Tour Details
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Piazza della Signoria
- Michelangelo's David
- Florence Duomo
- Ponte Vecchio
- Accademia Gallery Florence
Photos & Highlights
- See and understand Michelangelo’s famous David with an expert
- Explore the top sites in Florence and unlock the secrets behind the beauty and genius of the Renaissance
Tour Description
Prepare to marvel at Brunelleschi’s gravity-defying Duomo and stand face-to-face with Michelangelo's David, a sculpture that embodies the very essence of human potential. This introduction to Florence city tour hits all the highlights.
Begin at Piazza della Repubblica, the heart of commercial life in Florence. Weave through the city center as you hear the histories of the artists, merchants, and politicians who influenced Florence over the centuries.
Step onto Ponte Vecchio, a center of commerce and the inspiration for one of Puccini’s famous arias.
Next, head north, soon finding yourself beneath Brunelleschi's iconic Duomo. Your expert will reveal the architectural details and the importance of the Duomo as you gaze in awe. They’ll also point out the Baptistery and its role in Florentine art and civic history.
The moment you’ve been waiting for… Head to the Accademia Gallery to view Michelangelo’s famous statue of David. Uncover details about Michelangelo’s life in Florence and learn how his techniques forever changed the way that artists and sculptors approached their craft.Â
From here, you are free to explore the rest of the Accademia, armed with knowledge of Florentine art and the forces that shaped the Renaissance. By the end of your tour, you’ll have gained a greater understanding of the politics, art, and intrigue that shaped this iconic destination.Â
Experts
- It is your first time in Florence and you’d like to visit the top destinations with a historian who can reveal this Renaissance city through the ages.Â
- Seeing Michelangelo’s David is on your bucket list, but you don’t want to simply snap a photo and move on. You’d like to visit with an art historian who can provide you with greater detail and insight into this iconic work’s importance. Â
- You're ready for a deeper dive into the artistic, architectural, and historical significance of Florence’s role in the Renaissance.Â
- Accademia Gallery – A famous museum that houses Michelangelo's iconic statue of David as well as other works of Renaissance art.
- Michelangelo's Statue of David – A masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture depicting the biblical hero David.
- Piazza della Repubblica – A square in the heart of Florence, surrounded by elegant cafes and historic buildings.
- Florence Duomo – A cathedral considered to be one of the most important landmarks of the Renaissance.
- Ponte Vecchio - A medieval bridge over the Arno that holds much historical significance.
Tickets
Includes skip-the-line access tickets to the Accademia Gallery.Â
Upon receiving your order, our team will secure a guide. Once the venue tickets are released, we will purchase them. Our team will be in touch with alternative options if we cannot secure tickets for the date and time you requested.Â
For some months of the year, we're pleased to offer late tour times on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This allows you to enjoy smaller crowds in the Accademia and a more serene experience.Â
For some months of the year, we're pleased to offer late tour times on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This allows you to enjoy smaller crowds in the Accademia and a more serene experience.Â
Headsets
We are required by the venue to order headsets; you will see a “Headset Fee” added to your order.
Summer Crowds:
Summer Crowds:
During the summer travel period, the Accademia Gallery can see very big crowds, and there is very little air conditioning in the buildings. It’s important to anticipate slower movement, limited visibility, and potential restrictions on accessing certain areas due to the density of crowds. Our experienced guides are adept at navigating through these challenging conditions and will strive to optimize your tour's route, but patience is helpful.
A few things that pair well with this tour:Â
- Into architecture? A little pre-trip planning will help you make the most of your time. The Architecture of Florence: What to See During Your Visit audio guide will help you make sure you don’t miss anything.
- A sketchbook or notepad for a place to sketch Florence’s most notable destinations.Â
- A willingness to tap into your artistic side!
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.
Wheelchair accessibility
Accademia Gallery is wheelchair accessible, has lifts and is equipped with handicap fitted bathrooms. All tour stops are within 6 minutes walk from each other.Â
Service Dogs
Service dogs are allowed if you have a medical certificate proving the need. Â
- For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.
Is the Duomo included on this tour? Â
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 or Florence Duomo Tour with Private Terrace Access.
Is the Uffizi Gallery included on this tour? Â
Is the Uffizi Gallery included on this tour? Â
It’s not. If you’re interested in the Uffizi Gallery, we highly recommend you book our Uffizi Gallery Tour: A Guided Crash Course with Skip-the-Line Tickets.
What is the difference between the Introduction to Florence Tour and the Florence Night Tour?Â
The tours overlap quite a bit! The main difference is that this tour is led during the day and includes the Accademia Gallery, whereas the Florence Night Tour is exclusively outside.
What are skip-the-line tickets?
For this tour, your tickets are pre-purchased which allows you to skip the ticket office line upon arrival at the museum. Please note that our reservation allows us to avoid the long line for the non-reserved public entrance to the museum. Although we're skipping that line, please keep in mind that there is also a line for the reserved entrance, which can be long but usually moves quickly. Your expert will do their best to navigate the larger summer crowds.
Why do I need to purchase a ticket to Galleria dell’Accademia for my child? Â
Although admission is free for those under 18, you would have to wait in a separate line upon arrival to prove your child’s age. We typically purchase tickets for everyone on the tour, so that we may bypass this line, which can be quite long, and have more time in the museum.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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410 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.
Knowledgeable, entertaining and paced tour to our interests and energy level. Clearly in love with with Florence. Much history She's very personable. We enjoyed her company. And I asked lots of questions and she had great answers to everything I asked, for instance about how women were perceived in art and why there are mostly only nudes of men. She also recommended a restaurant to us which we enjoyed. And her insights really added to our enjoyment of the art. Highly recommend.
Craig
Dec 10, 2024
We had a great walking tour with Lucy. She was very knowledgeable and shared all of it in a way that was not overwhelming.
Laurie
Nov 10, 2024
Sandro did a fantastic job. The time went by so quickly! Fascinating review of the history of Florence and how the various artworks and buildings fit into it, plus many details on the technicalities of the art and sculptures themselves.
Douglas
Oct 31, 2024
