Superb. Lovely Tour with Alessandra.
Florence Churches Tour: SM Novella & Santa Croce
Connect art, power, and patronage in Florence’s major churches
The Finer Details
Florence’s history and spirit can be rediscovered through its most iconic churches. This 3.5-hour tour explores three of the most monumental and ambitious buildings of the city: the elegant Santa Maria Novella, the majestic San Lorenzo, and the "Temple of Italian Glories" Santa Croce. From Masaccio’s groundbreaking Holy Trinity to the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, see how Florence’s history took shape through these churches, the patrons who built them, and the changing balance of power.
Route Details
You will begin your journey at Santa Maria Novella, with its elegant bicolored façade designed in part by Leon Battista Alberti, and admire Masaccio’s Holy Trinity, a revolutionary masterpiece of perspective, and the vibrant frescoes of Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel.
Your next stop will be San Lorenzo, showcasing the works of two masters: Brunelleschi, responsible for its architectural ingenuity, and Michelangelo, who designed parts of the church. This church is now a symbol of Medici dominance and cultural legacy.
The tour will end at Santa Croce, the final resting place of luminaries like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Surrounded by Giotto’s iconic frescoes, discover how this Franciscan church became a celebration of Florence’s intellectual and artistic triumphs.
Choose this tour if…
- You are passionate about Renaissance art and history
- You enjoy learning about influential figures like Michelangelo, Galileo, and the patrons who shaped Florence’s legacy.
- You seek a deeper, expert-led perspective on the city’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Sites visited
- Santa Maria Novella
- San Lorenzo
- Santa Croce
Logistics
Tickets
You are pre-paid for your Santa Croce tickets. There are nominal site entrance costs for Santa Maria Novella and San Lorenzo that are not included in the price of the tour. It is a good idea to have some local currency on hand for these.
Transportation
For private tours, a private car service transfer from your hotel can be arranged to the meeting point. Please select the “Private Car from Your Hotel” option at checkout.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources:
- For more information on planning your travels to Florence, take a read through our Context Stories.
- If you are looking to learn more about Florence prior to a visit, check out our online lectures.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Uffizi Gallery included on this tour? It’s not. If you’re interested in the Uffizi Gallery, we highly recommend you book our Uffizi Gallery Tour: A Guided Crash Course with Skip-the-Line Tickets.
Is the Accademia Gallery and David included on this tour?
No, the Accademia Gallery and the statue of David are not included. If you're interested in visiting the Accademia, we suggest our Introduction to Florence or Michelangelo Tour.
I have a Firenze Card. Do I still need to pay for tickets?
Yes, if you have a Firenze Card, it will cover the entrance fees for all venues included in the tour. However, please remember that the Firenze Card is issued in your name, so you'll need to pick it up yourself in advance. Our expert guides are unable to retrieve the card for you. Be sure to bring it with you on the tour to use for church entries.
Is this tour suitable for children? This tour can be adapted for children, especially older ones or those with an interest in art and history. While some concepts might be complex, the guide can tailor the content to be more engaging and understandable for younger audiences, ensuring a fun and educational experience.
Is the Accademia Gallery and David included on this tour?
No, the Accademia Gallery and the statue of David are not included. If you're interested in visiting the Accademia, we suggest our Introduction to Florence or Michelangelo Tour.
I have a Firenze Card. Do I still need to pay for tickets?
Yes, if you have a Firenze Card, it will cover the entrance fees for all venues included in the tour. However, please remember that the Firenze Card is issued in your name, so you'll need to pick it up yourself in advance. Our expert guides are unable to retrieve the card for you. Be sure to bring it with you on the tour to use for church entries.
Is this tour suitable for children? This tour can be adapted for children, especially older ones or those with an interest in art and history. While some concepts might be complex, the guide can tailor the content to be more engaging and understandable for younger audiences, ensuring a fun and educational experience.
Accessibility
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
How much walking is involved in this tour?
The tour involves a moderate amount of walking across Florence’s historic center, including visits to churches that may require climbing a few steps.
How much walking is involved in this tour?
The tour involves a moderate amount of walking across Florence’s historic center, including visits to churches that may require climbing a few steps.
Cancellation policy
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Basilica of Santa Croce - Pazzi Chapel
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San Lorenzo Basilica
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Santa Maria Novella
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
Excellent! Very informative and patient!
Alessandra was exceptional! Tremendously well-informed and effective at sharing her enormous knowledge of Florentine history, art and culture—as well as responsive to our particular interests and questions. She was also helpful and supportive about the little “extras” we needed —like taking extra time or care in accessing tour sites—as one of us was somewhat limited by age and disability. We have had many great Context tours on multiple continents—and Alessandra stands out as among the very very best.
Book a Tour
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
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