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Florence Art & Design School Trips & Tours

During an art school trip the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, your group will enjoy a fantastic range of educational visits and galleries, see elegant architecture and even find artistic inspiration from the breathtaking scenery.

Home to approximately a third of the world’s most important works of art and with beautiful surroundings and bustling street scenes of Florentine life, a study tour to Florence offers ideal sketching and photography opportunities. Plus, with a myriad of paintings, sculptures and architecture on show and the opportunity to visit the place where artists such as Michelangelo began to change the course of art history, your group will return to the classroom feeling excited and inspired. 

Sample itinerary

Our sample itinerary provides you with an idea of the visits you can cover during your trip. We can tailor-make an itinerary to support your specific learning outcomes.

Morning Afternoon Evening
1 Daytime flight from Ireland & transfer to accommodation Take the funicular to Montecatini Alto
2 Galleria dell'Accademia Free time for sketching or a guided walking tour Enjoy an early evening stroll soaking up the Florentine atmosphere
3 Galleria degli Uffizi - sketching time Ponte Vecchio & the Santa Croce Quasar & bowling
4 Visit the Dome, Campanile & Baptistry - sketching time Transfer to airport for return flight to Ireland
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
Morning Daytime flight from Ireland & transfer to accommodation
Afternoon Take the funicular to Montecatini Alto
Evening
Morning Galleria dell'Accademia
Afternoon Free time for sketching or a guided walking tour
Evening Enjoy an early evening stroll soaking up the Florentine atmosphere
Morning Galleria degli Uffizi - sketching time
Afternoon Ponte Vecchio & the Santa Croce
Evening Quasar & bowling
Morning Visit the Dome, Campanile & Baptistry - sketching time
Afternoon Transfer to airport for return flight to Ireland
Evening

On-tour support

On-tour support includes...

Additional on-tour support available...

  • Pre-booked meals at great group prices

 


Accommodation

Popular options in Florence


Top visits

Galleria dell’ Accademia

Europe’s first artistic academy and home to Michelangelo’s famous masterpieces. The academy features the famous marble David sculpture, created between 1501 and 1504. The Muscular Four Slaves can also be seen, and range from virtually finished to the barely blocked out. Also on offer is a superb range of Gothic and Renaissance paintings.

Museo del Bargello

Italy’s greatest collection of Renaissance sculpture. Major collections within Florence’s first palace encompass Renaissance to Mannerist sculpture, including an array of majolica, tapestries, paintings and silverware. 

 

Galleria d’Arte Moderna

A beautiful collection of Tuscan paintings from 1784-1945. The gallery includes a superlative collection by the Macchiaioli group, often referred to as the Italian Impressionists.

Uffizi Gallery

One of the world’s finest art galleries which features all the great names of the Florentine Renaissance. Includes paintings by Piero della Francesca, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Giotto, Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio. There is a whole room dedicated to Michelangelo and the 16th century.

Basilica de Santa Maria Novella

Ranking second only to Santa Croce in the list of great Florentine churches, and housing some important frescoes such as Masaccio’s Trinita (1428), this church stands proud in motifs and scrolls made out of green and white marble.

Cappelle Medici

The Medici’s private chapels and mausoleum feature several of Michelangelo’s most outstanding pieces of Florentine funerary sculpture.

Piazza della Signoria

The original location of Michelangelo’s David. Sights include the Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery and an outdoor gallery sheltering several outstanding pieces of sculpture.

Piazzale Michelangelo

For spectacular panoramic views of Florence and the Arno Valley, a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo is a must. Designed in 1869 by Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi, Piazzale Michelangelo is a popular spot with locals and tourists.

Ponte Vecchio

Dating back to the 14th century, the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is a medieval bridge spanning the river Arno in Florence. It is one of the few remaining bridges with houses built upon. The Vasari corridor that runs over the houses connects the Uffizi with the Pitti Palace on the other side of the river. The unique Vecchio is one of the most photographed bridges in Europe.

The Boboli Gardens

The Boboli gardens are one of the greatest open-air museums in Florence.  With centuries-old oak trees, sculptures and fountains, the Boboli gardens are a must visit.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The freestanding bell tower of the cathedral in Pisa is world-famous for its unintended tilt. Construction of the tower started in 1173 and took over 200 years to complete - it began to lean almost from the outset! A must-see for any group and a great photo opportunity for your students.

Santa Maria del Fiore, Battistero & Campanile

Elegant architecture, exemplifying the roots of the Renaissance. The Baptistry building represents a direct link between the Golden Age and Rome. The bell tower, built by Giotto, is decorated with statues and reliefs. Other architects have picked up this theme from the campaniles, and doorways are magnificently Gothic-clad in green, red and white marble.


Evening activites

  • A quiz or disco at your hotel (most hotels can provide a room for groups to use in the evenings)
  • ...and much more!

Transport

We offer flights from a variety of departure airports and we’ll work with you to plan your route at the best value possible.

Flight


Giving you full support throughout

Before your tour

  • Your own dedicated NST contact
  • Bespoke tour itineraries
  • Unrivalled local knowledge & expertise
  • Curriculum linked visit programmes
  • Great value for money - no hidden costs
  • Free group leader inspection visits
  • Risk assessment guidance
  • Safety assured, transport, accommodation and visits

Whilst you're away

  • Free educational resources
  • Group-friendly accommodation
  • Exceptional standards of coaching
  • On-tour support from our reps on the ground
  • Support & assistance from our specialists guides throughout your tour
  • 24/7 support just a call away
  • Extensive group travel insurance

On your return

  • Priority rebooking services
  • Rewarding your loyalty with our reward scheme
  • You say, we listen - we're committed to continuously improving our tours
  • School travel company of choice since 1996