Florence Crimes, Murders & Ghosts Walking Tour with Tastings

If you’re craving a different perspective on Florence beyond its classic Renaissance beauty, this Florence Crimes, Murders & Ghosts Walking Tour with Tastings offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s shadowy corner. It combines tales of historical executions, notorious crimes, and paranormal legends with plenty of local flavor—literally. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll walk through centuries of both justice and justice gone wrong, all while savoring Tuscan wines and traditional treats.

What makes this experience stand out? We love how it balances chilling storytelling with authentic local tastes, the way it takes you into lesser-known parts of the city, and the engaging guides who bring Florence’s dark history vividly to life. However, be aware it’s not for the faint of heart—some stories are quite graphic, and the atmosphere is more mysterious than festive. Perfect for history buffs, true crime enthusiasts, or those curious about Florence’s secret stories, this tour promises a memorable, multi-sensory journey.

Good To Know

• Authentic storytelling: Guides reveal real murder cases, executions, and legends from Florence’s past.
• Cultural tastings: Enjoy Tuscan wine, cold cuts, and cantucci with Vin Santo at local spots.
• Historic sites: Visit iconic locations like Piazza della Signoria, Duomo, Bargello, and the Stinche prison.
• Dark tales: Learn about the Monster of Florence and other unsolved mysteries.
• Balancing history and flavor: The tour combines dark stories with delicious regional flavors.
• Small group intimacy: Tours are designed to be engaging and personable, with knowledgeable guides.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Uncovering Florence’s Darker Stories

This walking tour offers an intriguing alternative to Florence’s usual postcard-perfect sights. It delves into the shadowy corners of the city, revealing stories of trials, executions, and dark legends that once captivated and terrified locals. Starting at Piazza della Signoria, the tour kicks off among the statues and historic power plays, where public executions once drew large crowds, turning the square into a stage of justice and spectacle. Your guide will vividly recount the story of Girolamo Savonarola, a fiery friar who challenged corruption and ultimately faced his own execution in a pyre—reminding us that Florence’s history isn’t all beauty and art.

Moving through the narrow Vicolo dei Lavatoi, you’ll feel the whisper of past secrets—an area where whispers of penance, obsession, and clandestine rituals still echo beneath your steps. The tour then takes you over the Mugnone River, infamous for its folklore of drownings, disappearances, and occult legends. This dark undercurrent beneath Florence’s elegant facades hints at a city with secrets buried deep beneath its polished surface.

The storytelling isn’t just about the past. Your guide will introduce you to some of Florence’s most notorious crime cases, such as the Monster of Florence, an unsolved series of murders from 1984 that still haunts the city. This legend adds a layer of mystery and intrigue, showing how Florence’s dark stories continue to fascinate long after the crimes occurred.

Tasting the Dark Side

Midway through your tour, you’ll pause at a prosciutteria near the Duomo for a well-earned break. Here, you’ll sip a glass of Tuscan wine and feast on a selection of cold cuts and regional delicacies, with vegetarian options available. The tasting board isn’t just a treat but a way to connect with Florence’s regional culinary culture—simple, flavorful, and authentic.

The tour’s final stops take you to the Bargello, once Florence’s palace of torture and justice, and the Stinche prison, infamous for its brutal history. Your guide will recount tales of Beatrice Cenci, a young woman accused of parricide in a case steeped in abuse and vengeance—an example of how Florence’s justice system could be as theatrical as it was severe. Walking past the Tabernacolo delle Stinche, you’ll feel the weight of the condemned souls who once prayed before their final walk, adding a poignant end to the darker chapter of Florence’s history.

The experience concludes with a visit to a historic cernacchio, where you’ll get to taste cantucci and Vin Santo—a sweet pairing that echoes the bittersweet layers of Florence’s past, blending history with sensory pleasure.

The Guide and Group Dynamics

Guides like Ilaria and Ezgi, praised consistently in reviews, bring warmth, humor, and knowledge that elevate the experience. They are adept at balancing the macabre with approachable storytelling, making even the darkest tales engaging without becoming overwhelming. The group size is kept intimate enough for personal interactions, ensuring everyone can ask questions and feel involved.

The tour is designed to be flexible in timing, lasting around 1.5 to 2 hours, making it ideal for those with tight schedules but a curiosity for Florence’s secret stories. The price point of $34 per person provides solid value considering the combination of engaging storytelling, tastings, and access to lesser-known city corners.

What to Expect and Practical Details

Starting points vary between options, but both are centrally located—either at Piazza della Signoria or near Santa Croce. The tour includes English and Spanish guides, with reviews highlighting how guides like Ezgi and Ilaria make the stories come alive with their personable approach.

Timing depends on availability, but most tours run for about 90 minutes, making it a manageable yet immersive experience. Since it involves walking through the city’s historic streets, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Food and drink tastings are thoughtfully curated, giving you a taste of regional flavors without feeling like a full meal—perfect for pairing with the stories. The wine and food stops are well-paced, allowing time to enjoy each sip and bite.

Group size tends to be small, creating a more personal atmosphere, and the guides’ knowledge receives high praise, with reviews mentioning how they make history entertaining and accessible.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Value and Who It’s For

At $34, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck—combining history, mystery, and culinary delights in one compact experience. It’s especially valuable for travelers interested in Florence’s lesser-known stories and those who enjoy a good mix of history, intrigue, and regional flavors. The storytelling is detailed but approachable, ensuring you leave with a richer understanding of the city’s hidden layers.

It’s a fantastic choice for history buffs, true crime fans, or anyone curious about Florence’s darker side. The combination of engaging guides, genuine insights, and authentic tastings makes it a memorable addition to your Florence itinerary.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the pace and group size.

Are there vegetarian options for the tastings?
Yes, vegetarian options are available for the cold cuts and regional specialties.

Where does the tour start?
Start points vary based on your booking, either at Piazza della Signoria or near Santa Croce, both central locations.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the stories are fascinating, some may be quite graphic or dark. It’s best for older children or teens interested in history and mysteries.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you’ll be exploring historic streets and narrow alleys.

Are the guides fluent in English and Spanish?
Yes, guides speak both languages, ensuring a smooth experience for diverse groups.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Since it involves walking through uneven, historic streets, accessibility may be limited; contact the provider for specific concerns.

Final Thoughts

This Florence Crimes, Murders & Ghosts Tour with Tastings provides a thoughtful, engaging look into the city’s darker corners, balanced with regional culinary delights. The guides’ storytelling skills and the mix of history, mystery, and flavor create a well-rounded experience that appeals to a variety of travelers seeking something beyond the usual art and architecture. Whether you’re a history lover, a curious traveler, or a foodie wanting to taste Florence’s authentic flavors, this tour offers genuine value and memorable moments.

Ideal for those who appreciate stories with a bit of edge, this experience turns the city’s shadows into a compelling narrative—making your Florence visit truly unforgettable.

You can check if your dates are available here: