Florence: Ghost & Crimes Walking Tour with Tastings and Wine

If you’re someone who loves wandering through historic cities at night, soaking up stories that blur the line between legend and history, this Florence ghost and crimes tour might just catch your eye. It’s not your typical stroll — it combines haunting tales of witches, heretics, and lost souls with some genuine Tuscan flavor in the form of wine and local snacks. From what we’ve seen in reviews, it’s a lively, engaging experience that offers more than just spooky stories; it’s a taste of Florence’s darker side, served with a generous side of local charm.

What makes this tour really appealing are two standout features. First, the expert guides seem to bring the legends to life, making Florence’s shadowy history vivid and exciting. Second, the food and wine tastings are praised for being authentic and well-curated, adding a delicious dimension to the evening. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour is quite quick — around two hours — so if you’re after a slow, in-depth exploration, this might feel a little brisk. Still, it’s perfect if you’re looking for a fun, atmospheric way to experience Florence after dark, especially if you enjoy stories with a bit of a spooky twist.

Who’s this tour best suited for? It’s a great pick for curious travelers who enjoy history, legends, and a bit of the macabre, paired with good wine and casual walking. Families with older children, history buffs, and those who appreciate a lively guide will likely find this experience hits the right notes. It’s also ideal if you want to combine a little bit of Florence’s nighttime atmosphere with a tasting experience that’s more than just a quick sip.

Key Points

• Engaging storytelling from knowledgeable guides makes legends come alive.
• The tastings of Chianti and Tuscan bites are well-reviewed for authenticity and quality.
• The tour covers haunted legends, historical secrets, and famous Florence sites.
• It’s a 2-hour experience, making it a manageable evening activity.
• The group size tends to be small, offering a more personalized feel.
• The location at Piazza della Signoria offers a scenic, iconic start point.
• The overall value for money is high, with multiple reviews praising the combination of stories, sights, and tastings.
• The experience ends with a sweet note at a traditional cernacchio, enjoying cantucci and Vin Santo.

This tour offers a walk through Florence’s shadowy, mysterious corners at night, blending history, legend, and local flavors into a single experience. Starting at Piazza della Signoria, you’ll meet your guide under the statue of Cosimo de Medici. From there, your journey into Florence’s haunted past begins.

The first stop is a quick, lively introduction to the ghosts of Florence, like the infamous Girolamo Savonarola and the lingering spirits of witches and heretics. We loved the way the guide brought these stories to life, making each legend feel like a window into the city’s darker history. It sets a fascinating tone, especially for those interested in the city’s less-polished stories.

Next, you’ll venture into Piazza Sant’Elisabetta, a more secluded, lesser-known spot. Here, you’ll hear about the Strega della Nebbia, or Mist Witch, whose cursed whispers are said to still echo through the fog. It’s a beautifully eerie corner, and the stories are delivered with just the right amount of theatrical flair. Several reviews mention how the guides keep the atmosphere lively without overdoing the theatrics, which is a big plus.

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Food and Wine Break in a Charming Prosciutteria

Midway through, you’ll pause at a cozy local prosciutteria near the Duomo for a tasting. Expect a glass of Chianti and a platter of cured meats and cheese, giving you a taste of authentic Tuscan flavors. Many reviews highlight how this is a genuinely enjoyable highlight — not just a quick sip, but a well-curated selection that complements the stories. It’s a perfect moment to relax and toast to the stories you’ve heard so far.

The Mysteries of Brunelleschi and the Duomo

Back on the move, you’ll explore the secret mysteries behind Brunelleschi’s Dome. This part of the tour is especially interesting for architecture buffs or those curious about Florence’s iconic landmarks. The guide hints at whether the dome was more than just an engineering marvel — some suggest it might have been an alchemical or spiritual gateway. We appreciated how the guide wove these legends into the broader history of Florence’s architecture.

Dark Legends and Witchcraft

Further down Via del Proconsolo, the story of Antonia da Castello, accused of devilish unguents, unfolds. Then, outside the Museo del Bargello, you’ll encounter Antonia la Nera, a witch said to have returned from the dead. These stories are some of the most captivating, and many reviews say the guide’s storytelling makes these figures feel real and compelling.

