Looking to learn more about the infamous Medici family? Check out these marvelous Medici tours in Florence to follow in the footsteps of one of Italy’s major dynasties.
Florence is a city steeped in history, culture, and art. It was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and home to one of the most influential families in history, the Medici. The Medici were a very prominent and influential bourgeois family who rose to power in the 13th century as a banking institution.
The Medici Bank was Europe’s largest during its heyday, and in the 15th century, the Medici became a political dynasty, ruling over Florence for the best part of three centuries.
Victims of exile, treason, and even murder, it’s believed that the Medici were just as corrupt and used any means to reach – and stay – in power. And this includes one of Florence’s most important patrimony: the art.
While detractors assure that the Medici only did it for political propaganda, there’s no denying that they were significant art benefactors, financing the construction of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, and becoming the patrons of the likes of Botticelli, Brunelleschi, Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Raphael.
The Medici commissioned some of the artists’ best works, so they played a crucial role in shaping the city’s artistic and cultural heritage. Even three centuries later the family remains one of the most crucial in the history of the city, so it’s a fantastic idea to try and learn more about them when you’re there.
Even if you only have one day in Florence, I think it’s worth including some Medici history in your itinerary.
To make that happen, you can choose one of the several Medici tours in Florence that take you on a journey into the past as you visit iconic landmarks and hear tales about the most noteworthy family members. Read on to discover the perfect Medici tour for you and make the most out of your visit!
👉 Why can you trust me? I was born in the beautiful city of Bologna, which is just 30 minutes away by train. Growing up here gave me the chance to visit Florence many many times… you can say I’m almost a local! Plus, I’ve been running this website since 2014 and helped millions of people plan their trips, so I know a thing or two when it comes to choosing the best activities for you. Shall we start?
I usually use Viator and Get Your Guide to book activities around the world. I especially recommend them for their fantastic cancellation policy, which allows you to cancel most tours up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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The Very BEST Medici Tours in Florence
▶️ Mysteries of the Medici Guided Walking Tour is a fascinating experience that lets you in on the juicy tales of the Medici family. Considered both the benefactors of the Renaissance and Florence’s puppeteers, there’s a lot to learn about this controversial dynasty.
Let your expert English-speaking guide unravel the secrets and spine-tingling rivalries between the Strozzi, Pazzi, and Medici families as you explore the city’s historic streets and squares where their influence is etched.
Gaze in awe at the Florence Medici Chapel, the final resting place for many of its members, and marvel at the dazzling mosaic Commesso Fiorentino, an impressive testament to the family’s penchant for art and luxury.
📝 This tour includes: A guide, and access to the Medici Chapel (if option selected). ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Travel back in time with this Medici Family History Tour in which you’ll delve into the dynasty’s centuries of power, and the betrayals and obstacles it had to face to get there. Wander around Florence with a knowledgeable guide, checking out the Medici monuments as you get to understand their motivations and the way they ruled over the city.
. This unique Meidci Florence tour takes you behind the scenes of their iconic palaces and secret hideouts and unravels the captivating stories of Lorenzo the Magnificent, Cosimo the Elder, and Piero the Unfortunate – three of the most prominent Medici family members.
This immersive experience is your all-access pass to the Renaissance’s most dazzling era, so don’t miss it if you’re a history fan.
📝 This tour includes: An expert guide, and entrance to Palazzo Medici Riccardi. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Explore the fascinating history of the Medici family with an exclusive Medici Tour with Michelangelo’s David. You’ll enjoy skip-the-line access to the Accademia Gallery to admire Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture and other famous Renaissance works of art, all the while hearing about the Medici’s connection to the city’s art heritage.
You’ll then follow your guide as they take you to Palazzo Medici, San Lorenzo Church, the Medici Chapels, and Palazzo Pitti, the last residence of the family. You’ll witness there the dynasty’s influence on Florence’s architecture, and end your tour with a sweet treat of authentic Italian gelato.
