Florence in 1 Day for Couples - Basilica of Santa Maria Novella (meeting point)
In Collaboration with Travelling Italy. Updated on February 3, 2026.
Private 3-hour walking tour tailored for couples. A local, licensed guide leads you through Florence’s most romantic historic core: from Santa Maria Novella to the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi frontage and a sunset moment on the Ponte Vecchio. The tour is fully private and paced for photos, questions and quiet moments together.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Travelling Italy, inspired by the tour Florence Private Walking Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Basilica of Santa Maria Novella (meeting point)
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) — exterior view
- Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio
- Uffizi Gallery (exterior & Vasari Corridor)
- Ponte Vecchio — special sunset moment
Itinerary
Day 1
Three-hour private walking tour through central Florence, balanced for cultural highlights and romantic moments at sunset. Start time shown is 17:30 (evening start to catch golden hour over the Arno in May).
Meet your guide — Basilica of Santa Maria Novella (meeting point)
Convening at the main façade of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. Quick welcome, introductions, and briefing on the route and accessibility options before we set off.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand by the left side of the facade for the best introductory photos — the evening light in May gives warm tones to Alberti’s marble work.
- There is a public restroom inside the nearby Santa Maria Novella train station (2–3 minute walk) if you need facilities before starting.
- If one partner prefers a gentler pace, tell the guide now — the tour is private and the route will be adjusted for comfort and photo stops.
Piazza di Santa Maria Novella — exterior overview
Short guided stop in the piazza to explain the basilica’s history and its role as Florence’s principal Dominican church. The guide covers architectural highlights visible from the square.
Tips from local experts:
- For a romantic snapshot, step onto the low wall facing the basilica and have your guide frame a portrait with the facade behind you.
- Evening is quieter than mid-afternoon; take a minute to enjoy the square’s cafés from outside — they make a nice post-tour espresso.
- Stroller- and wheelchair-friendly surfaces in this square — tell your guide if you need the smoothest route at any moment.
Scenic stroll along Via dei Calzaiuoli toward the Duomo
A guided walk through Florence’s main pedestrian axis — the guide points out historic shops, local artisans and the evolution of the cityscape en route to the cathedral area.
Tips from local experts:
- Walk side-by-side and enjoy the view — the street is lively but not crowded in the early evening in May, great for candid couple photos.
- Keep an eye out for small artisan shops — perfect for a quick souvenir like a handmade leather bookmark to remember the day.
- If you want to shorten walking time, let the guide know and they can take a slightly more direct, quieter lane.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) — exterior tour
Guided exterior viewing of Florence’s Duomo complex: the cathedral façade, the Baptistery doors and Giotto’s Campanile. The guide narrates the building phases and important artworks visible from outside.
Tips from local experts:
- For a memorable couple’s photo, stand on the steps near the Baptistery to capture both the cathedral and Brunelleschi’s dome in one frame as the light softens.
- The guide will not enter the Duomo interior by default — if you want to go inside after the tour, ask and they can advise on tickets and best time to return.
- Evening light softens carved details — listen for the guide’s cues to move to specific vantage points for less-crowded photos.
Piazza della Repubblica — the story of Florence’s modern heart
Stop to learn about the piazza’s transformation from Roman forum to 19th-century redevelopment and its role as a social hub — great place to watch local life.
Tips from local experts:
- Look for the carousel at the center — it makes a charming picture and the surrounding cafes are atmospheric at dusk.
- This piazza has convenient benches if you want a short, private moment — sit and enjoy an espresso later at one of the terraces (outside the tour guide’s remit to reserve).
- The square is flat and easy to navigate with a stroller or wheelchair — a helpful moment for a brief rest if needed.
Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio — civic heart and sculpture gallery
Explore the open-air museum of Piazza della Signoria: copies and originals, the Loggia dei Lanzi and the exterior of Palazzo Vecchio. Guide explains political history and sculptural highlights from the outside.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand close to the Loggia dei Lanzi for romantic, dramatic photos framed by the ancient sculptures — golden-hour light will make marble glow.
- If you enjoy art history, ask the guide for the story behind the replica of Michelangelo’s David and where to find quieter vantage points.
- The piazza can be busy; your private guide will position you for clearer photos and a calm moment away from the central cluster.
Uffizi Gallery frontage & Vasari Corridor — outside orientation
Exterior overview of the Uffizi and the Vasari Corridor. The guide will explain the building’s original magistral function and point out where to return later should you choose to visit the collection.
Tips from local experts:
- For a private moment, walk a short way along the riverfront beside the Uffizi for views of the Arno — quieter than standing at the main entrance.
- Your guide can advise on evening opening options or where to buy timed tickets for a later return to the Uffizi galleries.
- Ask about the Vasari Corridor’s hidden stories — your guide will share romantic anecdotes about Medici life that are perfect for couples.
Ponte Vecchio — special golden-hour moment on the Arno
A relaxed stroll across the medieval Ponte Vecchio. This is the tour’s romantic highlight: time for photos, window-shopping at the historic goldsmiths and a pause to watch the changing light over the river.
Tips from local experts:
- This is the 'special moment' of the tour: aim to watch the sky reflect on the Arno — ask your guide for the best spot on the bridge to capture the sunset glow over the water.
- For a more intimate moment, step onto the bridge’s small side viewpoints (early evening is less crowded in May) and toast quietly with a small take-away prosecco or a gelato afterwards.
- If you want a shop recommendation, ask the guide for a local jeweler with a long family history rather than a tourist chain — it makes a meaningful keepsake.
Gelato break — Gelateria dei Neri (sweet ending)
Pause for a classic Florentine gelato together near the bridge / Piazza della Signoria — a sweet end to the walking portion while your guide answers final questions.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a small cup to share — try a local flavor like crema di Santa Maria Novella or seasonal fruit for a true Florence taste.
- Gelateria dei Neri has indoor seating but in May the terrace is pleasant; your guide will suggest the best quiet corner for two.
- Keep napkins handy — gelato at dusk melts quickly. If you prefer a calmer finish, ask your guide for a quieter café nearby with table service.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 8 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Experience, Attraction, Transfer, Culture, Outdoor, Meal |
