Hands-On Drawing Tour of Florence - Art Tours Florence, Italy

Walking Tour

3 hrs

Florence

Connect with Florence in the most personal and engaging way with this drawing experience. Guided by an art historian and practicing artist, you’ll explore the city’s iconic landmarks while creating your own works of art. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner, you’ll find inspiration in Florence’s rich history and your guide’s expert storytelling.

Route Details

Beginning with a drawing session at Piazza della Signoria, this tour introduces you to Florence’s artistic and historical treasures, including the Loggia dei Lanzi, the Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, and Palazzo Strozzi.

This unique experience includes drawing sessions in Florence’s historical center or alternatively, in the lively Piazza Santo Spirito across the Arno, or in the serene beauty of the Bardini Gardens or Boboli Gardens, with breathtaking views of the city.

A coffee break at a local café adds a delightful touch of local culture to this engaging mix of art and history.

Choose this tour if…

You want to combine creativity with cultural exploration.
You enjoy hands-on experiences that allow you to engage deeply with a city.
You’re an art enthusiast or are curious about drawing and want to try something new.

Sites Visited

Duomo
Piazza della Repubblica
Palazzo Strozzi
Santa Trinità Church

Logistics

General Information

If it rains or the weather is unfavorable, the drawing sessions will take place on a covered terrace with a fantastic view of Florence's highlights. It’s also possible to include visits to indoor venues, such as the Santa Trinità Church or the Bargello Museum.

Where does it start? Where does it end?

The tour begins at Piazza della Signoria and ends near Santa Trinità Bridge. The standard itinerary includes designated outdoor drawing locations carefully selected to provide the best artistic and historical context. However, the itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted based on client preferences, weather conditions, or places they may have already visited.

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

Do we need to bring anything with us, or will materials be provided?

Yes, all participants will receive drawing materials, which they can keep after the tour to continue practicing their skills.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, this tour is suitable for children, particularly those aged 8 and older with an interest in art. The guide can adapt the experience to ensure it’s engaging and enjoyable for young participants.

I'm not a professional artist. Would this tour work for me?

This tour is designed for everyone, regardless of artistic skill level. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, the guide will tailor the drawing sessions to ensure a fulfilling and enjoyable 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.

Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?

Exploring Florence often involves navigating cobblestone streets and hilly areas. For visitors who have difficulty walking or use wheelchairs, we can adjust the itinerary to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Cancellation Policy

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

Book a Tour

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

Florence Duomo
Cathedral with Brunelleschi’s dome, Gothic façade, and Renaissance architectural details.
Piazza della Repubblica
Palazzo Strozzi
Santa Trinità

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

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Excluded

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of Art and History: A Hands-On Drawing Tour of Florence general meeting point area

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.

2 Reviews

What a brilliant tour by Helen who is an experienced teacher and guide. She not only kept our daughters engaged (9, 12), but the adults too, bringing out our inner artists ! We made our way around many key sights in Florence on a beautiful morning.

Photo Shared by Kenneth with their review

Kenneth Mar 19, 2026

We loved our tour with Helen! We got a wonderful drawing session in with history on all of the statues we sketched. Then we walked the city and learned all about the history and various art within other sites as well. Thank you for a local and fun view into Florence!

Nicole Aug 19, 2025

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.

Structured, never scripted

Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.

Crafted for conversation

With ten or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.

Experts, not guides

Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.