Florence: Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens & Palatina Gallery Tour

Summary

Palatina Gallery art then Boboli Gardens stroll from Pitti Palace

You’ll step straight into Florence’s Pitti Palace with timed entry, following a local guide through the Palatina Gallery’s masterpieces before strolling the iconic Boboli Gardens. Expect stories of Medici ambition, quiet corners among statues, and time to soak up views over Florence—plus all tickets and headsets sorted for you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the hush inside Pitti Palace—like the walls were holding their breath. Our guide, Francesca, led us through these grand halls where sunlight slipped in at odd angles, catching on gold frames and velvet chairs. She stopped in front of a Caravaggio and asked if we could spot the tiny details he’d hidden. I tried to look clever but honestly just stared, lost in all that dark paint and drama. The Palatina Gallery is packed with names you read in books—Raffaello, Tiziano—but seeing them up close felt different. There’s a faint smell of old wood and polish everywhere.

After a quick break (espresso for some, water for me—I was already warm), we wandered out into the Boboli Gardens. It’s funny how the air changes; suddenly it’s all grass and stone and distant laughter from kids somewhere behind a hedge. Francesca pointed out how the Medici family used to show off here—she said “they wanted everyone to know who was boss.” The paths twist around fountains and statues that look like they’ve seen centuries of gossip. My shoes crunched over gravel as we climbed up for a view back toward Florence. I didn’t expect to feel so small standing under those huge cypress trees.

Someone asked about the families who lived here—Pitti, Medici, Habsburg—and Francesca just smiled: “Every room has its own secrets.” She told us stories about parties and power struggles while we leaned against cool stone walls (honestly, my feet needed that). I still think about that view over the city rooftops—sunlight catching on terracotta tiles—and how quiet it felt compared to the busy streets below. We lingered longer than planned; nobody seemed in a hurry to leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens

• Meet expert English-speaking guide
• Explore Palatina Gallery paintings
• Take short break
• Tour Boboli Gardens highlights

Top questions

How long does the Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens tour take?

The guided tour covers both attractions in one visit; exact duration isn’t specified but plan for several hours including breaks.

Is entry to both Palatina Gallery and Boboli Gardens included?

Yes, your timed entry ticket covers both the Palatina Gallery inside Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens.

Are guides licensed and English-speaking?

Yes, tours are led by experienced licensed guides who speak fluent English.

How many people are in each group?

The small group experience is capped at 14 participants per tour.

Do I need to bring ID or passport?

Yes, each traveler must present valid ID or passport matching their booking name for entry.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at or near Palazzo Pitti for this tour.

What fitness level is required?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking inside the palace and gardens.

Are earsets provided during the tour?

If there are 4 or more participants, earsets are included so you can hear your guide clearly.

What’s included

Your day includes timed entry tickets for both Pitti Palace’s Palatina Gallery and Boboli Garden, an experienced licensed English-speaking guide throughout your visit, plus earsets if your group has four or more people so you don’t miss any details along the way.