Friendly , knowledgeable, great tour!
Palazzo Vecchio Tour
Trace political ambition and rivalry in Renaissance Florence
The Finer Details
Towering over Piazza della Signoria, where it was built in 1299, Palazzo Vecchio is the center of the civic power of Florence, and for over seven centuries it has been one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. Once the Republic’s headquarters, it became the center of the Medici’s rise to power, and the site for Savonarola’s apocalyptic preaching and “bonfire of the vanities” in the fifteenth century.
On this 2.5-hour Palazzo Vecchio tour, led by a historian, you will explore Palazzo Vecchio and its layered history, discover the Medici’s influence, and encounter Renaissance figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli, gaining insight into the politics and intrigues that shaped the Italian Renaissance.
Tour Details
The tour begins in front of the palace, in Piazza della Signoria, with a brief introduction to the Florentine Republic’s history. Inside Palazzo Vecchio, you’ll explore the Hall of the Five Hundred - Salone dei Cinquecento, a grand room full of history and secrets. The walls are painted by Giorgio Vasari and celebrate the victories of Cosimo I Medici over the rival cities of Siena and Pisa. According to some controversial research, the Vasari wall would conceal the remains of a long-lost unfinished fresco by the end of Leonardo Da Vinci.
Next, you will visit Cosimo’s private rooms and the apartments of the powerful and influential Eleonora da Toledo, Grand Duchess of Tuscany, where you will gain insight into female power in Florentine politics. By the end of the tour, you’ll have a deeper understanding of Florence’s rise as a center of art and culture, and of the Medici’s influence on history.
Choose this tour if…
- You are fascinated by the history of the Medici family, or you know very little about them, and you want to delve deeply into their legacy and secrets.
- You wondered about the history and purpose of Palazzo Vecchio as you passed by it or saw it in every photo of Florence.
- You want the help of a historian to understand the intricate role that power played in the Renaissance.
Sites Visited
- Palazzo Vecchio
Logistics
Tickets
Your tickets will be pre-purchased, allowing you to skip the ticket office line and proceed directly to security when you arrive at the museum. You may still have to wait in a security line, or before your ticket is scanned.
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
Where do we meet? Where does the tour end? We meet at Piazza della Signoria and end at Palazzo Vecchio. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.
Is the Uffizi Gallery included on this tour? This tour focuses exclusively on Palazzo Vecchio. If you’re interested in the Uffizi Gallery, we highly recommend you book our Uffizi Gallery Tour: Crash Course.
Can we bring kids on the tour? Families are welcome on this tour, but please keep in mind that the tour is not specifically designed for children. Younger kids might not engage with all of the topics of this tour.
Should we skip this tour if we've already taken other Medici-focused tours? Will there be an overlap? No, there is no overlap with other Medici-focused tours. While there is some minor content similarity, this tour offers unique insights on Palazzo Vecchio and can be enjoyed alongside other tours, like, for example, our Medici History Tour. The Medici ruled Florence for centuries, providing endless fascinating stories and details to explore, so each tour adds a new layer to their history.
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? Yes, this tour is suitable for those with mobility issues, as the first two floors of Palazzo Vecchio are fully wheelchair accessible. The amount of walking is moderate, and while seating is limited, there is an opportunity to sit in the Salone dei Cinquecento at the beginning of the tour.
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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Palazzo VecchioFlorence civic palace with historic halls, council chambers, and Renaissance art.
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
Alessandra did an amazing job of weaving the history of the Palazzo Vecchio with the story of the Medici family. Although we went into the tour with more an interest in the Medici than the actual building, her ability to place the palace within the history of the family and Florence was excellent. Alessandra was also incredibly skilled at connecting the history of Florence with current events and Florentine/Italian history -- her unique perspective as a native Florentine was truly an asset in that regard. We had a wonderful afternoon with her and truly appreciated all she did to make our tour engaging and memorable.
Our guide was AMAZING.
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