The concierge desk at a five-star hotel in Florence can arrange almost anything — but a request that’s specific gets a better result than one that isn’t. Here’s what to actually tell them, and when, if you want a private tour built around your stay rather than a generic one.
Why the Concierge Matters More in Florence Than Elsewhere
Florence is small, its major sites cap daily visitor numbers, and the best private guides are booked out weeks ahead in high season. A concierge who knows the city can match you with a guide who fits your interests and, just as importantly, knows which requests need to go out today rather than next week. Treating the concierge as a scheduling shortcut, rather than a search engine, tends to get better results.
What to Tell Them Before They Book Anything
Give the concierge more than “we want a tour guide.” Useful details include: how many people and their ages (a tour for two adults is paced very differently from one with grandparents and young children), how many hours you actually have free, what you’ve already seen or plan to see on your own, and any mobility, dietary, or accessibility needs. A guide who knows this in advance can build a route that fits, instead of adjusting on the fly.
When to Ask
For peak season (spring and early autumn especially), ask as soon as you have your dates confirmed — ideally weeks before arrival, not the morning after you land. If you’re flexible, ask the concierge which morning in your stay has the least conflict with other bookings; the best private guides don’t hold open slots indefinitely.
Questions Worth Asking the Concierge Directly
Is the guide they’re recommending licensed to lead inside state museums, not just walk the streets? Does the quote include entry tickets, or are those booked separately? And is the tour private, or could it be combined with another party? None of these are awkward questions — a concierge used to arranging tours will have the answers ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I book a private tour through the concierge or directly with a guide?
Either works; a concierge adds convenience and local vetting, while booking directly can mean more direct communication about exactly what you want.
How much notice does a hotel concierge need to arrange a private guide?
Several weeks in peak season is safest, especially for a specific morning or a specific guide.
Do concierges charge extra to arrange a private tour?
This varies by hotel; the guide’s fee is separate from any hotel service arrangement, so it’s worth asking directly.
Planning Your Visit
Valentina Fodde and Elisa Gurau, licensed private guides based in Florence, work directly with concierge teams at the city’s leading hotels to arrange tours that fit around a guest’s stay rather than a fixed script. Whether your hotel connects you or you’d rather reach out directly, get in touch with your dates and what you’d like to see.
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