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Meet Our Guides: Cris
At Walkabout Florence, our passion for Italy shines through in everything we do. This extends to our wonderful family of tour guides, who we think are the best of the best at their jobs – and their happy clients agree! In this post we’d like to introduce Cris who, with his enduring passion for food, music […]
Cinque Terre Travel Guide: Visit Mesmerising Monterosso
If you have seen a picture or postcard of Cinque Terre before, you probably had to pinch yourself when someone told you it was real. The area looks nothing short of a fairy tale, with multi-coloured houses speckled like gemstones on the coastline, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea sparkling in the sun. Our Cinque Terre […]
Cinque Terre Travel Guide: Visit Vibrant Vernazza
For many people, the Cinque Terre is the ultimate Italian destination. Magical views, wonderful hiking and walking, historical and cultural highlights and, of course, the chance to sample the incredible food and wine of the local region. There’s so much to love about these five charming villages strung along the dramatic coastline and it’s one […]
Tuscany Travel Guide: Going to Greve
We love every aspect of our Chianti Wine and Food Safari tour – but foodies who want a taste of an authentic Italian town to pair with their authentic Italian wine will be particularly impressed by our time spent in the picturesque town of Greve. If you’re in search of authentic Tuscany travel, guides will […]
Guest Post: Hiking the Cinque Terre with Walkabout Florence
Although it may come as a surprise to anyone who knows me (and my love of food over exercise), the Cinque Terre hike was the part of my trip to Florence that I was most looking forward to experiencing. Astounding ocean views, sprawling hilltop towns, ancient mule trails… what’s not to love? I’m happy to […]
Guest Post: Cooking up a Tuscan Feast with Walkabout Florence
There’s one overwhelming reason why people book on Walkabout Florence’s Cooking Class at a Farmhouse in Tuscany with Local Market Tour: last year it was voted the best experience in the world on TripAdvisor. Yes, you read that right… of all the experiences in the WORLD – from walking the Great Wall of China to […]
Things to See in Florence: the Mercato Centrale
Every foodie knows there’s nothing better than fresh, local ingredients and traditional dishes, which is why the Mercato Centrale is a dream destination. Join us as we visit this central market on our Cooking Class at a Farmhouse in Tuscany experience. We start our day with a visit to the Mercato Centrale, a part of […]
Meet Our Guides: Ale
Having a tour leader who’s not only an expert, but who also brings a sense of fun is hugely important. That’s why we’re so proud of our wonderful guides at Walkabout Florence. Not only do they know their stuff, they know how to show their clients a very good time! In this post we’d like […]
Tuscany Travel Guide: The Secrets of Siena
To experience Tuscany like you never have before, join us on our Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour. This full-day guided excursion will show guests the area’s best sights – including one of our all-time top stops, Siena. It’s no secret that Tuscany is filled to the brim with fantastic towns just waiting to be […]
Tuscany Travel Guide: Exploring San Gimignano
If you’re looking for the ideal Tuscany travel guide, put down the confusing maps and random brochures and join us on our full-day guided Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour. We’ll take you to a variety of destinations, one of our favourite highlights being the town of San Gimignano. When it comes to Tuscany travel, […]
Meet Our Guides: Olivia
One of the most important aspects of an organised excursion is the passion and authenticity of the guide. At Walkabout Florence, we’re proud of our outstanding tour leaders, who bring not only their expertise and knowledge to the job, but also leave a lasting impression with their warmth and humour. In this post we’d like […]
3 Must-Do Experiences When You Visit Florence
Those who visit Florence are often left in awe thanks to its beautiful natural landscapes, historic buildings and intriguing culture, but there’s even more to explore outside the city. With a number of exciting tours and excursions available, you can experience the Italian lifestyle in an entirely new way on our Tuscan adventures. If you’re […]
Tuscany Travel Guide: Picture-Perfect Pisa
Pisa is one of Italy’s most picturesque cities, and makes for an unforgettable daytrip if you and your travel companions are enthralled by architecture and history. If you’re looking to experience this city in addition to some other beauties of Tuscany, there’s no better way to do so than to come along on our Tuscany […]
Discover the Best Wineries of 2022 in Tuscany with Walkabout Florence
One of Tuscany’s proudest and most renowned products is, of course, the magnificent wine; because, let’s face it, wouldn’t the world be a far poorer place without a fine Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano? You don’t even have to be a wine aficionado to know it’s true. At Walkabout Florence we’re […]
Fun Things to Do in Florence: a Vintage Fiat 500 Tour
There are endless fun things to do in Florence but those with a particular interest in vintage cars are seriously in luck. At Walkabout Florence, we offer a 4-hour Self-Drive Vintage Fiat 500 Tour, allowing car lovers and thrill seekers alike to feel like a true Italian and explore their surroundings in a completely unique way. […]
The Most Photogenic Tuscany Destinations for a Picture-Perfect Trip
Italy is a picture-perfect destination, ideal for all kinds of traveller from nature lovers to foodies to history buffs. Wherever your interests lie, finding opportunity for adventure while in Italy is not a challenge, but seeing all the very best vistas while you’re at it – that’s a little trickier. Tuscany destinations are full of […]
