Stephen (Andy) S.United States
Very knowledgeable and helpful, great out and we learned more about Florence. I recommend Francesco as your guide in Florence
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Private tour in Florence Francesco C
Private guided tour of the city and Michelangelo's David: Accademia Gallery Skip the Line
5.0
(21) reviews
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3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Francesco C.
5.0
Guide rating
61
Reviews
Tours delivered
7 hrs
Avg. response time
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.
Visit the Highlights of Florence: Private Walking Tour
Overview of your Florence tour
Exploring the icons of Florence, the most famous artworks and monuments: Michelangelo's David in the Accademia Gallery, the Duomo, and its impressive marble decoration, the huge Brunelleschi's cupola "soaring above the sky, it protects with its shadow all the Tuscan people". Not least, Signoria Square, a beautiful open-air museum and political heart of Florence. What's better than a true Florentine to take you through the centuries when Florence was "the school of the world"?
Recent Reviews
Felix F.United States
During my recent visit to Italy, I was staying in Bologna as my base to explore other cities. I was in Florence more than 20 years ago, and I wanted to spend one day on this trip visiting the Uffizi Museum and the Academy to see David again and spend some time in the Duomo. Knowing that I had a limited amount of time, I obviously contacted Tours by Locals because I knew that their guides were going to be top-notch. I was very happy that I contacted them because Francesco is such a wonderful guide. He knew all his history, and he was so efficient gliding through the Uffizi Gallery. We saw all the major works, and we discussed in detail the history of Florence during the Renaissance. Francesco is really knowledgeable about the rich history of his city, and I would give him a perfect score for his ability to transmit all his knowledge. Thank you, Francesco,
Andrea H.
My husband and I arranged a private walking tour (English language) of the Florence (Firenze) city center and the Academie (museum with Michaelangelo’s David) on a weekday in February. Our tour guide was Francesco and he was absolutely fantastic; it’s fair to say it was the best city tour we had ever been on. Francesco has been guiding for 30+ years and is a remarkable scholar of history, art, and culture and shared his wealth of knowledge and passion in an unassuming and relatable way. His English was beautiful and his insights of the city and its glorious art impeccable. We give Francesco our absolute highest and most delightful recommendation. We will recommend him to our friends visiting Florence and look forward to seeing him again on return trips.
Lorna W.United States
Francesco is an amazing guide! His knowledge of Florence and how he customized our tour for us was wonderful! I loved seeing the works of Michelangelo and Francesco made us feel like we knew Michelangelo personally. So much to see in Florence and our tour made our trip that much more enjoyable!
Jennifer V.United States
This was our second tour with Francesco during our week stay in the Tuscany area. He is the best! I really liked the way he gives you the highlights in the museums we toured. He did not drown us with details. Thanks again for a great experience!
Lyna S.United States
Had a wonderful four hour walking tour of Florence with Francesco C yesterday. He set a marvelous pace for us and was responsive to all our questions. Highly recommend this kind, knowledgeable and genuine tour guide. He made Florence come alive for us! You surely will not be disappointed.
Your Florence tour itinerary
Accademia Gallery from the inside (closed on Mondays) Duomo complex (outside) Medieval streets Piazza Signoria This tour can be customized according to your preference During the high season, there could be queues to enter the Accademia -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 -For security reasons, all visitors must be checked with Metal Detectors before entering the Accademia In high season there may be some queues, even with skip-the-line tickets.
Want to customize this tour?
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
-Since it's Walking Tour, I would advise you to wear comfy shoes -I suggest bringing a bottle of water -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
What's included
Other: Skip the line tickets for Accademia Gallery (not refundable)
Private Guide
Tickets: Skip the line tickets
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Private Transportation
Private Transportation With Driver
Meeting location
1r Via Roma, Firenze, Toscana, 50123, Italy
Caffè Gilli Via Roma, 1R Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/uUbENCEUjWVxu2MF6
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Museums
Tour reference number
394381
Languages
English
French
ItalianActivity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Florence best suited for?
This private tour in Florence is perfect for travellers who want to explore the city's iconic artworks and monuments with a local expert. It's ideal for those interested in art and history, as you'll visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David, the Duomo, and Piazza Signoria. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Florence be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% 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.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.