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GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!

Add Some Leisure to Your Business Trip with Private Guided Tours in Florence

Ajitsa Ashihundu

by GoWithGuide travel specialist:Ajitsa Ashihundu

Last updated : Jun 05, 20248 min read

Itinerary Ideas

Florence Tour Guide

 

For those fortunate enough to travel while they work, business trips can be the catalyst for once-in-a-lifetime encounters with some of the most beautiful places in the world. If you get the opportunity to touch down in Florence, Italy, you won't want to waste it.

 

This is the birthplace of the Renaissance, Gelato, and Leonardo da Vinci. If you don't want to spend your days in Florence staring at the hotel lounge, it's time to get out of your travel comfort zone and see the city for yourself. There's a lot to take in, so you might find yourself stretched thin. 

 

Stumped on how to make the most of your business trip? We’ve got you covered. GoWithGuide helps you to extend your knowledge and absorb the sights and sounds of Florence without having to interfere with your work schedule. For a seamless plan, check with our local guides to create your own fully curated private guided tour.

 

Just A Few Hours 

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If you only have a few hours to spare on a quick trip through Florence, don't panic. You can safely squeeze in some fantastic activities during your morning, afternoon, or evening break. South of the capital, along the rolling hills, you'll find Piazzale Michelangelo. One of the most versatile locations in Florence, this square gives you a bird's eye view of the beautiful capital and city center without the time-consuming, long lines. From here, you'll gaze at the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio, and Brunelleschi's magnificent dome, which many consider the crowning jewel of the "city of lilies". 

 

At the foot of Michelangelo Square lies the Bardini Museum, which was renovated during the 19th century by antique enthusiast Stefano Bardini, hence the name. The museum features over 3,600 works of art, including some from geniuses like Donatello, Guernico, and Tiepolo. Once you've appeased your inner art buff, step outside into the Bardini Garden. Lush and green, this is a year-round beauty. It's particularly breathtaking during the spring, when purple wisteria flowers blossom and drape around the pergolas, creating clouds of lavender above you. 

 

You can hike to the square while conversing with a local guide about the history. Once there, you'll be met with a bronze replica of Michelangelo's David, a clearly beloved figure of the city. Michelangelo Square is even better in the evening as the crowds die down. After you wrap up your work day, take a quiet stroll and catch the warm sun as it sets on the view of a lifetime. 

 

Your Day Off 

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When working, a full day in Florence is hard to come by. So start early with a morning tour of the world-renowned Galleria Dell' Accademia, or Accademia Gallery. Yes, this is the place that holds the magnificent statue of King David, one of Michelangelo's most notable sculptures. It's overwhelming once you realize how imposing David's near 17-foot frame is, but in the best way possible.

 

You might even be inspired to chisel your own marble masterpiece afterward. There are also several magnificent locally made pieces outside the museum and in various courtyards. Besides the brilliant David, the Accademia Gallery hosts a collection unlike any other, including Botticelli’s hauntingly beautiful Madonna. 

 

After such an intellectually stimulating morning, head to the Piazza Santa Croce and indulge in some souvenir shopping at the nearby square. From antique vendors to everyday goods, there's something for everyone. Occasionally, an open-air flea market will take up the main area of the square, transforming the front of the Santa Croce Basilica into a bustling celebration of Florentine commerce. If you're lucky, you'll leave with a suitcase full of authentic leather goods made at the nearby leather working school. 

 

A Week or More

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Do you have personal time that extends into a week or more? Well, in this case Florence is your oyster. Not only can you do all the activities listed above, but you’ll be able to explore the historical heavyweights behind the city’s early successes. Staying in Florence longer than a day means you've heard of the Medici family.

 

One of the most political, social, and culturally influential dynasties of Florentine history, this family ruled from 1434 to 1737. So it would be a cardinal sin not to visit the Medici Chapels and soak in the history of their reign. 

 

For the Godfather fans, think of the House of Medici as the Corleone family. Yes, it was that dramatic. Murder plots, assassinations, and power grabs were the major highlights of their rule, but their close relationships with Florence's most influential artists were another. Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and Michelangelo were commissioned to design the family tombs, which you can tour, and their careers were heavily backed by the Medici family. 

 

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Foodies should dedicate an entire day to discovering the foundational cuisine of Florence, which includes Gelato and pasta. You can also immerse yourself in Florentine delicacies with an in-depth pasta-making class. Learn how to make Pasta Frolla, Pan di Spagna, Cantuccini and Torta Caprese all in a few hours. You can even learn how to make Cannolis, which will be devoured in minutes.

