Florence Crimes, Murders & Ghosts Walking Tour with Tastings

If you’re looking for a walking tour in Florence that offers more than just pretty piazzas and Renaissance art, this Florence Crimes, Murders & Ghosts Tour might be exactly what you need. It’s a fascinating blend of spooky stories, historical intrigue, and delicious Tuscan flavors—all wrapped into about two hours of walking through the city’s shadowy corners.

What we really appreciate about this experience are two things: first, the expert storytelling that brings Florence’s more sinister side to life, and second, the culinary stops that let you enjoy authentic local wine, cold cuts, and sweet cantucci. A possible downside? The tour’s focus on dark stories and uncomfortable histories may not be for everyone—if you prefer lighthearted sightseeing, this might feel a bit intense.

That said, it’s perfect for travelers who enjoy stories that aren’t usually part of the standard Florence experience, and who are curious about the city’s hidden, sometimes unsettling, layers. It’s especially well-suited for those who like a little thrill with their history and love pairing storytelling with local flavors.

Key Points

• Historical depth: The tour explores Florence’s darker past, including executions, tortures, and unresolved mysteries.
• Engaging storytelling: Guides are praised for being knowledgeable and personable, making complex stories easy to follow.
• Taste of Tuscany: The experience includes wine tastings, cold cuts, and traditional cantucci with Vin Santo—an authentic local treat.
• Unique sights: From Piazza della Signoria to the hidden Vicolo dei Lavatoi and the Mugnone River, you’ll see some lesser-known spots.
• Atmospheric stops: The tour visits historic sites like the Bargello prison and the Stinche, adding a visceral sense of Florence’s justice history.
• Duration and price: For around $34, you get 1.5-2 hours of guided exploration, making it a good value for those interested in dark history and food.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Overall Flow

This tour begins in Piazza della Signoria, right beneath the imposing statue of Cosimo I de Medici, a fitting spot to start exploring Florence’s more macabre stories. The guide will set the tone here, sharing tales of public executions and the city’s history of justice, making you feel like you’re stepping back into an era where life could be just as brutal as it was beautiful.

From there, the route takes you down Via dei Calzaiuoli and into the quieter Vicolo dei Lavatoi. It’s a narrow alley that feels surprisingly peaceful but is steeped in whispers of the past—stories of penance and obsession that still seem to echo off the stone walls. The guide’s storytelling makes these hidden corners come alive, and you’ll find yourself looking at them with new eyes.

The Underlying Darkness: Mugnone and Florence’s Hidden Stories

One of the more chilling elements of this tour is the story of the Mugnone River, known locally as the “River of Corpses.” Historically, it was a place of drownings, disappearances, and occult rumors. Walking above it, you get a sense of the dark undercurrent that once flowed beneath Florence’s picturesque streets. It’s a vivid reminder that beneath the beauty of the city lies a complex history of violence and mystery.

Rest Stop and Tasting Break

Midway, you’ll stop at a local prosciutteria near the Duomo—a cozy spot where you can relax, sip some Tuscan wine, and sample a curated board of cold cuts and cheeses. This isn’t just a snack; it’s a chance to taste Florence’s flavors as the guide shares stories of the city’s culinary traditions. Vegetarian options are available, which is thoughtful for those with dietary restrictions.

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Exploring Florence’s Justice and Punishment

The journey continues to the Bargello, Florence’s former palace used for torture and justice. Here, the stories of punishment come vividly to life, including the story of Beatrice Cenci, a young woman accused of parricide under tragic and brutal circumstances. The guide paints a picture of judicial practices that were as theatrical as they were cruel, helping us understand how control and fear shaped the city’s history.

Next, you pass through Via Ghibellina and learn about the Stinche prison, notorious for its harsh conditions. The legend of the Tabernacolo delle Stinche—where condemned prisoners would stop to pray before their final walk—adds a haunting note to the experience, emphasizing the human stories behind Florence’s stone walls.

The Final Touch: Sweet Ending with Cantucci and Vin Santo

The tour wraps up at a historic cernacchio (a local wine cellar), where you’ll taste cantucci (almond cookies) paired with Vin Santo, a sweet Tuscan dessert wine. This indulgence echoes the city’s bittersweet history—beautiful, complex, and layered with stories of love, loss, and reverence.

The Value of the Experience

At $34 per person, this tour offers excellent value—especially considering the combination of engaging storytelling, historic sights, and authentic tastings. The reviews consistently praise the guides, highlighting their knowledge, personable style, and ability to make dark stories fascinating rather than morbid. The fact that reviews mention “delicious food” and “charming guides” suggests that the food component adds a lot to the overall experience.

The length—about 90 minutes—makes it a manageable addition to a day of sightseeing. It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy stories with a darker edge or if you want to see Florence from a different perspective. The storytelling style seems to resonate well with travelers who appreciate detailed, well-informed guides.

Practical Considerations

The tour is available in English and Spanish, which broadens accessibility. It’s designed for anyone interested in true crime, the city’s shadowy history, and local flavors—all packaged into a concise walk. Since it involves walking through historic streets, comfortable shoes are recommended, and you should be prepared for some uneven surfaces and narrow alleys.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who are curious about Florence beyond its famous art and architecture. If you’re intrigued by stories of executions, ancient punishments, and mysterious legends, you’ll find this tour compelling. It’s also perfect for those who love pairing history with food and drink, as the tastings are a significant part of the experience.

However, if you’re sensitive to dark themes or prefer lighter sightseeing, this might not be the ideal choice. The stories involve some grisly details and the darker side of justice, making it more suitable for adults or older travelers comfortable with that atmosphere.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour focuses on dark historical stories, including executions and punishments, so it’s generally better suited for adults or older teens comfortable with mature themes.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the pace and group size.

What’s included in the price?
You get an experienced English-speaking guide, along with wine and food tastings at designated stops, including cold cuts, Tuscan wine, and cantucci with Vin Santo.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point varies depending on your booking, but it typically begins in Piazza della Signoria or a nearby central location.

Is the tour walkable for all?
Yes, it’s a walking tour through historic streets and alleys, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

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

Are the tastings vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, vegetarian options are available at the food stops.

Is the guide available in languages other than English?
Yes, the tour is also offered in Spanish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a different perspective on Florence, this Crimes, Murders & Ghosts Tour offers a compelling mix of history, mystery, and local flavors. Its storytelling is highly praised, and the tastings provide a delightful taste of Tuscany. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy a little thrill, are interested in Florence’s darker stories, and want to pair that with authentic culinary experiences.

While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate a well-crafted narrative, atmospheric sites, and a taste of local wine will find this tour a memorable addition to their Florence trip. Just keep in mind that it involves some darker themes and walking through historic, sometimes eerily quiet streets.

All in all, this experience strikes a nice balance between entertainment, education, and indulgence—making it a standout choice for explorers eager to see Florence from a different, more mysterious angle.

You can check availability for your dates here: