Florence in a carriage: a private tour around the city’s historic centre

The Tuscan capital is known throughout the world as the pearl of Renaissance even though, in its historical centre, there are many references to other historical periods such as the Middle Ages. What could be better, to amplify our jump back in history, than a fantastic carriage tour around Florence? It will be an unforgettable and very enjoyable experience: comfortably seated in the comfort of a beautiful carriage, you can relax and enjoy a really special perspective of the city. Above the heads of other tourists, which in groups crowd in front of the monuments, you, from the top of your carriage, can admire the fantastic views in complete relaxation. Not only! You will also have the chance to get to know one of the most picturesque characters of the past of Florence: the ‘fiaccheraio’, that is the coachman!

Isn’t it a funny name? A name that makes you smile but tells a particularly interesting story that comes from France. The name was born from a shop of Paris carriages that rented them to reach the San Fiacre Shrine in Meaux. Since the shop’s emblem was the effigy of that saint, the carriages took its name: Fiacre. The term was thus 'Tuscanised' to ‘Fiacchiere’ and its conductor became the ’Fiacchierai’! To call him a driver or a coachman is an understatement because in fact to be a Fiaccheraio in Firenze is a bit like being a gondolier in Venice: his role has always been to stay in the main squares of Florence and to accompany customers to their destinations and spice up the journey with anecdotes, stories and legends. In fact, more than the riders of horse carriages in Florence they have always been real tour guides. In spite of this, during our journey it will be our local guide to tell you everything you need to know about what you will see, while the Fiacchieraio will focus on driving. If you want to enjoy the most genuine soul of Florence, enjoy it with the rhythm of the horse’s hoofs on the pavement in the background and listen to interesting and fun explanations: the Florence carriage tour is just right for you!

The Tuscany carriage ride itinerary that we propose for our tour will give you the opportunity to admire the main points of interest of the magical Tuscany city. It starts from Piazza della Repubblica where, just under Colonna dell’Abbondanza, you will find your foyer and guide. While you wait for everything to be ready, you can look around and admire the magnificent 19th century palaces, Arco del Trionfo, the historic cafés such as Gilli, Paskowski and the Giubbe Rosse. According to the time you chose for your carriage ride in Tuscany, Florence, you can also be entertained by some street artists. From here, your itinerary will continue for Piazza del Duomo: there is no adjective that can describe and capture such beauty. The marbles of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore that colour with different shades every hour of the day, the magnificence of the Brunelleschi Dome, the precious gates of the ancient Baptistery of Saint John: you will not know where to look! But don’t worry... visiting Florence in a horse carriage tour with our guides will guarantee that you will not skip anything! Said among us, even the lazy ones, the ones who hate walking, will finally enjoy the joy of tourism effortlessly! For couples in for a romantic option, the Florence horse carriage tour will be a special chance to be love birds and listen to your guide who will engage you with stories, but leaving you some space to be romantic! Are you already at the next stage of your love life and are in the company of your children or your mother-in-law? No problem! The carriage has eight seats and there will be room for everyone. So if you have all the family with you, the horse carriage tour of Florence is be a perfect activity to get everyone involved. In Firenze the Fiaccherai will be happy to carry around even cheerful brigades of friends... besides, everyone knows, in Tuscany everyone likes to joke, and typical friendly banter finds its homeland in Florence!

Where were we? Oh yes, in Piazza del Duomo! Well, from here the itinerary will continue towards the other unmissable point of interest of the Tuscan capital: Piazza della Signoria. A real wonder will open before your eyes: Palazzo Vecchio, David by Michelangelo (a copy but equally beautiful!, the Fountain of Neptune, Loggia dei Lanzi with its statues and beautiful palaces lined up along the perimeter of the square. Going around in a carriage will make you feel like you are in the Medici era! Once you have recovered from the overwhelming beauty of the place, prepare yourselves for another of the crucial points of your visit around Florence: Piazza Santa Trinita. We haven’t spelt it wrong, our guide and your Florence Fiaccheraio will explain exactly why it is pronounced without the final accent! In this square there are buildings of different epochs and this is the characteristic that makes it really interesting. All at once you can admire the fourteenth century Palazzo Spini Ferroni which houses the Ferragamo Museum, Buondelmenti Palace which dates back to the 1400s, the Renaissance-style Palazzo Bartolini Salimbeni and the facade of the Church of Santa Trinita that dates back to the 1600s, although the rest of the building was built in the 1200s.

The ones we talked about are the most important points you will see, but the peculiarity of the carriage tour in Tuscany is the opportunity to follow alternative routes to the crowded ones and to dwell on less-known but equally fascinating details. There are many attractions in Florence but this is a truly unique and special opportunity! Do not miss the chance to enjoy Tuscany in a carriage tour from a different perspective, with a slower but perfect pace to enjoy the beauty of the Iris town. What do think say, do you like the idea? We are sure you do...So, ready, all aboard, go!