Florence: Santa Maria Novella Private Tour

Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Private Tour offers visitors a unique chance to enjoy the city’s rich history and artistic heritage. With a professional local guide, travelers will explore the stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture of the iconic basilica, discovering masterpieces that have captivated audiences for centuries. But the tour goes beyond the basilica, inviting guests to explore the intriguing world of one of the oldest pharmacies, where they can uncover the secrets of traditional remedies and beauty products. This three-hour experience promises to leave a lasting impression on all who…

Key Points

• Explore the Gothic and Renaissance architecture of the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, including Masaccio’s Trinity and Brunelleschi’s Crucifix.
• Discover the historical significance and artistic brilliance of the church’s masterpiece collection, such as Ghirlandaio’s vibrant frescoes.
• Visit the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world, and learn about traditional herbal remedies and beauty products.
• Enjoy a 3-hour guided experience with a professional local guide who brings the sites and artworks to life.
• Benefit from skip-the-line access and a wheelchair-accessible tour, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Santa Maria Novella Private Tour is a 3-hour guided experience that allows visitors to explore the iconic basilica and its adjoining pharmacy.

Priced from $209.45 per person, the tour is available in multiple languages and is wheelchair accessible. Guests can expect a professional, local guide and skip-the-line access to the sites.

The cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Key highlights include the church’s Gothic and Renaissance architecture, renowned artworks, and the historical significance of the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world.

Basilica Di Santa Maria Novella

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella stands as a testament to the city’s rich architectural heritage, with its striking façade designed by renowned architect Leon Battista Alberti.

The church’s interior blends Gothic and Renaissance elements, showcasing masterpieces like Masaccio’s Trinity and Brunelleschi’s Crucifix.

Giotto’s iconic Crucifix graces the space, while Ghirlandaio’s frescoes adorn the walls, captivating visitors with their intricate details.

The church’s historical significance is palpable, as it has witnessed the city’s evolution over the centuries.

Exploring the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella offers a glimpse into Florence’s artistic and cultural tapestry.

Santa Maria Novella Church

After exploring the striking façade and rich history of the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, the tour now focuses on the remarkable Santa Maria Novella Church itself.

Visitors will be captivated by its harmonious blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

The harmonious blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture captivates visitors to this remarkable church.

Key highlights include:

• Masaccio’s renowned fresco of the Trinity

• Brunelleschi’s remarkable Crucifix

• Ghirlandaio’s vibrant frescoes

With its impressive collection of masterpieces, the Santa Maria Novella Church offers a glimpse into the artistic brilliance that flourished during the Renaissance in Florence.

Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy

One of the highlights of the Santa Maria Novella Private Tour is the visit to the ancient Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy. Established in the 1300s, it’s one of the oldest pharmacies in the world.

Guests will spend an hour exploring this historical site, learning about its medicinal products like Santa Maria Novella water and Medici’s elixir.

The red liquor Alkermes was once a popular ingredient in traditional Italian cuisine.

Visitors can browse the pharmacy’s selection of traditional herbal remedies and beauty products, all while seeing the rich history of this remarkable institution.

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Tour Experience

The Santa Maria Novella Private Tour is led by a professional, local guide who brings the historical sites and artworks to life.

A professional, local guide brings the historical sites and artworks of Santa Maria Novella to life on this private tour.

Guests explore the Gothic and Renaissance architecture of the Santa Maria Novella Church, including masterpieces like Masaccio’s Trinity and Brunelleschi’s Crucifix.

The tour also includes a visit to the ancient Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world dating back to the 1300s.

Guests can discover:

• Renowned products like Santa Maria Novella water and Medicis elixir

• The historical significance of the pharmacy

• Opportunities to experience the ancient setting

Important Information

Guests meet the tour at the front of the Santa Maria Novella Church, located in Piazza Santa Maria Novella.

Participants should bring their passport or ID card, as this is required for the tour. Oversized luggage isn’t permitted.

The 3-hour private tour is wheelchair accessible, and available in multiple languages including Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian.

The tour can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

With skip-the-line tickets included, guests can maximize their time exploring the historical sites and ancient pharmacy.

Customer Feedback

Based on reviews, the Santa Maria Novella Private Tour has received an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6 previous participants.

Reviewers consistently praise the tour’s friendly and knowledgeable guides, who engage visitors of all ages, including children.

Some participants have requested more historical details on the medicinal aspect of the ancient pharmacy.

The tour experience allows visitors to:

• Explore historical sites

• View masterpieces

• Experience the centuries-old Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Church?

Yes, you can take photographs inside the church. The tour allows for photography, though visitors should be mindful not to disrupt the sacred space or other guests.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no strict dress code for the tour, but visitors are advised to dress respectfully when visiting the church. Casual, comfortable clothing is generally appropriate, though bare shoulders or very short skirts may not be permitted.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour spends 15 minutes at the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, 75 minutes at the Santa Maria Novella Church, and 1 hour at the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, for a total tour duration of 3 hours.

Do We Get to Interact With the Pharmacy Staff?

No, the tour doesn’t involve interacting with the pharmacy staff. The visit to the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy lasts for 1 hour, allowing you to explore the historical significance and products of this ancient apothecary independently.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour itinerary doesn’t mention an option to extend the duration, but customers can check with the tour provider about the possibility of customizing the experience to spend more time at the pharmacy or other sites. The standard 3-hour tour may not allow for extended interactions with pharmacy staff.

The Sum Up

The Santa Maria Novella Private Tour offers a captivating exploration of Florence’s rich history and artistic heritage. Visitors can marvel at the stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture of the basilica, discover the fascinating world of one of the oldest pharmacies, and enjoy a fully immersive experience with skip-the-line access. This tour provides an in-depth appreciation of the city’s cultural treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: