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A display of perfume bottles and boxes on a wooden counter. 1
A church interior with high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and rows of pews. 2
A fresco with figures in historical attire, architectural arches, and a landscape background. 3
A church facade with frescoes, a wooden door, and a stone archway. 4
An ornate bar with a checkered floor and gold accents. 5

Florence: Santa Maria Novella Basilica & Perfume Tour

By Behind Italy
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$450 per adult* *Get a lower price by selecting multiple travellers
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 1h 30m
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Multiple languages

Overview

Behind the façade of Santa Maria Novella lies a storey most visitors never discover.
Join a local guide to explore the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella and the historic Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the world’s oldest pharmacies and perfume houses.
Inside the Basilica, discover Renaissance art, Gothic architecture, frescoes, chapels, sacred symbols, and the legacy of the Dominican friars. Then continue to the Officina, where medicinal herbs, aromatic plants, essences, and Florentine craftsmanship shaped a perfume tradition admired worldwide. What makes this tour different is the connection between the two places. Instead of visiting them separately, you’ll understand how Dominican medicine, herbal knowledge, Renaissance art, perfume, and Florentine beauty are part of the same storey.
This is a great choice if you want to experience Florence beyond the Duomo and Uffizi, with a tour focused on art, history, perfume, hidden gems, and culture.

Activity location

  • Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
    • Piazza di Santa Maria Novella 18
    • 50123, Florence, Italy

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Santa Maria Novella
    • Firenze, Toscana, Italy

Check availability

Private option

  • Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes1h 30m
    1h 30m
  • English
Starting time: 11:00 AM
Price details
NZ$587.07 x 1 AdultNZ$587.07
Total
Price is NZ$587.07
Until Sun, 16 Aug

Florence: Art and Perfume at Santa Maria Novella

  • Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes1h 30m
    1h 30m
  • English
Price details
NZ$449.63 x 1 AdultNZ$449.63
Total
Price is NZ$449.63
Until Sun, 16 Aug

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Guided visit of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Introduction to Dominican history, Renaissance art, and Florentine perfume heritage
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Licensed tour guide
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Visit to the historic Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Small-group or private experience, depending on the option selected
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Entrance tickets to the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Transport to and from the meeting point
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Food and drinks
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Personal expenses
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Shopping at the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Perfume-making workshop
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Service charge

Know before you book

  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
  • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travellers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Activity itinerary

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket included
Meet your private guide in Piazza Santa Maria Novella and admire the exterior of the Basilica, one of Florence’s most elegant Renaissance façades. Step inside the Dominican complex and discover its artistic treasures, including Masaccio’s Holy Trinity, Renaissance frescoes, hidden portraits, family symbols, and stories connected to Florence’s artistic and cultural identity.

Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

  • 30m
  • Admission ticket included
Visit the historic Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy and discover the Dominican friars’ tradition of herbs, remedies, essences, and perfumes. Learn how this centuries-old heritage became one of Florence’s most refined symbols of beauty, craftsmanship, and sensory culture.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
    • Piazza di Santa Maria Novella 18
    • 50123, Florence, Italy

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Santa Maria Novella
    • Firenze, Toscana, Italy

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Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. We offer one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Florence your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.