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Florence is captivating in every season, but our favourite time is late October & November. April through October brings bustling piazzas, outdoor events, long sunlit days, and more visitors. July and August are typically the hottest. From November to March, the city takes on a more intimate charm, with cooler weather, occasional rain, and fewer crowds.
The best way to explore Florence is by foot, especially in the historic centre, but be aware of the well-worn cobblestones and make sure to have supportive shoes for lots of walking. Florence’s bus system connects key landmarks and neighbourhood, allowing you to navigate the city without driving.
Florence’s famous landmarks are unforgettable must-sees, but to experience the city like a local, venture beyond the well-trodden paths to places like Sant’Ambrogio, a lively neighbourhood east of the historic centre.
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Senior Tour Design Manager
I was born and raised in Rome, and my family is immersed in travel. I have family members who are Tour Managers, local guides, airline agents, hoteliers, and port agents. During my free time, I enjoy antiquing, walking my dog — a Lagotto Romagnolo (an Italian breed specialized in truffle hunting), and growing Pra' Basil to make my own homemade pesto.
Tour Manager
Twenty years ago, I decided I needed a change in my life and career. I've been a Tour Manager ever since. To me, helping travellers experience the joy of travel while sharing my passion for my country is an honour. The perspective I want to share? Italians are colourful, with lots of heart.
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Our tour manager JP Ruze was the best. He was like family to us. My wife had our passport stolen. He was with us everyday. Guiding us so we could stay with the tour and receive our emergency passports. If you had all JP Ruze as a your Tour manager. Every tour would be sold out. He is like family to us and miss him. Please provide him with everything he needs and Collette would have many return guests. Thank You Chris Hickok
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The tour was fabulous. We saw so many amazing places. Antonio, the Tour Director, went above and beyond all of our expectations. With a small group of 18, each experience was even more meaningful. If I had to pick one best day, it would be the beauty and peacefulness of Siena. The hotels were fabulous, especially the last three nights in the Villa.
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We had such a wonderful trip that we are talking about another already! Our tour manager Carolina was amazing & so knowledgeable. You can feel her love for her job.
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The tour was one of the better tours I have done over the years. The tour director and bus driver put the tour over the top. I especially liked visiting Stresa, Cinque Terre and Venice. The tour offered a nice variety of things to see and do.
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For those of us who wear hearing aids, it was difficult to hear the guides particularly in Florence. Perhaps, in the future, there will headphones we could bring to connect with the guide.
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The entire experience was better than I ever expected.. I didn’t want to come home. My heart and soul are still in Italy! Favorite memory? A cold water plunge into Lake Maggiore with the Italian Alps in the background!
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Tour was marvelous. Can’t pick favorite place as they were all great. I can however pick our favorite activity which was the cooking class.
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Everything was well planned. We didn’t have to do anything but show up. Having the same tour guide and bus driver for the entire trip was wonderful and they were both exceptional. Collette is very fortunate to have them working for them. So many wonderful memories. I loved all the activities that involved going to out a way places. The wine and cheese farm, the home where we learned to cook several dishes, and the stay at the hotel Villa Leche. I enjoyed the smaller villas like San Gimignano and Siena. Venice was wonderful and I would have loved 3 nights and 2 full days there. Would’ve enjoyed a another full day in Stresa as well. The trip was perfect
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This Collette tour was a great way to see and experience Tuscany! Staying in one hotel for the entire trip, with daily tours to the various towns, was perfect. Our tour director, Francesco Chiappe, was THE BEST!!! His personal stories really taught us so much about the history and culture of Italy. All the local guides we had in each town were also excellent. Montecatini Terme was a very nice, small town to stay in and the Hotel Ercolini accommodations and daily breakfast buffet was very good.
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Every day was exceptionally great
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Room overlooked the alleyway and dumpsters. Traveling companions were very good and willing to converse. Good amount of free time.
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We love Alberto! We would highly recommend this tour and especially with Alberto, excellence!! We will be looking for future tours that Alberto is the tour guide, anywhere in Italy. He is such an asset to your company!!
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Hearing our tour manager speak about the different areas we would travel to each day with such knowledge was so informative and exciting to me. It made me eager to arrive at each destination with new excitement in my eyes.
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Siena was spectacular!
