Florence From The Hills

Your exploration begins at San Niccolò Tower, where Elena welcomes you at the historic Porta San Niccolò. From here, you ascend gently toward Piazzale Michelangelo, taking in sweeping views of Florence and the Arno. The route continues through the Rose Garden, a peaceful green space offering city vistas, and leads to the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte, a landmark blending history and architecture atop the hill. The return to the starting point follows an ancient, unpaved road, revealing Florence’s quieter corners and the character of its historic streets. Along the way, Elena shares insights into the neighborhood’s evolution, cultural touches, and architectural highlights, connecting each element with the city’s story in a way that is informative yet engaging. The pace is relaxed, with gentle climbs and descents, offering a mix that makes this urban trek accessible to all. It allows you to discover a more bucolic side of Florence, just steps from the center yet tucked away.

This experience offers a perspective on Florence rarely seen by visitors. Elena combines her deep knowledge of the city with a sense of discovery, highlighting corners, streets, and hilltop views that sit outside the usual routes. Her storytelling connects history, architecture, and the urban landscape, linking each place to the city’s cultural identity. She weaves in anecdotes, local context, and subtle insights into how Florence has evolved over centuries, enriching your sense of place. The walk is paced for enjoyment and reflection, balancing gentle climbs with moments of pause along the way. As a private walk, this allows you to engage with the city in a personal way, gaining insight into a quieter, hillside side of Florence while remaining close to its historic center. The experience gives you time to observe a different rhythm of the city along less-visited streets and notice the relationship between gardens, piazzas, and architecture.

Elena Pietrunti is a Chianti-based licensed guide, professional driver, and wine expert who moves with ease from Florence city center to its hillside viewpoints and the vineyards of Chianti. She blends deep local knowledge with a sharp, intuitive way of reading each place, creating routes that feel natural and full of character. Elena connects a medieval alley to a sweeping terrace, a lively square to a quiet road among the vines, always setting the right rhythm for the moment.

Comfortable shoes, water bottle, and your camera.