Tour Details
About the Tour
- Category
- Art, History, Private Guides
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Location
- Florence
Photos & Highlights
- A scholarly day in Florence, designed around your interests and your guide’s expertise
- Led by Siro, Artist and Art Historian
- Uffizi Gallery, Casa Buonarroti, Museo del Bargello, Accademia Gallery, Museum of San Marco, Medici Chapels, Florence Duomo, Basilica of Santa Croce - Pazzi Chapel, and Ognissanti Church (Cenacolo)
Tour Description
Meet Siro, your guide to the art and history of Florence.
My name is Siro, I was born in Florence... some time ago in Florence, I studied art history at the University of Letters and Philosophy. I graduated with a degree in Decorative and Applied Arts with a thesis on the Neo-Egyptian service of the Richard Ginory porcelain factory in the late 19th century. Before university, I attended a professional school in Montelupo Fiorentino, where I trained as a ceramic decorator.
My name is Siro, I was born in Florence... some time ago in Florence, I studied art history at the University of Letters and Philosophy. I graduated with a degree in Decorative and Applied Arts with a thesis on the Neo-Egyptian service of the Richard Ginory porcelain factory in the late 19th century. Before university, I attended a professional school in Montelupo Fiorentino, where I trained as a ceramic decorator.
I take a hands-on approach to learning and understand art by making it. This passion comes from my family and my ancestors who founded the Arte della Ceramica, Fornaci San Lorenzo in the 19th century in a town called Borgo San Lorenzo, north of Florence, where my dad was born. The family-run factory was known for its Art Deco and Liberty elegance with a limited production of ornamental objects designed by the famous artist, painter, and scenographer Galileo Chini.
I have been a certified and licensed tour guide since 2011, the year I started collaborating with Context Travel. I lead all art tours including the Medici and Michelangelo in Florence tours which are my favorites. My area of interest is the “Florentine Genius” and I have a personal passion for Michelangelo and the sculptors of the Renaissance like Donatello and Verrocchio (Leonardo’s master).
Michelangelo is my favorite artist. I love the energy his works of art express and admire his courage to follow his vision and not the taste of others. How can you not be impressed by his David or intimately touched by the Prisoners that he carved for Pope Julius II and are today inside the Accademia Museum?
These great masters of Florence still can teach us values. This is why I love Santa Croce. The Franciscan basilica and convent is a treasure trove of art and history. It contextualizes many artworks as the “Bible of the poor” and, at the same time, invites us to reflect on great minds like Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Niccolò Macchiavelli and others who are buried there. It’s truly the Pantheon of the most illustrious Florentines and Italians.
The neighborhood nearby is still authentic, especially around the Sant’Ambrogio Food Market in Piazza Ghiberti with several less touristic shops and restaurants.
Talking about food- for us Italians, it is an art. We live for eating and can talk about food even while eating. I always invite my guests to enjoy good local food, not necessarily the in places listed in guide books, but instead where the locals go. Food delivers us the rhythm and pleasure of life. Starting with a tasty caffè or espresso in one of our historical cafes and ending with an aperitivo or an after-dinner drink (remember we always eat when we drink!) on one of the spectacular roof terraces where you can almost touch the Duomo. You simply can and have to enjoy life!
This is maybe why I also love the Cenacoli, the Last Suppers, that were painted in refectories in our town starting with artist Taddeo Gaddi in Santa Croce, then Andrea del Castagno in Sant’Apollonia, Ghirlandaio in both San Marco and Ognissanti and many more. There are many symbols on and around the table of the Last Supper: cherries, citrus trees, peacocks, cats. They all refer to the Passion but also tell us about daily life. For instance, no fork can be found on the tables, only knives! And small salt boxes, because salt was very expensive, you had to pay taxes to the cities it came from; this is why our bread is saltless. We Florentines like good food and beautiful artworks. I offer this itinerary with Context Travel, but make sure to have enough time to explore the context of the food as well.
Sustainability and legality are two other very important values I am committed to and am actively involved with. I am on the board of our local tourist guide association and we work to defend our beloved city from illegal agencies, free tour promoters and the assault of huge hoards of tour groups. This is what I utmostly appreciate working with Context Travel as well, that offer small, intimate groups only.
