Private tour in Florence Virginia L
5.0
(3) reviews
4 hours
30 minutes
1
4 hours
30 minutes
1
Virginia L.
4.9
Guide rating
74
Reviews
Tours delivered
20 hrs
Avg. response time
Hi, my name's Virginia and I'm a fully licensed tour guide in Florence and Tuscany. I was born in England but came to Florence as a young art student in 1986, fresh from a degree in Fine Art. I felt literally drawn to this magical city like a magnet, the mecca of so many artists, writers and culture-hungry travelers who have touched base here at some time or made it their permanent home like myself. I chose to become a guide because Art is my life. I am a painter and make sculptural ceramics. All my inspiration comes from the stunning nature and breathtaking scenery that surrounds me in this beautiful region of Tuscany, not to mention the impact of all the masterpieces which literally jostle with each other to grab my attention! My own love of the beauty of Florence comes across because it is genuine and heartfelt. Being a guide is being myself, spontaneous and easy going, entertaining and knowledgeable. I like to feel as if I'm showing friends around the city I love. Of course, after more than 30 years I can safely say I've become a local. My lifestyle has become "Florentine" my friends and family are Italian, but I must admit that every now and again I still have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming! I'd Just like to say to all families traveling with small or not so small children that I have plenty of hands-on experience, firstly as a mum myself with two grown-up sons! and secondly in my parallel career as an English teacher, where I have over 30 years experience teaching English to children and adults from the ages of 1 to 70! Summer camps, Schools, businesses and private lessons. I have created a vast amount of didactic material to ensure my students have fun while they're learning. Much the same premise for all those who choose me as their guide! Talking of which here's part of a review I received recently from two lovely Canadian ladies: " Virginia even includes funny historical anecdotes as a clever and fun way to learn as much as you can about Florence! We wish the other cities we visited could have offered such an amazing experience !" Comments like this make my job so rewarding and I warmly thank all my previous guests for the wonderful moments we have spent together and look forward to meeting the next adventurers! I'm totally flexible about whatever you'd like to see and do, I'm open to all suggestions to extra activities like cooking classes, learning to paint an affresco, hands-on experience in an artisan's studio etc. , and I can accommodate all ages and tastes. Please feel free to get in touch and we can tailor make your Tuscan Tour! - Fully licensed Tourist Guide IDI INFORMATICA FLORENCE / Tecnico Qualificato Guida Turistica Regione Toscana 2017 Fully licensed Tour leader in Tuscany 2008 - Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Art Brighton University 1986 - Tefl Certification (Teaching English as a foreign language) Pilgrims Training Courses University of Kent at Canterbury 1986. I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver. I am licensed to guide in English and Italian
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Virginia L.
I've always loved visiting Medici residences, whether it's a town palace or a country villa. The past owners have left us fascinating glimpses into what life was like centuries ago and their presence seems to hang in the air and follow us around while we trespass on their property! In my first years in Florence the extravagant decor and antique furniture even became subjects for many of my paintings and ceramics. Since I'm sure many of you share my curiosity, come with me and explore the 3 residences of the Medici family in chronological order from Palazzo Medici Riccardi and Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti. These monumental palaces will also allow us to cross Florence from North to South, over the Ponte Vecchio, and end the tour in the grandest of them all, Palazzo Pitti, a veritable fortress softened by the delightful Boboli gardens behind the looming facade. This is a great way for you to learn all about the political intrigues, social changes and patronage of the most famous artists in the world!
Virginia gave us two amazing all day tours around Florence. She customized tours to fit our schedule and desire and they were perfect. Virginia has vast knowledge and information about all history and arts, and was very clear and effective in communication. She was very accommodating and patient with us. She also took us to a local restaurant and introduced us some other Italian menus other than pasta and pizzas. Highly recommend Virginia!
Thank you Virginia for an informative and excellent tour of the Medici palace highlights. We enjoyed our time with you and learned a lot. Thank you also for taking the time to make dinner reservations and recommendations that we greatly enjoyed.
Virginia was our guide to supplement a faculty-led study abroad Roman mythology course. Two USA professors and thirteen 20-year old college students toured with Virginia for a delightful 3 hours. She spent time with me (one of the professors) planning the schedule and discussion topics before we arrived and time on the ground listening to and adapting to our specific needs. Virginia is the ultimate professional with a eye for detail and the wisdom to know when to summarize and when to elaborate.
Meeting place in front of the Church of San Lorenzo by the statue of Giovanni delle Bande Nere. 1: A quick introduction to the Medici family 2: Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the garden and inner courtyard, once the home of Lorenzo il Magnifico and his protégée Michelangelo 3: Walk through Florence, passing by the Piazza del Duomo with the Cathedral, Baptistry and Bell Tower 4: Arrival in Piazza Signoria and the castle-like Palazzo Vecchio, home to Cosimo 1 and his family. We shall take a tour of this magnificent palace with the biggest grand hall in Tuscany and a labyrinth of rooms, sumptuously decorated with Medici propaganda! If you like I can book you on to a secret passage tour (1. 5 hours) which allows you into areas of the palace normally closed to the public. 5: Pause for lunch 6: Following the private overhead corridor built for the Medici we shall cross Ponte Vecchio to reach our final stop, Pitti Palace and the Boboli gardens. And if you have any special interests, please let me know!
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On foot.
Piazza di San Lorenzo, Firenze, Toscana, 50123, Italy
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Statue of Giovanni delle Bande Nere in front of the church of San Lorenzo
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4 hours
30 minutes
1
4 hours
30 minutes
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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