Learn to Cook Like an Italian Nonna on Your Holiday in Tuscany
Love Italian cuisine? Well, we’ve got the perfect experience for you. Our unforgettable Cooking Class at a Farmhouse in Tuscany has been enjoyed by hundreds of guests already, so come along and find out why this is among our top-rated tours. If you’re on the hunt for the best cooking classes in Tuscany, consider your […]
Meet Our Guides: Elisa
At Walkabout Florence we have been lucky enough to find tour leaders who are exceptionally generous with their enthusiasm and knowledge. It is their skill and talent that make our tours stand head and shoulders above all the others. In this post we’d like to introduce you to Elisa. Having walked away from a career […]
Hiking Adventures: A Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence
If you’re up for a challenge on your next holiday to Italy, our Cinque Terre Hiking Day Trip from Florence will be right up your street. Pack comfortable clothes, suitable shoes and a camera and you’ll be ready explore this beautiful string of villages in the best way possible – a hike! At Walkabout Florence, […]
Alternative Florence: Explore the City on a Vintage Vespa Tour
If you’re looking for that perfect holiday to Italy, it’s probably because you’re itching to get completely absorbed in its famous culture. Well, we’re hardly surprised. The country is full of fantastic sights to see, and while many travellers simply enjoy being surrounded by the interesting architecture and introduced to the national delicacies, we know […]
Things to Do in Chianti for Food and Wine Lovers
If you’re hungry to explore a different side to Italy – or if you’re just hungry, the Chianti Wine and Food Safari is most definitely one of the best things to do. In Chianti, the famed wine region of Tuscany, the beautiful landscapes and delicious wines attract tourists from across the globe, so why not […]
Aperitivo O’clock
As Florentines tend to eat slightly later than their Anglo-Saxon counterparts, locals like to start their evenings with an “aperitivo”, an aperitif, which is really just an excuse to get together, have a drink or two and meet new people, all in the name of good digestion. The idea of an aperitif is to work […]
Gardens & Villas in Florence
If you are a little overwhelmed by the city, the churches and museums, the crowds and the heat, don’t worry! In Florence you are never too far from some green, open space to get some air and relax. The Cascine The cascine park is a huge public space that starts from the edge of the […]
Mannerist Florence
Florence may hold the world’s best concentration of Renaissance art, but the city also holds jewels of the often overlooked Mannerist movement that came shortly after. Mannerism is a term that comes from the Italian word maniera, meaning manner or style. Perhaps a reaction to the classical Renaissance, Mannerists elaborated on nature to show invention, […]
Florence for Free
Florence has the incredible job of looking after the world’s best and most important collection of Renaissance art, and because of this most of the museums and even a handful of churches will request an entrance fee, often to pay for the works undergoing restoration, such as in the case of the Basilica of Santa […]
Florence’s beginnings
Although Florence is most famous for its Renaissance history, its beginnings go all the way back to the Roman times, and its medieval past also helped to define the city as it is today. Florence was founded in 59 BC by Julius Cesar, who named it Florentia, “the flourishing one.” It was intended as a […]
Renaissance Florence
Florence is known as the cradle of the Renaissance and is still wonderfully preserved as a Renaissance city with a the wealth of Renaissance art and architecture that remain the city’s unique treasures. But why Florence? This incredible cultural movement of the Renaissance transformed not only Florence but eventaully the rest of Europe, influencing all […]
Dante in Florence
Dante Alighieri, the hopeless romantic Dante Alighieri is Italy’s most beloved and most famous poet, thought of as the founder of modern Italian language and literature. Born around 1265 in Florence, Dante often used autobiographical references in his works and so actual streets and citizens of medieval Florence often feature in his greatest works, such […]
Meet the Medici
This political and banking family dynasty ruled Florence for four centuries. One of the wealthiest families in Florence in the 15th century, they became the unofficial rulers of the city under Cosimo the Elder, and fostered the birth of the Renaissance throughout this century under Lorenzo the Magnificent. The last Medici heir, Gian Gastone, died […]
Michelangelo Itinerary
Although he never lived in it, Michelangelo owned the property where the Casa Buonarroti museum is housed in Via Ghibellina 70, but it is a good starting point as it holds seven original drawings and five original sculptures by the artist, all of which come directly from the private collection of the family. These works […]
Florence in One Day
Get to know Florence with the perfect balance of art, history, views and gelato in just one day. So you’re just here for the day, perhaps even on the spur of the moment, which is really a pity as you’ll find you will want to stay longer, but if time is ticking and you must […]
Florence for Kids
If you have children to entertain during your visit to Florence you might like to consider these two colourful and historic places to capture their imagination. At the Palazzo Vecchio in the historic heart of Florence there is the Museo dei Ragazzi, or Family Museum. This imposing palace was built as the office of the […]
Local Wine Guide
There are many wonderful wines produced in Tuscany and sipping your way through the region is a great way to get to know the landscape and the people. Most people know that Chianti wine has something to do with Tuscany, right? But what, exactly? Is there a place called Chianti? Is Tuscany in Chianti? Tuscany […]
Guide to Florence’s Bars and Pubs
