Florence Town

Florence Town is a licensed tour operator based in central Florence, part of the Towns of Italy group, with more than twenty years of experience. Its office is on Via de' Lamberti, a short street between Via de' Calzaiuoli and the Mercato Nuovo, close to the church of Orsanmichele, which makes it easy to find if you want to ask questions or book in person.

The programme is broad. In the city, the Best of Florence walking tour combines a guided walk through the centre with entry to the Uffizi and the Galleria dell'Accademia, a practical option for visitors with limited time who want to see the two most important museums with a guide. For something more active there is a two-hour guided bike tour of Florence. Cooking classes cover pasta, pizza and gelato, and are popular with families and groups of friends.

Day trips from Florence are a major part of the business. Options include Chianti wine tours, visits to Siena and San Gimignano, a Tuscany Grand Tour that combines several towns in one day, and a Cinque Terre tour from Florence. The Chianti Vespa tours are among the most memorable: guided small-group rides on scooters through the vineyards and hills south of the city, with a private version including lunch also available. The company also runs tours in Rome, Venice, Milan and Palermo.

Small-group tours have up to twenty people, which is larger than some boutique operators but keeps prices accessible; private and semi-private options are also available for those who prefer a more personal experience. Book in advance in high season, particularly for tours with museum entry and for the Vespa tours, which have limited places. Check the requirements for riding a Vespa, such as a driving licence, before booking.

The office is open daily, from 7:30 to 20:30 between April and September and from 7:30 to 18:00 between October and March. It is about three minutes' walk from Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza della Signoria, and five minutes from the Duomo. Tours can be booked online or in person at the office, where staff can explain the differences between the options. For day trips, comfortable shoes and a light jacket are worth packing, as weather in the hills can differ from the city.