Churches, Nativity Scenes and amazing Monuments: explore Florence at Christmas

A thrilling private tour to discover the city, wrapped by the magical Christmas atmosphere, through an itinerary that will lead you through Florence religious and secular heart, where the city’s history, art and religious beliefs come together in an incredible harmony. 
Sitting in a comfortable deluxe vehicle, driving along Viale dei Colli, you will reach Piazzale Michelangelo, on the top of which you can admire one of the most scenic Italian churches: the majestic Basilica di San Miniato al Monte.  
The church, which represents one of the finest example of Romanesque structure in Tuscany, was begun in 1013 in the place where, according with an old legend, San Miniato, decapitated by the roman emperor Decio, went with his head in his arms. The façade is extremely refined covered by white and green marbles and crowned by a majestic bronze eagle. Inside the Basilica you have the chance to admire the beautiful freestanding Cappella del Crocifisso, designed by Michelozzo, the awesome Mosaic of Christ between the Virgin and San Miniato, the crypt and its vaults with frescoes by Taddeo Gaddi, the presbytery with magnificent Romanesque pulpit and the Cappella del Cardinale del Portogallo, one of the most beautiful funerary monuments of the Italian Renaissance. Adjacent to the church you can find the finest cloister and enclosed by the walls you can admire the monumental cemetery. Before leaving, enjoy the stunning view over the city’s wonders at your feet and take wonderful pictures of such a breathtaking panorama!
Back in the old town you will be impressed by the magnificence and elegance of the various monuments located in the heart of the city, enhanced by Christmas lights and decorations! You will visit the Cathedral Square, where stands the majestic illuminated Christmas tree and the traditional nativity scene, with the life-size terracotta statues. You will reach then Piazza della Repubblica, surrounded by imposing palaces lighten up with warm and bright lights, to walk then along the renowned Via del Corso, in the heart of the medieval district, where to have a pleasant stop at a historical Florentine Café to enjoy a delicious Espresso (or Tea or Hot Chocolate or Cappuccino. Breathe the magical atmosphere of Piazza Signoria with the illuminated Loggia de’Lanzi and the gorgeous Palazzo Vecchio and be captured by the charm of the Ponte Vecchio, used every year at Christmas time as evocative background of an incredible lights and music show!
Finally, don’t miss a "good luck" stop at the statue of the "Piglet", in the colorful Straw Market!