This VIP tour offers visitors a chance to skip the long lines and explore two of Florence’s most iconic landmarks – the Accademia Gallery and the Duomo. With expert English-speaking guides, guests will dive into the rich history and art of these sites, including an up-close encounter with Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the David. But the highlights don’t stop there. Visitors will also ascend to the top of the Duomo, enjoying breathtaking views of the Florentine skyline. With convenient inclusions like skip-the-line tickets and headsets, this comprehensive tour provides a seamless and immersive experience. What secrets and wonders await those who choose to embark on this exclusive journey?
Just The Basics
- This tour offers skip-the-line access to the Accademia Gallery and Duomo, allowing visitors to see Michelangelo’s David and climb the Duomo’s dome.
- The tour is led by an expert English-speaking guide who provides insights into the Renaissance-era history and art of these landmarks.
- Visitors can explore Michelangelo’s unfinished Slaves sculptures at the Accademia Gallery, gaining a unique perspective on the artist’s creative process.
- The tour includes skip-the-line entry and access to the Duomo’s terraces and dome, providing stunning city views.
- The tour starts at a convenient meeting point in Piazza San Marco and ends at Piazza del Duomo, allowing for further exploration.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
This small-group tour offers skip-the-line access to both the Accademia Gallery and the Duomo, allowing visitors to explore two of Florence’s top highlights.
Led by an expert English-speaking guide, the tour provides insights into the Renaissance-era history and art of these iconic landmarks.
At the Accademia Gallery, you’ll see Michelangelo’s renowned masterpiece, the statue of David, as well as his unfinished sculptures, The Slaves.
Then, you’ll head to the Duomo, where you’ll skip the lines to climb to the top of the impressive dome and enjoy stunning views of the city.
With headsets provided when needed, this comprehensive tour ensures a seamless and memorable experience.
Tour Inclusions
The tour includes an expert English-speaking guide, who provides insights into the Renaissance-era history and art of the Accademia Gallery and the Duomo. Visitors also get to skip the lines for entry to both locations. At the Accademia Gallery, they’ll see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David and his unfinished Slaves sculptures. The tour then continues to the Duomo, where guests can skip the lines to climb to the top of the impressive dome and enjoy stunning views of Florence. Headsets are provided when needed throughout the experience.
| Included | Accademia Gallery | Duomo |
|---|---|---|
| Skip-the-line Tickets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to Terraces | – | ✓ |
| Dome Climb | – | ✓ |
| Headsets | ✓ | ✓ |
Meeting and Pickup
The meeting point for the tour is located in Piazza San Marco, Firenze, Italy.
The tour ends at Piazza del Duomo, Firenze, Italy.
This convenient meeting location allows participants to easily find the starting point.
From there, the tour will take guests to the Accademia Gallery and the Duomo, two of Florence’s most iconic landmarks.
The end point at the Duomo makes it simple for travelers to continue exploring the area on their own after the tour concludes.
With the meeting and pickup details clearly outlined, participants can feel confident about where to begin and end their VIP experience in Florence.
Tour Itinerary
After being guided to the meeting point, the tour kicks off with a visit to the renowned Accademia Gallery, where you will have the chance to behold Michelangelo’s iconic masterpiece, ‘David’. The group will also explore Michelangelo’s unfinished sculptures, known as the Slaves.
Next, they’ll head to the Duomo, where they’ll skip the lines to access the Duomo Terraces and climb to the top of the Duomo dome. Along the way, the guide will provide insights into the Duomo Baptistry and the influential Medici family.
This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of two of Florence’s most iconic landmarks, allowing travelers to avoid long queues and explore the city’s rich Renaissance history.
Visit the Accademia Gallery
Tour participants begin their journey at the renowned Accademia Gallery, where they’ll have the chance to behold Michelangelo’s iconic masterpiece, ‘David’. This breathtaking 17-foot sculpture is a testament to the artist’s unparalleled skill and vision.
The highlights of the Accademia visit include:
- Admiring the towering figure of ‘David’ up close.
- Examining the intricate details and proportions of this masterpiece.
- Gaining insight into Michelangelo’s artistic approach through The Slaves, his unfinished sculptures, which offer a glimpse into the creative process of this Renaissance genius.
This in-depth exploration sets the stage for the tour’s next stop, the iconic Duomo.
