My husband and I are going to Florence in October. I have not been there in 42 years, he has never been. After reading Rick Steves section on touring, came across a private tour guide that was of interest. Can any one recommend a great tour guide, or great walking tour and visit to Academy? TA
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
If there was a guide listed in the RS guidebook, I'm sure he/she would be very reliable. I haven't looked, but I assume there's more than one guide listed in the book?
If you're going to be travelling with a smartphone, iPod or similar gadget, you might also have a look at the RS Audio Guides which may be all you need.....
https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-tours/italy
Of course you'll still have to make reservations at the Accademia or Uffizi (covered in the guidebook).
Posted by
OP
28 posts
Hi, Thank you for your response. Will certainly consider the self guided tour too!
Posted by
Alexandria, VA
771 posts
Walks of Italy has a half day group tour that includes the David at the Academia, the Duomo, and a walking tour of Florence. It was very informative and fun. We did it on the same day as their Uffuzi Gallery tour, since the next day was a holiday. You can get a 10%discount on each tour by entering "ricksteves10" as the promo code. Walks of Italy tours are limited to 13 or 14 people, and everyone has their own headphones. The guides are excellent.
Posted by
NJ
93 posts
We were in Florence last month and toured with Paul Costa (see link). My husband, two daughters, my in-laws and I all thought he was an amazing guide! The website will provide you with details of the different tours he offers (we took the Florence grand tour). I found his rate was more expensive than other guides we toured with, but he was well worth the cost.
Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
OP
28 posts
Thank you for the references, will check them out!
Posted by
14 posts
I was in Florence last May and took several cooking / wine tours through Florencetown http://www.florencetown.com/
They were all fantastic and I will definitely use them again!
There is a Rick Steves discount, as well as a multi-booking discount.
Posted by
OP
28 posts
Have been doing additional research on topic, this company has come up numerous times, will certainly check it out. Thank you!