Right next to the church you will find Trattoria La Casalinga. Head there for some traditional Florentine fare, but go early — they don’t take reservations
The Basilica di Santo Spirito is found in the Oltrarno quarter of Florence, opening onto the Piazza Santo Spirito. A church was first built on this site in the 13th century. The locus was no stranger to drama: in a district where some of the richest and the poorest of Florence were thrown together, this politically explosive mix gave rise to sensational assassinations and numerous uprisings — many of which took place quite literally on the steps of the church.
However, after the Florentines defeated the Milanese in 1397 on the feast day of St Augustine it was decided that the church should be rebuilt to honour the saint. The renowned architect Brunelleschi was brought on board, and though he died before the church’s completion it seems to have been built more or less according to his designs. Its interior is considered to be one of Florence’s preeminent examples of Renaissance architecture.
Sideways
Brunelleschi’s designs included thirty eight niche-chapels running around the inside of the church walls. The left hand portion in particular contains some exceptionally complete examples of 15th century chapels, among them the Bini Capponi Chapel with Botticini’s St. Monica and the Augustinian Nuns. Another chapel in the transept contains grating through which the Frescobaldi family were able to hear the liturgy without having to leave their palazzo next door.
Body of Lies
Although possibly apocryphal, some say that the church’s crucifix was sculpted by a seventeen year old Michelangelo. He allegedly created it in exchange for being allowed to make anatomical studies of the corpses coming from the convent’s hospital.
Explore the best of Florence, the beautiful capital city of Tuscany on this full-day private tour with an expert guide. The birthplace of Dante and Michelangelo and ruled by the infamous Medici family, Florence is often called the Cradle of the Renaissance and is an open-air museum of beautiful Renaissance architecture, statues and monuments, cobbled streets, hidden gems down little-known side streets, world-famous galleries, sunny piazzas, gorgeous old bridges, and wonderful vistas.
On your private tour, you will:
Florence sits serenely on the Arno River in the heart of Tuscany and is known for its Renaissance beauty everywhere you look.
On your private tour of this Renaissance city, home to some of the greatest names of all time from Michelangelo to the Medici, you’ll explore all the most notable highlights, including the Duomo, with Brunelleschi’s Dome, which took 140 years to complete, and the Baptistry of St John, built over 70 years and named after the Saint Protector of Florence- San Giovanni.
You’ll hear all about the lives, accomplishments, and scandals of the families and artists that made Florence, as you wander the quaint cobbled streets, gazing at magnificent buildings, glorious piazzas and spectacular statues.
Admire views of the Ponte Vecchio and the Arno, and hear about life in modern Florence as you walk through the vibrant markets that have been going since medieval times, and end with an orientation around the trendy Oltrarno area, filled with artisanal shops and lively bars. Enjoy a delicious gelato with your guide who will be happy to help you with dinner/shopping/sightseeing recommendations.
Please note that there is often a long line to enter the Duomo of Florence. If the line is too long you will not visit the interior of the Cathedral on tour, and your guide will give you tips on the best time to return to avoid standing in line.
Tuscany is undoubtedly one of the foodie capitals of Italy, so it’s no surprise that Florence offers such a vibrant and exciting food scene. From the whimsical ‘wine windows’ to fantastic fresh pasta, visitors to Florence can find culinary delights on every corner, and taking a food tour is a great way to uncover the very best bites with a local. Our small-group tour allows you to spend the evening eating your way through Florence, learning the intriguing stories behind the delectable dishes and drinks along the way.
On your small-group evening food tour, you will:
As twilight falls over Florence and the day’s crowds begin to thin, this intimate evening food and wine tour invites you to uncover the flavours, traditions, and tucked-away local favourites that define Florence’s rich gastronomic heritage, all in the company of a friendly Florentine guide who knows where the real magic lies.
Your evening begins in a lively piazza in the heart of the artsy Oltrarno neighbourhood. After getting acquainted with your guide, you’ll wander through the charming streets of the historic centre, pausing at hidden courtyards, centuries-old palazzi, and beloved eateries that many visitors overlook. Along the way, you’ll sample an array of dishes that showcase Florence’s devotion to simple, local ingredients, perhaps a comforting bowl of a classic Tuscan ribollita or pappa al pomodoro, followed by irresistible fresh pasta prepared before your eyes by a local chef.
Of course, no deep dive into Tuscan gastronomy would be complete without wine, so there will be ample opportunity to try the best blends that Florence has to offer. You’ll duck into an atmospheric cellar to taste a bold Super Tuscan, sip classics like Chianti, and even experience Florence’s quirky wine windows, a centuries-old tradition brought vividly to life with stories from your guide. To round out the evening, you’ll enjoy a perfectly mixed Negroni, the iconic cocktail born here in Florence, before finishing on a sweet note with an artisanal gelato. Along the way, your guide will teach you how to distinguish the real, authentic version of this frozen treat from the fluorescent impostors.
By the end of the tour, you will have not only tasted your way through Florence, but you’ll have delved into its cultural fabric, uncovering how food and drink are woven into daily life and the city’s rich history. It is an evening designed for the inquisitive traveller: immersive, convivial, and unforgettable.
Florence has a rich culinary tradition centred around the region’s excellent olive oil, herbs and top-quality local ingredients. Florentine cuisine offers plenty of hearty pasta dishes served in trattorias across the city, so there will be ample opportunities to sample it during your trip, but if you have ever wanted to try your hand at making fresh pasta from scratch under the watchful eye of a local chef, then this is the experience for you.
On your small-group pasta-making experience, you will:
Step inside the warm and welcoming home of a Florentine chef and discover the art of Italian cooking in the most authentic way possible, by rolling up your sleeves and making pasta from scratch. This small-group experience is a wonderful way to see, hear and taste the essence of Tuscan gastronomy in the company of a passionate local. Beginning in the heart of the artsy Oltrarno neighbourhood, famous for its aristan traditions, you’ll get your creative juices flowing with a trip to a local market to fetch the top-quality Tuscan ingredients needed for your culinary adventure, or, if the class takes place in the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a quintessential Italian aperitivo before heading to the kitchen.
Upon arrival at the chef’s home, you’ll step into the fragrant herb garden to gather some aromatic additions to your dishes. Then, with your apron tied and a glass of local wine in hand, you’ll delve into the art of pasta-making. Guided by your chef, who shares tips and traditions passed down through generations, you’ll knead, roll, and shape fresh pasta into two classic dishes, perhaps delicate ravioli finished with butter and sage, and hand-cut tagliatelle dressed with a seasonal sauce. Along the way, you’ll learn the subtle techniques that separate good pasta from unforgettable pasta. To finish, you’ll whip up a beloved Italian dessert, typically a terrific tiramisu, that perfectly complements the meal.
When the cooking is done, you’ll gather around the table family-style to enjoy the fruits of your labour. With generous pours of Tuscan wine and platters of cheese and charcuterie to complement your handmade dishes, you will savour an authentic Italian feast shared among new friends. Whether you join for lunch or dinner, taking this class lets you live, cook, and eat like a local in Florence, leaving you with memories that linger long after you’ve left Tuscany and inspiring you to bring a little bit of Italian tradition back to your own kitchen.
Please note: Itineraries, start times & tastings are subject to change due to seasonal availability, individual closures, or local holidays.
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