The unconventional
Unconventional Florence
The guided tour will meander across the most unconventional Florence: we will admire 16th century frescoes in mysterious cloisters, stunning baroque churches, hidden Last Suppers painted by Renaissance artists and open for free, libraries with a view, high-quality handicraft and vintage shops off the beaten track. Venture into the unusual Florence and discover new corners of the city, away from the hurly-burly.
Wonders of Mannerism
Did you know that Pontormo noted on his diary what he used to eat and how he digested it? And that he used to get into his home from the window? Cellini used all his pots to melt the „Perseus“, because he had no more tin! Discover the eccentricities of the artists of Mannerism, born in Florence in '500. Florence is not just Renaissance! Let's immerse in the elegance and artifice: from the Cloister of the Vows painted by Andrea del Sarto, Pontormo and Rosso Fiorentino until the wonderful „Deposition“ of Pontormo in Santa Felicita Church; the „Studiolo“ of Francesco I in Palazzo Vecchio and the masterpieces of icy beauty by Bronzino in the Uffizi.
Arno river cruise
The Arno River tells us about Florence's history. Cradled by the lapping of its waters, we will flank elegant palaces, we will cross the most ancient bridges of the city, we will sail along the river to discover its history, its flow, its most mysterious secrets on board on the historical "barchino". „Renaioli“, „lamprede“ and „canottieri“ are waiting for you in this slow fluvial cruise: you will admire Florence from a totally different point of view!
Etruscan and Roman Fiesole
Idyllic, bucolic, picturesque: Fiesole, in few words. Not a lot of people come here to visit it.
The ancient Vipsl – as the Etruscan called it – offers a very interesting archaeological site equipped with the roman theatre, baths, temples, altars, and even a Lombardic necropolis. Close to the archaeological site, the civic museum offers finds from the area, if you wish to go deep in your visit. Are you looking for any ancient roman ruins? Well, tha'ts the best solution, just a short step from Florence... After all, all the roads lead to Fiesole!
The ancient Vipsl – as the Etruscan called it – offers a very interesting archaeological site equipped with the roman theatre, baths, temples, altars, and even a Lombardic necropolis. Close to the archaeological site, the civic museum offers finds from the area, if you wish to go deep in your visit. Are you looking for any ancient roman ruins? Well, tha'ts the best solution, just a short step from Florence... After all, all the roads lead to Fiesole!
Scent of Florence
The power of healing herbs was handed down from apothecary to apothecary since the Middle Ages. This curious guided tour will take you in the ancient world of florentine prescriptions and historical pharmacies. We will speak about the „Arte dei Medici e degli Speziali“ (a guild instituted to protect the rights and interests of members of the same trade or occupation) and their followers. A look into the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, the most famous and ancient pharmacy in the whole Florence, is not to be missed.
Once upon a time... Writers in Florence
Could we miss a literary tour in the Dante Alighieri's city? It sounds impossible!
A stroll dedicated to the italian language: from the neighbourhood of Dante to that of Vasco Pratolini, crossing the Pinocchio's Carlo Collodi streets, with Fëdor Dostoevskij and Alessandro Manzoni as well. (This last one came to Florence in order to „sciacquare i panni in Arno“... which means to purify the italian language) . At the end, we will discover the famous statue of the „Porcellino“ too. Do you know the reason why is it so famous? It's because off a danish friend who wrote a fairy tale... A time travel in the italian language, perfect for children.
A stroll dedicated to the italian language: from the neighbourhood of Dante to that of Vasco Pratolini, crossing the Pinocchio's Carlo Collodi streets, with Fëdor Dostoevskij and Alessandro Manzoni as well. (This last one came to Florence in order to „sciacquare i panni in Arno“... which means to purify the italian language) . At the end, we will discover the famous statue of the „Porcellino“ too. Do you know the reason why is it so famous? It's because off a danish friend who wrote a fairy tale... A time travel in the italian language, perfect for children.
Rucellai's violet business
Once upon a time, a Sir called Alamanno del Giunta who was travelling in the far East of the world. He needed to stop and he looked for a service station, but couldn't find it! And so he went in the wood and, suddenly, found his violet fortune...When he came back to Florence… Let's discover the success of the Rucellai family: from the literary club of Orti Oricellari to the façade of Santa Maria Novella, Palazzo Rucellai, Loggia Rucellai, with a final stop in the small Temple of Sepulchre, all commissioned from Leon Battista Alberti, the genius of Renaissance architecture. So, not just Medici in Florence!
Secrets of the Archaeological Museum
All the corners of this museum are carpeted with a sense of abandon and dust which is its true charm. The sarcophagi of big-bellied etruscans look at us smiling; the greek ceramic winks from the showcase, with its legendary myths. Then, you bump into the roar of the frightening Chimera and you jump, scared! Who does expect it there, in that dark, hidden room?! You try to go out on tiptoe... but you find the egyptian section (the second in Italy, after Turin). How can you escape?! You're surrounded by mummies...! Here, everything is magic and wonder.
Horne Museum and Davanzati Palace
They consist off two worthy museums, which often tourists forget.
The Horne Museum and the Davanzati Palace survived thanks to the collectors Herbert Percy Horne and Elia Volpe who wanted to recreate an interesting example of a superb, nobleman, florentine dwell, with all its ancient chairs, wedding chests, and masterpieces as „Saint Stephen“ of Giotto and the medieval frescoes of„Castellan of Vergy“. A true opportuny for feeling like an ancient Florentine.
The Horne Museum and the Davanzati Palace survived thanks to the collectors Herbert Percy Horne and Elia Volpe who wanted to recreate an interesting example of a superb, nobleman, florentine dwell, with all its ancient chairs, wedding chests, and masterpieces as „Saint Stephen“ of Giotto and the medieval frescoes of„Castellan of Vergy“. A true opportuny for feeling like an ancient Florentine.
Watercolour in Florence
Enjoy a watercolour workshop in Florence in company of an expert painter! You will learn the secrets of watercolour en plein air, in the gardens of Florence ... Take back home a unique work of art: the memory of an unforgettable journey, painted by you.
The Florence's Salon
A chic stroll along the ancient „Via dei Belli Sporti“ (small stores). Already in the past, its name is a proof of the ancient florentine calling for fashion.
But on Via Tornabuoni you will not find just the most elegant boutiques of the whole city: a long strip of sophisticated palaces is waiting for you. We will discover together all the most curious secrets and anecdotes of Palazzo Antinori, Palazzo Corsi Tornabuoni, Palazzo Larderel... And we will finish on the wonderful fan-shaped Santa Trinita square with all its palaces, the bridge and the beautiful Church of Santa Trinita with the Ghirlandaio's frescoes.
But on Via Tornabuoni you will not find just the most elegant boutiques of the whole city: a long strip of sophisticated palaces is waiting for you. We will discover together all the most curious secrets and anecdotes of Palazzo Antinori, Palazzo Corsi Tornabuoni, Palazzo Larderel... And we will finish on the wonderful fan-shaped Santa Trinita square with all its palaces, the bridge and the beautiful Church of Santa Trinita with the Ghirlandaio's frescoes.
