I Medici Walking & Boat Tour of Florence

Wherever you go in Florence, you will find traces of the Medici family, a powerful dynasty who ruled over the city for the best part of 300 years. The family’s patronage of the arts and humanities transformed Florence into the intellectual and cultural capital of the Renaissance that we know today.

I Medici Walking & Boat Tour of Florence is your chance to step back in time and follow in the footsteps of Florence’s most famous family. A local expert will guide you around the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the first Medici palace in Florence, followed by a tour of the Medici chapels, where the dynastic members are buried. The experience will conclude with a one-hour boat tour along the Arno River, offering breathtaking views of Florence’s iconic landmarks. As you soak in the scenery, indulge in an aperitivo, accompanied by Prosecco and Tuscan Schiacciata. A perfect day out from our luxury villas in Italy, delve into the history behind the city’s iconic buildings and find out more about the Medici’s rise to power. 

Exclusive tour of the Palazzo Medici Riccardi and Medici Chapels

I Medici Walking & Boat Tour of Florence will begin at the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, which became the blueprint for countless other civil Renaissance buildings. Lovers of art and history will thrive here; the palace has seen commissions from famous artists like Donatello, Michelangelo, Paolo Uccello and Botticelli. Discover splendid Renaissance statues, a peaceful hidden garden and a private frescoed chapel, whilst experiencing the Medici’s rise to power and how this shaped the political and artistic landscape in Florence. 

Following a tour of the Palazzo Medici Riccardo, enjoy a stroll through the Piazza di San Lorenzo as you approach the Medici Chapels. The chapels form part of a monumental complex, which was built over almost two centuries, and is the final resting site of the Medici family. Your guide will immerse you in the history of Florence as you are led through the New Sacristy, with breathtaking sculptures and architecture from the famous Michelangelo; the Chapel of the Princes, adorned in semi-precious stones and polychrome marble; and the two Medici crypts.
 

A serene aperitivo boat ride along the Arno River 

To conclude your afternoon, opt for a change of perspective and indulge in a boat ride along the Arno River aboard a historic Renaioli boat. As you gracefully glide along the river’s surface, let the beauty of Florence’s landmarks unfold before you. Marvel at the iconic arches of the Ponte Vecchio and the grandeur of Palazzo della Borsa, Uffizi Gallery and Vasari Corridor.  

However, it’s the lesser known sights that make this experience so special. Discover hidden treasures like San Jacopo sopr’Arno, Ponte Santa Trinita and Palazzo Corsini — each weaving a rich narrative of Florence’s history. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the city over aperitivo, complete with Prosecco and Tuscan Schiacciata. 

The tour will start at 3:00pm with a guided tour of the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, followed by a stroll through Piazza San Lorenzo and a tour of the Medici chapels, lasting a total of 3 hours. Following the walking tour, at 6:30pm, you will embark on a 1-hour long boat excursion abroad a historic Renauoli boat on the Arno River, indulging in an aperitivo as you take in the sights.

• Min. 4 persons — Max. 16 persons
• Approx. 4.5 hours 
• Available from May to September
• Languages: English, Spanish, French and Italian
• Enquiries welcome for groups under four — prices may vary
• Child-friendly: Children aged 0-18 years receive a special discount 
• Advance booking of 1-2 months recommended 
• Transport is not included in the price

Included in the price: A professional tour guide, entrance to the Palazzo Medici Riccardi and the Medici chapels, and a boat tour on the Arno River, with an aperitivo including Prosecco and Tuscan Schiacciata.