In my private life, as President of the Association of parents of the school my children attend, we promote such projects as the oranges farmed on properties once belonging to the Mafia in Sicily and now managed by a nonprofit public association. We also monitor group dynamics and organize workshops and activities against bullying and cyberbullying. Society is changing and we need to support our children. In order to offer different visions and values, I also cooperate with art history teachers in school. The gap between the images in books and the real artwork can be easily bridged with visits on site. This is our cultural identity, this is what we have to respect and to defend. And since Florence is a world heritage site under UNESCO since 1982, we have to do it for everyone, for humanity.
Another aspect and challenge of our country and time are the many refugees; immigrants from new EU countries that look for a better life or others who fled from war. Many of them are still children and teenagers without their families. I’ve just started to take part in a project with the Superintendent of Arts and Department of Education to help these young immigrants understand the country they are staying in now and to be able to relate to in a reciprocal understanding.
In my free time, I love to spend time with my family and cook, travel together or simply be outdoors. From time to time I need to feel free and to ride my motorcycle, with or without my wife. I love feeling the wind on my face and the smooth curves of the Tuscan countryside. Life is a gift and I enjoy living it.
Languages: Italian, English
Languages: Italian, English
Itinerary Inspiration
For those unsure of exactly what they'd like to do (beyond exploring the Uffizi or Duomo!), below are a few examples of Siro's favorite spots in Florence, and beyond, to ignite your imagination.
- The Last Supper, or Cenacolo, is one of the most profound and emotional depictions of all religious imagery. Within Christian ideology, this scene is the pinnacle of Jesus' compassion and selflessness in the presence of his followers. Understandably, this image was common to religious art created in Florence during the Renaissance era. However, many of these Last Suppers are hidden away in small chapels or unassuming churches. During the course of this Florence Last Supper Tour, you will explore some of these spaces with Siro, immersing yourself in their stark poignancy and elaborate symbolism.
- Together with Siro, you will follow the career of Michelangelo, exploring his early years and career under the patronage of the Medici family while learning about the key works in the Bargello Museum and Accademia Gallery, as well as his family home Casa Buonarroti.
- The influence of the Medici, the great Renaissance family that ruled this city politically during the Renaissance and patronized its prominent artists, including Michelangelo, can be seen all over Florence. Together with Siro, you'll delve into the history and patronage of the family, visiting several key sites connected with them, including the Medici Chapels and Medici Palace.
FAQ
What is included in a Private Guide itinerary?
Cost details will vary based on the exact itinerary, but all of our Private Guide itineraries include the cost of your time with your private guide. In many cases, vehicle/transportation costs, select meals, and site entrances may also be included. Your Context planning specialist will confirm exactly what is included in your personal itinerary before charging your credit card. Accommodation is not included.
What information do you need from me in order to build a Private Guide itinerary?
Our planning experts will be in touch to help you build your perfect itinerary, but in general, try to include the following pieces of information in your request form:
- How many days would you like the itinerary to be?
- Do you have specific goals for your trip?
- Which sites and venues would you like to prioritize? Do you want to just pass by or explore inside as well?
- Do you have any mobility concerns?
- Who are you traveling with? What are their ages and interests?
How much does a Private Guide itinerary cost?
Pricing will vary by itinerary. Your planning expert will provide an itinerary and pricing proposal for your trip before confirming your itinerary and charging your credit card.
How does a Private Guide booking process work?
Once you submit your private guide request, we’ll get in touch via email or phone to review your ideas and finalize an itinerary. We only charge your credit card once all details have been confirmed.
Is this suitable for children and / or travelers with mobility challenges?
Yes. We can adapt the itinerary based on the ages, needs, and interests of travelers in your party.
Tour Experts
Siro
Born and raised under the shade of Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome in Florence, Siro belongs to an important Tuscan family of art nouveau artists. After a diploma in ceramic decoration obtained in 2000, he has worked in a traditional Florentine workshop. He received his BA at the University of Florence and in 2008 published his research about the Richard-Ginori porcelain production that was commissioned by the vice-king of Egypt for the celebrations of the opening of the Suez Canal. In order to share his passion and love for art, culture, and the Florentine lifestyle, Siro is professionally trained as a tour guide for his hometown.