The Tour of Fiesole is ideal to join your interest for history and art with the tranquilly of a hill town, only 20 minutes from Florence. Furthermore, a visit of Fiesole is a perfect tour of the countryside of Tuscany: hilly landscape, the skyline defined by the cypress trees, beautiful villas all over. This is a tour for the ones who have been already to Florence and wish to discover something different yet close, a little hill town that has a great history though. Forget about the big crowds lining up at Accademia Gallery. Enjoy the silence of Fiesole!
Another of the good things of Fiesole is that it’s practically attached to Florence. Actually, one can get to the main square (Piazza Mino da Fiesole) by public bus in less than half hour or can take a cab. Enjoy the marvelous view of the hills surrounding Florence on the way up, a switch back after the other. Lastly, another great reason to come to Fiesole is our tasteful extra virgin olive oil. In fact, we can also visit one of the most modern olive groves and mills of Italy, located on our sweet hills of Fiesole.
In the IV century, Fiesole was one of the biggest cities of Etruria, much earlier than the Romans conquered Italy. It was gradually absorbed by the Romans who highly considered the Etruscan civilization because of its refined culture and developed economy. Accordingly, Fiesole is traditionally considered the “mother of Florence”. Because of its richness and importance, Fiesole was fought and then defeated by Florence in 1125. It became the favorite place of the rich Florentine families (like the Medici) for building country villas.
From the end of the XVIII century, Fiesole became one of the preferred places in Italy for foreign nobles. They bought here huge mansions with amazing gardens. Furthermore, Fiesole was the shelter for poets and artists, who were inspired by its beauty. Among them the Renaissance artists Beato Angelico and Mino da Fiesole, and in the XX century, the painter Arnold Böcklin, the English collector Sir John Temple Leader, and the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
We will start our tour of Fiesole from the Fiesole archaeological area: first of all, the Etruscan temple and walls, the Roman baths and the Roman theatre. Therefore, we will visit the Cathedral of San Romolo. We will end our visit on the romantic hill of San Francesco, where we can enjoy a breath-taking view of Florence and have a look at the convent and the little Franciscans diocesan museum where pieces from ancient missions are exhibited (even Egyptian mummies!).
During the tour, a stop at local pasticceria Alcedo is a must-do. After having tried the torta della nonna (soft shortcrust pastry filled with thick custard) your concept of Heaven will definitely change. The pastry or the biscotti will be of course accompanied by an espresso, a caffè macchiato or a cappuccino. Finalized the tour, I suggest you have lunch or dinner in one of the delicious typical restaurants in Fiesole.
Fiesole also means olive trees. For the Florentines (and in particular the Fiesolani) extra virgin olive oil is something truly holy. First of all, the olives harvest is a family ritual. You have to put the nets first, then you start picking the olives. The next step is to divide the leaves and branches from the fruits. Lastly, take the olives to the “frantoio”, the olive oil mill. The most rewarding thing is to toast a piece of bread directly at the mill and spread your brand new oil on it. Simply divine! An experience that every one should have!
This is why we have created our Fiesole Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tasting experience! We will go by private van to an organic family farm, specialized in the production of excellent quality extra virgin olive oil. Firstly, we will visit the organic grove, guided by an expert. Then we will visit the oil mill, one of the most modern of Tuscany region. Ultimately, we will have a heavenly tasting combining extra virgin olive oil with different flavors, such as beans, bread, fresh cheese and even gelato!
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Where is Fiesole and how far is it from Florence?
Fiesole is a charming hill town located only 20 minutes from Florence, easily reachable by bus or taxi. By taxi is about 20 minutes, depending on the departing position. By bus is a 30 minutes ride and the n. 7 leaves from Piazza della Libertà . It takes you to Piazza Mino da Fiesole, where I’ll meet you.
Is this a good alternative to busy Florence attractions?
Yes. If you want to avoid crowds at places like Accademia, Uffizi or Duomo, this tour offers a peaceful and scenic alternative with equally rich history. I’m a big supporter of Fiesole, because it’s my home town.
Is this tour suitable for people who have already visited Florence?
Absolutely. This experience is ideal if you:
How physically demanding is the tour of Fiesole?
It’s a moderate walking tour, with some uphill paths typical of a hill town, but taken at a relaxed pace. It’s not a hiking, but Fiesole is on a hill, so some of the walking is a bit more strenuous. For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend the tour of Fiesole if you have walking restrictions.
Why choose the tour of Fiesole over staying in Florence?
Because it offers something completely different:
