Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School worth booking?
Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School is a 1.5-hour experience in Florence, Italy, from $32 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (19)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $32 per person
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
What you get
About this experience
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
Included
- Earphones for groups of more than 7 participants
- Local professional Guide at your side
Not included
- Admission fees
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Everything not mentioned as Included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
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.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
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.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Florence
Starting Time: Morning Option at 11:00 am - Afternoon Option at 02.30 pm Meeting with the guide at the entrance of Santa Croce Basilica
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Starting Time: Morning Option at 11:00 am - Afternoon Option at 02.30 pm Meeting with the guide at the entrance of Santa Croce Basilica
Options you can book
Afternoon Option
Private Guided Tour departing at 02.30pm
Morning Option
Private Guided Tour departing at 09.30am
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
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- CAF Tour and Travel - Gray Line Florence
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
19 verified traveler reviews for Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Lisa was our exceptional Samata Croce and LeathervSchoo. Guide.
Our private tour with Lisa, our guide from Florence Pass, was exceptional in every way. She was very friendly and particularly knowledgeable about Santa Croce, its history and its art. Her English was excellent.
Response from the operator: Good morning from Caf Tour & Travel, Dear Michael, Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your private tour with Lisa. We truly value her professionalism, friendliness, and extensive knowledge, and we are glad that her passion for Florence’s history and art made your experience exceptional. Your kind words are the best reward for our work, and we will be sure to share your feedback with Lisa, who will be very happy to know she contributed to making your visit so memorable. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again soon on another tour to continue discovering the treasures of Florence with us. Our best regards
via Viator
A fascinating window into the world of Florentine art
A truly spectacular guided tour of Santa Croce. Marta was an outstanding guide - she made art and history come to life. It was a fascinating window into Italian culture and the special place of Florence in the world of Western Art. Don’t miss this.
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your wonderful words! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your guided tour of Santa Croce with Marta. She will be so pleased to know that her passion and knowledge made the experience memorable for you. Florence truly has a unique place in art and history, and we’re glad you felt its magic during your visit. We hope to welcome you back for more discoveries in the future! Warm regards
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience....
Wonderful experience. Ilaria was a spectacular guide. She answered all of our questions and was very knowledgeable about the basilica, the school, and the entire city of Florence.
Response from the operator: Good morning from Caf Tour & Travel, Dear Alex, Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback! We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your visit to Santa Croce Basilica and the Ancient Leather School. We are especially pleased to know that Ilaria made your experience so memorable with her knowledge and attentiveness. Our guides take great pride in sharing the beauty and history of Florence, and your kind words will certainly make her proud. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you again on another of our tours in the future. Our best regards
via Viator
Wonderful tour guide and a spectacular tour
Ilaria was an excellent guide! Very knowledgeable about the city and of the basilica and leather school. She was able to answer all of our questions and was delighted to do so. I highly recommend Ilaria!
Response from the operator: Good morning from Caf Tour & Travel, Dear Alex, Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to read you enjoyed your private tour to Santa Croce Basilica and the Leather School. We are especially pleased to know that Ilaria made your experience so memorable with her knowledge, professionalism, and enthusiasm. She will be very happy to read your kind words. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we truly hope to welcome you again soon on another of our tours to let you discover even more of Florence’s treasures. Kind regards
via Tripadvisor
Marta brings the masterful history of Santa Croce to life!
Our walking tour of the Santa Croce Basilica with Marta was an unforgettable experience. As a Florence native with a degree in art restoration, she brought a unique and personal perspective to the tour. Her deep knowledge of the church’s history and artwork made every detail come alive. Marta also guided us through the on-site leather school, where we learned about traditional craftsmanship and purchased beautiful artisan leather goods. Her passion for Florence and its heritage was evident throughout the tour. A truly enriching and memorable experience.
Response from the operator: Good afternoon from Caf Tour & Travel, Dear Juie, Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful review! We're truly grateful for your kind words and thrilled to know the visit to Santa Croce left such a memorable impression. Santa Croce is a treasure trove of history and beauty, but experiencing it with a guide can truly elevate the journey. A knowledgeable guide doesn’t just share facts—they bring emotion, context, and life to every corner of the Basilica. It’s this emotional connection, built through stories, passion, and personal insight, that turns a visit into an experience. Thank you again for choosing our tour and for sharing your thoughts—Florence and its heritage always have more to reveal, and I hope to welcome you back someday! Our best regards
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Price range
- $32 to $232
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Florence.
How much does Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School cost?
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Prices start at $32 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 Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours 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 Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 19 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 Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School?
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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 Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School?
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Around 7 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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School 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 Tales - guided by a STORYTELLER, Florence Pizza or Pasta Class & Gelato Making at a Tuscan Farm, Small group Tuscan Wineries, Olive Oil & Gourmet Lunch or Dinner. 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?
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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.
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