Palaces and Piazzas: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Florence

About this tour

Navigate Florence's most striking landmarks and lesser-known corners on your own schedule with this GPS-guided audio walk. Starting at the Duomo, you'll traverse both riverbanks, hear the thousand-year history of Ponte Vecchio, and discover quieter spots for photos before looping back. The 55-minute route uses the VoiceMap app—which triggers narration automatically at each location and works without internet—so you control the pace and can pause whenever something catches your eye.

Highlights

• Duomo square and cathedral architecture from ground level
• Ponte Vecchio's medieval engineering and wartime survival
• Both Arno riverbanks connected by two distinctive crossings
• Hidden photography vantage points away from crowds
• Self-paced exploration; start and stop as you wish

What to expect

You'll receive the VoiceMap app with this tour pre-loaded, complete with offline maps and audio files. As you walk, the app listens to your GPS location and plays commentary automatically—no need to check your phone constantly. The route loops from the cathedral precinct, down to the river, across the famous medieval bridge lined with jewellers, then returns via a quieter route. Cobblestones, narrow passages, and busy streets are part of Florence's fabric, so wear comfortable shoes and stay alert for traffic. The narration provides context about buildings, history, and vantage points without dictating where you must look or linger.

Good to know

Download the VoiceMap app before you arrive. The tour works entirely offline once loaded. Wheelchair users should note uneven cobblestones and tight pavements, though the route itself is navigable. Bring water and allow extra time if you want to enter any museums or sit in a café along the way—admission and refreshments aren't included.