The Hidden Treasures of Florence

If you didn't get enough art history in your life, this program will suffice; and Florence will fill your mind with wonder.

The emphasis on art and architecture in this Florence program gave the perfect introduction to the city and its history, and to the role that the city and its artists, politicians, and civic and religious leaders played during the Renaissance and beyond. The art historians were excellent, providing insights far beyond what we might have expected.

Highly recommend Road Scholar for your next trip. My trip to Italy was Amazing and unforgetable! I Love it!

Road Scholar provides the perfect combination of teaching and enjoyment in their selection of guides, lecturers, sites, and lodging. I brag about my trips with them.

I'll start with the positives: The entire city of Florence is a treasure! Those with an added interest in seeing and learning more about Medieval and Renaissance art will be rewarded! The Glance Hotel was well situated ( although on a highly trafficked commercial street) with an easy walk to most sites. The staff was friendly and accommodating; the varied breakfast buffet was excellent; very clean rooms, modern decor. The negatives: The tour leader, Patrizia, did not exhibit good management skills overseeing her guides. Yes, she kept us on a timely scheduled but did the minimum in keeping track of the exhaustive detailed material the two guides were covering. There was so much overlap - duplicated facts and background information we had previously heard from one or the other. And way too much obscure info -- guides gently needed to be reminded that we were not a group of art/cultural historian scholars!! Giovanni was an excellent local guide, but Mario repeated himself, spent much precious time talking about the 1966 flood in Florence and in promoting his book. There were too many churches, (cold, drafty interiors) on the daily schedule, with fewer opportunities for visiting museums - some of us were disappointed that we hadn't be given adequate advance warning to buy online tickets for The Accademia. Nor were we properly alerted as to the opening/closing days of other art museums and collections. It would have been highly desirable to include a day trip to some of the Tuscan villages surrounding Florence. I certainly hope that Road Scholar makes some suggested changes as overall, believe me, this is a great tour worthy of 5 stars!

Excellent immersion in art and history of early Renaissance in Florence. 5 stars

The Hidden Treasures of Florence met and exceeded our every expectation.

Florence is one of the world’s destination tourist cities. This February tour avoids the crowded masses of summer.

This program is so worthwhile even if you have visited Florence before! Great experiences and education!

Road Scholar went far beyond my expectations in providing a welcoming atmosphere with highly competent and personable instructors who were immersed in and passionate about their subject matter. Our guide was excellent and the accommodations and meals were first class. This was the experience of a lifetime!!

As a participant who has done 18 programs, this is among the very best! A wonderful hotel in a city filled with opportunities to learn.

Florence is a glorious place to visit. If you love Italian Renaissance art and architecture, this is the trip for you. Incomparable learning experience.

I don't have time to write it again, but feel free to select any parts of my glowing assessment of the program and share it publicly.

This tour was somewhat disappointing. The tour leader, Patrizia, was very weak and did not have good leadership abilities. Giovanni was an excellent local guide, but Mario overloaded with information and became easily distracted. There were too many churches on the agenda, with fewer opportunities for visiting museums. The visit to the Uffizi Gallery focused on the floor with the religious images and did not include the floor with the beautiful Renaissance portraits (which I saw by going to the Gallery before the start of the tour). It was also be more interesting to include a day trip to some of the Tuscan villages surrounding Florence. The Glance Hotel was excellent: quiet, clean, friendly staff, wonderful breakfasts. If Road Scholar made some of the changes suggested, this could be a great tour!

Absolutely fabulous!!! The hotel was within walking distance of just about everything we did. Plenty of free time and evenings to explore on your own. Rained every single day we were there except one, but who cares?! It's Florence! The TL, Patrizia, was fabulous as were both lecturers/experts, Mario and Giovanni. Everything was well planned and executed.

An utterly absorbing visit to the art and architecture of Florence. All tour leaders were very knowledgeable and inclusive.

This program was well organized and very informative. I learned so much from the program instructors.

Hidden Florence was a fabulous tour! Because it is a deep dive into Renaissance art and architecture, we had one of two art historians with us at each sight and this made all the difference in the world. For a lover of art and history, it doesn't get any better than this tour.

This program is very special. By the program's conclusion you will have a new appreciation for Renaissance art and history in Florence. Don't be surprised if at the program's end you feel as if you've lived in 15th and early 16th century Firenze.

It's a good website, but does not give users the option of confirming changes in travel plans - just a continued stream of "please review your itinerary and travel plans" messages. That needs to be changed.

This somewhat deep dive in Florence is the way to experience and enjoy the art capital of the world.

This program was a wonderful experience and I definitely would recommend it. I loved how Road Scholar took care of everything, even scheduling covid tests before going home and Julie, the guide, was at the pharmacy to help out if needed. The instructors were very knowledgeable and taught the information in a very understandable way. We were on the go mornings and afternoons with very little free time for other activities.(For example, not enough time to stop in a gift shop after visiting a museum). I felt that I was ready for all the walking and standing but I was surprised at how difficult it was. I purchased a cane to help with the uneven cobblestones and worn down steps. Two people in our small group got injured on the steps (not Road Scholar's fault)-one had to use a wheel chair after and Florence is not handicap friendly, and one left since he had a broken shoulder. Julie took great care of these individuals, accommodating them. This is just to let you know it's quite rugged. My favorite part was the restoration school. It was very interesting and we saw their work in action at the Uffizi after we knew what to look for in the paintings. I felt we didn't need to purchase all the books suggested. Make sure you know the Medici line and it will help you with the time lines. Yes, I would recommend this program if you love art history and want to spend time in a gorgeous city.

This was an excellent program led by a kind, caring Group Leader and simply marvelous, intellectually outstanding instructors, who, in the brief time we were together did an excellent job of explaining the Renaissance in Florence. Such an excellent program should be expanded by a few days!

What a great program. For someone who wants to learn about the art history of the Renaissance, this is the cat's meow!

This was my first Road Scholar trip and I am already planning my second. The trip to Florence was wonderful. I have never seen such beautiful art and learned a lot about the city, the artists and Italy. We got to see many places the average tourist can't visit, which was fascinating. Delicious food, great fellow travelers and experienced staff made my week unforgettable.

This program was a great introduction to the beautiful architecture and art of Florence. I traveled as a single person and everyone was so friendly in this group.

Wonderful trip for returning visitors to Florence. It is a city that has new and old sites around every corner!

We enjoyed our tour in Florence enormously. The itinerary provided us with a generous overview of Florence's treasures plus time to explore on our own. In addition to the well-known sites, we especially appreciated the visits to Pallazzo Gondi, Torrigiani Garden,and to the School of Restoration. They are treasures in their own right. Patrizia (our leader), and our two "experts", Mario and Giovanni, brought their expertise, passion and engaging personalities to the tour. We appreciated their commitment to share their love of Florence. Sharon and Rick

What better place to be than in Florence? Despite the crowds I would return as soon as possible..

If you like the art, Italy and would like to know more about Renaissance, - this trip is for you.