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Basilica of Santa Croce

Basilica of Santa Croce: Our most recommended tours and activities

Florence: Entrance Ticket to Santa Croce Basilica Complex

1. Florence: Entrance Ticket to Santa Croce Basilica Complex

Get skip-the-line tickets to the monumental ancient complex of Santa Croce, founded by the Franciscans in the early 13th century and perfectly preserved to this day. Admire famous works of art and be inspired by this unique complex, where art, tradition, and spirituality are all intertwined. Marvel at the masterpieces of inestimable value that, over the centuries, have made Santa Croce a unique place and an unmissable destination from the time of the 'Grand Tour' up until today. Discover works by Cimabue, Giotto, Brunelleschi, Donatello Bronzino, Vasari, and Canova. Be inspired by the monumental tombs the greatest historical figures in Italy including Dante, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Galileo, Alfieri, Rossini, and Foscolo. Enter the Pazzi Chapel, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, one of the most famous architects of the Renaissance period. Walk through the ancient cenacle and experience the atmosphere of the Franciscan convent whilst crossing through the cloisters.

Florence: Eco-Friendly Golf Cart City Tour

2. Florence: Eco-Friendly Golf Cart City Tour

Cruise by iconic sights in Florence on an eco-friendly electric golf cart tour. Roll past sights like Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, and Brunelleschi's Dome. Listen to an audio guide as you go. Choose from 1-hour tour or a 1.5-hour tour that goes to Piazzale Michelangelo. Hop on an electronic golf cart head to Ponte Vecchio and cross the Ponte Santa Trinita Renaissance bridge over the Arno to the Oltrarno area, where you can admire the majestic Palazzo Pitti. Pass under the Vasari Coridor on your way back to the city center. Marvel at the architectural style of the Basilica of Santa Croce, the National Library and the back of the Cathedral with the famous Brunelleschi Dome. See one of the oldest hospitals in the world and the headquarters of the Medici family. Discover the legend of "Berta" and glide past the central train station. Continue towards the Santa Maria Novella with its impressive Renaissance façade.  Arrive at the Ognissanti district, gaze at the old city walls, and hear interesting facts and stories about Florentine traditions.

Florence Santa Croce Church Tour

3. Florence Santa Croce Church Tour

Start the tour in the main square, where the famous soccer game played in medieval costumes, the Calcio Storico Florentino, takes place here every year in June. Your guide will describe in detail of all the immense artistic wealth in Santa Croce; frescoes (1380) by Gaddi in the Cappella Maggiore tell the story of "Santa Croce", and beautiful frescoes by Giotto in the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels show scenes from the life of St. Francis and St. John the Evangelist. On your way to the left of the entrance, see the memorial of the 19th-century playwright Giovanni Battista Niccolini built as an inspiration for the Statue of Liberty. As you walk through the hallowed walls, learn about the art of Donatello and his crucifix, one of the jewels of the Renaissance, as well as the art of Brunelleschi and the perfect architectural harmony of his Chapel of Fools. See the monumental cemetery and damaged paintings and that was destroyed in the tragic flood of 1966 and have been subsequently restored. After visiting the interior, learn about the exterior which is covered with a polychrome marble façade. Finally, the guide will tour you around the Bell Tower, Crypt and the 16 chapels. The tour takes about an hour, and you will have the opportunity to return to anything you might want to see again after the tour ends.

Florence: E-Bike Tour with Michelangelo Square

4. Florence: E-Bike Tour with Michelangelo Square

Cycle through the city of Florence to discover the hidden treasures of the birthplace of the Renaissance. Listen to captivating stories while touring through many of the significant squares that make Florence so rich in history and art. Discover the Medici Palace, which was the home of Cosimo the Elder and the workplace of Donatello, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. Also, visit Michelangelo Square, to take in the best panoramic views of the city. Discover the captivating history of the city that gave birth to incredible artists and amazing scientists. During your ride, you'll also come across historic and religious landmarks, such as Santa Maria Novella, Pitti Palace, the Basilicas of Santo Spirito, Santa Croce, and San Lorenzo.

Florence: 2-Hour Guided Bike Tour

5. Florence: 2-Hour Guided Bike Tour

Discover Florence’s rustic charm by bike. Follow paths too far to reach on foot and too narrow to reach by bus. See iconic monuments and find hidden gems with a professional history guide. Start your tour at the agency. Your experienced guide will lead you through the beautiful streets of the old town and the Oltrarno. See Florence’s famous landmarks, such as the Artisan district, Palazzo Pitti, San Frediano, Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi square, Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, the Medieval district, the Duomo, and Piazza della Repubblica. Pause throughout the tour to learn some history and fun facts about the city. You will learn where to find the best gelato, bistecca alla Fiorentina, and truffles. Your guide will also show you lesser-known spots, often unseen by tourists.

