Florence and Pisa self guided tour

Traveling through Italy’s Tuscany region isn’t complete without experiencing Florence’s Renaissance treasures and Pisa’s famous leaning tower. This self-guided tour offers a budget-friendly way to explore these historic cities with two comprehensive audio guides for just $7 per person. Designed to be flexible and engaging, it’s perfect for travelers who enjoy discovering at their own pace, armed with the convenience of their smartphone.

What we love about this experience is how easy it is to access—no need for a guide or scheduled tour—you control when and where to explore. The detailed descriptions of Florence’s key monuments, from Giotto’s Bell Tower to the Cathedral, give you a richer understanding of the city’s artistic legacy. Likewise, the highlighted sites in Pisa, including the Leaning Tower, Baptistry, and Holy Field, make a day trip straightforward and enjoyable. Plus, the humorous anecdotes—like Superman’s attempt to straighten the tower—add a playful touch that keeps the experience lively.

However, a potential drawback is that tickets are not included, which means you’ll need to purchase entry to sites separately if you want to go inside. Plus, the reviews are mixed, with some users feeling the content is somewhat limited or confusing in scope—for example, one reviewer humorously pointed out that the guide seemed to cover Naples instead of Pisa and Florence, which could be frustrating.

This tour is best suited for independent travelers who appreciate the freedom of exploring on their own and are comfortable using a smartphone app. If you’re seeking a cost-effective way to get a good overview of these cities’ highlights without the pressure of a scheduled group tour, this might be just right. But if you prefer a more guided experience or want tickets included, you may want to consider other options.

Key Points

Affordable price: Only $7 per person for two in-depth audio guides.
Self-paced exploration: No fixed schedule, start where you like.
Comprehensive coverage: Monuments in Florence and Pisa, including iconic landmarks.
Accessible on your phone: Download the free Itguides app and use your device.
Flexibility and reusability: Guides do not expire; use them on multiple days.
Limited included tickets: You must buy entrance tickets separately.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and How it Works

For just $7, you gain access to two detailed audio guides designed specifically for your smartphone. The Florence guide covers the city’s most important churches and monuments, helping you appreciate the Renaissance architecture and artistic masterpieces. The Pisa guide offers a complete tour of the Square of Miracles, focusing on the Leaning Tower, Baptistry, and Holy Field.

The guides are hosted within the Itguides app, which you can download for free. They don’t expire, so you can take your time or revisit the content at a later date. This flexibility is great if you’re planning to return or want to combine the tour with other activities.

Since it’s a self-guided tour, there’s no designated meeting point; you start wherever you prefer—perhaps from your accommodation or a central piazza. The tour ends at the same point, making it easy to plan your day.

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Navigating the Florence Experience

Once you begin walking through Florence, the guide kicks in with descriptions of Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and other key sites. We appreciate how the descriptions aim to balance artistic details with fun facts, like stories about the Medici family or hidden symbols in Renaissance art.

One of the big advantages is how the guide allows you to move at your own pace. Instead of being stuck with a group and a set schedule, you can linger in front of a masterpiece or skip ahead if a site doesn’t interest you. The app makes it easy to switch from spot to spot, which is valuable in a city packed with treasures.

However, the review from Perla highlights a flaw: “It only includes a guide to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and two to Naples,” which seems to be a mistake or a mix-up. It’s important to note that the content is meant for Florence and Pisa, but some users may find inconsistencies or confusing references. Always double-check what’s included before starting.

Discovering Pisa’s Highlights

The Square of Miracles is one of Italy’s most photographed spots, and with this guide, you’ll learn fascinating stories behind each monument. For example, you might find the tale that Superman tried to straighten the tower, or that the Devil himself tried to prevent its construction—adding a fun twist to the visit.

The guide covers the Leaning Tower’s history, construction, and the various efforts to stabilize it. It’s a straightforward way to understand the significance of the site beyond just the famous tilt. Likewise, the Cathedral and Baptistry receive detailed descriptions, making your visit more meaningful even from outside.

Value and Practicalities

While the price tag is extremely reasonable, keep in mind that tickets for the monuments are not included. If you want to climb the tower or enter the cathedral, you’ll need to buy separate tickets—something to consider if you want an inside look.

The app-based approach means you need a charged smartphone and comfortable shoes. Florence and Pisa are best explored on foot, so be prepared for some walking. The app offers a convenient way to access information on the go, and since it’s accessible on multiple days, it suits travelers with flexible schedules.

One aspect some travelers might find limiting is that the content is fixed—you can’t customize the guide or select specific themes. Also, the reviews suggest some confusion or gaps in the material, so it’s not a perfect substitute for a live guide.

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Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This self-guided experience is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who prefer exploring independently. If you enjoy reading or listening to stories as you walk, this will enhance your visit without breaking the bank. It’s also suitable for those who like to design their own itinerary and take their time.

However, if you prefer more interactive or guided experiences, or want tickets included, other options might suit you better. This tour is perfect for those who are tech-savvy and don’t mind doing a bit of planning on their own.

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Final Thoughts

This Florence and Pisa self-guided tour offers remarkable value with its affordability and flexibility. The detailed audio descriptions help you gain a richer appreciation for the sights, especially if you’re comfortable navigating on your own. It’s especially appealing for independent travelers who want the convenience of smartphone guides at a fraction of the price of guided tours.

While some reviews point out issues with content accuracy or scope, many travelers find the good quality of information and ease of use outweigh those drawbacks. Just be prepared to purchase tickets separately if you want inside access, and ensure your phone is charged.

For travelers seeking a budget-friendly, flexible way to explore Florence’s Renaissance marvels and Pisa’s iconic tower, this tour delivers on its promise of being a practical and enjoyable experience. Just keep your expectations realistic, and you’ll likely find it a useful addition to your Tuscany adventure.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, as a self-guided tour using your smartphone, it’s suitable for most ages. Just ensure everyone can walk comfortably and follow the audio directions.

Do I need to download anything before starting?
Yes, you’ll need to download the Itguides app for free and the tour’s audio guides. It’s a straightforward process, and you can try demo content before purchase.

Are tickets included in the price?
No, tickets for entry into monuments like the Pisa Tower or Florence’s churches must be purchased separately.

Can I use the guides multiple times?
Absolutely. The guides do not expire, so you can revisit them as many times as you like, on different days.

How long does the tour last?
Since it’s self-paced, you can take as much time as you want. The tour covers major sites, but how long you spend depends on your rhythm and interest.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility requirements.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, there’s no fixed starting point—you’re free to begin wherever you prefer, based on your schedule and location.

Are there any reviews from travelers?
Yes, reviews are mixed. Some people praise the value and detailed descriptions, while others, like Perla, mention content inconsistencies or missing details.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking and a charged smartphone. A portable battery pack might be handy if you plan to use it extensively.

To sum it up, this self-guided tour is a cost-effective way to see some of Tuscany’s most famous sights at your own pace. It’s best suited for adventurous travelers comfortable with technology and seeking flexibility. While it has some limitations, its affordability and detailed content make it a handy tool to enrich your Florence and Pisa visit.