24 Jul 2025
We were lucky enough to be in the ultimate small group, with just 2 in a mid-afternoon tour guided by Gianna. The tour started with a discussion of the Uffizi and an explanation of its parts before we passed security and started on the art.
If all the other guides are even half as knowledgeable as Gianna, any tour will be a winner, as she displayed near encyclopedic knowledge of the art and history in the Uffizi and the concepts involved.
Listening to an analysis of a painting and then turning around and looking at a similar picture from a different artist or era is eye opening, and greatly expanded our understanding of the development of art, especially between 1200 and 1800. The works on display are overwhelming, but Gianna carefully wove a narrative through the galleries and rooms that allowed us to truly get much more from this visit than we ever would have expected.
The ultimate ability to wander a bit on our own after the tour concluded was a very welcome bonus that is often not allowed on these guided tours. Highly recommended.