Private Florence Day Trip from Rome

What could be better than expanding your Rome trip with a quick day-long hop up to Italy’s Renaissance capital? Our Private Florence Day Trip from Rome does just that, limiting the transportation time by replacing the at least 3-hour drive both ways, with the quick 1 hour and 30 minute high-speed train journey.

This means that you’re literally getting half your transportation time back, devoting it to Florence instead, and be back in Rome in time to plan the rest of your activities in the Eternal City. Better still, your guide will be waiting for you at the Florence train station when you arrive.

The first stop on your privately guided Florence itinerary is the Accademia Gallery, where you will have pre-reserved skip-the-line tickets to see Michelangelo’s David in the flesh. Not only is this masterpiece the culminating symbol of the Renaissance, it is also the climax of Michelangelo Buonarroti’s sculptural genius. You’ll hear the captivating story behind this sculpture of both divine and human inspiration from your personal art historian, who will tell all on its incredible creation.

Sculpted between 1501 and 1504 from a nearly discarded mass of lunar Carrara marble, this stunning figure would have never seen the light of day had it not met with Michelangelo’s hammer and chisel. You’ll have to ask yourself, how was this level of perfection even possible for one man. Your guide will have the answers on the master’s process, as well as the statue’s place in Florentine history. You’ll also see the partially finished “Slaves”, enigmatic visions of Michelangelo’s creative vision as he sought to “free” inside marble blocks.

Next you’ll hit the streets of Florence with your passionate local expert all to yourself to unlock its secrets. On this private walking tour of its most definitive sights you’ll make stops to admire the Florence Cathedral, or Santa Maria del Fiore, topped with Brunelleschi’s gravity-defying dome, as well as visit Piazza della Signoria to hear tales of the Medici and the struggles for political power in the city, before crossing over to see the most unique jeweler’s market you can imagine, Ponte Vecchio.

All along the way you'll head to hidden corners of the piazzas and down alley-sized medieval streets to uncover the city’s magic. Whether it is the bronze doors of the baptistry that launched a new era in human expression, or the romantic meanderings of the Arno River, you’ll be left with an indelible image of this marvelous open-air museum to take with you forever with all the extra insight you crave from your private guide. So, next time you ask yourself if something is beautiful or not, consider what Florence would say.

The guided portion of the tour ends just before lunch, so you will benefit from having extended free time in Florence before your return train to Rome later in the afternoon. Want to make reservations for lunch? We'll take care of that, or ask your guide for local advice on how to taste and experience the best that Florence has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you!