When is the best time to visit Florence?

The best time for Florence tours is spring (April–June) and autmn (September–October), when the weather is pleasant and crowds are lighter than in summer. These shoulder seasons make trips to Florence ideal for exploring the city’s Renaissance treasures and enjoying outdoor dining without the summer heat.

What is the weather like in Florence?

Florence has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. July and August can reach 32°C, while winter averages around 10°C. If you’re planning a tour to Florence in summer, pack for heat and busy crowds, while spring and fall trips to Florence offer more comfortable conditions.

What currency is used in Florence?

Like the rest of Italy, Florence uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but carrying small amounts of cash can be helpful in markets, taxis, or for tipping during Florence holidays.

What adaptor do I need for Florence?

In Florence and across Italy, the standard plug is type C, F, or L with 230V supply. If you’re travelling to Florence from the US, Australia, or UK, you’ll need a travel adapter for your electronics on your Florence trip.

Do you tip in Florence?

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Florence, but it’s common to leave small change or round up the bill at cafés and trattorias. On guided tours of Florence, you may wish to tip your guide and driver as a gesture of appreciation

How many days is enough to see Florence?

Most travellers find 2–3 days is enough for a trip to Florence, covering highlights like the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio. Many Florence tours also combine the city with Tuscany day trips, so 4–5 days offers a more relaxed pace.

Are guided tours in Florence worth it?

Yes — guided tours of Florence give deeper insight into its history and culture. With a Local Specialist, you’ll skip long lines at the Uffizi or Accademia, and uncover hidden corners of the city that most self-guided trips to Florence miss.

Do I need travel insurance for Florence?

We highly recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to your trip. Please ensure you add the details of your insurance to the MyTrafalgar portal. Your insurance should cover trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, and evacuation and repatriation cover including during pandemic events.

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Florence tours & excursions

Name: Best of Italy
Brand: Trafalgar
Price: 59 ZAR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7

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The Renaissance city is a masterpiece in itself. Florence tours reveal a place where art, history, and Tuscan culture flow through every street.
With Trafalgar, you’ll uncover iconic landmarks like the Duomo, artisanal traditions, and authentic local flavours that make a trip to Florence unforgettable.

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Rome → Rome, via Vatican City, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri and 10 more stops

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Amsterdam → Paris, via Boppard, Rhine Valley, Lucerne, Venice and 9 more stops

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Rome → Venice, via Vatican City, Florence and Pisa

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Tours

Country Collection

4.7

Best of Italy

Days

Stops

Rome → Rome, via Vatican City, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri and 10 more stops

From

R59 400

Was

R67 500 pp

View Trip

Small Groups

Outdoors Collection

New

Outback Icons - Small Group

Days

Stops

Adelaide → Darwin, via Flinders Ranges, Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, Uluru and 7 more stops

From

R145 100

View Trip

Tours

Region Collection

European Accent

Days

Stops

Amsterdam → Paris, via Boppard, Rhine Valley, Lucerne, Venice and 9 more stops

From

R54 200

Saver

View Trip

Rail Journeys

Coastal Collection

4.7

Contrasts of Italy

Days

Stops

Rome → Venice, via Vatican City, Florence and Pisa

From

R64 000

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Unedited Florence tour reviews

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"Best of Italy was the best!"

“Service is A+, the attention to detail is impressive. Best of Italy was one of the best tours that we have ever been on. The Travel Director was one of the best. The list of cities is impressive, the hotels were great and food was delicious. The optional experiences were great too, we participated in almost all of them. We will certainly use Trafalgar again!”

- Hal, Best of Italy

"Once in a lifetime experience!"

“We truly enjoyed our Trafalgar trip. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Everything was taken care of and handled by our fabulous tour director. It was a great experience! Definitely recommend.”

- Trusted Customer, Italy Bellissimo

"They came through with flying colours!"

“This was a wonderful trip. Many people from all over the world. This was my first trip with Trafalgar. They came through with flying colours. The daily events were well put together, and our travel guides' passion shone through brightly. I am so glad I took this trip. Thank you”

- Trusted Customer, Italian Holiday

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Florence experiences with Trafalgar

On our Florence tours, discover the “cradle of the Renaissance” in ways guidebooks can’t capture. From the brilliance of Michelangelo’s masterpieces to artisan traditions passed down through generations, our experiences highlight what makes this city truly unforgettable.

Included

Florence Leather Demonstration

Near Santa Croce, see expert artisans reveal the skills behind Florence’s leather and goldwork, continuing a centuries-old tradition.

Optional

Michelangelo’s David & the Accademia

With our Local Specialist, step into the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David, a Renaissance icon. Hear the story of how the sculptor transformed a single block of marble into perfection.

