Alternative Tours In Florence

Alternative tours in Florence?

When we talk about Florence, mentally, we design the itinerary starting with the historic center, but Florence has a multitude of “hidden treasures” that few tourists know about. Today we are going to explore Florence in a slightly different way from the traditional one. We are going to discover the alternative tours in Florence. Get ready to add more incredible places to your Italy Tour, stay with us and discover charming and unmissable places in Florence! Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patriciayou make the trip of your dreams!!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”

Introduction

The history of Florence is famous for several landmarks, mainly for the years of power of the Medici family that, although many disagree, pinned Florence definitively in the Italian map. The “classic” itinerary of the city enchants, this is an undeniable fact, but there is a Florence that few know: the alternative Florence, which is just as impressive as the other. Today we are going to explore this incredible city a little more in the most authentic way possible, we will visit some alternative tours in Florence. Also learn what to do in Florence in 3 days?

1) Alternative tours in Florence! GIARDINO DEL DRAGONE

One of the most different and interesting places is the Giardino del Dragone (“Garden of the Dragon”). It is a small garden that seems taken from a fairy tale and is accessible from a gate on Via Trento; alternatively, you can also climb the railroad and follow along the mosaic steps. Once there, you will understand the name of the garden; there is a large sculpture in the shape of a snake, which some call a dragon – and the place overlooks a long staircase, which gives access to the Horticulture Tepidarium. Despite being just below Piazzale Michelangelo, it also offers an incredible view of the city. Be sure to enjoy the Tepidarium, which is fully lit. How about an experience of cooking pasta in Florence? Click here to learn more!

2) Alternative tours in Florence! GIARDINO DELLE ROSE

Another little-known place, but one of impressive beauty, is the Giardino delle Rose (“Rose Garden”). Underlying the Piazzale Michelangelo, the Rose Garden overlooks the historic center of Florence and resembles a balcony that enriches the walk along Via dei Colli. With a small Japanese oasis, known as Shorai-Teien, the garden also has some works of art by Jean-Michel Folon. It is a very romantic place.

3) Alternative tours in Florence! STIBBERT MUSEUM

The Stibbert Museum is also worth mentioning! It is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant examples of eclecticism in the 19th century, and “was born” by the hands of the Italian-English Frederick Stibbert, who in his testament left Florence his Villa, a small park and several works of art as his heritage. The sumptuous Villa is home to some of Italy’s most important art collections. The park stretches along a series of paths, sculptures and fountains, featuring a small temple reminiscent of Egypt, there are also the romantic ruins of a Venetian Gothic courtyard made of white marble.

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4) Alternative tours in Florence! BOBOLINO

For those who have already visited the fantastic Boboli Gardens, it is possible to visit Bobolino. It is a “pocket” version (hehehe) of the Boboli Gardens and is on the arrival of Via Maquiavel, near the Roman Gate. Away from the tourist crowd, it offers a delicious feeling of peace and, for a few moments, it will make you forget that you are in one of the most famous and visited cities in the world. This small park has dense vegetation, some fountains and narrow gravel squares. An interesting feature is the “furniture” of the park: there are some benches integrated in flower beds and some very charming artificial caves. In the heart of the garden is Villa Cora, which today is a luxury hotel. Learn more about the Boboli Gardens by clicking here!

5) Alternative tours in Florence! VASARI CORRIDOR

A gem known to few is the Vasari Corridor. The corridor passes bridges, towers and buildings and connects Vecchio Palace to Pitti Palace. This architectural jewel “secretly” crosses Florence for more than a kilometer. The corridor is a Vasari work commissioned by Cosimo I of Medici and allowed the rulers to move around the city without having to leave the palaces. To buy tickets, click here!

6) Alternative tours in Florence! BURELLE

Still close to the Palazzo Vecchio, the most courageous can go down to the depths of the city to explore the old Burelle. The Burelle are the old Florentine prisons that have housed criminals or “uncomfortable” people for the city in the past centuries. In the past centuries, Florentine prisons have become famous for being truly terrible places for those who stayed there. Some say it is a somewhat haunted place, but the architecture is very interesting.

