MEDICI CHAPELS Private Tour in Florence
Description
Enjoy an insightful private tour of the Medici Chapels – the last home of the famous dynasty that wrote the history of Florence. If you are an art lover it’s a must for you to visit the Medici Chapels, but without a tour guide, you will deny yourself a unique opportunity to learn the gossips and secrets hidden within their walls. Built as the mausoleum for the Grand Dukes of Florence it became a breathtaking museum decorated with most precious and incorruptible materials: marble and granite, jasper and alabaster, lapis and many other semiprecious stones. Discover the New Sacristy – another masterpiece of Michelangelo Buonarroti where he revealed himself not only as a talented sculptor but also as an expressive architect. Join me for this incredible tour and smoothly navigate in the Chapels. Be the first to see all the details, avoiding all the hassle of big group tours. IMPORTANT: Please note that the SECRET ROOM OF MICHELANGELO is NOT included in this tour.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Step into the Medici Chapels – the mausoleum of the famous dynasty – the Godfathers of the Renaissance and the great masters of Florence. Built as the last home for the Grand Dukes of Florence it became a breathtaking museum decorated with most precious and incorruptible materials: marble and granite, jasper and alabaster, lapis and many other semiprecious stones. Step into the Chapel of Princes – the place of self-celebration where the Grand Dukes were originally buried, admire its sumptuous decoration and learn about the process of how Florentine mosaics is made along the way. Unveil the secrets of the Medici’s mysterious deaths and learn about the results of the last exhumation of the Medici bodies. See the grave of Lorenzo the Magnificent and learn the story about the Pazzi conspiracy – the tragedy that took the life of Giuliano, Lorenzo’s beloved brother, and opened a new chapter of the history of Florence – the bloody revenge that provoked the the wrath of the pope.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(124)
Irina our guide was very Knowledgeable. We learned so much and she carried a iPad to show photos that educated us on the features in the Chapels. A plus plus plus!
A stunning chapel. Guide concentrated on Medici family history. Could get a little boring at times.
Better than I could have imagined! Irina was so knowledgeable of all the history. A Florence must do tour.
Dear Natasha, Thank you so much for this beautiful review—it truly means a lot to me! I’m so happy to hear that the Medici Chapels tour exceeded your expectations. The history of the Medici family is incredibly rich and full of fascinating stories, and it’s always a pleasure to bring it to life for my guests. I’m really glad you felt it was a “must-do” experience in Florence—that’s exactly what I hope every traveler takes away. I would love to guide you again on another Florence tour and share even more hidden gems together! Warmly, - Irina
I am a history teacher and love Medici family history. Irons did a fantastic job of explaining all of the family, and wove it so well into the history of not only Florence, but Tuscany and Italy. She also did a great job of explaining the architecture of the building. I would certainly recommend this tour. It was great. Always choose private guided tours of places like this. It is always worth it.
Dear Emma, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a real pleasure sharing the fascinating history of the Medici family with someone who already has such a strong appreciation for history. Florence truly comes alive when we connect the Medici story with the wider history of Tuscany and Italy, and I’m so glad you enjoyed discovering the architecture and the stories behind it. Thank you as well for recommending private guided tours in Florence — they really do allow us to explore these incredible places in a deeper and more meaningful way. It was a joy guiding you, and I hope Florence will bring you back for more history and discoveries in the future! Warmly, Irina
Very informative. Easy to find our guide Irena was very knowledgeable and pleasant. She answered any question we had.
Dear David, Thank you very much for your kind review! I’m so happy to hear that the meeting point was easy to find and that you enjoyed the tour. It was a pleasure guiding you through the Medici Chapels and sharing the stories and history that make this city so special. I’m also glad I could answer your questions along the way — curious guests always make a guided tour even more enjoyable. Thank you again for choosing to explore the Medici Chapels with me! Warmly, - Irina
I did a solo tour with Irina and it was my favourite. She was so generous with her time and knowledge. Her passion for the Medici's and her city shone through. I was captivated and felt like I was touring with a friend. Unlike a lot of tours, the ending is often quite pushy with the guide wanting a good review. Irina did not do this and I really appreciated it. This is a bucket list tour, without a doubt the best experience in Florence.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for such a beautiful review. Guiding you through the Medici Chapels was truly a joy, and it means so much to know that the stories, the history, and my love for this museum and Florence resonated with you. Your words about feeling like you were touring with a friend touched me deeply—that is exactly the kind of experience I hope to create. And I’m especially grateful for your appreciation of the way I like to end my tours; for me, the most important thing is that you walk away with something meaningful, never with pressure. Knowing this was one of your favourite experiences in Florence is the greatest compliment I could ever receive. With warmest gratitude, - Irina
Irina is a scholar. Her subject matter expertise so warmly conveyed, and easy to follow, covers the late 14th century (Giovanni) and his patronage of Baldassare Cossa who becomes Pope John XXIII thru Cosimo I, II, III, Lorenzo, Guiliano, the wives, mistresses and culminating with Anna Maria Ludovica de Medici (middle of the 18th). Her presentation was extremely well organized and supplemented by photos off her iPad - exceptional. The tour was like an easy to digest graduate-level course of the times, architectural and artistic significance of the chapels, including the source countries and regions of all the marble adorning the chapel. We learned so much and moreover my wife and I were able to discuss it later at dinner in great detail. Highly recommend. An enduring memory, A+
Dear Bruce and Catherine, Thank you so much for your wonderful words! It truly means a lot to me that you enjoyed our time together in the Medici Chapels. I absolutely loved sharing the stories about the Medici clan and seeing your curiosity and enthusiasm along the way. I always say that every tour becomes special because of the people I meet, and you made this one unforgettable. I know Florence holds a special place in your heart, and that you’ll come back soon to discover even more of its magic. With warm wishes and gratitude, Irina 🌸
Irina, our tour guide, brought the Medici family to life! Our small group of 4 highly recommend this small group tour!
Dear Jennifer, Thank you so much for your kind words! It was such a joy to share the Medici stories with your lovely group — I’m so glad they came to life for you! You were a fantastic little group to guide, and I truly appreciate the recommendation. Wishing you all many more wonderful adventures! Warmly, - Irina
Irina was lovely and the tour was fantastic. I had been there before over 10 years ago but this time I actually learned so much more about the Medici family and the artwork in the Chapels. I was very impressed with our tour and would recommend it to anyone that is interested in Michaelangelo or the Medici family.
Thank you so much for your kind words! It means a lot to hear that the tour gave you a deeper experience, especially after having visited before. The Medici and Michelangelo’s stories are so rich and layered — I’m thrilled I could help bring more of that history to life for you. It was truly a pleasure to guide you, and I’m so grateful for your warm recommendation. Wishing you many more inspiring travels! All the best, - Irina
Our guide was very kind, patient and knowledgeable. We had family that needed more time and care. We enjoyed the tour very much.
Dear Lila, Thank you so much for your lovely message. It was a true pleasure to guide you and your family through the tour. I completely understand the importance of taking things at a comfortable pace, and I’m so glad everyone was able to enjoy the experience together. Your warmth and kindness made it a joy for me as well. Wishing you and your family all the very best! Warm regards, Irina
