A Tale of Cloaks and Robes

Explore two of Florence’s most iconic churches on a journey through painting, sculpture, and architecture that reveals how two great preaching orders shaped the city’s spiritual and artistic legacy. Santa Croce, the Franciscan basilica, houses masterpieces by Cimabue, Giotto, Donatello, Brunelleschi and others, and holds the tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli. Its vast spaces and narrative frescoes reflect a humble, human-focused approach to faith. After a relaxing break with a sandwich and a glass of wine, we’ll cross the heart of Florence to reach Santa Maria Novella. This Dominican church is a treasure of early Renaissance art, featuring works by Giotto, Brunelleschi, and Ghirlandaio. Every chapel reveals a different language of devotion, rooted in theology and Dominican preaching. The experience ends with a visit to the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, a historic apothecary active since 1221, where centuries of monastic knowledge live on.

What makes this experience unique is the way Claudia guides you through centuries of Florentine art—not just with knowledge, but with curiosity and narrative flair. A licensed guide with over a decade of experience, Claudia is also an architectural historian with a special passion for painting and sculpture. Her background allows her to weave together stylistic analysis, historical insight, and unexpected stories that bring each artwork, chapel, and buried figure vividly to life. Claudia’s ability to move between formal interpretation and intimate detail gives this experience a rare depth. Through her perspective, you’ll not only learn to recognize artistic styles and techniques, but also understand how they reflect two contrasting visions of faith: the Franciscan emphasis on humility and humanity, and the Dominican focus on intellect and theology. Each church becomes a lens through which to explore how art was used to move, teach, and inspire.

Claudia Vannucci is a licensed tour guide based in Florence, where she has been sharing her knowledge and passion for over ten years. She lives and breathes her city every day, bringing its stories to life through a unique mix of historical insight and personal connection. Alongside her work as a guide, Claudia is also an architecture historian and a travel writer, with a special interest in how stories and memories are rooted in place. One of her deepest passions is the study of cemeteries—a subject she has researched for years and written two books about. With a curious mind and a storyteller’s spirit, Claudia delights in discussing everything from Renaissance art to Florentine cuisine, with occasional detours into the world of horror movies and true crime.

Comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing to enter Catholic churches (cover knees and shoulders).