Florence: Ghost & Crimes Walking Tour with Tastings and Wine

Florence: Ghost & Crimes Walking Tour with Tastings and Wine – A Spooky Night Out with Flavors and Folklore

If you’re looking to add a dash of mystery, history, and local flavor to your Florence visit, this Ghost & Crimes Walking Tour offers a unique evening experience. For just $29 per person, you’ll spend around 90 minutes wandering through Florence’s historic alleys, listening to chilling tales of witches, heretics, and lost souls, all while savoring Chianti wine and Tuscan cold cuts. Your guide will take you to key historic locations, sharing stories that are part legend, part true crime, and all atmospheric.

What we love most about this tour is the blend of storytelling and tasting—there’s something quite special about pairing dark tales with local wines and snacks. The guide’s enthusiasm makes the stories come alive, and the carefully chosen locations lend an authentic, almost mysterious vibe. Another highlight is the insider access to lesser-known corners of Florence, like the secluded Piazza Sant’Elisabetta, which feels like discovering a secret.

One possible consideration is the duration—at 1.5 hours, this tour is on the shorter side, so if you’re craving more extensive exploration, you might want to supplement it with additional sightseeing. It’s best suited for visitors who love history, legends, and a little bit of spooky fun — and who are eager to enjoy some quality local wine and snacks along the way.

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Key Points

Authentic stories of Florence’s haunted legends and historical crimes bring the city’s darker past to life.
Tastings of Chianti and Tuscan bites add a flavorful dimension to the storytelling.
The tour visits iconic and hidden locations, offering a glimpse into Florence’s secret corners.
Small group size and enthusiastic guides make for an engaging, personal experience.
The short duration and affordable price make it a great option for an evening adventure.
Ideal for those interested in history with a spooky twist, local culture, and wine lovers.

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Exploring Florence’s Haunted Past: A Detailed Review of the Ghost & Crimes Tour

Starting Point and First Impressions

Our journey begins in Piazza della Signoria, at the foot of the statue of Cosimo de Medici. Here, your guide—most recently praised as friendly and funny—sets the tone for the evening. The location is perfect: a bustling historical square with a layered past, yet the tour quickly takes you into more secluded spots where Florence’s darker stories unfold. Standing under the shadow of Girolamo Savonarola, the infamous friar who incinerated books and artworks during his reign of moral fervor, we immediately sense the blend of history and legend that makes this tour special.

The Hidden Corners and Mysterious Legends

One of the tour’s standout features is its focus on lesser-known spots, like Piazza Sant’Elisabetta. It’s a quiet, almost secret corner that feels worlds away from tourist crowds, yet it’s brimming with stories. Here, you’ll hear about the Strega della Nebbia — the Mist Witch — whose cursed whispers are said to still drift through the fog. This legend vividly captures Florence’s eerie, mystical side, and the stories are delivered with a tone that keeps you on edge but also eager for more.

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The Perfect Midpoint: Tuscan Flavors and a Toast

A highlight is the pause at a cozy prosciutteria near the Duomo, where you can enjoy a glass of Chianti along with a tagliere of Tuscan cured meats and cheeses. This part of the tour is a thoughtful touch, giving you a chance to relax and take in the ambiance while sampling traditional flavors. The reviews consistently praise the quality of the food and wine, noting that the tastings really complete the experience, with one reviewer calling it a “perfect moment to toast to the living… and the dead.”

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Deepening the Mystery at Florence’s Architectural Treasure

Next, it’s time to explore the esoteric secrets of Brunelleschi and the Duomo, which add an intriguing layer to the night. Was Brunelleschi’s Dome a mere architectural marvel, or did it hide spiritual or alchemical secrets? While the tour doesn’t go into technical detail, it’s enough to make you see the Duomo with fresh eyes—considering it not just a building but a symbol imbued with mystical significance.

Dark Tales of Accusations and Witchcraft

As we stroll down Via del Proconsolo, the stories turn darker. The guide recounts the fate of Antonia da Castello, accused of using unguents of the Devil and condemned in 1481. The stories of Antonia la Nera, the black witch said to have returned from the dead after a ritual gone wrong, make you wonder how much of Florence’s history is shrouded in mystery and fear. The stories are lively, often delivered with humor and flair, which helps keep the tone balanced—respectful but engaging.

The Mysterious Chains Beneath Santa Croce

The tour reaches its climax in Piazza Santa Croce, home to the intriguing tale of the Libro delle Catene — a chained book rumored to trap the souls of the damned beneath the church. It’s a story that taps into Florence’s reputation for secret societies and arcane mysteries. The legend is haunting but fascinating, and it’s a fitting end to an evening that mixes history, legend, and a touch of the supernatural.

The Final Touch: Cantucci and Vin Santo

To wrap up, you’ll visit a traditional cernacchio, where you can savor cantucci (almond cookies) dipped in Vin Santo, the classic Tuscan dessert wine. Several reviews mention this as a “hauntingly sweet finale,” a perfect way to reflect on the night’s stories and enjoy a genuine taste of local tradition.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

Duration & Group Size: At 1.5 hours, this tour is a manageable evening outing. The small group setting, praised in reviews, fosters a more intimate experience, allowing guides to tailor stories and answer questions comfortably.

Cost & Value: For $29, you get not only compelling stories but also wine and food tastings. Considering the quality of the tastings and the chance to explore Florence’s secret corners, many will find this to be a very good value.

Booking & Flexibility: You can reserve in advance and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours beforehand without penalty. This adds flexibility, especially if your plans are still shifting.

Guide & Experience: The reviews emphasize Ilaria’s friendly and energetic style, which keeps the tour lively and engaging. Her knowledge and humor make the stories stick, turning history into a fun and memorable experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This walking tour suits those who enjoy mystery, legends, and a touch of darkness—perfect for history buffs and curious souls alike. It’s especially good for wine lovers who want a relaxed, flavorful experience, and for travelers wanting to see Florence’s hidden spots away from typical tourist routes. If you’re traveling with someone who appreciates storytelling and local culture, this tour hits the mark.

The Sum Up

In all, the Florence Ghost & Crimes Walking Tour offers a small-group, atmospheric walk through the city’s darker stories. It’s an excellent way to enjoy Florence after sunset, combining engaging storytelling, authentic local flavors, and a bit of spooky fun. The enthusiastic guides, the quality tastings, and the hidden corners visited make it especially appealing for curious travelers who want more than just the usual sightseeing.

If you’re interested in Florence’s history with a spooky twist, love local wine and snacks, and prefer short, well-paced adventures, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s a delightful way to add some mystery and flavor to your Florence trip — and you might just leave with a few stories of your own.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 1.5 hours, making it a quick yet immersive experience suitable for an evening activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins in Piazza della Signoria under the statue of Cosimo de Medici and finishes back at the same meeting point.

Is food and wine included?
Yes, the tour features Chianti wine and Tuscan cold cuts at a prosciutteria, plus cantucci and Vin Santo at the end.

What makes this tour different from other Florence walks?
This tour combines dark legends and historic crimes with local tastings, creating a unique dark history experience that’s both informative and flavorful.

What should I wear?
Since it’s an outdoor walking tour, dress comfortably for the evening weather and wear good shoes for uneven cobblestone streets.

Is the group size small?
Reviews mention small groups, which makes for a more personalized and engaging experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts.

In the end, whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of local wines, or just someone looking to experience Florence’s mysterious side, this tour offers a practical, enjoyable, and authentically Florentine adventure.