For this relatively small city, Florence has something for everyone looking for a spot or two to plant themselves for a drink in the evening. Florence’s drinking vibe is mostly informal rather than posh, though the locals do love any excuse to get dressed up. Florentines tend not to drink much compared to their English-speaking […]
Cheap Eats under 10 euro
Eating out in Florence needn’t be a drain on your travel budget, there are plenty of inexpensive places to eat without compromising on taste and quality. In and around the central market of San Lorenzo there are some great choices for a quick lunch or even just a snack between sightseeing and shopping. In the […]
The First Timer’s Guide to Tuscany
If you’ve never been to Tuscany but have heard so much about it that you have succumbed and just have to get there to see what all the fuss is about, you won’t be disappointed! Known as the heart of Italy, this region is one so steeped in character that every visitor leaves feeling like […]
An Insider Look at Our Brilliant Tuscany Wine Tours
For so many people, visiting Italy is a long-held dream and, here at Walkabout Florence, introducing visitors to their first experiences in the country is probably our favourite part of the job. We’re renowned as being one of the very best on the business for bespoke, small group tours of all the fantastic attractions throughout […]
A Virtual Tour of Siena with Our Guides
Are you sitting at home twiddling your fingers wondering when your next holiday is going to be? Even though the day we’ll all be able to get out and travel the world again is definitely edging closer, at the moment the most we can do is dream about it. But that doesn’t mean we can’t […]
A Virtual Tour of Pisa’s Monuments with Our Guides
While at the moment the closest we can get to Italian travel is a trip to the deli counter in the supermarket, things will eventually return to normal. And, when they do, here at Walkabout Florence we’ll be ready and raring to show off all the wonderful things to do in Tuscany to our wonderful […]
A Survey of Cinque Terre Beaches
Usually by this time of the year many people are planning, if not setting off on, their annual holidays. But of course we all know that this year is like no other, and all the best-laid holiday plans have been thrown into disarray. But the thing to remember is that these strange and difficult times […]
Via dell’Amore: Cinque Terre’s Iconic Pathway
Here at Walkabout Florence we’re constantly asked what’s our favourite part of Italy. Naturally, being based in Florence, and knowing it so well, means that it’s very high up on the list. (The clue is in our name!) But anyone who’s visited this wonderful city knows that it’s never wise to play favourites because, in […]
How To Shop the Florence Markets Like a Local
Ask any Italian why food is so important to them and they’ll tell you that food is an expression of love; it is a way of life, reflective of tradition, landscape and culture. Food is an integral part of every Italian’s roots and every region, town and village is staunchly proud of its age old […]
Discover Walkabout Florence’s Tours: Tuscany from a Different Perspective
A stunning country that greets you with character and charm around every turn, Italy is a place that people yearn to return to. With its intricate history, strong sense of culture, exquisitely rustic cuisine and world class wines, it steals hearts and captivates minds. Tuscany is particularly special and picture postcard landscapes are made even […]
Enjoy the Wines of Chianti: Food Pairing to Try at Home
The first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word ‘Chianti’ is invariably the superb red wines that come from this much-loved Italian region. Famous throughout the world, the traditions and quality of their production have made them just as popular with aficionados of fine tipples as well as those who are just […]
Tuscan Food: Salumi
Salumi is the collective name given to anything preserved and cured in salt, and particularly refers to cured meats (usually pork but sometimes seen made with game such as wild boar, definitely worth a try), such as prosciutto and salame. In Tuscany they play a large part in the every day diet, appearing at lunch, […]
Tuscan Food: Dessert
Cantuccini and Vin Santo While tiramisù may be the most well known of Italian desserts (a Florentine version is known as zuccotto), the most widely offered dessert in Florence is cantuccini with vin santo. Almond biscuits (cookies), which are quite hard and dry if eaten alone, are dipped into a glass of sweet wine to […]
Coffee Culture in Florence
The home of coffee culture as most of the world knows it, originated here in Italy, even if coffee itself didn’t. And yet, this adopted national drink has evolved to a point where Italians have developed an entirely different concept of coffee and a different way of drinking it to the rest of the planet. […]
Florence’s Artisan Quarter
Florence’s artisan culture is a rich one, based on centuries of traditions and skills and apprentices learning from their maestri. Even today, the city’s artisans are still active and as proud as ever of their work, many still working in the most traditional of ways, while others have modernised their crafts to suit contemporary ways. […]
Florentine Fashion Giants
Florence is not, and has never been, shy about fashion. Florentines love dressing up and do put a lot of effort and make any excuse to put on their best outfits. From grandmothers to granddaughters, you will see a mix of styles and tastes out there, from floor length fur coats and pearls to the […]
Florence Shopping Guide
Shopping Areas: Duomo: Florence’s centre is shopping mania. Let’s start with the two main thoroughfares, with the more important stores starting on Via Roma (Gucci, Miu Miu, Pinko, Stefanel), which leads from Piazza Duomo to Piazza Repubblica, where Florence’s main department store, Rinascente, can be found. This street (changing name to Via Calimala and Via […]