Optional

Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli

In the Chianti hills, enjoy an evening at Machiavelli’s former home. Tour the wine cellars, sip Chianti, and savor Tuscan cuisine with live music in a historic setting.

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Our top 5 things to do in Florence

It's the moments of quiet stillness that take your breath away on a Trafalgar tour through Italy. Sitting in the calm halls of the Vatican. Floating on the canals of Venice. Standing beside the ruins of Pompeii.

Climb the Duomo

Our trips to Florence take you to the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, crowned by Brunelleschi’s iconic dome. Climbing the 463 steps rewards you with sweeping views of Florence’s terracotta rooftops, the Arno River, and Tuscan hills beyond. Inside, marvel at Vasari’s vast fresco of the Last Judgment, which covers the entire interior of the dome.

See Michelangelo’s David

One of the world’s most famous sculptures, David resides in the Accademia Gallery. Our optional experience takes you beyond the crowds with a Local Specialist who explains how Michelangelo transformed a flawed block of marble into Renaissance perfection. The gallery also showcases the artist’s unfinished “Prisoners,” which provide a fascinating glimpse into his creative process.

Explore Santa Croce and leather workshops

We’ll guide you to Florence’s Santa Croce district, home to artisans keeping centuries-old leather and goldsmithing traditions alive. In workshops around the basilica, you’ll see how Florence built its reputation for craftsmanship—an industry that still flourishes today.

Wander Ponte Vecchio

This medieval bridge has spanned the Arno River since 1345. Lined with jewelers and goldsmiths, it has survived floods and wars, even being spared from destruction in World War II. Today, it remains one of Florence’s most atmospheric places for an evening stroll.

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

One of the most important museums in the world, the Uffizi holds treasures like Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Da Vinci’s Annunciation. Its corridors themselves are works of art, adorned with frescoes and views of the Arno. It’s a cornerstone of any Florence tour.

Best museums in Florence

With masterpieces by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, the best museums in Florence offer an extraordinary journey through Renaissance art.

Uffizi Gallery

The Tuscan capital is home to Uffizi Gallery, where the brushworks of art’s true masters are found. Names like Raffaello, Leonardo, and Michelangelo dress Uffizi’s grand pink walls, whilst internal courtyards leading to the Arno River will show you the building’s architectural brilliance.

Accademia Gallery

Beyond Michelangelo’s David, the Accademia houses his unfinished works, which appear to struggle free from marble blocks. This unique glimpse into artistic creation sets it apart from any other gallery.

Museo Galileo

Celebrating Florence’s scientific heritage, this museum holds Galileo’s original instruments, globes, and telescopes. It shows how Florence’s Renaissance brilliance extended far beyond art into groundbreaking science.

Best food in Florence

Florentine cuisine is rustic yet elegant, celebrating simple ingredients elevated by tradition. Here are three dishes that bring the spirit of Tuscany to the table.

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

This legendary T-bone steak, grilled over a wood fire, is the pride of Florence. Typically cut from Chianina cattle, the portion is enormous and designed to share. Cooked rare, it embodies Tuscan dining’s bold, communal style and pairs beautifully with local Chianti.

Lampredotto

Florence’s most beloved street food, lampredotto is made from slow-cooked tripe served in a crusty bread roll. Once a humble worker’s meal, it’s now a point of pride for the city. You’ll find locals queuing at lampredottai (street carts), often with a drizzle of green herb sauce.

Cantucci with Vin Santo

This almond biscotti is baked twice for extra crunch, then dipped in Vin Santo, Tuscany’s amber-hued dessert wine. More than a sweet, it’s a ritual: the pairing has been enjoyed in Florence for centuries, symbolizing the region’s balance of simplicity and indulgence.

What to pack for Florence

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Sturdy walking shoes

Florence’s cobbled streets and museum floors demand comfort. With so many sites within walking distance—Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi, and the Duomo—you’ll be grateful for shoes that can handle long days without blisters.

Scarf or shawl

Essential for modesty when entering churches like the Duomo or Santa Croce. It can also serve as a sun shield during hot afternoons, or as an extra layer on breezy evenings.

Sketchbook or journal

Florence inspires creativity. Capture your thoughts like artists have for centuries. Whether you’re sketching Michelangelo’s David or simply noting the flavours of your gelato, it’s a wonderful keepsake of your trip.

Adapter plug

Italy uses Type C, F, and L plugs at 230 V. Bringing a universal adapter ensures all your devices stay powered, especially when relying on your phone for maps, museum tickets, or photos.

Reusable water bottle

Public fountains across Florence offer clean drinking water, often adorned with Renaissance details. It’s not only practical but connects you with a local tradition of fresh water fountains dating back centuries.

Daypack

Ideal for carrying essentials while touring museums or strolling across the Arno. Look for something lightweight and secure, as Florence’s narrow lanes and busy piazzas can get crowded with tourists.