Florence, the beautiful capital of the Tuscan Region, is one of the most enthralling cities in the world. From the culinary to the art scene, it has so much to offer every kind of tourist that steps on its soil. Everywhere you look there is something that you will marvel at. The architecture, centuries-old monuments, museums, art galleries, and authentic Italian restaurants are there to ignite every nerve in your body with excitement. These are just some of the reasons why some magazines have ranked it as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The Historic Center of Florence is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list and draws in thousands and thousands of visitors. The Florence Cathedral, built in the 1200’s, is another popular place of interest that attracts devotees and tourists alike. However, if you want to engage deeper into Florence tourism industry, the best thing for you to do is to take part in an alternative tourist activity. Book as many as you like and have fun with any of our top ten non-touristy things to do in Florence.
1. Balloon Flight Over Tuscany (from USD 292.78)
For one full hour, you get to enjoy the best views that Florence offers, in a hot air balloon! You get to see the vineyards of the region, the fantastic scenery, and the awe-inspiring hills at a height of 2000 feet. All flights take place in good weather conditions only. Pilots do a final round of checks and perform briefing procedures for passengers before they fire it up. You get to see historic places and natural wonders in just one go. The sights that you see all depend on where the wind will blow your balloon. At the end of it, you will be served with breakfast and champagne.
Florence: Balloon Flight Over Tuscany
Duration: 3.0 hour
2. Learn to Sculpt or Paint in a Private Florence Art Studio (from USD 263.0)
The art scene in Florence is among the best in the world. This is the best place for you to learn how to paint and sculpt. An exclusive studio will be the venue for your art lessons. The course runs through three hours and is led by a leading authority. There are two schedules, the morning and the afternoon. You can simply choose which one to attend depending on your convenience. Only a small number of people are accepted to assure a personalized approach of teaching. You will learn the techniques of historic and modern art. Florence, being the birthplace of the Renaissance, is the best place to unveil your artistic side.
Learn to Sculpt or Paint in a Private Florence Art Studio
Duration: 3 hours
3. Handmade Italian Pasta Cooking Course in Florence (from USD 64.0)
Chefs and home cooks will appreciate this wonderful and palatable experience. Where else will you learn the basic rudiments of pasta making but in Italy? A professional chef will guide you through this three-hour gastronomic tour. Here, you will learn how to make one of the worlds’ most iconic foods – fresh pasta. You get to mix, roll, slice, and cook the freshest and tastiest pasta you will ever have. Apart from learning to make Italian pasta from scratch, your instructor will also teach you how to make an authentic Italian dessert. The best part is you get to pair your pasta dish with some of the best Tuscany wines.
Handmade Italian Pasta Cooking Course in Florence
Duration: 3 hours
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4. Pizza & Gelato Preparation Class in Florence (from USD 85.66)
Local chefs take the lead in teaching you the secrets in making two of Italy’s quintessential dishes –pizza and gelato. The three-hour course opens with a lecture about the history of how these two came about. This feature is inclusive of an apron, utensils, all the ingredients, and wine. An expert pizzaiolo leads you in making the best pizza you will ever make. You get to make it from scratch where you make your own dough, let it rise, roll it, top it, and bake it. Learn about the importance of gelato ingredients and why Italians love it. Get ready to be served an array of flavors of this frozen delight.