📝 This tour includes: A skip-the-line entrance to the Accademia Gallery, a local guide, and gelato. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The Medici’s Private Tours
▶️ Step into the shoes of the notorious Medici family with this Medici Experience Tour in Florence. You’ll get to explore their stunning former palace, Palazzo Medici, and hear scandalous tales about conspiracies and betrayals.
Marvel at its remarkable frescoes portraying illustrious members of the family and visit the Chapel of the Magi, before following your expert guide around the city. They’ll be able to explain everything you might want to know about Florence’s art, history, and culture, turning you into a Medici specialist by the end of the day!
📝 This tour includes: A private tour guide, and a Florence Medici Palace tour. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Discover the juicy scandals and power plays of the Medici dynasty on this Medici’s Private Walking Tour. You’ll visit some of Florence’s most iconic landmarks, including the grand Palazzo Pitti, the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, and the breathtaking Basilica di San Lorenzo.
Stop by Piazza della Signoria, where the Medici wielded their power, and check out the striking Florence Duomo while learning how the family supported the Renaissance artistic movement and the works of world-renowned artists.
Don’t miss the Medici family tombs during this tour that’s perfect for history buffs and art enthusiasts.
📝 This tour includes: A professional guide and earphones. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Pitti Palace & Palatine Gallery Tour
The ultimate Florence Medici tour for art lovers should be this Pitti Palace, Palatine Gallery, and the Medici: Arts and Power in Florence. Allow the experience to teleport you into a world of art, beauty, and intrigue as you explore the Pitti Palace, the Medici’s last residence, and its striking Palatine Gallery.
Get up close to the works of Raphael, Titian, and Rubens and wander around the lavish rooms as you learn about the history of the Medici and its impressive private collection. The group size is limited to 15 people to ensure an intimate and personalized experience.
📝 This tour includes: A local guide, and skip-the-line entry to the Pitti Palace. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Medici Chapels Tours
▶️ Medici Chapels Guided Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in which you’ll delve into the history of the Italian Renaissance, discover secrets about the famous family dynasty that range from illegitimate children to poisoning – and admire exquisite art.
All the while, you’ll be following your local guide on a tour around Medici Chapel, one of the most prominent monuments of their legacy and where many of the members were put to rest. The visit includes the Chapel of the Princes and the Chapel of the New Sacristy.
📝 This tour includes: Fast-entrance ticket to the Medici Chapels, and a certified guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Join the Medici Chapels Private Tour in Florence to visit the renowned location with your very own group. Known as the burial place of the most important members of the Medici family, the chapels feature more than elaborate tombs.
It’s home to masterpieces of art, architecture, and sculpture, showcasing some of the finest works of Renaissance artists. As you gape in awe at the impressive interior of the chapel, you’ll get to hear the tales of revenge, conspiracy, and mysterious deaths that accompany the history of the Medici.
You’ll get to choose your departure time to ensure it fits your plans and benefit from your guide’s undivided attention.
📝 This tour includes: Medici Chapel tickets, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Self-Guided Medici Escape Game
Experience the city of Renaissance like never before with a Florence Outdoor Escape Game: The Medici Conspiracy. Solve clues at your own pace and unlock hidden stories about the Medici family as you progress in the game. All the while you’ll be visiting iconic landmarks like the Palazzo Pitti, Ponte Vecchio, and the Medici Palace following your phone’s directions.
This self-guided tour, which takes around two hours (unless you decide to stop and continue the next day…which is totally fine!) also includes stops at the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella and the renowned Duomo. Explore the city and unravel its secrets with the help of a downloadable app, a very unique way of immersing yourself in the rich history of Florence.
📝 This tour includes: Downloadable app, offline access, and 24/7 assistance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Florence Medici Tours FAQs
In our opinion, these are the best tours about the Medici family in Florence:
• Mysteries of the Medici Guided Walking Tour
• Medici Family History Tour
• Medici Tour with Michelangelo’s David
A Medici walking tour in Florence takes you around the city to visit some of the most important landmarks linked to the Medici dynasty, while an expert guide provides insights into the family’s secrets, history, accomplishments, and dark times. You’ll finish the tour with great knowledge about the Renaissance ruling family of Florence, and having explored incredible city monuments.