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I very much appreciated the cohesiveness of our group, led by our tour guide Luke. That was a bonus to the travel. Even with some bad weather, I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, the meals, although too much food and too late for me, but i also understand that’s the custom. Definitely would recommend to others.
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The whole trip was wonderful !! All excursions were well planned with very capable tour guides. They each and all were knowledgeable and friendly. My heartfelt “thank you “ to each of them. The most beautiful and “awe inspiring “ was the Sistine Chapel in Rome . The very Spirit of God was deeply felt and created a humble heart. I will never forget the experience. Thank You
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Each stop was better than the last one. It was truly amazing Dario certainly made the experience unforgettable! He was beyond a tour guide. Kind, helpful and caring!
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It was a fabulous tour and I had such a wonderful time, I loved the format of staying in one town (Montecatini-Terme was so perfect), unpacking once and exploring each day. San Gimignano and Lucca were both amazing and I love the wine tasting, cheese farm and cooking class/dinner. It really was all just amazing and Savio was an absolute GEM!
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Our tour manager, Julia, was magnificent! She was communicative, well-informed, professional, personable, has a great sense of humor. To name just a few of the most memorable experiences, I include the Baroque-era-chamber concert by the Venice Music Project, the gondola ride through Venice, the gondola workshop demonstration, and the tours of San Marino, Ravenna, Orvieto.
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Excellent tour and tour guide as well. The hotel was a joy to stay in and the breakfast was delicious every morning. The room was appointed with everything I needed. I would definitely stay here again. Our tour guide Antonio was always on time and did an excellent job keeping up with our group as well as looking out for the needs of all. I was the slowest walker of the group and he time his walking to allow me to keep up with the pace but also managed to keep the group on time for appointments. His information was very interesting and pertinent to the region or town we were in. the highlight of the trip was the ride thru the Tuscan country side on the way to San Gimignano. This also happened to be my favorite town and I would love to go back there and stay for a few days.
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Discover the rolling hills of Tuscany, home to sprawling vineyards, medieval hill towns, and enchanting cities.
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From the shores of Lake Maggiore to the sun-soaked coast of the Italian Riviera and the rolling hills of Tuscany, a romantic rendezvous with Italia awaits.
View 9-Day ItineraryFlorence is brimming with world-famous Renaissance treasures, including the Duomo’s soaring dome, Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia, and the masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery. Tickets for these highlights should be reserved well in advance, as they typically draw large crowds. The medieval Ponte Vecchio and historic piazzas are top attractions that do not require admission.
Florence tours can be very suitable for older travellers. The historic city centre is generally quite flat, and our tours balance guided sightseeing with free time to rest or explore at your own pace. Keep in mind that many historic streets are cobblestone with uneven surfaces, and you may have to climb stairs to view certain sights. Some travellers may need to choose tours with mobility-friendly options or shorter walking times. Collette’s tours include information on activity levels to help you find a tour to fit your needs.
Yes, wine tours are available from Florence. Popular day trips include visits to wine regions like Chianti, Montalcino, and Montepulciano, where you can taste renowned Tuscan wines. You can combine wine tours with scenic vineyard visits, wine tastings, local food experiences, or other experiences.
Yes, Florence is generally very safe for tourists. Like any popular destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings. When you travel with a trusted tour operator like Collette, you benefit from our expert Tour Managers and 24/7 Emergency Response Team.
When choosing what to wear in Florence, be sure to check the weather forecast. In hot summer temperatures, opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics and sun protection. In the cooler months, layering is key, and rain jackets come in handy for showers. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended for navigating cobblestone streets and stairs as you explore the city. When visiting sites such as churches, modest dress is required (meaning shoulders and knees should be covered).
How many days to spend in Florence depends on your interests. Generally, three days is enough to take in the city's rich history and culture, especially if you begin venturing to neighbourhoods outside of the historic centre.
From handpicked hotels, restaurants, and cultural experiences to thoughtfully integrated free time, our on-the-ground team in Florence crafts journeys they'd want to take themselves.
Travellers always tell us that Tour Managers make the journey. It's like travelling with a friend who's got the inside scoop. They live in the destination and share hidden gems that only the locals know.
Uncover Italy’s soul through artisan traditions, Renaissance treasures, and culinary passions from Venice’s canals to Rome’s timeless streets.
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Vineyards, olive groves, and cities that float. Incredible history, indelible culture, and unforgettable cuisine. This is l’Italia at its most iconic.
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