Florence Walking Tour: Duomo, Ponte Vecchio & Medici Stories

Summary

Walk through florence’s heart from duomo to ponte vecchio with stories of dante and the medici

You’ll walk Florence with a local guide who knows every twist—from Santa Maria Novella’s scents to stories behind the Duomo and Medici palaces. Smell ancient perfumes, hear tales in Dante’s neighborhood, stand on Ponte Vecchio as evening falls. This tour isn’t just sights—it’s voices, laughter, stone underfoot—and you’ll carry that feeling long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect Florence to smell like orange blossom and old books, but that’s what hit me near Santa Maria Novella—our guide, Giulia, led us straight into this pharmacy that felt like stepping into a secret. The air was thick with centuries-old perfume (literally), and I almost knocked over a bottle trying to sniff everything at once. She laughed and said even locals get overwhelmed in there sometimes. We started the tour right by the church, which is apparently the first thing you see when you arrive by train—I’d never noticed that before.

We wandered past Palazzo Antinori (I still can’t pronounce it right), and Giulia told us about Tuscan wine families—she made it sound like an old soap opera. Then we paused outside the Medici Chapels; the stone looked cold, but somehow inviting. There was a group of older men arguing about football nearby, which felt so normal against all this history. San Lorenzo was next, and honestly, I wouldn’t have known it was Florence’s first cathedral if she hadn’t pointed it out. She showed us where Michelangelo lived under Lorenzo de’ Medici’s roof—imagine having your landlord be “the Magnificent.”

The Duomo kind of sneaks up on you—the dome is massive but not in an obvious way. Giulia had us stand back to see the flower-shaped plan from above (well, she described it; my imagination did its best). She quoted Michelangelo about Brunelleschi’s dome being impossible to surpass—I liked that little rivalry vibe. In Dante’s district, I tried reading an Italian street sign out loud; Giulia smiled politely but I know I butchered it. The church where Dante met Beatrice is tiny and quiet inside—felt weirdly personal after all those grand piazzas.

Piazza della Signoria is loud in its own way—statues everywhere, people taking photos or just sitting around eating gelato. The Palazzo Vecchio looks stern compared to everything else, like it’s keeping secrets. And then suddenly we were at Ponte Vecchio—the bridge with shops hanging over the river like they might fall off any minute (they don’t). It’s touristy but also sort of magical at sunset. I kept thinking about how many lives have crossed these stones—ours just added to the noise for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Florence historic centre walking tour

• Start at Santa Maria Novella church
• Visit Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy
• See Palazzo Antinori exterior
• Pass by Medici Chapels
• Admire San Lorenzo church
• View Medici Palace exterior and courtyard
• Learn about Baptistery of San Giovanni
• Admire Florence Duomo exterior
• Walk Dante's district and see his tower-house
• View Palazzo Vecchio exterior
• Visit Piazza della Signoria open-air museum
• Finish at Ponte Vecchio bridge

Top questions

How long does the Florence walking tour last?

The private walking tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Which main attractions are included on this Florence walking tour?

The tour covers Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, Medici Chapels, San Lorenzo, Medici Riccardi Palace (exterior), Florence Baptistery, Duomo, Dante House Museum (exterior), Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio (exterior), and finishes at Ponte Vecchio.

Is entry to Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy included?

Yes, free entrance to the Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella is included.

Is this Florence walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Does the tour include a licensed guide?

Yes, a licensed professional guide leads the entire walking tour.

Are infants or strollers allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Where does the Florence walking tour start?

The tour starts at Santa Maria Novella church in central Florence.

Does this day trip cover both Renaissance & Medieval sights?

Yes, you’ll visit sites from both periods including Renaissance palaces and Medieval churches.

What’s included

Your walk includes free entrance to the historic Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy plus three hours with a licensed local guide leading you through Florence’s most storied neighborhoods—all fully wheelchair accessible and easy for strollers or service animals too.