Florence Untold Bike Tour

If you’ve ever wanted to explore Florence beyond the typical walking routes, the Florence Untold Bike Tour offers an engaging way to see the city’s most fascinating sights from a fresh perspective. This two-hour guided adventure is led by passionate locals who take you through charming piazzas, secret stories, and lesser-known historical gems. It’s a highly-rated experience with rave reviews, perfect for travelers eager to combine active sightseeing with cultural storytelling.

What stood out most for us — and for many who’ve taken the tour — is the guide’s deep knowledge and lively storytelling. Roberto, the guide behind Florence Untold, consistently wows visitors with entertaining and insightful narratives. The ability to cover more ground than on foot, while enjoying the fresh air and scenic views, makes this tour a fantastic choice. That said, the main consideration is that bike hire costs an additional €8, payable on the day, which adds a small extra expense. This tour suits those who enjoy light physical activity, are comfortable on a bicycle, and love discovering the city’s lesser-known stories.

If you’re after a personal, authentic look at Florence with a dash of fun and history, this tour hits the mark. It’s particularly ideal for travelers who prefer active exploration over traditional walking tours, or for those with a curiosity for local legends, historical rivalries, and intriguing city quirks.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling: Led by guides like Roberto, who bring Florence’s stories alive with humor and passion.
• Active sightseeing: Cover more ground effortlessly on bicycles, ideal for tight schedules or wanting a broader view.
• Hidden gems: Stops include lesser-known sites like the Devil of Giambologna and the rivalry between Florence’s noble families.
• Flexible timing: Multiple start times help fit this experience into various itineraries.
• Extra costs: Bicycle rental costs €8, payable on the day, which is a reasonable addition for the convenience.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for most travelers, but those uncomfortable on bikes may find this less ideal.

Exploring Florence on Two Wheels: What to Expect

The Florence Untold Bike Tour isn’t just about pedaling through the city — it’s about uncovering stories that you likely won’t hear during typical tours or read in guidebooks. The itinerary is carefully curated to blend history, legend, and local gossip, making your two hours in Florence both fun and educational.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Piazza della Repubblica
This lively square is considered the birthplace of Florence’s modern heartbeat. Historically a Roman forum, it’s also where the concept of bankruptcy reportedly began. We loved how Roberto highlighted the square’s layered past, pointing out the Pilastro del Abbondanza, a symbol of abundance and prosperity. The vibrant cafés and street performers make this a lively starting point, and it’s a free stop, so you can soak in the atmosphere without extra expense.

Next stop: Piazza Strozzi
In front of Palazzo Strozzi, the guide introduced us to notable figures like Messer Filippo Strozzi, Niccolò il Grosso, and Berta, whose stories weave together Florence’s noble rivalries. It’s a compact spot, but packed with tales that make you appreciate the city’s aristocratic history.

Via de’ Vecchietti and the Devil of Giambologna
This quirky statue serves as a reminder of Florence’s darker days, with a story rooted in the 12th-century plague. The guide’s storytelling made the statue come alive, transforming it from just a corner sculpture into a symbol of Florence’s resilience and dark humor.

Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore
Here, we learned about Berta, an independent woman and vegetable vendor, breaking the usual narrative of Florence’s male-dominated history. The tour’s focus on individual stories like hers adds a personal touch that makes Florence feel vibrant and alive.

Piazza San Giovanni
This bustling square is home to the famous Duomo and the Baptistery, but the tour’s focus is on lesser-known tales, like the miracle of San Zanobi’s pillar and some humorous pranks involving Pisan buckets and the “cheating cow.” Roberto’s anecdotes make these stories stick with you long after the tour ends.

Pucci Palace and the Medici-Rivalry
A quick peek at the walled-up window used during an assassination attempt on Cosimo de Medici reveals Florence’s turbulent political past. The stories about the rivalry between the Albizi and Medici families add a dramatic layer to the city’s history.

Museo Casa di Dante
Standing in front of Dante Alighieri’s house, we gained a sense of the poet’s influence on Florence and Italy’s cultural fabric. This stop is brief but impactful, especially for literature lovers.

Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio
The tour culminates with a visit to Florence’s political and artistic hub. Roberto pointed out three hidden gems inside the Palazzo Vecchio, revealing secrets that most visitors overlook. It’s a fitting end that ties together Florence’s civic pride and artistic legacy.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Tour Duration & Group Size
At around two hours, the tour strikes a perfect balance — not too long to tire out, but enough to cover a significant chunk of the city’s highlights. Group sizes are capped at 20 travelers, ensuring a personal experience and plenty of interaction with the guide.

Pricing & Value
The total cost is $52.25 per person, plus an €8 bicycle rental fee on the day. Considering the high praise from reviews — many emphasize Roberto’s storytelling prowess and deep local knowledge — the price reflects solid value for an engaging, well-organized experience.

Bike Rental & Comfort
Bikes are available for an additional fee, but you can also bring your own if you prefer. The route is tailored for most riders, though those uncomfortable with cycling might want to consider this carefully. The tour is accessible for most travelers, and service animals are allowed.

Meeting Point & Accessibility
Starting at Via della Pergola, 19, the tour is conveniently located near public transportation. It ends back at the same meeting point, making it easy to continue exploring Florence afterward.

Weather & Cancellation Policy
Since the tour relies on good weather, it might be canceled if rain is heavy or persistent, but you’ll receive a full refund or a chance to reschedule. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which provides flexibility for travel plans.

Why This Tour Is Worth Your Time

We found the Florence Untold Bike Tour to be a fantastic way to see the city from a different angle. The combination of active sightseeing and storytelling creates a memorable experience that feels authentic and personalized. The stories told by Roberto—ranging from family rivalries to hidden architectural secrets—add depth to your understanding of Florence.

The tour’s pace is relaxed enough to enjoy the scenery but energetic enough to keep you engaged. The stops are thoughtfully chosen to showcase both well-known and obscure sites, making it a well-rounded introduction to Florence’s soul.

The value is high, especially considering the small additional cost of bike rental and the deeply engaging stories shared. The reviews repeatedly highlight Roberto’s enthusiasm, knowledge, and humor, which elevate the experience far beyond just a guided bike ride.

This experience best suits travelers who enjoy active exploration, appreciate local stories, and want to see Florence’s lesser-told tales. It’s perfect for those with a sense of adventure and curiosity, ready to uncover Florence’s secrets on two wheels.

FAQs

Is the bicycle rental included in the tour price?
No, bicycles are available for an extra €8 per person, payable on the day of the tour.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, including families, but those uncomfortable on bikes or with mobility issues may want to consider their comfort level.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately two hours, making it short enough for a relaxed activity but long enough to see multiple sites.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, a hat, and sunglasses for sunny days. Since bikes are used, wear suitable shoes and bring water.

Do I need to know how to ride a bike?
Yes, biking is part of the experience, so familiarity with cycling is recommended.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The data doesn’t specify accessibility features, so check with the provider if needed.

Can I join if I don’t have my own bike?
Yes, bikes are available for rent at €8 but need to be paid on the day.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to rain, you’ll be offered a reschedule or full refund.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, a maximum of 20 travelers ensures a personalized experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.

The Florence Untold Bike Tour shines as a lively, authentic way to experience Florence’s lesser-known stories and sights. With a charismatic guide like Roberto, you’ll leave feeling more connected to the city’s soul, having uncovered hidden gems and enjoyed a fun active outing. It’s a perfect choice for curious travelers who want more than just surface-level sightseeing, especially if you’re comfortable on a bike and enjoy storytelling woven into your travel adventures.

Whether you’re new to Florence or have visited before, this tour offers a fresh perspective and plenty of memorable moments. The combination of history, humor, and scenic views makes it a standout activity worth considering for your trip. Just remember to factor in the bicycle rental fee, and you’re set for an enriching ride through Florence’s stories.

Note: Always check the latest details and availability directly with the provider, especially regarding weather policies and booking requirements.