City Palaces & Country Villas
the Private Spaces of Florence’s Nobility
Inspired by our frequent trips to historic palaces and villas around Tuscany, we began researching the cultural norms and practices that led to their creation and decoration throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance. What we discovered was a vibrant and nuanced pursuit of harmony in every aspect of life.
We curated this tour to share the wealth of beauty and wisdom that we discovered through our research so that our guests might be inspired to incorporate those same virtues in their own lives upon their return home.
Before there were celebrities and influences, there was a class of elite nobles that were no less influential in society. Scholars and humanists, patrons and tastemakers; for centuries Florence’s nobility set the standard for the social practices of their time just as much as they determined the course of history. While we cannot reasonably assume that all nobles displayed nobility of spirit in their behavior, there certainly was an established consensus of the virtues that they were meant to embody.
During this tour, you will encounter Florence’s medieval and Renaissance nobility, venturing beyond the public sphere to meet them in the places where they carried our their private lives. From city palaces to country villas, you will discover that beyond the opulence and ostentation lay - more often than not - a sincere pursuit of balance and harmony: socially, aesthetically, and even morally.
Offered in either a half-day or full-day format, this excursion will guide you through a selection of historic palaces in Florence’s city center where you will learn about their architecutre, the families that built them, and the priceless artwork contained within their walls.
Should you choose to join us for a full day, your exploration will venture into the countryside, where nobles took refuge from city life and dedicated their time to contemplative pursuits, sporting activities and even agriculture.
Half-day Excursions
What’s included:
Duration: about 5 hours
Starting price: $1100 for couples; $325 for each additional guest.
Private tour guide
The excursion will be punctuated by walking tours of the city center as guests are guided from one museum to another.
Private guided tours of the Palazzo Davanzati Museum, the Horne Museum, and the Villa Bardini Gardens.
Please note that museum visits are subject to changed based on scheduling conflicts.
Availability:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: mornings
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: all day
Full-day Excursions
What’s included:
Duration: about 8 hours
Starting price: $2300 for couples; $375 for each additional guest.
Private tour guide
The excursion will be punctuated by walking tours of the city center as guests are guided from one museum to another.
Private guided tours of the Palazzo Davanzati Museum, the Horn Museum, and Palazzo Pitti, in addition to two villas in the countryside.
Please note that museum visits are subject to change based on scheduling conflicts.
Traditional lunch at a historic villa in the Tuscan countryside.
A private guided tour of Villa la Petraia and its gardens.
Availability:
All days except for Monday
Notes:
Minimum suggested booking: 2 people; maximum: 8 people
We ask that tours be booked at least 1 month in advance to ensure availability.
Fill out the form below to book this tour, or to schedule a custom tour consultation.
While we are pleased to answer any questions related to our suggested tours free of charge, we require a $400 non-refundable deposit* for custom tour consultations.
*Non-refundable deposits will be invoiced in advance of the scheduled consultation.
