Experience the artistic legacy of Raphael in Florence with a special guided tour celebrating the 500th anniversary of the renowned Renaissance master. This immersive 3-hour journey through the city’s historic streets and museums offers visitors an opportunity to explore Raphael’s influential works and the vibrant cultural landscape that inspired them. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply seeking an enriching adventure, this tour promises to transport you back in time and leave you eager to discover more.

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Key Points

A 3-hour guided tour celebrating the 500th anniversary of the renowned Renaissance artist Raphael’s life and artistic legacy in Florence.
Tour includes skip-the-line access to the Pitti Palace, Palatine Gallery, Palazzo Uguccioni, Piazza San Marco, and Pandolfini Palace.
Live multilingual guides provide insights into Raphael’s contributions to Florence’s art and architecture during his time in the city.
Tour is wheelchair accessible and offers a personalized experience for private groups.
Customer reviews praise the tour’s high-quality experience and knowledgeable guides, providing valuable insights into Raphael’s life and work.

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Tour Overview

The "Florence: Raphael’s 500th Anniversary Experience" is a 3-hour guided tour that takes visitors through the historic sites and art collections associated with the renowned Renaissance artist Raphael.

Priced from $229.37 per person, the tour offers skip-the-line access and is available at various start times. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour begins at the Pitti Palace, explores the Palatine Gallery’s Raphael paintings, and ends at the Piazza della Santissima Annunziata.

The tour starts at the Pitti Palace, explores Raphael’s paintings in the Palatine Gallery, and culminates at the Piazza della Santissima Annunziata.

Multilingual live guides and wheelchair accessibility make this an inclusive experience to celebrate Raphael’s 500th anniversary in Florence.

Looking for more options in Florence? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Historical Context

Raffaello Sanzio, known as Raphael, was an Italian Renaissance artist born in Urbino. He spent a significant part of his career in Florence from 1504 to 1508. Tragically, Raphael died at the young age of 37 in 1520. Despite his short life, he left an indelible mark on the city, beautifying it with his architectural influences and stunning paintings.

| Artist | Florence Stay | Death |

| — | — | — |

| Raffaello Sanzio (Raphael) | 1504 to 1508 | Died at age 37 in 1520 |

Raphael’s contributions to Florence’s art and architecture were highly regarded, making him a pivotal figure of the Renaissance period.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at the Pitti Palace, the tour begins with a guided exploration of this iconic structure for an hour.

Next, visitors spend 30 minutes in the Palatine Gallery, admiring Raphael’s renowned paintings.

The group then takes a 15-minute sightseeing walk to the Palazzo Uguccioni.

This is followed by a guided tour and stroll through Piazza San Marco.

The final stop is the Pandolfini Palace, where guests spend 15 minutes exploring the building.

The tour culminates at the Piazza della Santissima Annunziata in Florence.

Tour Features

Depending on their language preference, guests can enjoy the live tour guide’s expertise in English, French, German, Italian, or Spanish. The tour is also wheelchair accessible, allowing all visitors to explore Raphael’s legacy in Florence. For those seeking a more personalized experience, a private group option is available. Guests can skip the line and access the tour through a separate entrance, maximizing their time.

| Tour Features | |

| — | — |

| Live Tour Guide | English, French, German, Italian, Spanish |

| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |

| Private Group Option | Available |

| Skip the Line | Access through separate entrance |

| Tour Duration | 3 hours |

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Tour Highlights and Experience

Throughout the tour, guests have the opportunity to view Raphael’s captivating paintings, including the renowned portrait of Fornarina and the iconic Madonna della Seggiola.

The guide provides historical insights, revealing Raphael’s admiration for Leonardo’s Mona Lisa and his significant architectural contributions that beautified Florence.

Visitors also learn about Raphael’s personal life, filled with love, relationships, and patronage.

The tour offers a comprehensive experience, immersing guests in Raphael’s remarkable legacy and the city he helped shape during his time in Florence from 1504 to 1508.

There's plenty more to explore in Florence

Customer Feedback

Based on the single verified review, the Florence: Raphael’s 500th Anniversary Experience tour has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

The reviewer, Susan, praised the tour as "awesome" and the guide as "outstanding."

The tour was described as awesome, and the guide was lauded as outstanding.

This feedback suggests the tour delivers a high-quality experience, with knowledgeable guides providing valuable insights into Raphael’s life and artistic contributions during his time in Florence.

The tour’s combination of visiting key sites, viewing Raphael’s renowned paintings, and learning about the artist’s personal story appears to resonate with customers, resulting in a top-rated experience.

Getting to Florence

Florence, the historic city in the heart of Tuscany, is easily accessible from various parts of Italy and beyond.

Travellers can reach Florence by train, with high-speed rail connections from major cities like Rome, Venice, and Milan. The city’s main train station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella, is centrally located and well-connected to the city’s public transportation network.

Alternatively, visitors can fly into the Florence Airport, also known as Peretola Airport, which offers both domestic and international flights.

Once in the city, getting around is convenient, with a comprehensive network of buses, trams, and walkable streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Sights in Florence?

You can combine this tour with other top sights in Florence like the Duomo, Galleria dell’Accademia, and Uffizi Gallery. Many Florence visitors find it convenient to visit multiple attractions during their stay to make the most of their time.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, though visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others. It’s best to check with the tour guide on any specific photography restrictions or protocols.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for the tour. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. Casual attire is acceptable, and participants should avoid wearing anything too casual or revealing to respect the cultural and historical significance of the sites visited.

Are Any Meals or Refreshments Included in the Tour?

No meals or refreshments are included in the tour. The tour focuses on exploring the historical sites and artworks related to Raphael. Visitors should plan to bring their own food and drinks for the 3-hour duration.

How Much Free Time Is Allotted for Personal Exploration?

The tour doesn’t mention any dedicated free time for personal exploration. It follows a structured itinerary, with guided visits to specific landmarks and attractions. The focus is on providing a comprehensive experience showcasing Raphael’s legacy in Florence.

The Sum Up

Celebrate Raphael’s 500th anniversary with a guided tour in Florence. Explore the Pitti Palace, Palatine Gallery, and historic sites showcasing the master’s works. This immersive 3-hour experience offers skip-the-line access, multilingual guides, and wheelchair accessibility. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s an unforgettable way to explore the rich legacy of Renaissance art.