
Private Guided Visit of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Guided Visit of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica worth booking?
Private Guided Visit of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica is a 1.5-hour experience in Florence, Italy, from €32 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (13)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- €32 per person
Uncover the timeless beauty of the Santa Maria Novella Basilica, one of Florence’s most captivating landmarks. Founded by Dominican friars in the early 13th century, this architectural masterpiece showcases a stunning Renaissance façade. Step inside and be mesmerized by world-renowned artworks, including Giotto’s "Crucifix", Masaccio’s "Trinity". Continue your journey through the peaceful Green Cloister, adorned with murals by Paolo Uccello, painted in striking green tones. This cloister was a place of cultivation, where Dominican monks produced rose water to help disinfect during epidemics. Then, they expanded their botanical knowledge, creating herbal remedies, essences, and medicinal balms. Next, visit the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, established in 1612. Located within the original Dominican monastery, this historic pharmacy offers an unforgettable sensory experience with its fragrant herbs, exquisite perfumes, and beauty products.
What you get
About this experience
Uncover the timeless beauty of the Santa Maria Novella Basilica, one of Florence’s most captivating landmarks. Founded by Dominican friars in the early 13th century, this architectural masterpiece showcases a stunning Renaissance façade. Step inside and be mesmerized by world-renowned artworks, including Giotto’s "Crucifix", Masaccio’s "Trinity". Continue your journey through the peaceful Green Cloister, adorned with murals by Paolo Uccello, painted in striking green tones. This cloister was a place of cultivation, where Dominican monks produced rose water to help disinfect during epidemics. Then, they expanded their botanical knowledge, creating herbal remedies, essences, and medicinal balms. Next, visit the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, established in 1612. Located within the original Dominican monastery, this historic pharmacy offers an unforgettable sensory experience with its fragrant herbs, exquisite perfumes, and beauty products.
What's included
Included
- Earphones for groups of more than 7 participants
- Local professional Guide at your side
Not included
- Basilica admission ticket to be paid on the spot: Adult: € 7,50; ages 11-17: € 5,00; 10 and under free
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Everything not mentioned as Included
What you'll see and do
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
Santa Maria Novella Basilica was founded by the Dominican Fathers at the beginning of 1200 and magnificently stands with its splendid Renaissance façade, in the namesake beautiful square. Inside it, you will have the chance to see masterpieces such as the "Crucifix" by Giotto the "Trinity" by Masaccio and the spectacular frescoes by Filippino Lippi and Ghirlandaio and also hear the story of the "mendicant order" of friars who have always been present in this church. Your tour ends inside the elegant "Green Cloister" so named for its beautiful murals in green earth by Paolo Uccello.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Officina Profumo Farmaceutica Di Santa Maria Novella
As early as the 14th century the Dominican monks of the Santa Maria Novella monastery, who cultivated the land belonging to the monastery behind the cloisters, were selling rose water to use as a disinfectant, primarily during periods of epidemic. In the 16th century, under the influence of Cosimo I de' Medici and his successors, who took a profound interest in the natural sciences, and with the founding of the first "Giardino dei Semplici” (medicinal plants), the monks began to cultivate a wide variety of plants, distil herbs and flowers and prepare essences, ointments and balms. The current "workshop" at Santa Maria Novella dates back to 1612, a period when apothecaries were plying their trade here, which you will have an opportunity to visit after seeing the Basilica. Here, within the ancient halls that form part of the old Dominican monastery, beneath the vaulted ceilings with their magnificent frescoes and surrounded by the aromatic scent of herbs from the Tuscan countryside, you will be captivated by the irresistible and extraordinary products that are known and acknowledged throughout the world. A real “top must see” amazing place!
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Florence
Starting Time: Morning Option at 10:00 am - Afternoon Option at 02.30 pm Meeting with the guide at the entrance of Santa Maria Novella Basilica
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Starting Time: Morning Option at 10:00 am - Afternoon Option at 02.30 pm Meeting with the guide at the entrance of Santa Maria Novella Basilica
Options you can book
Afternoon Option
Guided Tour departing at 02.30pm
Morning Option
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 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for Private Guided Visit of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Our favorite highlight
We ended our stay with a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. It impressed us with the harmony of its architecture and the richness of its interior decoration. It houses an impressive collection of artwork.
Response from the operator: Good Morning from Caf Tour & Travel, Dear Customer, Thank you very much for sharing such a beautiful reflection on your visit to Santa Maria Novella. We are delighted that this was one of the highlights of your stay in Florence. The harmony of the basilica’s architecture, its extraordinary interior decoration, and its impressive collection of artworks make Santa Maria Novella a truly special place to discover. We are happy that you chose to end your stay with such a memorable cultural experience. We hope to welcome you back to Florence one day for many more discoveries! Warm regards, Caf Tour & Travel Team
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Excellent Private tour
Our tour guide Marta was amazing. I connected with her on a personal level. The exclusive private was worth the extra fee. I’m so glad I decided to purchase this tour.
Response from the operator: Good Morning from Caf Tour & Travel, Dear Holly, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are truly delighted to hear that Marta helped create such a special and personal experience during your private visit in Florence. It is especially rewarding to know you found the exclusive experience worthwhile and that this unique tour left such a positive impression on your stay in Italy. We hope to welcome you again soon for more unforgettable cultural experiences in Florence. With our warmest greetings from Italy, Caf Tour & Travel Team
via Viator
Weekend Trip
Wanted a small tour to fit an opening in our packed vacation schedule. This was a perfect fit….close to train station, close to hotel, far less crowded than other tourist sites. Tour guide was knowledgeable. She provided just the right amount of detail on art, history, and architecture. Good way to spend 90 minutes away from the crowds.
Response from the operator: Good Morning from Caf Tour & Travel, Dear Customer, thank you very much for sharing your experience. We’re delighted that this private visit to Santa Maria Novella and its historic Officina was the perfect fit for your busy travel schedule, offering a quieter and more intimate side of Florence. It’s wonderful to hear that the guide’s balanced insights into art, history and architecture made the time both engaging and relaxing. We hope to welcome you back to discover more hidden gems of our city, always away from the crowds and rich in authentic Florentine charm. Warm regards from Florence, Caf Tour & Travel
via Tripadvisor
Welcoming and informative guide
Lovely guide and incredibly informative- gave us lots of knowledge . Very interesting with the delight of the pharmacy at the end ! It was quite quick against time allocated.
Response from the operator: Good morning from Caf Tour & Travel, Dear Sarah, Thank you for your positive feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your private guided visit of the Santa Maria Novella Basilica and the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica. It’s great to know that our guide was welcoming and provided you with valuable information. We’re also pleased that you found the visit to the historic pharmacy delightful. Thank you once again for sharing your experience, and we hope to welcome you on another tour soon! Our best regards
via Viator
Wonderful Guide, beautiful tour.
We had a wonderful guide Iliaria! She was very knowledgeable about art, history and architecture and made it all very interesting and relatable. The Basilica and the Farmacia were so beautiful and worth seeing and Iliaria was delightful. A must-do! Would definitely recommend!
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
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by CAF Tour and Travel - Gray Line Florence, who run 47 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.4 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything CAF Tour and Travel - Gray Line Florence runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Guided Visit of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Florence.
How much does Private Guided Visit of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica 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 of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica 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 of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 13 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 of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica?
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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 of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica 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 of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica?
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Around 5 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 of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica 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?
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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.
What is included in Private Guided Visit of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica?
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Included: Earphones for groups of more than 7 participants; and Local professional Guide at your side. Not included: Basilica admission ticket to be paid on the spot: Adult: € 7,50; ages 11-17: € 5,00; 10 an; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Gratuities; and Everything not mentioned as Included. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Private Guided Visit of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica?
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Starting Time: Morning Option at 10:00 am - Afternoon Option at 02.30 pm Meeting with the guide at the entrance of Santa Maria Novella Basilica Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Private Guided Visit of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica 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 Private Guided Visit of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica?
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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.
What happens to Private Guided Visit of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica 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 Private Guided Visit of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica?
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Across 13 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
What booking options are available for Private Guided Visit of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Afternoon Option, Morning Option. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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