Tour Details
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Piazza della Signoria
- Michelangelo's David
- Florence Duomo
- Ponte Vecchio
- Museo Accademia
Photos & Highlights
- Get acquainted with Florence’s main sites, history, and neighborhoods
- Led by an expert in history
Tour Description
Enjoy an introductory half-day tour of Florence's must-see sites, intertwined with remarkable historical narratives and unexpected learnings of the Italian Renaissance – provided by context clues that have survived through the ages. As we stroll through the city's historic center on our way to the Accademia Galleries, we will learn about the many historical figures who once walked between these same piazzas. Together we'll also see Michelangelo’s statue of David, alongside several other cultural highlights within the Accademia Galleries.
- Accademia Gallery
- Michelangelo's Statue of David
- Piazza della Repubblica
- Piazza della Signoria
- Florence Duomo (exterior)
- Your timed admission ticket to the Accademia Gallery
Your introduction to the city begins with Piazza della Repubblica, which has a long history as Florence's commercial center during the Roman era. The architecture from that era was demolished after the unification of Italy in an effort to modernize the city, and you will see the Arcone or Triumphal Arch built in 1895 to celebrate the transformation. Its inscription reads: “The ancient center of the city restored from age-old squalor to new life.”
We will then stroll through the center of the city to the Piazza della Signoria, which was the political epicenter of Renaissance Florence. Next, be prepared to be impressed as we marvel at the most important landmark in Florence Brunelleschi's masterpiece, the iconic Duomo. We will circle the impressive exterior and discuss the importance of this fourth largest cathedral in the world, and learn about the nearby Baptistery and its role in Florentine art and civic history.
We will make our way to the Accademia Gallery and view its 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 approached 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.
If you’d like to delve deeper into Florence’s fascinating history and magnificent sites, we suggest adding on our Uffizi Gallery tour, or taking our Florence in a Day tour. If you would like an entire tour dedicated to the life and work of Michelangelo, please book Michelangelo in Florence Tour.
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Where do we meet? Where does the tour end?
We meet at Piazza della Repubblica in front of RED Feltrinelli Bookstore and end at the Galleria dell'Accademia. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.
What is the difference between Introduction to Florence and Florence Night Tour?
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.
Why do I need to purchase a ticket to Galleria dell’Accademia for my child?
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.
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 or Florence Duomo Exclusive Access Tour with Terraces View tours.
Is the Uffizi Gallery included on this tour?
It’s not. If you’re interested in the Uffizi Gallery, we highly recommend you book our Uffizi Gallery Tour: Crash Course.
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. You may still have to wait in a security line or in a line to have your pre-purchased ticket scanned.
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. You may still have to wait in a security line or in a line to have your pre-purchased ticket scanned.
Where You'll Start
275 Reviews
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Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
What a wonderful day! Our guide was fantastic! Her PhD in art history and being a native Florentine made the experience exceptional. We learned so much and really enjoyed the personalized tour!
Susan
Sep. 21, 2023
Molly was a terrific tour guide. She was extremely knowledgeable and able to answer all our questions. She even helped by giving us restaurant recommendations. We highly recommend her and the tour!
Laurie
Sep. 19, 2023
Our guide Siro was amazing so knowledgeable friendly and made the tour amazing. Fantastic introduction to a wonderful city!!!
Linda
Sep. 19, 2023