Walking Tour

3 hrs

Florence

Forget the polished streets and imposing palaces—this tour takes you back to the raw, bustling Florence of the Middle Ages, a time of fierce political rivalries and towering stone towers before the style of the Renaissance reshaped the city. Walk in the footsteps of Dante Alighieri, the most influential poet in Italian history, as you navigate the narrow, winding alleys of Florence and uncover the landmarks and stories that shaped his life and The Divine Comedy.

This 3-hour Dante tour visits the places that influenced his personal journey—his childhood neighborhood, the church where he was baptized, and the sites of his political conflicts. Led by a local scholar, you’ll trace the path of his life and work, gaining insight into his creative genius and the turbulent politics of his era.

Route Details

Begin at the Baptistery of St. John, a site of deep personal significance for Dante. It was here that he was baptized in 1266, and its stunning mosaics depicting the Last Judgment later influenced his vivid portrayal of Hell in The Divine Comedy.

As you make your way to the Florence Duomo, the city’s iconic cathedral, you’ll take in the architectural grandeur that stood as a backdrop to Dante’s world. Learn about Dante’s life on these very streets, how he was deeply intertwined with the city’s politics, culture, and social upheaval, and how he navigated the turbulent political landscape of Florence, which led to his eventual exile.

Next, you’ll visit the Palazzo dell'Arte della Lana, where Dante’s political life and the city’s guilds come into focus. Once home to the influential Wool Guild, this building now serves as the meeting place for the Dante Society, continuing his scholarly legacy. From here, head to the exterior of Dante’s House, located in the heart of medieval Florence, where you’ll learn about the spaces that shaped his early years and literary inspirations.

Along the way, you’ll explore the streets and squares where Dante lived and worked, and where he interacted with the figures who would later populate his epic work. This tour offers a unique perspective on the life of Florence’s most famous poet and the city that profoundly shaped his vision.

Choose this tour if…

You want to see Florence through a whole new lens—not just its monuments, but the hidden stories and details only an expert can bring to life.
You’ve heard Inferno referenced in books and TV shows, maybe even studied Dante in school—now you’re curious to finally understand why his work is so deeply connected to Florence.
You’re ready to bring home unforgettable moments that might even inspire you to revisit The Divine Comedy with fresh insight or to read it for the first time.

Sites Visited

Dante's House
Baptistery of St. John
Palazzo dell'Arte della Lana
Florence Duomo

Logistics

Tickets

You are pre-paid for the tour as well as for the Ghiberti Pass, which will allow entry to the Baptistery of St. John and the Duomo. This pass is valid for three days and will allow you to return to visit the Duomo and Bell Tower after the tour, so we suggest you hold onto it.

Transportation

Can I be picked up from my hotel?

Yes, please check the “Private Car from Your Hotel in Rome” box at checkout and enter your hotel details.

Additional Trip-Planning Resources

If you are looking to learn more about Florence prior to a visit, check out our Pre-Trip Talks and our Florence and Tuscany's Top 10 Highlights with a Cultural History Professor

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour visit the interior of Dante’s House museum? No, this tour focuses on the exterior of Dante’s House. The guide will provide a thorough explanation of the exterior as it offers a more intimate and historically rich perspective of Dante’s connection to the city, allowing you to understand how the space and its surroundings shaped his experiences and his work.

What should I wear? As the tour includes visits to religious sites, modest attire is recommended. Visitors cannot show bare legs or bare shoulders, they cannot wear sandals, hats, or sunglasses. Bulky backpacks and bags are not allowed

Is this tour good for families? While it is not specifically designed for children, families are more than welcome to join. The content is engaging for all ages, and we strive to make the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Accessibility

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?

This tour involves a lot of walking, though there are no significant obstacles such as stairs or climbs. The Baptistery of St. John is accessible for people with mobility concerns, equipped with a ramp at the main entrance and an accessible restroom.

Cancellation Policy

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

Book a Tour

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

Dante's House
Baptistery of St. John
Palazzo dell'Arte della Lana
Florence Duomo

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

Included

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Excluded

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of Dante in Florence Tour general meeting point area

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:

Wear comfortable footwear
Check the weather and dress appropriately
Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
Feel free to ask your Expert anything

Don'ts:

Bring firearms or weapons
Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments

Any questions? You can always contact us.

52 Reviews

A wonderful morning with Susanna! Her knowledge of Dante’s Firenze made the place come alive in ways not otherwise possible. Thank you!

Moira Dec 1, 2025

Sandro did an excellent job of giving us an overview of the life of Dante, and then in turn letting that segway into how the Dante inspired various features of the Duomo. Additionally, he gave us an overview of the tehniques that were used to construct the Duomo, as well as pointing out some of the precursors to what would later become sheet music. Finally, he pointed out some sections of the old walls around Florence right under our feet (in a restaurant of all places) which we probably wouldn't have noticed without him pointing them out to us. In short, our tour came with a breadth of additional content.

Michaelanne Sep 23, 2025

Sandro was passionate about Dante and his influence on Florence and the artists that followed after his death. This was an exceptional tour and so insightful. We really enjoyed Sandro and the tour!

Michaelanne Sep 22, 2025

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