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Florence: Where every alley whispers a story and the Renaissance lives on in its magnificent palaces.

Three Ways to Rediscover Florence

A first taste of the best stories the city has to offer. Many more tours are waiting for you.

The Price of Beauty: Blood, Banks, and the Florentine Renaissance – Florence Audio-Tour
Tour 01
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Pic by Roger Wollstadt on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

The Price of Beauty: Blood, Banks, and the Florentine Renaissance

Forget the sanitized history of enlightened philosophers and peaceful painters. The Florentine Renaissance was forged in the fires of cutthroat capitalism, bitter family rivalries, and a desperate scramble for political dominance. On this redthread tour, you will walk the streets where the Medici family built an empire on double-entry bookkeeping, where merchant guilds operated like cartels, and where art was the ultimate weapon of propaganda. Discover how the world's most breathtaking masterpieces were paid for by bankers trying to buy their way out of hell.

8 Stops
111 Min
The Living Botteghe: Florence's Final Artisans – Florence Audio-Tour
Tour 02
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Image by Ricardalovesmonuments on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The Living Botteghe: Florence's Final Artisans

Step across the Arno river and into the hidden, dusty, and fiercely proud workshops of the Oltrarno district. This is not the Florence of crowded museums and marble statues; this is the living, breathing, sweating Florence. On this immersive sensory journey, you will uncover the secret world of the 'Oltrarnisti'—the master artisans who are keeping Renaissance-era craftsmanship alive against the crushing tide of mass tourism. From the rhythmic clacking of 18th-century wooden looms to the sharp scent of raw leather and ox gall, you will experience the tactile reality of true mastery. Join us to discover why true luxury is measured in time, patience, and the calloused hands of the makers.

6 Stops
98 Min
The Prophet's Pyre: Savonarola's Reign of Terror – Florence Audio-Tour
Tour 03
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Image by Dimitris Kamaras on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

The Prophet's Pyre: Savonarola's Reign of Terror

Step into the shadows of 1490s Florence, where the glittering Renaissance was violently eclipsed by a fundamentalist reign of terror. Join historian Max and detail-obsessed expert Iris as they trace the meteoric rise and brutal fall of Girolamo Savonarola, the apocalyptic friar who convinced a city of geniuses to burn their own masterpieces. This immersive, suspenseful journey will take you from silent convent cells to the echoing vastness of the Duomo, culminating in the very square where the Prophet of Doom met his fiery end. You will never look at the cradle of the Renaissance the same way again.

6 Stops
81 Min

Discover Florence – Stories Worth Hearing

Red Thread is an iOS and Android app with over 1,500 guided audio tours through cities worldwide - including in Florence.

In Florence, time feels different. Every stone, every piazza, tells tales of glorious days and human dramas that have shaped this city into the jewel it is today.

From the opulent Medici palaces to the hidden botteghe in Oltrarno – Florence is a living museum. Our audio tours unravel the city's deep layers, allowing you to experience history as if you were right there.

Florence Highlights
  • Rediscover the cradle of the Renaissance.
  • Experience artisan crafts in Oltrarno (for visitors & locals).
  • Enjoy breathtaking views from Piazzale Michelangelo.
  • Uncover dramatic history in Piazza della Signoria.

Start for free – Premium from €12.99/month. Compare all plans →

Learn more about Red Thread

Frequently Asked Questions about Florence

General questions about the app, pricing and features are answered in our full FAQ on the main page.

How much time should I allocate to explore Florence's historic center?
For key sights like the Duomo, Uffizi, and Palazzo Pitti, plan at least two full days. Our 'Price of Beauty' tour alone guides you through Renaissance highlights for over 111 minutes.
Where can I find the most authentic artisan workshops in Florence?
The Oltrarno district is your best bet. Our 'Living Botteghe' tour leads you directly to the last masters of their craft, revealing their secrets in about 98 minutes.
Can I create my own tours in Florence?
Yes, with the XL or Unlimited subscription you can use our AI-powered tour creator to build your own personalized tour in Florence on a topic of your choice.
Can I use the Florence tours offline?
Yes, with an XL or Unlimited subscription you can download tours for offline use.
Can I do Florence tours together with friends?
Yes – with Together Mode (from XL plan) the whole group listens in sync on their own devices. Up to 4 people on XL, up to 10 on Unlimited.
In which other cities does Red Thread offer tours?
Further tours are available in nearby cities like Perugia, Parma, Padua, or international destinations like Oxford, Rome, Singapore and many more. All cities can be found here.
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