Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence
Florence, Italy

Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence

Outty Ranking 52 3.7 · 11 traveler reviews1 hoursFrom £30
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Outty Ranking

52/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.7/5

Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence worth booking?

Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence is a 1-hour experience in Florence, Italy, from £30 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
52 / 100
Rating
3.7/5 (11)
Duration
1 hours
From
£30 per person

Standing tall in Florence, Italy, the Basilica di Santa Croce isn't just a church, it's a pantheon. This Franciscan masterpiece, nicknamed the "Temple of the Italian Glories," is the final resting place for iconic Italians like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Walk its halls and marvel at Giotto's frescoes, or stand in the piazza where legends rest, all within 800 meters of the Duomo's awe-inspiring presence. Don't miss this treasure trove of art and history on your Florentine adventure.

What you get

    About this experience

    Standing tall in Florence, Italy, the Basilica di Santa Croce isn't just a church, it's a pantheon. This Franciscan masterpiece, nicknamed the "Temple of the Italian Glories," is the final resting place for iconic Italians like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Walk its halls and marvel at Giotto's frescoes, or stand in the piazza where legends rest, all within 800 meters of the Duomo's awe-inspiring presence. Don't miss this treasure trove of art and history on your Florentine adventure.

    What's included

    Included

    • Wine Tasting and Pairing Class - If Wine Tasting Option Selected only
    • Official certified guide
    • Radio system to hear the guide
    • Entrance tickets

    Not included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Food and drinks
    • Transportation to/from attractions

    What you'll see and do

    1. Step into the Piazza di Santa Croce, where the legendary Calcio Storico explodes every June! Our journey begins at the Basilica, a treasure trove of Renaissance art. Inside, marvel at frescoes by Gaddi in the Cappella Maggiore, depicting the story of Santa Croce itself. Admire Giotto's masterful scenes from the lives of St. Francis and St. John in the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels. Look left of the entrance for the inspiring memorial to playwright Niccolini, a forerunner of the Statue of Liberty. As we walk, learn about Donatello's jewel-like crucifix, a Renaissance masterpiece. Brunelleschi's harmonious Cappella de' Pazzi will leave you awestruck by its architectural perfection. We'll see the monumental cemetery, where restoration has brought flood-damaged paintings back to life. Stepping outside, admire the polychrome marble façade. Our tour concludes with the Bell Tower, Crypt, and all 16 chapels, taking about an hour. Feel free to revisit any highlights at your leisure!

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Florence

    IF WINE TASTING OPTION SELECTED: For the second tour - Please be present at Vino Tasting Global Srl after the Santa Croce Guided Tour.

    Meeting point

    Florence

    For the first tour - Please be present next to the Statue of Dante Alighieri of Piazza della Santa Croce, 1 Firenze, 15 minutes before departure time in order to avoid any delays.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    IF WINE TASTING OPTION SELECTED: For the second tour - Please be present at Vino Tasting Global Srl after the Santa Croce Guided Tour.

    Ends at

    For the first tour - Please be present next to the Statue of Dante Alighieri of Piazza della Santa Croce, 1 Firenze, 15 minutes before departure time in order to avoid any delays.

    Options you can book

    • Santa Croce Spanish Tour

      Duration: 1 hour: This option includes 1 hour Spanish guided tour to the Santa Croce Basilica.

    • Santa Croce English Tour

      Duration: 1 hour: This option includes 1 hour English guided tour to the Santa Croce Basilica.

    • Santa Croce French Tour

      Duration: 1 hour: This option includes 1 hour French guided tour to the Santa Croce Basilica.

    • Santa Croce Italian Tour

      Duration: 1 hour: This option includes 1 hour Italian guided tour to the Santa Croce Basilica.

