Tour Details
About the Tour
- Category
- History, Orientation, Full-Day Private Tours
- Duration
- 6.5 hours
- Location
- Florence
Photos & Highlights
- A comprehensive view into the history and culture of Florence for first-time or returning visitors
- Led by an expert local guide or scholar
- Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, Florence Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Michelangelo's David, The Birth of Venus, Primavera, Venus of Urbino, and Ponte Vecchio
Tour Description
Beautiful Florence in Italy’s Tuscany region is home to many significant masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. Step back through time with this 6.5-hour tour that pulls together some of the city’s most charming highlights in an unforgettable day of Italian adventure. In the company of a local expert, we will visit the world-famous Uffizi Gallery, marvel at the Duomo in the main historical center of the city, stop for a delicious lunch, and visit one of the city's most famous pieces of art, Michelangelo’s Statue of David showcased in the Accademia Gallery. This day tour provides an overview of Florence’s history and some of its most famous sites, perfect for travelers with a desire to soak up this spectacular Italian city.
Sites Visited
- Uffizi Gallery
- Accademia Gallery
- Florence Duomo
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Michelangelo's David
- The Birth of Venus
- Primavera
- Venus of Urbino
- Ponte Vecchio
Included
- 6.5-hour private tour with a local expert guide
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries
Itinerary Details
Our day of Italian adventure begins at the Uffizi Gallery, which houses one of the world's greatest collections of Renaissance art. We’ll begin with a short introduction in a nearby Piazza, before spending around 2 hours exploring masterpieces. Your guide will introduce you to some of the museum’s grandest pieces, including works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Giotto, and Da Vinci.
Next, we will continue our explorations through a walking tour of the charming city. You’ll visit famous sites such as the Arcone, a triumphal arch erected in 1895, the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, and the exterior of Palazzo Vecchio. Then be prepared to be impressed and marvel at the most important landmark in Florence and Brunelleschi's later masterpiece, the iconic Duomo. We will circuit the impressive exterior and discuss the importance of this fourth largest cathedral in the world, also learning about the nearby Baptistery in Florentine art and civic history as we go. Our incredible morning will be topped off with a delicious Italian lunch at a local restaurant (at your own expense).
After lunch, we will make our way to the Accademia Gallery and view the famous masterpiece, Michelangelo’s Statue of David. You’ll learn about the life of Michelangelo in Florence and how his techniques forever changed the way that artists and sculptors would approach their craft. We will discuss Michelangelo’s early years and career under the patronage of the powerful Medici family, and admire David, the artist's masterpiece and consummate symbol of the Florentine Renaissance.
At the end of this awe-inspiring day filled with the best of what Florence has to offer, you will come out with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the city's art, architecture, history, and culture.
Interested in seeing more of Florence's incredible history? Check out our Florence Medici Tour.
Interested in seeing more of Florence's incredible history? Check out our Florence Medici Tour.
FAQ
For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where do we meet? Where does the tour end?
You will meet your expert guide in front of the wooden door at Piazza della Signoria #4 which is located between Caffè Rivoire and the Chanel store. The tour will end at the Academia Museum. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map, and a 24-hour phone number for any last-minute issues.
Is the Duomo included on this tour?
Yes, you will see the Duomo on this tour and discuss its magnificent exterior and significance. It doesn’t however include a visit inside the cathedral. If you wish to visit inside and learn more about the Duomo, book our Florence with Kate, Cultural Historian tour. If you would really like to go inside it as part of this tour please contact us and we will discuss options with you.
Can the tour start later than 8:30 am?
Yes, the latest we can begin the tour is at 10:30 am, and the earliest start time is 8 am.
Does this tour run every day?
No, we are unable to run this tour on Mondays as the Accademia Gallery and Uffizi are closed.
Will the tour still run if the Accademia Gallery tickets are sold out?
Yes, we will offer you an alternative venue in the event that the Accademia Gallery is sold out on your dates. Please do book early, most visitors to Florence wish to see Michelangelo's David statue and tickets sell out in the summer months, at Christmas and during Spring Break/Easter periods.
Will the tour still run if the Accademia Gallery tickets are sold out?
Yes, we will offer you an alternative venue in the event that the Accademia Gallery is sold out on your dates. Please do book early, most visitors to Florence wish to see Michelangelo's David statue and tickets sell out in the summer months, at Christmas and during Spring Break/Easter periods.
Can I reuse my purchase ticket to visit the museums another day?
We buy single-day tickets that can not be reused.
Is this tour walking-intensive and/or wheelchair accessible?
The route may include narrow sidewalks and cobblestoned streets; please contact us to discuss in more detail your mobility concerns so that we can best advise.
What costs will I need to cover on the day?
We will pre-purchase your skip-the-line tickets for both the Uffizi and Accademia. You will be expected to cover the cost of your lunch and any additional refreshments.
Where You'll Start
Tour Experts
Cornelia has a PhD in art history from Columbia University and wrote her dissertation on Renaissance city planning. She is especially knowledgeable about Medici patronage. In addition to her research and teaching, Cornelia, a mother of a disabled child, runs an association dedicated to barrier-free travel in Florence and is author of "The Accessible Guide to Florence."
Elizabeth recently received her MA in Florentine Renaissance art from Syracuse University in Florence. Her interests include women's history and women artists, particularly by women in convents. In addition to leading walks, she also lectures at various universities and institutions in Florence.
Valerie received her BA with distinction in Art History and Museology at the University of Florence, focusing on the Renaissance art market. Although German, Valerie was born and raised in Rome, making her eager to build bridges across different cultures. She also works for the educational department of the state museums in Florence, where her mission is to communicate art and culture as a means of understanding the visual signs that surround us.
47 Reviews
–
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Siro was an excellent guide. He explained things clearly and at levels that matched the art history backgrounds of the various members of our group. We wish we had another day in Florence so we could continue to learn from him.
Karen
Nov. 29, 2022
Susanna was simply amazing! Her knowledge of art, history and the city of Florence and Italy were an inspiration. She shared her passion with excitement.
Heidi
Nov. 27, 2022
Again, a perfect experience from beginning to end. Susanna was very knowledgeable and attentive. It felt like visiting the city and its sites with a friend, who happens to have a doctorate in art history. What more can you ask for? As our Rome tour, this one is also highly recommended. Thanks!
Christian
Nov. 23, 2022