Florence: Eco-Friendly Panoramic Tour in Electric Golf Cart

6. Florence: Eco-Friendly Panoramic Tour in Electric Golf Cart

Enjoy an eco-friendly ride through the ancient streets and iconic squares of Florence on an electric golf cart. Experience the "Birthplace of the Renaissance" with all its famous landmarks and learn the history behind each corner with your audio guide. Strap in to your cart, select your language, and embark on an unforgettable sightseeing tour along the historic streets of Florence. Visit emblematic landmarks like the Duomo Square, home of the 4th biggest cathedral in the world: the Santa Maria del Fiore. Then, ride straight into the heart of Florence and arrive at Republic Square, the very spot where the city was born in 89 BC. Continue to Signoria Square and view the famous statues such as the powerful Perseus by B. Cellini and the copy of David by B. Michelangelo. Discover the Great Pantheon of Florence and glide past the Basilica di Santa Croce where many great Italians were laid to rest, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Macchiavelli among others. Ride along the Arno river and ascend the surrounding hills to reach Michelangelo Square. Be rewarded with the most breathtaking views of Florence.

Florence: Eco Tour by Electric Cart

7. Florence: Eco Tour by Electric Cart

Explore the historic center of Florence by electric golf cart and leave your conscience clean as you cover more sights than possible on a walking tour. Climb aboard the eco-friendly cart in Piazza San Firenze and drive through the streets of the Renaissance city, passing Piazza Signoria and the Porcellino Market. Continue to the Duomo and marble façade of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. Journey along the banks of the River Arno to Piazza Ognissanti. An MP3 player will be provided with commentary about the history of the city and its sites so that you can sit back and relax as your escort drives you across the Santa Trinita Bridge. Marvel at the Pitti Palace and Ponte Vecchio. Continue to the Ponte alle Grazie, rebuilt after it was destroyed in World War II. Go to the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale (National Central Library) on Piazza Santa Croce to see the largest library in Italy.

Florence: Full-Day Trip by High-Speed Train from Rome

8. Florence: Full-Day Trip by High-Speed Train from Rome

Experience the beauty of Florence, the capital city of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance, in less than two hours by high-speed train from Rome. We will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you to Roma Termini railway station, where our travel assistant will check you in and board the train with you. Upon arrival in Florence, our local guide will meet you in Piazza del Duomo and take you on a walking tour of the city, including the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, the Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza Signoria. Then, enjoy access to the famous Galleria degli Uffizi and admire the masterpieces of Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael, and more, as our local guide unveils the secrets and stories behind these priceless works of art. After the tour, you will have plenty of free time to explore the city at your leisure and enjoy lunch or a snack (not included in the price) at a nice restaurant or bar. Finally, we will meet at a designated time, head to the train station, and travel back to Rome in the late afternoon. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and art of Florence with us.

Florence: Night Tour by Electric Bike

9. Florence: Night Tour by Electric Bike

See the Renaissance monuments of Florence from a different perspective on a night tour by electric bike. Reach landmark attractions with ease and enjoy the pleasant summer evening breeze. Cross historical bridges in silence to reach one of the most celebrated scenic spots. Admire the astonishing beauty of Florence from the high vantage point of Piazzale Michelangelo. Get bird's eye views of all the Gothic and Renaissance monuments and typical Lungarni streets that wind along the banks of the River Arno. Admire the celebrated street lamps romantically reflecting light on the water. Cross back to the old town to explore the medieval alleys with the help of your guide. See Brunelleschi's impressive dome on Piazza del Duomo, and visit the world's most celebrated Franciscan church at the Basilica di Santa Croce. Discover an open-air museum of statues on Piazza della Signoria.

Florence Cultural Tour & Skip-the-Line Uffizi Gallery

10. Florence Cultural Tour & Skip-the-Line Uffizi Gallery

See it all in the space of an afternoon as you embark on a journey filled with stunning architecture, and truly amazing views. Experience sight seeing at its best while being thrown into the buzzing social scene of this eclectic city. The first part of this small group tour is devoted to the heart of Florence - its historic center with its wonderful squares and landmarks. Start your tour from Cathedral Square, where the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the unmistakable Brunelleschi Dome stand, and make your way to the stunning Piazza della Repubblica with its elegant cafes. A walk from here to Piazza Signoria will let you experience the eclectic hustle and bustle of the city's social life, and will finally bring you to the complete admiration of the stunning Palazzo Vecchio. The architecture here is overwhelming, and you will also find the famous statues of Loggia dei Lanzi here. The tour will finish inside the Uffizi Gallery. Skip the long lines with your guide and revel in admiration at the Renaissance masterpieces of the genius work of artists such as: Leonardo, Giotto and Michelangelo to name a few. Experience Florence in all its glory on this remarkable day-tour.

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What people are saying about Basilica of Santa Croce

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 3,115 reviews

We enjoyed the electric cart tour through Florence. We were able to visit some locations that might have been difficult for us to access on foot, so we appreciate the experience. Our driver, Simon was very friendly and provided so much interesting information on our tour.

Excellent tour on 16/12 by a lady ago had studied art history. She was amazing and also gave us some good tips about Florence. Well sorry Lear big about this historic church

The tour guide was nice and friendly. It’s just we hardly understand his explanation in English while trying to describe the historical stories.

The tour was nice and informative. A quick way to tour the city and explore the tourist spots. The guide/ driver was nice and friendly.

Absolutely great guide and wonderful tour around the city