
Florence has shaped the course of Western art. Students can explore the intricate web of influence in form, perception, colour, and creation that Florence has had upon the art and design world.
Florence - Art & Design School trip
- 4 days
- +1 hrs (UTC)
- Italy
- Approx. 2hrs
- Piazza del Duomo
- Museo Galileo
- Uffizi Gallery
- Accademia Gallery
- Palazzo Pitti
- Bargello National Museum
For the latest travel advice, including passport and visa information, visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website
Sample itinerary
This sample itinerary is offered as a guideline. The trip focus, length and itinerary/activities can be tailored to meet your learning objectives.




- Day
Day 1 - Fly to Pisa, Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa on the way to Florence
Begin your journey in Pisa with a visit to the iconic Leaning Tower. Appreciate the architectural ingenuity that saved this potential design disaster before transferring to Florence.
Check into your accommodation before heading out to explore the city. Visit Piazza della Signoria, the political and artistic heart of the city. Palazzo Vecchio, the historic town hall, offers insights into the intersection of art, politics, and public life during the Renaissance, with its elaborate frescoes and sculptures. Stop also at the Florence Cathedral and Baptistery to see the Baptistery’s bronze doors. The doors are a key example of the transition from Gothic to Renaissance art, demonstrating advances in perspective and verisimilitude.
This evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner and prepare for the days ahead, rich with art history exploration.
Day 2 - Guided Walking Tour of Florence, Uffizi Gallery
Begin with a return to Il Duomo and climb Brunelleschi’s Dome. From the top, students can view the cityscape and discuss urban design and architecture. The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo is a great place to study the art and craftsmanship behind Florence’s most famous cathedral. Continue to Basilica Santa Maria Novella. It's an important site for studying early Renaissance painting and fresco techniques, as well as Gothic architecture.
After a break, head to the Museo Galileo, a museum dedicated to Galileo and the history of science, featuring scientific instruments and insights into Renaissance scientific achievements. Here you can see the connection between art, design, and science during the Renaissance, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of Renaissance thought.
In the afternoon, visit the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most famous art museums in the world. The Uffizi houses masterpieces from the Italian Renaissance. Key works include Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation, and Michelangelo's Doni Tondo. It offers art and design students a comprehensive overview of Renaissance art and an opportunity to study the techniques of the masters up close.
This evening, dine in a local trattoria, reflecting on the day’s artistic discoveries.
Day 3 - Accademia Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, Bargello National Museum
This morning starts with a focus on Renaissance art. You could visit the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's David, as well as other important works by Michelangelo and Renaissance artists. Seeing David in person provides insight into the scale, detail, and emotional power of sculpture. The gallery also showcases the evolution of Michelangelo’s work. Alternatively, visit the Bargello National Museum, which houses a significant collection of Renaissance sculptures, including Donatello’s bronze David. Here, students can take a deep dive into Renaissance sculpture, offering a chance to study works by artists who influenced and were influenced by Michelangelo.
Take a break from the Renaissance with a visit to Museo Novecento. Dedicated to 20th-century Italian art, this museum provides a contrast to the Renaissance art prevalent in Florence. Students will be offered a broader perspective on the evolution of art and design in Italy, showing how modern artists have been influenced by Florence’s artistic legacy.
Crossing the Ponte Vecchio, you can explore the picturesque beauty and unique shops selling jewellery, art, and souvenirs. It’s one of Florence’s most photographed landmarks.
Finish the day at the Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace, a Renaissance palace that houses several museums, including the Palatine Gallery and the Royal Apartments. The Boboli Gardens are an excellent example of Italian garden design. Together, the palace and gardens provide a comprehensive view of Renaissance art, interior design, and landscape architecture. Within this complex, the Costume Gallery showcases a collection of historic garments, textiles, and fashion from the 16th century to the present. For those interested in fashion and textile history, the Costume Gallery provides a fascinating look at the evolution of style and design through the centuries.
