florence in a day

Florence In a Day Tour with Uffizi and Accademia Galleries

Enjoy a comprehensive yet relaxed exploration of Florence that’s tailored to you, with the freedom to discover and connect deeply with the city

The Finer Details
Step back through time to discover significant Renaissance art and architectural masterpieces on this six-and-a-half-hour Florence in a Day tour that pulls together some of the city’s most charming highlights in an unforgettable day of Italian adventure. 

You 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 David, showcased in the Accademia Gallery. Accompanied by a local expert, you will get an overview of Florence’s history while soaking up some of its most famous sites.

Choose this tour if…

  • You want a day free from logistics and preparation; arrive ready to follow your expert, learning, exploring, and absorbing the incredible histories.
  • You’d like to take the exploration at your own speed, enjoy a pace that suits your group.
  • You have general knowledge of names and concepts, but you want to better connect the people, events, and artworks to see the bigger picture of Florence’s history

Route Details

Your adventure begins at the Uffizi Gallery, home of one of the world's greatest collections of Renaissance art. You’ll begin with a short introduction in the nearby piazza before spending approximately two 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, you will continue the exploration through a walking tour of the city,visiting famous sites such as the Arcone, a triumphal arch erected in 1895, the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, and the exterior of Palazzo Vecchio. Marvel at the most important landmark in Florence–Brunelleschi's iconic Duomo. Your guide will circuit the impressive exterior and discuss the importance of this fourth largest cathedral in the world, while also talking about the nearby Baptistery, a symbol of Florentine art and civic history. Top off your morning with a delicious Italian lunch at a local restaurant. 

After lunch, make your way to the Accademia Gallery to view the famous masterpiece, Michelangelo’s statue of David. You’ll learn about the life of Michelangelo in Florence, discussing his early years and career under the patronage of the powerful Medici family, and better understand how his techniques forever changed the way that artists and sculptors approach their craft. Take some time to 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 away with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the city's art, architecture, history, and culture.

Logistics

Tickets
Includes single-day tickets to the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries that can not be reused. 

Lunch
During the day, you'll be responsible for covering the cost of your lunch and any additional refreshments or souvenirs you may wish to enjoy. 

Additional Trip Planning Resources: 
For more information on planning your travels to Florence, take a read through our Context Stories
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Where You’ll Go

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

  • Uffizi Gallery
  • Florence Duomo
  • Michelangelo's David
  • The Birth of Venus
  • Primavera
  • Venus of Urbino
  • Ponte Vecchio
  • Palazzo Vecchio
  • Accademia Gallery Florence
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
  • English-speaking expert guide
    Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
  • Intentionally sized groups
    A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
  • Tickets and entrance fees
    All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
  • Headsets
    Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
    We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
  • Food and drink
    Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
  • Transportation to and from the meeting point
    Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
  • Hotel pickup or drop-off
    Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Map of Florence In a Day Tour with Uffizi and Accademia Galleries general meeting point area

Make the Most of Your Tour

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:
  • Wear comfortable footwear
  • Check the weather and dress appropriately
  • Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
  • Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
  • Bring firearms or weapons
  • Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
  • Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
No, we are unable to run this tour on Mondays as the Accademia Gallery and Uffizi Gallery are closed.
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate groups larger than 9 people due to venue reservation restrictions. If your group is larger, we recommend you split it into multiple groups.
No, unfortunately, we cannot include the Vasari Corridor in this tour due to the logistics of the itinerary. While the corridor is a remarkable site, its difficulty in securing tickets and its tight timing make it incompatible with the structure of this tour.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking. In general, Florence is a historic city with many narrow and cobblestone streets, which can present challenges for travelers with mobility issues. 

Wheelchair accessibility
Accademia Gallery and Uffizi Gallery are wheelchair accessible, have lifts, and are equipped with handicap-fitted bathrooms. Wheelchairs can also be rented at the museums on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Service Dogs
Service dogs are allowed if you have a medical certificate proving the need.

Accessibility Notice: Starting December 2024: The elevators to the second floor are currently out of service due to renovations. Unfortunately, we do not have an estimated timeline for their return to service. Please note that our gallery begins on the second floor. Visitors will need to use the stairs unless prior arrangements are made. For guests with disabilities who cannot use the stairs, an alternative route is available. However, this path adds approximately 1 kilometer to the tour, requiring the use of an elevator at the museum's exit and additional walking time back to the entrance. This may extend the overall tour time. We are happy to accommodate this option, but it is crucial to let us know when you book so we can inform your guide and ensure everything is prepared in advance. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Don’t just take our word for it

178 Reviews

Susanna is the best guide we ever had

Alessandra was fantastic! Would highly recommend her

Rubina was an excellent tour guide! We did the Florence in a day tour with her yesterday, my family and I learned so much about Florence, it's rich history. Rubina was able to answer all our questions and engaged our 14 & 11 year old sons, and was also understanding about when they needed a break. Thank you so much Rubina, we really appreciated your time & expert knowledge!

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