VIP Tour: Early Access to David & Duomo - Explore Florentine Art and Architecture Without Crowds
4.8
478 Ratings
Firenze
Experience an exclusive VIP tour of Florence's top attractions, including early access to see Michelangelo's David and a guided tour of the Duomo's rooftop terraces. Avoid the crowds and enjoy a more intimate and in-depth exploration of Florentine art and architecture.
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Galleria dell’Accademia - You’ll commence your day early, accompanied by your knowledgeable local guide and a cozy group of no more than 18 individuals at the Accademia. Before the throngs of daytime visitors arrive, you’ll venture inside to witness the awe-inspiring “David” by Michelangelo, as well as his incomplete works known as the “Slaves,” offering a rare glimpse into the creative process of one of the most illustrious artists in history.
- Piazza del Duomo - Upon exiting the museum, your next stop is the Piazza del Duomo, situated right outside the Baptistery, where you’ll admire the magnificent bronze doors crafted by Lorenzo Ghiberti, famously named the “Gates of Paradise” by Michelangelo himself.
- Duomo - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore - Bypassing the queues, you’ll enter the Duomo with your guide, who will animate the extraordinary tale of its edification. You’ll cross the plush barriers to examine intricate details up close, culminating in the highlight of your excursion: the rare opportunity to ascend to the Duomo’s rooftop terraces, seldom accessible to the general public, which offer breathtaking, sweeping vistas.
- Cupola del Brunelleschi - After the guided portion of your tour wraps up at the terrace level, you’re invited to further your exploration by climbing to the apex of Florence, the dome itself. Beginning from this elevated position allows you to skip the extensive lines below, ensuring you’ll be reveling in the city’s magnificent views in no time.
What's Included
- Special access to the Duomo Terraces
- Skip the line tickets to the Accademia Gallery
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Skip the line access to climb the dome
- Headsets (when needed)
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Additional Information
Experience the artistic and architectural wonders of Florence by participating in a tour that allows you to skip the usually lengthy queues at the Accademia Gallery and the Duomo. Admire Michelangelo’s David during the serene morning hours, and then dive deep into a comprehensive tour of the Duomo, featuring the exclusive rooftop terraces, typically off-limits to the general public. With all admission fees covered and limited to a small group of no more than 18 guests to maintain a more personal feel, there is no superior method to explore the prominent landmarks of Florence.
- Please note: Only the morning tour will briefly tour the Florence cathedral. The afternoon tour will enjoy a view of the cathedral’s interior from above during the climb to the Duomo terraces. The order of the itinerary may vary to avoid the crowds and enhance your experience.
- Due to conditions inside the Duomo (463 steps and fairly narrow), wheelchairs, those with limited mobility, and anyone with claustrophobia cannot be accommodated on this tour.
- Children under 7 years old aren’t allowed on this tour.
- We ask all guests (including children) to bring their ID on the day of their tour.
- Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
Location
Piazza San Marco
The tour meets in Piazza San Marco, by the statue in the middle of the square.
This is a centrally-located square adjacent to Via degli Arazzieri and Via Giorgio la Pira, about 1/3 mile north of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. Your guide will be holding a Walks sign.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(478 Ratings)
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Chris_k
Apr 24, 2024
Fantastic way to start our day - Was a great tour. Saw so much and out guide made great suggestions for other locations to visit as well.
Review provided by Viator
Kenneth_d
Apr 22, 2024
Best Tour of Duomo and Statue of David - This was probably our favorite tour during our trip to Italy. Our guide was incredibly passionate about the history which made the tour even more exciting. Our guide also had special access to an area of the Duomo that was not on the typical tour. We were able to access the exterior on the side of the duomo, just under the start of the dome where we had incredible private views of the city. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone.
Review provided by Viator
Lisa_e
Apr 19, 2024
Excellent - Our Walks guide was excellent! She was very knowledgeable and professional. This is so worth it! Just do it.
Review provided by Viator
Timothy_k
Apr 19, 2024
The private tour was fantastic. - Viewing the statue of David and the walk up to the top of the Duomo was truly an experience of a lifetime. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Andrew_h
Apr 13, 2024
Very informative tour, we... - Very informative tour, we learnt a lot. Well worth the journey up the steps. Well worth the early morning start to miss the crowds that had formed by the time our tour finished
Review provided by Viator
Erin_g
Apr 12, 2024
Great for access to David & Duomo - I typically do not love tours this size, but it was a great way to avoid lines to the David & Duomo and get good information from the guide. He did a great job giving interesting background and context. Would recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Melany_r
Apr 10, 2024
Loved it! - We loved this tour. Our guide was extremely nice and knowledgeable. The views from the top of the Duomo are stunning!!
Review provided by Viator
Christopher_b
Apr 5, 2024
David & Dome Climb - Incredibly knowledgeable guide. Tour group was the only that allowed access to the terraces above the Cathedral which offered incredible views of Florence. From that vantage point, our tour guide allowed us to determine if we wanted to proceed to the top of the dome. Think of it as a rest stop before the final climb. Incredible views from the top! The lines were long in Florence. With this tour, we were able to see many sites!
Review provided by Viator
Stephanie
Apr 3, 2024
Just do it! - Worth every penny! Our guide Nebo was friendly, really engaging and knowledgeable. Not having to contend with long museum lines and crowds made for an easeful experience. We also appreciate the ample communication from the Operator before our scheduled date.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davidcp4896gu
Mar 28, 2024
Every first time visitor should do this. - Such a fantastic experience! Includes entrance to and tours of the Academia (original David by Michelangelo) and the Duomo (best views in Florence). Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and helpful and the climb to the top of the dome was not as taxing as I thought while def not to be missed. It's actually quite an interesting climb including walking between the ancient inner and outer domes. The 3 hours flew by. All in all, worth every penny.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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