Explore Michelangelo’s Unfinished Sculptures
Along With the iconic ‘David‘, the tour offers a captivating exploration of Michelangelo’s unfinished sculptures, known as The Slaves.
These partial figures provide a unique window into the artist’s creative process, showcasing his mastery of form and his ability to breathe life into marble.
Visitors can observe the figures emerging from the blocks of stone, as if the artist had stepped away mid-creation.
These unfinished works offer a rare glimpse into Michelangelo’s imagination and the challenges he faced in translating his grand visions into tangible works of art.
The Slaves are a testament to the genius of this Renaissance master and a highlight of the Accademia Gallery tour.
See the Duomo Baptistry
As visitors explore the iconic Duomo, they’ll also have the opportunity to marvel at the adjacent Baptistry, a remarkable architectural gem that predates the cathedral itself.
The Baptistry is renowned for its stunning bronze doors, which feature intricate biblical scenes masterfully crafted by renowned sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti. Visitors can admire the building’s distinctive octagonal shape and impressive marble facade, as well as its striking interior decorated with stunning mosaics.
Plus, the Baptistry is home to the renowned Font of St. John, a magnificent bronze baptismal font that has been used for centuries to perform the sacred rite of baptism. This captivating structure offers a glimpse into Florence’s rich history and architectural heritage.
Climb to the Top
Guests then embark on a thrilling climb up the famous Duomo dome, scaling the 463 steps to reach the top of this iconic Florentine landmark.
The ascent offers a unique vantage point, allowing visitors to take in breathtaking panoramic views of Florence’s historic city center. As they make their way up, they’ll marvel at the intricate architecture and engineering that went into constructing this remarkable structure.
At the summit, guests are rewarded with a 360-degree perspective, gazing out over the terracotta rooftops, winding streets, and distant Tuscan hills. This unforgettable experience provides an unparalleled opportunity to truly appreciate the grandeur and beauty of Florence from above.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Florence Pizza or Pasta Class With Gelato Making at a Tuscan Farm
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside
- Florence, Cradle of the Renaissance
- Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse With Local Market Tour From Florence
- Chianti Safari: Tuscan Villas With Vineyards, Cheese, Wine & Lunch From Florence
- Florence Vespa Tour: Tuscan Hills and Italian Cuisine
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, you can take photos during the tour. Photography is generally allowed at the Accademia Gallery and the Duomo, except in certain restricted areas. However, you should check with your guide for any specific photography rules or limitations.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The dress code for this tour is casual and comfortable. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate clothing that covers their shoulders and knees when entering religious sites like the Duomo. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Dome Climb?
The tour has a minimum age requirement of 7 years old for the dome climb. Children under 7 are not allowed to participate in this portion of the tour due to safety concerns.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, you cannot bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour does not include any provisions, so you’ll need to purchase any snacks or beverages separately before or after the tour activities.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour operator offers discounts for students and seniors. Students must provide a valid student ID, while seniors aged 65+ can get a reduced rate. Discounts are applied at the time of booking.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Florence Untold Bike Tour
- Florence by Golf Cart Piazzale Michelangelo
- Discover Florence: Uffizi and Accademia Gallery Small-Group Tour
- Tuscany Private Day Trip Siena and San Gimignano From Florence
- Florence Street Food Tour, Market and City Center
- Skip-the-Line Accademia and Michelangelos David Tour for Kids and Families
- Private Photo Walking Tour in Florence
- Chefactory Market Tour in Florence+ 4 Courses Cooking Class
- Combo Tour -Accademia Gallery & Uffizi
- Florence: Historic Highlights Walking Tour
- Vespa Tour in Tuscany From Florence
- Tuscany Private Tour With Wine and Cheese Tasting From Florence
- Taste of Emilia-Romagna: Parmigiano, Prosciutto and Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
- Private Tour to Siena and San Gimignano With Wine Tasting & Lunch
- Private Skip-the-Line Florence Highlights and David Walking Tour
Final Words
This comprehensive tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Florence’s iconic landmarks, the Accademia Gallery and the Duomo.
With skip-the-line access, visitors can explore the history and art of these sites, including Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the David, and the unfinished Slaves sculptures.
The tour also grants access to the Duomo’s terraces and the chance to climb the dome, offering breathtaking views of the Florentine skyline.
The inclusions, such as skip-the-line tickets and headsets, provide a seamless and immersive experience.
