Basilica di Santa Maria Novella: Self-Guided Audio Tours

From a local's perspective, this walking tour explores Florence's hidden history. You'll see all the main attractions as well as off-the-beaten-track spots. The tour begins with a visit to Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Here you'll find an ancient church and why it was used for horse racing once. In addition, you'll learn why Italians are so gambling. On the way to the house of Satan, you'll see the street of beautiful women. Along that path, you'll learn about medieval Florence and how to get cheap wine at the wall holes. Palazzo Tornabuoni-Corsi is your first stop as you explore the noble palaces of Florence. You will discover who introduced lyrical opera to the world. The tour includes a stop at the famous Piazza Santa Trinita, where you will have the chance to admire many beautiful buildings of different architectural styles. It is a worthwhile opportunity to learn about Florentine gastronomy by visiting Lambretesca Street. You'll also know how many kilos of pasta and liters of coffee each Italian drinks yearly. During the last chapter of the tour, you'll find out what you can do to find good luck. You will discover the Heaven of the Innocents, built by Brunelleschi. Get ready to explore Florence with me!

Unravel the beauty of Florence's Renaissance splendor in this immersive Self-Guided Audio Tour tailored for culture enthusiasts and history buffs. This tour allows you to explore at your own pace, diving into the Old Town's rich past and examining the architectural marvels that hail from an era that redefined arts and sciences. You begin your journey at the stunning Santa Maria Novella, welcoming you with its grand facade, and conclude with the peaceful allure of the Arno River, capturing the essence of Florence's enduring legacy. The route leads through bustling piazzas and down narrow streets, each turn revealing another layer of history. From the intricacies of the Florence Cathedral and the commanding view from Giotto's Bell Tower to the ancient glory of the Baptistery's Gates of Paradise, each site has a story. Cross the storied Ponte Vecchio, and climb to the Piazzale Michelangelo for breathtaking city vistas. Along the way, pass the silent watch of the statued Piazza della Signoria, and wander the halls of the Uffizi Gallery, if you choose the extended option. This bespoke audio escape offers an unrivaled experience enriched by the detailed narratives and anecdotes of Florence's pride—Brunelleschi's Dome, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and the extraordinary creations housed within them. As you traverse the iconic locales, the voices of the past speak through the city's art, allowing you to forge a personal connection with the birthplace of the Renaissance.

This tour is a treat for lovers of art, history, and architecture. Including your ticket to the Boboli Gardens, this self-guided adventure caters to those eager to delve into the heart of the Renaissance at their own pace. We'll embark on our adventure from the ticket office of the Pitti Palace (Piazza Pitti 1) where you will need to swap your smartphone voucher for a paper ticket. Then you'll reach the gardens through the main entrance. Due to safety regulations, this is currently the only entrance to the Boboli Gardens. While this tour provides only a brief audio guide inside the Boboli Gardens, the exterior journey through Florence's storied streets is detailed and captivating. After your visit to the gardens, you'll embark on a journey that leads you through Florence's most celebrated landscapes and timeless achievements. The tour format allows you to immerse yourself fully in the city's heritage, narrated in your ear at each fascinating stop. Your route will traverse grandeur and simplicity, from the regal Pitti Palace to the sacred Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. Begin surrounded by the greenery and sculptures of the Boboli Gardens before venturing to the medieval stores on the Ponte Vecchio, and pass by the remarkable facade of the Uffizi Gallery. Along the way, marvel at the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, crowned by its magnificent dome, and soak in the artistic splendor at stops like the Palazzo Vecchio and the Orsanmichele Church.