tour - Church, Bankers and Beauty in Renaissance Florence: visit of Santa Maria Novella church from the inside
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3 hours
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3 hours
1
Francesco C.
5.0
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59
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7 hrs
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My name is Francesco, and Florence has always been the beating heart of my life. It is here that I was born and raised, where I studied Foreign Languages and Literature at university, where I married, and where I became a father. My journey also led me beyond Italy: I lived and worked in Paris and London, teaching international students and sharing my love for culture and history. But Florence has always called me back. In 1993, I took part in the city’s Tourist Guide License competition, ranking 14th out of more than a thousand candidates. From that moment, my lifelong passion for Florence’s history became my profession. For over 25 years, I have guided visitors through the treasures of this city—its art, traditions, economy, and the extraordinary role Florentines played in shaping the modern world. Florence was once called “the school of the world”, and my mission is to bring that era alive again. Together, we will listen to the whispers of history in its museums, squares, and streets. Having welcomed countless visitors with diverse expectations, I am confident in my ability to craft experiences that resonate with each of you—whether you seek scholarly depth, vivid storytelling, or simply the joy of discovery. 🎓 Credentials & Certifications - Licensed Tourist Guide of Florence (since 1993) - Licensed Hiking Guide (Guida Ambientale Escursionistica) (since 2021) - Jubilee Guide Certification, CSL Toscana (2000) - Sommelier Certification – Level II, Associazione Il Santuccio (2017) 🌟 What I Offer - Deep knowledge of Florence’s art, history, and traditions - Engaging storytelling that connects past and present - Tailored experiences for individuals and groups - The unique perspective of a Florentine who has lived abroad but remains rooted in his city’s soul Even if my calendar shows no availability, feel free to get in touch. I can organize private transportation by private car and driver. Just to clarify, I only arrange hotel or port pick-up and drop-off through the driver. I will meet you at the meeting point. For easy communication on the day of the tour, I suggest downloading WhatsApp on your smartphone.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Francesco C.
Church and bankers, money and divine beauty, the forces which combined to generate the Renaissance in Florence
Overview of your Florence tour
"You cannot serve God and money", the Gospels say. Nevertheless, money can serve beauty, and when beauty celebrates God, it can even wash some sins away. Money cannot buy immortality, but it can save from oblivion, and it may be a good investment in the Kingdom of Heaven. A stroll through the history, through the palaces and chapels of the banking families where the Renaissance artists had sanctified human beings and humanized saints. The Medici, the Sassetti, and the Strozzi will tell you the stories of their great families that contributed to making Florence great.
Your Florence tour itinerary
- We start with Palazzo Medici-Riccardi (outside). - We go across the San Lorenzo neighborhood. - We visit the Strozzi and Tornabuoni chapels in Santa Maria Novella church. (inside) - Then, we continue through via Tornabuoni, where we admire Palazzo Antinori (outside). - Palazzo Corsi-Tornabuoni (outside). - The monumental residence of the Strozzi family (outside). - We go on to Piazza Santa Trìnita, where we see the Palazzo Bartolini-Salimbeni (outside). - Continue with Palazzo Spini-Feroni (outside). - We go across the Arno River and finally, we end in Piazza Pitti, in front of Palazzo Pitti (outside). Visits to Santa Maria Novella don't run on Sunday mornings and should the church be closed to tourists for some unpredictable reasons (funerals, weddings, or any other event), we will replace it with the church of Santa Trìnita. Any special requests you may have, do not hesitate to ask. I can always customize this tour just for you!
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Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
-Walking tour -I suggest bringing a bottle of water and to wear comfortable shoes -During the summer, be sure not to forget a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses -During the winter, be sure not to forget a raincoat or small umbrella -Please remember to bring your passport, the ticket is Nominal and you must show your ID (passport photo on your phone works) -Please write me if there are people with mobility problems and if you use or need a wheelchair, the itinerary will be different
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Via Camillo Cavour, Firenze, Toscana, Italy
The main entrance to the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, via Cavour 1
- You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
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English
French
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
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