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Florence Duomo Exclusive Access Tour with Terraces View

See the Duomo like nobody else — Exclusive entry and private terrace level access with an expert guide
From US$1,442 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
3.5 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Florence Duomo
  • Museo dell'Opera Del Duomo
  • Baptistery of St. John
  • Florence Duomo Terraces
Photos & Highlights
  • Join an engaging, local expert at the top of their field as you explore exclusive access to Florence Duomo Terraces
  • Unique, personal tours for the intentional traveler. Choose from private tours for just you and your party, or join a small group tour with up other travelers
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Tour Description
Embark on a journey to the heart of the Renaissance, where architectural brilliance and artistic splendor converge. On this tour, you will have access to skip-the-line entry to Florence’s famed cathedral and an exclusive, private visit to the terraces level, one hundred and fifty steps above ground level. 

You will take in sweeping views of the city below and the dome above, and the elaborate rose window, or rosone, will be just within reach. You'll discover the engineering work involved in its construction and your guide will share their insight into Brunelleschi’s genius ways. 

After admiring the views of the city and the Tuscan hills beyond, you will descend into the main cathedral and be guided through the areas of the majestic Duomo complex. You will be awed by the volume of space created by the dome and the peaceful stillness in one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Your expert guide will narrate the captivating tale of the cathedral's construction, spanning nearly six centuries.

You will then venture into the Baptistery of St. John, an octagonal marvel crowned by a shimmering bronze dome, and admire Ghiberti’s famed doors depicting scenes from the Old and the New Testament in cast bronze. Finally, you'll head across the square to see the Duomo Museum, in existence for one hundred and fifty years and newly renovated in 2015.

As your exclusive and unforgettable experience draws to a close, you'll take with you an indelible imprint of the city's splendor, the magnificence of fifteenth-century engineering and its legacy on Florence and the world today.

Please Note:  As of recently the dome of the Baptistery is under restoration so the mosaics cannot be seen. The rest of the structure is visitable, though there is a large scaffolding in the center of the baptistery. Unfortunately, this restoration is expected to take several years. Any monument of the Duomo complex can be closed unexpectedly for maintenance, religious purposes, or unknown reasons; we appreciate your understanding and flexibility as this is out of our control.
  • You crave an elevated experience with a guide who has advanced academic knowledge
  • You want to avoid the crowds by having an exclusive and private experience
  • You want to connect to a deeper level to the history of Florence to frame the rest of your trip
  • Florence Duomo – named Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, fourth largest church in the world renowned for its awe-inspiring dome.
  • Duomo Museum – museum dedicated to the history and art of the Florence Cathedral.
  • Baptistery of St. John – octagonal-shaped religious building known for its intricate bronze doors depicting scenes from the Old and the New Testament.
Tickets
  • Includes skip-the-line access tickets to the Florence Duomo and a private visit to the Terraces level.
  • Upon receiving your order, our team will secure a guide. We pre-reserve the dates and time slots; this tour is available on a limited basis and sells out quickly.
Resources
Wheelchair accessibility
  • There is no elevator access to reach the terraces level as it is only reachable by climbing 150 stairs. The terrace visit is not possible to do in a wheelchair, with a walker or for someone with climbing difficulties. The rest of the tour can be done by someone with mobility restrictions.
Service Dogs
  • Service dogs are allowed if you have a medical certificate proving the need. 
For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.

Are we alone in the Duomo and Baptistery on this tour?
Access to the Terraces level is done through a completely private and exclusive tour, however, other visitors will be in the church, baptistery, and museum during your tour of those areas.

Can we climb the Cupola?
On this tour, you will climb to the Terraces level and enjoy the exclusive view from there. The Cupola climb is not included on this tour.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
6 Reviews (5.0)

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Kate was absolutely brilliant and this was such a special tour. Kate explained everything so well and spent longer with us in the museum. The terrace gave spectacular views of Florence and we were so lucky that the cathedral was emptied just before we did the terraces that we have photos with no other tourists. Kate managed the time brilliantly and we never felt rushed.
Sibo was a great guide. We learned about the history of the basilica, went in to the baptistry, then the Duomo museum, ending in the basilica and walking up to the terraces. Amazing views. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Sibo.
This was my second time with Siro. He was every bit as informative, easy to be with and is deeply appreciative of history and whether you enjoyed the tour. Excellent.