Finish the day at Piazzale Michelangelo with its breathtaking panoramic views of Florence.
Day 4 - Free Time, Fly Home
After check-out, spend your final morning exploring Florence at your own pace. You could stroll around the Oltrarno, a neighbourhood across the Arno River known for its artisanal shops, workshops, and less-touristy attractions. This would give students an authentic look at Florentine craftsmanship and contemporary art, offering insights into how traditional techniques are preserved and adapted.
Transfer to the airport for your departure after an incredible art and design school trip to Florence, offering both a historical foundation in Renaissance art and insights into contemporary art practices.
What’s included
Full TCBC support from the moment you book until you return home
Full itinerary flexibility to ensure the perfect tour for your students
We'll source the best available flights based on your school's location
You'll have all our necessary contact details to hand should the need arise
Knowledgeable TCBC guide ready to bring your walking tours to life
Detailed itinerary, with all entrance fees included, no hidden costs
Return flights, 1 piece of hold luggage per person, airport taxes and security charges and ATOL Protection Contribution
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure with your local TCBC guide. We can also arrange your UK airport transfers if you wish
Experienced local TCBC guide for your excursions.
3 nights accommodation at 3 or 4 star hotel, twin rooms for students and single rooms for teachers
Breakfasts and dinners at hotel or local restaurants. Lunches can be included too
Reservations and entrance tickets as per your chosen schedule
There will be no hidden costs on tour, everything will be clearly explained before departure
24 hour emergency contact details of TCBC's office and your local guide's mobile number
The normal free staff place ratio is 1:10 but this is flexible and we'll work to whichever ratio you require
Cover with a bespoke travel insurance policy, provided by Endsleigh Insurance, is included in all our tours. If the cover does not meet your needs or if you prefer to use your school’s existing travel insurance, you may opt out of the Endsleigh policy.
Please check with your school to ensure you are covered by an adequate travel insurance policy which we will need to see a copy of. We can help you source cover if you need
We generally don't include lunches unless requested. We prefer to let the students explore the local options and choose for themselves
If you feel you have received excellent service, then our local guides and drivers will appreciate being tipped. Guidelines will be outlined in your quote
We will inform you of the availability of ballet, opera, circus, folklore show and sports events closer to departure and invoice you at that stage
Reasons to travel with us
We honestly believe we are the best in what we do. We'd love the opportunity to show you.
Safety & reliability
The safety of all our travellers is our number 1 priority. We have a robust Safety Management System in place to ensure that our tours are run to the high levels you expect.
Experience & expertise
We have years of experience in planning school tours. Our expertise lies in our organisational skills, attention to detail and an understanding of what you need to make your trip a success.
TCBC local guides
Our guides are our greatest assets and consistently lauded. Highly experienced, knowledgeable and trustworthy, most are hand-picked and have worked with us for years.
Complete peace of mind
Our accreditations (ATOL, ABTA, STF, LOtC) provide you with the reliability, assurance and financial security expected from a specialist tour operator.
Customer
service
Our dedicated team is on hand to offer help and advice at every stage. We are positive you will be impressed with the high level of service you receive from us.
Flexibility & customisation
We customise every trip to suit your needs and offer maximum flexibility in planning your itinerary. We won’t rest until we get it right!
The personal touch
Getting to know our clients is very important to us. It’s very likely therefore that you’ll meet one or several of us at some point, either at school before departure or on the tour itself.
Total transparency
We include as much as possible in our quotes and are very transparent about what is and what is not included. There will be no hidden or surprise costs.
Pre-departure support
We understand how much work goes into planning a school trip. You will be dealing with the same people throughout the pre-departure process allowing us to respond quickly and accurately.
Repeat business
99.9% of teachers are so happy with our tours and our service that there is no need to travel with anyone else. We are confident you will feel the same way.
We had a great time on our trip and TCBC were well organised and totally understood the needs of a school trip and their teacher organisers. We would definitely travel with them again.
