Italy is steeped in history, particularly when it comes to Renaissance painters – and there’s no better place to take a guided tour to visit all of the most spectacular artworks, buildings and sculptures. If you’re planning your trip to Italy and wondering where is best to explore all things historical art, Rome, Florence, and Venice are without a doubt some of the most stunning. You can choose tours that will allow you to find out more about the greatest art collections, and the artists themselves, as well as the collections compiled throughout history by the Catholic Church in Vatican City. Below, we’ll look at the top 3 art history tours in Italy so you can create the most perfect trip to suit you.

Uffizi Gallery tour

If your Italian travels are taking you to Florence, one of the best art history tours that should not be missed is a tour of the Uffizi Gallery. Located in the centre of Florence, adjacent to the Piazza Della Signoria, this gallery fills both the first and second floors – and it’s not just the artwork that’s stunning. The building itself was built in the 1500s so you can see up close the architecture of historical Italy. Including an art tour at the Uffizi Gallery on your trip to Italy means you will get to see some of the most famous paintings in the country’s rich history, from collections to sculptures by artists including Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Caravaggio to name a few. On one of these tours, you will be able to find out more about the history behind the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, explore the Piazza Della Signoria Square, and admire the artworks themselves with a guided tour around the gallery.

Villa Borghese Gallery

Rome is most likely high up on your list of places to visit, and the Villa Borghese Gallery is one of the best places to go if you’re looking for spectacular landscape gardens, with buildings and museums galore. Situated in the third largest park in Rome, the gallery itself is home to some of the most iconic artworks by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Titian – so if it’s classic art you’re looking for, this gallery has its fair share of masterpieces. Once you’ve explored the gallery, you can take a walk outside and see all the stunning scenery from the Pincio terrace, which allows you to soak up the gardens with an overview of the ancient city of Rome. The gardens feature sculptures, water features and plants so you can bask in the atmosphere of your magnificent surroundings.

Vatican Museums

Vatican City is one of the most popular places to visit when in Italy, and it’s really no surprise as it boasts some of the richest histories in the world. The Vatican Museums are located in Vatican City, and you can take advantage of soaking up this historical area with the help of an expert, local guide. When exploring the Vatican Museums, you’ll see a more modern piece of artwork – a sphere within a sphere as you begin your experience. You’ll see the Cortile della Pigna, the Gallery of The Maps, Stanze di Raffaello or ‘Raphael’s Rooms’ which allows you to explore the works of Raphael as well as Michelangelo.

The Sistine Chapel will also feature on your tour of the Vatican Museums, there is no talking, but it’s sure to take your breath away. The Museo Pio Clementino is the last stop on your tour before heading to St. Peter’s Basilica if you choose. This is one of the most detailed, and beautiful tours that you could choose to include within your Italian break – and hiring an expert tour guide means you won’t miss any of the most exciting, must-see features.

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