    • Santa Croce German Tour

      Duration: 1 hour: This option includes 1 hour German guided tour to the Santa Croce Basilica.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, en, it, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Star Europe Tours

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Please note if "Wine Tasting" option is selected the Santa Croce Guided Tour operating at 10:30am or 3:00pm will initially start later followed by the wine tasting tour at Meeting Point 02.
    • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
    • Please note that the tour requires a minimum number of two guests to run.
    • Please note that if you arrive after the tour start time you will not be able to join and will not be refunded or have your tour rescheduled.
    • There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
    • A refusal of entry due to inappropriate dress code, the tour will not be rescheduled or refunded.
    • If Wine Tasting Option Selected - In case of intolerance or allergies, alert us when booking and before the tour to avoid any inconvenience.

    Photos

    Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence, photo 2Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence, photo 3Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence, photo 4Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence, photo 5Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence, photo 6Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    11 verified traveler reviews for Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    6
    4 star
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    Jann_O · September 2024

    Great tour

    Our guide was so knowledgeable. He knew everything about the church and what was in it. Such a great tour.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a great experience on the Santa Croce Church Guided Tour. Our guides take great pride in sharing their deep knowledge of this historic site, and we’re delighted that you found the tour informative and enjoyable. We hope to welcome you back for more enriching tours in the future!

    via Viator

    Juan M · August 2024

    A piece of history

    For €8 you can visit this Gothic church where its main interest is to house the tombs of several of the main and emblematic Florentine characters (Miguel Angel, Dante, ..), apart from works by the greatest representatives of the Renaissance. Nice cloisters and spectacular altarpiece. Important as in almost all churches that women wear shoulder and leg covers...

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your thoughtful review of the Santa Croce Church Guided Tour. We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the remarkable art and history within the Basilica, especially the tombs of Florence's most iconic figures and the stunning Renaissance works. The beauty of the cloisters and the altarpiece truly adds to the experience. We appreciate your mention of the dress code, as it is indeed important to respect the dress requirements when visiting such historical and sacred sites. We hope to welcome you back on your next visit to Florence for more discoveries!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Robin_C · February 2024

    Great!

    Silvia had a wonderful personality and made the tour both informative and memorable. We enjoyed the whole experience.

    via Viator

    Art · June 2023

    Tour was cancelled

    The tour was postponed by a day, moving it to the following day. We were only in Florence that one day. We were disappointed. I truly hope we get our money back.

    Response from the operator: Dear Customer, On that day, San Corece closed without informing Santa Croce management. We are really sorry. We can't do anything. Again sorry for the inconvenience.

    via Viator

    Arturo_V · May 2023

    Very bad experience.

    They cancel our tour and change by the afternoon. Zero comunication. Very bad service. I need my money refound

    Response from the operator: Dear Customer, As our company did not cancel any tour. Please provide the Booking reference number to check your booking. This booking is not with us.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    1 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    £30 to £51
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Star Europe Tours, who run 11 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 47.8.

    See everything Star Europe Tours runs

    Why this scores 52

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)52
    Review evidence (18% weight)33
    Booking momentum (14% weight)25
    Value for money (12% weight)94
    Listing quality (10% weight)73
    Local standing (8% weight)7
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Florence.

    How much does Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence cost?

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    Prices start at £30 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Florence usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence take?

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    Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Florence is not rushed.

    Is Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 11 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Florence, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence?

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    Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Florence can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Florence and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Florence within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Florence?

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    On Outty we rank every Florence experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Best tour in Florence: Renaissance & Medici -by a storyteller, Small group Tuscan Wineries, Olive Oil & Gourmet Lunch or Dinner, Florence Pizza or Pasta Class with Gelato Making at a Tuscan Farm. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Florence?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Florence?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence?

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    Included: Wine Tasting and Pairing Class - If Wine Tasting Option Selected only; Official certified guide; Radio system to hear the guide; and Entrance tickets. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Food and drinks; and Transportation to/from attractions. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence?

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    IF WINE TASTING OPTION SELECTED: For the second tour - Please be present at Vino Tasting Global Srl after the Santa Croce Guided Tour. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence offered in?

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    It is offered in German, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Florence. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence?

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    Across 11 reviews averaging 3.7 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    What booking options are available for Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence?

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    There are 5 options to choose from, including Santa Croce Spanish Tour, Santa Croce English Tour, Santa Croce French Tour, Santa Croce Italian Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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