Florence: Pizza and Gelato Preparation Class
Duration: 3.0 hour
Florence Tour Guide
Joanna
Hello, my name is Joanna. I was born and raised in Poland but then I fell hopelessly in love with Tuscany and have been living in Florence for 20 years. Wisely enough, I decided to turn my passion into work and became a tour guide. Now I can share with you my immense love for the beauty, history and art of these enchanted places. I am particularly passionate about the Middle Ages, history, scu... Read more
Tours by Joanna
Florence Tour Guide
Sara Pallabazzer
I am a lively well-spoken tour guide and tour leader from Florence, and a person who has the ability to motivate different sets of audience; to communicate effectively and possesses a high degree of energy and enthusiasm.I am able to manage multiple tasks, self-motivated team player with excellent communication skills. I am proficient in Italian, English and Norwegian and possess a strong love ... Read more
Tours by Sara
5. Symbolic Wedding and Vows Renewal Package (from USD 2060.29)
Do you want to have a symbolic wedding or renew your vows with your life partner? Florence is the best place to do these. Romantic and dreamy, the city offers the perfect backdrop for these. Perfect for married couples for reenacting their wedding, it surely is nice if you could do it all over again. These symbolic activities are administered by a religious or public servant. These take place on a lovely balcony in one of the city’s leading hotels. The view beyond adds to the perfect atmosphere for you and your spouse. This includes photography services that capture every moment of this momentous affair.
Florence: Symbolic Wedding and Vows Renewal Package
Duration: 2.0 hour
6. Three-Hour Panoramic Tour of Florence (from USD 91.09)
The Vespa is one of Italy’s most prized brands. This one of a kind tour takes you into the hills and city of Florence, Tuscany, while riding a moped. Take in the awesome sights of the Cradle of Renaissance and the domes and spires that dominate it. History takes place when you get to the Convent of San Miniato. Fiesole, the beautiful rustic town, also awaits. Here, you will get to experience Roman history while roaming around the original amphitheater. The tour includes an escort, an automatic transmission Vespa, a helmet, fuel, taxes, and third party liability insurance. Enjoy the ride and experience.
3-Hour Panoramic Tour of Florence by Vespa
Duration: 3.5 hour
7. Discover Fascinating Art Jewelry (from USD 34.0)
The jewelry industry in Florence was started by the Medici family when they hired several goldsmiths to come up with the best designs. Since then, jewelry making has progressed into what it is today. This is best exemplified in the place called Ponte Vecchio. Once you step inside, you get to witness how jewelry is made in its most organic way. Just a few minutes away, you will find a laboratory dedicated to showcasing the creativity, ingenuity, and talent of the people behind these masterpieces. They design new ones and repair old ones back to their old, glorious forms and brightness.
Florence: Discover Fascinating Art Jewelry
Duration: 25 minutes
8. Ferrari Test Drive in Florence (from USD 223.0)
This has got to be one of the most exhilarating experiences you can ever have. Imagine having the chance to drive one of the top supercars in the world. You can choose to customize this experience based on the distance and your budget. Distances include four, eighteen, twenty-two, and seventy kilometers. Take in the most alluring views that Florence has to offer, from hilltops. There are several upgrade options that you can include in your trip. A Ferrari expert driver will serve as your guide and travel buddy. You can also have a couple of your friends or family come with you.
Florence Florentine Hills Ferrari Test Drive Tour
Duration: 1 hour
9. Tuscan Truffle-Hunting Experience (from USD 238.0)
This is one exciting thing on this list that foodies need to tick. Guided by an authority in truffle hunting and assisted by trained canines, you get to look for and harvest this rare fungus that is a prized ingredient in the culinary world. This tour will take you to picturesque Certaldo and San Miniato. The moment you start your trek, your guide will provide you with information regarding truffle’s history and how it was discovered by chefs. The tour ends with a food sampling that includes cheeses, jams, truffled pasta, crostini, cured meats, and dessert. Each course comes with a pre-selected wine.
Tuscan Truffle-Hunting Experience
Duration: 5 hours
Let loose and have fun in Florence
Tired of the usual doings in Florence? Here are some of the best alternative activities you can do in this marvelous city.
Tip from tour guide
Discover this hidden gem in Florence.
The historic Odéon cinema in Florence has been reopened recently after an extensive restoration. The style of the place has been preserved, with every detail beautifully refinished. Blue carpet on the floor, armchairs covered in yellow velour, decorations imitating bas-reliefs, mascarons, brass accessories, fountains, mosaics, etc. The ground floor has been converted into a bookshop. The café has also been renovated. The cinema is to host many events, such as exhibitions, conferences, screenings and the like.
History
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