You’ve never been anywhere quite like Florence. The city is practically living and breathing history, with monumental moments not just in Europe, but in all of Italy, having taken place on its streets and countryside hills. Whether it’s the narrators of the literary classic “The Decameron” hiding out in the hills of Tuscany avoiding the plague and spinning yarns or the Renaissance masters from each of the small village towns making their way to Florence for that first shot at a patron, the city has been an epicenter for the curious and incredible culture of one of Italy’s most famous regions.

Getting to know Florence can be a little bit difficult, not because you don’t know what to do, but rather, because you don’t know where to start! From the walls of some of the world’s most famous art museums to the frescos in its churches, the city is bursting with creative energy, a rich history, and an engaging present. The problem is, there are paintings by Renaissance masters in spots all over town, and doors and walls designed by people whose work is also in museums. Where is the best place to begin after hitting up the old standbys?

While many travelers might be content to explore the city and find these answers for themselves, many others will opt for one of the popular guided tours of Florence. Instead of running around town only armed with a Lonely Planet book and your own imagination, these tours offer answers to a number of questions, as well as the added bonus of actually learning all about the lesser-known spots in town that don’t make the guidebooks all of the time. Tours are available 365 days a year from a number of companies, and for those with specific interests, such as cooking or opera, often it is possible to find a tour package or a guide who is well-versed in your area of interest.

There are many options for those researching the best tours in Florence for their travel style. In addition to regular group tours and bus tours, a growing area of popularity are the Florence walking tours, which take travelers for a different sort of look around the city. Walking tours are an excellent option for a more intimate view of the city’s daily life and history, with the chance to stop and look at spots that might get overlooked if you were passing them rapidly on some sort of bus.

For those who are on a romantic vacation, there are a number of tours to make your visit even more special. Whether it’s exploring the nearby hills and countryside at sunset or finding the way to one of the city’s finest closed-door restaurants, there is no shortage of options to get to know Florence better, without losing time for romance.

No matter which of the many Florence tours you choose, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring along a camera, and don’t forget to be on time! Nothing is worse than putting down a deposit for a tour of the city only to find out that your group has already departed and there are no refunds.

Author Bio: Roberta Leoni works in Florence as professional tourist guide. She collaborates with the tourist portal http://www.yourwaytoflorence.com/enjoyflorence.htm , the ultimate resource to find the best Florence tours.

Category: Travel
Keywords: florence tours, guided tours of florence