Walking Tour

3.5 hrs

Florence

The name Medici immediately brings up images of power, intrigue, and artistic flourishing during the Renaissance.

During this Medici tour in Florence, led by an art or social historian, we'll follow along in the footsteps of the Medicis, visiting several key sites that the family has owned or sponsored, tracing their history from the republic to the duchy, from wealthy merchants to rulers of a kingdom.

We begin from the roots of the Medici family history, with Cosimo the Elder in the 1430s, visiting the quiet Convent of San Marco - the first example of the Medici’s great patronage of the arts and one of the first public libraries in the world. Proceeding with a visit to the museum, which hosts the greatest works of Fra Angelico, we will see the monks' former private cells, including the cell made specifically for Cosimo's own meditation.

From there, we will proceed to the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, the seat of Medici power in Florence for over a century, and make a special visit to the Chapel of the Magi, decorated by Benozzo Gozzoli, considered a Renaissance fresco masterpiece.

To conclude the tour, we will reach San Lorenzo Square, home to the iconic unfinished church, and enter the Medici Chapels to explore the pinnacle of the Medicis' art patronage and view the work of Michelangelo in the family’s chapel he designed, featuring the tombs of Lorenzo il Magnifico and his brother Giuliano.

This walk will provide you with a deep understanding of the Medici family's connection to the city of Florence and how the relationship between political power and art has played such an important role in the formation of Florence as we know it today.

Choose this tour if…

You have been to Florence, or you are a first-time visitor and want to better understand the connection between the past and the present of the city
You are intrigued about the Medici family's past.
You want to venture off the beaten path with a thorough exploration of the less-traveled routes.

Sites Visited

Church and Museum of San Marco
Palazzo Medici Riccardi
Magi Chapel
Medici Chapel

Logistics

Tickets

You are pre-paid for the tour and the entrance tickets.

Additional Trip-Planning Resources

For more information on planning your travels to Florence, take a read through our Context Stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you reserve headsets for this tour?

Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets, in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order.

Accessibility

Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?

This tour can be adapted for clients with mobility difficulties or who use wheelchairs, with the only exception being the Magi Chapel.

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.

Medici Chapels
Museum of San Marco
Palazzo Medici-Riccardi
Magi Chapel

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 Florence Medici History Tour 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.

285 Reviews

Alessandra was unbelievably knowledgeable. She gave us a fantastic private tour covering the Medici family history in Florence. Our whole family enjoyed it immensely.

Peter denny Dec 21, 2025

This was an exceptional tour thanks to our brilliant guide Valerie. She brought history to life and was extremely well versed in the history of the Medici family. We would 100% recommend this tour to anyone visiting Florence and wanting to learn about the origins of the Renaissance.

James Nov 25, 2025

Sandro is truly an expert in his field and we learned so much about the history of Florence and the Medicis from him! His tour was so much more in-depth than the usual "this is what happened here" and we cannot recommend taking a walk through the city (and time) with him enough.

Jordan Oct 26, 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.