Florence Medici Conspiracy Quest: Self-Guided Puzzle Walk

4.39

(36 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, is that the next clue or did I just get lost again?” That’s what I said out loud, standing in Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, phone in hand and feeling a bit like a Renaissance detective (minus the cape). The Medici conspiracy quest had us weaving through Florence’s streets, following cryptic hints that popped up on my screen. There was this moment outside the Basilica when an older Florentine couple paused to watch us argue over a puzzle — the woman smiled and said something about “giovani curiosi,” which I think means curious young people? Anyway, it made me laugh.

The best part was how the city felt different when you’re searching for secrets. We’d stop at places like the Medici Chapels and suddenly notice details I’d missed before — the cool stone under my hand, incense drifting from somewhere inside. At Piazza della Signoria, we sat on a bench to figure out a riddle, and this little dog came up and sniffed our bags (no treasure there, sorry buddy). Sometimes we’d just pause for gelato or to stare up at the Duomo — honestly, you can take as long as you want on this day trip around Florence since it’s all self-guided.

I didn’t expect to get so caught up in the story behind each clue. The app would drop these bits of Medici drama — betrayals, alliances — right as you reached each landmark. Ponte Vecchio looked different when you imagine spies sneaking across it centuries ago. By the time we got to Pitti Palace, my friend was convinced she could solve any conspiracy now (she can’t even find her keys most days). But really, it made me feel closer to Florence than any regular walking tour ever has.