 

Stay on the sweet train with a crash course in Florence's original frozen treat, Gelato. According to various sources, Italian alchemist Cosimo Ruggieri is credited with inventing the Gelato we see today, and it's rumored that he came up with the classic recipe for, you guessed it, the Medici family. 

 

Cap off your culinary journey with a trip through the Chianti hills. You can spend an entire day getting lost in the vineyards and tasting the best of the best from local Italian wineries. To take things slow, head to Chianti via train, which will take around 1 ½ hours. If you're more interested in sampling as much wine as possible, you can shorten the journey to around 40 minutes with a taxi hired via one of our private guides.

 

Once there, you'll dive into the history of one of the world's most popular wines with tours of the land, including the underground cantinas where the region's Sangiovese grapes are fermented to perfection. This is the perfect way to unwind after a long bout of hard work. You can also head to the quaint and enchanting Chianti village nearby and get a taste of authentic gourmet Tuscan foods.

 

For The Seasoned Business Traveler 

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If you've been traveling for a while, you've seen many sides of this city, so you're looking for an experience off the beaten path. Since time isn't a constraint, why not make Florence your operational base, and venture to the coast of Tuscany, to Cinque Terre. This UNESCO Heritage site features a monumental cliffside where multicolored homes seemingly suspended in midair are held in place by coastal rocks and brilliant architectural planning.

 

To get the full experience, try a day hike through the region, as there are over 120 kilometers worth of nature trails to challenge your resolve. The views are so awe-inspiring that you might never want to leave. 

 

Conclusion 

Florence is the perfect city for anyone looking to balance work with play. The tight-knit atmosphere and intimate settings make quick exploration an easy affair for those on a tight schedule. On the flip side, Florence allows for a leisurely approach to discovering its hidden jewels. If you're looking for an experience as flexible as your ever-changing schedule, get in touch with our expert guides and organize your dream itinerary.

Written by Ajitsa Ashihundu

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Ajitsa Ashihundu is an editor, blog writer and Marketing team member at GoWithGuide, helping readers understand travel, one post at a time. She fell head over heels for writing back in high school, thanks to Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and countless poetry analyses that extended way beyond English Literature class. This led her to study journalism and Communications in university, where she discovered a greater passion for fictional tales. Born in Kenya, raised in the U.S., and now back in Kenya, she balances life bilingually in Swahili and English. Her three-year stint as a professional outdoor instructor and guide, leading hikes and outdoor adventures across Kenya, taught her the magic of nature in bringing people together. In 2021, she began freelancing, weaving words into blog content and video scripts while juggling personal writing projects. When not writing, Ajitsa can be found watching TV shows, reading, sipping coffee, or dreaming about her ultimate destination—Monteverde, Costa Rica. Her current goal? Writing her very own novel.

Florence Tour Guide - Manolis T.

Manolis T.

5.00 / 5
(3 reviews)
Italy

Greetings, I'm a professional tour guide working in Florence, Pisa, Lucca and Livorno. I'm equally happy to work in English, French and Italian. I run in-person tours in Florence, Pisa, Lucca and Livorno. I also run Live Streaming Tours of the same destinations, lasting about 1 hour. If you wish to customize any given tour, feel free to contact me at your convenience. I look forward to hearing from you.                                                                                                                                  

Florence Tour Guide - Joanna C.

Joanna C.

5.00 / 5
(2 reviews)
Italy

Hello! I'm Joanna, I was born and raised in Poland but since 2004 I have lived in Florence. I'm a tour guide in this stunning city but also in Siena, Pisa and San Gimignano. I would like to offer you some tours "off the beaten path" to enjoy and discover Florence differently. I'm especially passionate about symbols, hidden meanings and dark stories. I quite enjoy working with older kids, let's say from 8 years old. They have always some difficult questions for me... In my free time, I love hiking, visiting new places and writing on my blog about Tuscany. I speak English, French, Italian, and obviously Polish. Feel free to contact me for any question.                                                                                                                                  

Lazio Tour Guide - Ekaterina V.

Ekaterina V.

5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Italy

Hello! I have been living IN Italy since 5 years and have some years of experience in the sphere of communication and accommodation (in Rome and Brussels). Lately I have decided to start my own tours as a communication assistant and organisator. Together with me works my husband and a professional Italian guide. I speak 4 languages and have strong organization skills, this is why I believe I could provide a high quality support to travelers.                                                                                                                                  

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