Ending on a Sweet Note

The tour concludes at a traditional cernacchio, where you’ll enjoy cantucci (almond cookies) with Vin Santo. It’s a simple but heartfelt way to wrap up an evening filled with dark legends and flavorful bites. Many reviews mention how this final stop feels like a warm, authentic local tradition and a fitting end to the experience.

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Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

• Piazza della Signoria: The perfect starting point, rich with Florence’s history and a dramatic setting for ghost stories.
• Guided storytelling: The guide interlaces legends with historical facts, making the dark tales more vivid.
• Secluded Piazza Sant’Elisabetta: A quiet spot that adds to the spooky atmosphere, perfect for storytelling about the Mist Witch.
• Food tasting in a prosciutteria: Offers a genuine taste of Tuscany, paired with wine, making the experience quite authentic and enjoyable.
• Secrets of Brunelleschi’s Dome: Adds a layer of architectural mystery and esoteric lore.
• Stories of witches and heretics: These tales add a thrilling, slightly chilling edge to the evening.
• Ending at Il Cernacchio: Savoring cantucci and Vin Santo provides a traditional, sweet closure.

What the Reviews Say

Multiple travelers have praised the knowledgeable and friendly guides, often highlighting Ilaria as a standout. One reviewer said, “Ilaria was fun and engaging,” reinforcing how good guides make or break this experience. The tastings are consistently praised for their quality and the way they enhance the storytelling, adding a relaxed, convivial touch to the dark tales.

Reviewers also appreciate the small group size, which creates a more intimate, personalized vibe. The overall value is high, considering how much you get — stories, sights, and tastings — all in just two hours. Some mention that the tour is quite quick, but many feel that the pacing keeps the experience lively and engaging without dragging.

At $59 per person, the tour offers a well-rounded package of history, legends, good food, and wine. Considering the quality of guides and the unique stories, many say it’s good value, especially given the authentic Tuscan tastings included. It’s not just about the spooky stories — it’s a way to see Florence from a different angle, with a local’s insight and a cozy nighttime ambiance.

• History and legend lovers looking for a lively nighttime experience.
• Travelers who enjoy wine and local bites incorporated into sightseeing.
• Those interested in Florence’s mysterious, darker stories.
• Small groups or solo travelers wanting a personalized feel.
• People who don’t mind a brisk two-hour walk and storytelling.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the stories are generally suitable for older children or teenagers who enjoy legends and history. Keep in mind the dark themes and brief walking.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable evening activity.

Where does the tour start?
It begins in Piazza della Signoria, under the equestrian statue of Cosimo de Medici.

What language is the guide in?
The tour is conducted in English, with live guides providing commentary throughout.

Does the tour include food and wine?
Yes, you’ll sample Chianti wine and Tuscan cold cuts in a prosciutteria, plus cantucci and Vin Santo at the end.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility if your plans shift.

Is the tour good value for money?
Based on reviews, yes. Travelers appreciate the combination of stories, sights, and tasty tastings, all delivered by friendly guides.

What is the group size?
While not specified exactly, the reviews mention small groups, which helps make the experience more intimate.

Are the stories historically accurate?
The stories blend historical facts with legends and folklore, making them engaging but not strictly academic. Guides are knowledgeable, adding credence to the tales.

This Florence ghost and crimes tour offers a unique blend of mysterious stories, historic sights, and flavorful tastings in a compact, lively package. It’s perfect for travelers wanting an evening that’s both entertaining and insightful, with a dash of local flavor. The guides are highly praised for their knowledge and charisma, making the stories feel alive.

If you’re an enthusiast of dark tales, historical intrigue, and authentic Tuscan food and wine, this experience strikes a great balance. Its two-hour duration makes it convenient for fitting into a busy itinerary, and the small-group setting ensures you won’t feel lost in the crowd. It’s a memorable way to explore Florence’s shadowy side, especially if you appreciate storytelling paired with a good glass of wine.

Ultimately, whether you’re a lone traveler, a couple, or a small group, this tour offers a charming and slightly haunting glimpse into Florence’s hidden, darker stories — all served with local bites and wine that make the evening even more enjoyable. Just be ready for some fun stories, atmospheric locations, and a taste of Tuscany’s traditional hospitality.

You can check availability for your dates here: