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Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School

18 Reviews 4.89 out of 5 stars Based on 18 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 94% of reviewers
94% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Florence, Italy
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from $36.33 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School Image 1
Particular of Santa Croce Basilica
Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School Image 3
Pazzi Chapel
Interior of Santa Croce Basilica
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.
1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 4 more
French, German, Italian, Spanish
Instant confirmation

Overview

Visit the Santa Croce Basilica in Florence, a stunning Gothic architectural masterpiece known for its colorful marble façade. Once a sanctuary for Franciscan friars, the basilica houses remarkable frescoes by Giotto and Agnolo Gaddi, along with notable works by Donatello and the tombs of renowned figures like Michelangelo and Galileo.

Explore the Brunelleschi Cloister and the Pazzi Chapel, an example of Renaissance perfection. Afterward, visit a historic workshop where artisans uphold a 13th-century leather craftsmanship tradition, producing authentic Florentine leather goods. This experience combines art, history, and exceptional craftsmanship, making it a must-visit in Florence.

What's Included

  • Earphones for groups of more than 7 participants
  • Local professional Guide at your side
  • Basilica of Santa Croce
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Everything not mentioned as Included
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Piazza di Santa Croce
16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Basilica of Santa Croce

Santa Croce Basilica is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with a façade clad in polychrome marble. This is the ancient church in which the Franciscan friars chose to set up and begin treating pelts and leather and meditate in peace in a place that was, at that time, located outside the city walls. We will admire, from close up, the beautiful frescoes by Giotto and Agnolo Gaddi, the “Crucifix” and “Annunciation” by Donatello and the world-famous funerary monuments and tombs of illustrious figures from the past such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Next, we will enter the elegant “Brunelleschi Cloister” bordered by columns carved from pure stone, and then pass into the fourteenth-century “Ancient Cloister” at the end of which lies the beautiful “Pazzi Chapel”, a sublime example of Renaissance harmony, also the work of Brunelleschi.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Scuola del Cuoio

After visiting the Basilica and cloisters, there will be a chance to visit a workshop that goes back to the 13th century, when the Franciscan monks first settled in this area on the banks of the river Arno. The earliest hide and leather working activity was established here, where the large quantities of water required for leather processing are freely available. The Franciscan monks of the Santa Croce monastery dedicated their efforts to this activity, and their leather-working techniques have been preserved over the centuries by the master craftsmen who still work in the delightful old workshops at the School of Leather (except on Saturday and Sunday), which you will be visiting; an extraordinary Renaissance workshop adjacent to the Basilica, where history, tradition and exceptional quality are combined to produce authentic Florentine craftwork. A real "top must see” amazing place.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Guided Visit Florence’s Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-2428P95

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.89
18 reviews

Average 4.89 out of 5 stars based on 18 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
17
4 stars
0
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Guided Visit Florence’s Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Earphones for groups of more than 7 participants.
  • Local professional Guide at your side.
The following is NOT included:
  • Basilica of Santa Croce.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
  • Everything not mentioned as Included.
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Private Guided Visit Florence’s Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Earphones for groups of more than 7 participants
  • Local professional Guide at your side
  • Basilica of Santa Croce
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Everything not mentioned as Included
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Report Product Issue

Activity name