7) Alternative tours in Florence! PALACE OF POSTERS

The Palace of the Posters, and its curious façade, is close to the Santa Maria Novella station. The Palace is a great (and beautiful) tribute to the master Galileo Galilei, made by Viviani, a mathematician who took care of the genius in the last years of his life. The entire palace is, in fact, the first museum dedicated to Galileo Galilei in history. The famous “posters” were the only possible alternative to a monumental burial that the Church denied Galilei for many years. The Palace sits on top of the remains of the former home of the Del Giocondo family: the same that gave rise to the famous Mona Lisa.

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8) Alternative tours in Florence! GIARDINO DEI SEMPLICI

Another place worth visiting is the Giardino Dei Semplici (“Garden of the Simple”). The garden was created to allow students of the College of Natural Sciences to get to know and be able to touch plants, including rare plants, from the four corners of the globe. The term Semplici (simple) has origins in the Middle Ages and was used to refer to medicinal herbs, as they are the simplest and were the object of study in this degree course. The extraordinary garden is open to the public and can be visited by anyone visiting the Natural History Museum.

9) Alternative tours in Florence! VIA DELLO STUDIO

When in Florence, be sure to walk along Via dello Studio. There, the great poet Dante spent most of his days when he was in Florence. He used to go there when the Duomo was still under construction. Today it is still possible to admire a special plaque that sits above a stone: it is on that stone that Dante loved to sit down every day to accompany the construction work of what, later on, would become a symbol of the beloved and beautiful Florence. Find out more about the Florence Duomo by clicking here!

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Hotels I recommend in the Historic Center

In the Historic Center (Old Town), is really easy to admire all the main attractions of the city very easily. The old town of Florence corresponds to the oldest and most beautiful part of the city. If you want to stay in the real heart of Florence, choose hotels in the central areas of Piazza Santa Croce, Ponte Vecchio, Cathedral, Gallery of Offices, etc.

If you want some indications of hostels (or B&B) and apartments, I have some options that I suggest if you want to save money; click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices!

If you prefer hotels, I have some options that I recommend with great cost benefit! Click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices. 😉

Hotels that I recommend in Oltrarno

Always staying very close to the Historic Center, you can also stay in Oltrarno, close to the most characteristic craft shops in the whole city and much more. The area is perfect for those who want quiet accommodation and for those who want to breathe the real Florentine atmosphere. At the same time, you will be close to the center of Florence, a short walk from the main monuments, squares, churches, restaurants, shops and museums.

Hotels that I recommend in Santa Maria Novella

Another interesting neighborhood to stay is Santa Maria Novella. This is a particularly exclusive area because of the proximity to the station (great if you want to do a lot of tours leaving from Florence) and the famous Church of Santa Maria Novella, a very important reference in Florence.

Hotels that I recommend in Santa Croce

Another neighborhood where you can stay is Santa Croce, where the homonymous church is located. This area, located in the southeastern part of the historic center, is close to the most interesting monuments and has its fulcrum in the church of Santa Croce. Among the scenic palaces in this district, there are many hotels that can accommodate you for a wonderful weekend in Florence.

Hotels that I recommend in Campo di Marte

Another economic possibility, where you can stay in Florence, is Campo di Marte; in this area there are several well-equipped and affordable hotels. It is a quiet and charming residential area in Florence, well connected to the historic city center by public transport. Campo di Marte has its own train station where several regional and high-speed trains stop, with which you can easily reach other Tuscan cities and major cities in Italy. It is a great choice if you have rented a car too.

Hotels I recommend outside the Historic Center

And so, if you decide to breathe a less touristic air, a good choice could be to stay in Florence right outside the historic center, where hotel prices are cheaper and the most convenient solution if you come by car. Another possibility is to stay away, in some nearby town, and experience the silence of the wonderful Tuscan landscape, but in this case it is necessary to have a car.

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Baronessa B&B Florence

Hotel Orcagna
Ville sul Arno

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Conclusion

Alternative tours in Florence! Classic Florence is lovely, but if you have a little time available, or if you can combine your itinerary with alternative Florence, rest assured that you will be surprised and leave with a completely different view of the cradle of the Renaissance Italian.

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