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
- Florence isn’t just a place to check off a bucket list—turn it into a lifelong memory of vibrant life and rich history
- Get lost in the winding city streets while your expert navigates the story of Florence
Select a date
Tour Description
With limited time in Florence, you want to hit all the city’s essential landmarks in a meaningful way, without feeling rushed.
This tour isn’t just about seeing Florence’s icons—it’s about deeply understanding their significance and historical connections. Stand beneath Brunelleschi’s Duomo, and let your expert explain why its design was so groundbreaking. See Michelangelo’s David and understand why, centuries later, it still stirs something deep within us. Every stop is designed to spark curiosity and leave you with stories you’ll carry home.
Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, your expert will create a narrative that resonates with you and your interests. Just show up with curiosity and let an expert take the lead, allowing you to be fully present—to see, to feel, and to remember Florence in a way that’s uniquely yours.
Choose this tour if…
- You want to walk away with more than just a photo of Michelangelo’s David—you want to take home a story from each angle of the greatest sculpture the world has ever seen.
- You’re traveling with people who have different interests—whether you are called by the allure of Renaissance scandal or medieval architecture, this tour is designed to engage with the passions of everyone in your group.
- You want to immerse yourself in the magic of Florence and focus on the glittering details and controversial stories, leaving the pressure of navigating the crowded streets to your guide.
- You want to see the Florence you dream of—and make it yours. Do more than just wander through the piazzas and alleys; immerse yourself in an experience that will shape how you remember Florence for years to come.
Experts
You will begin at Piazza della Repubblica, the heart of commercial life in Florence since Roman times, and today a bustling hub filled with cafes and the sounds of street musicians. As you walk through Florence’s charming streets, your expert will introduce you to the artists, merchants, and thinkers who shaped its identity.
You will then step on the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest surviving bridge in Florence, where goldsmiths and traders have set up shop for centuries and Puccini found the inspiration for one of his most famous arias.
Heading north, you’ll find yourself beneath Brunelleschi's iconic Duomo, its bicolored façade glowing warmly in the sunlight. You’re expert will point out the Baptistery and help you decode the symbolism woven into its gilded doors.
And then—the moment you’ve been waiting for. You will head to the Accademia Gallery and come face-to-face with Michelangelo’s famous statue of David. Your expert will direct your gaze past its mere beauty, revealing how its lifelike anatomy, psychological depth, and unique pose—capturing David in the intense moment before battle—revolutionized Renaissance sculpture and the world of art.
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, Florence will feel different—more intimate, more alive. You’ll leave not just with photos, but with a deeper connection to the city, its stories, and its enduring influence on the world.
Sites Visited
- Accademia Gallery – World-famous museum that houses Michelangelo's iconic statue of David as well as other examples of Renaissance art.
- Michelangelo's Statue of David – Masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture depicting the biblical hero David.
- Piazza della Repubblica – A square in the heart of Florence, with a deep history, surrounded by elegant cafes and historic buildings.
- Florence Duomo – Florence’s Cathedral, considered to be one of the most important symbols of the Renaissance.
- Ponte Vecchio - Medieval bridge over the Arno river that holds much historical significance.
Logistics
Tickets
This tour Includes skip-the-line access tickets to the Accademia Gallery.
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.
Headsets
We are required by the venue to order headsets; you will see a “Headset Fee” added to your order.
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.
Is this tour accessible?
Yes, but it includes a moderate amount of walking on uneven ground and sidewalks. The tour can be adjusted to accommodate accessibility needs. The Accademia Gallery is wheelchair accessible, with lifts and handicap-fitted bathrooms.
Can I bring a service dog?
Yes, service dogs are allowed with a medical certificate proving the need.
Why take a walking tour instead of visiting a famous museum or church?
This tour is the perfect introduction to Florence, giving you the tools to truly appreciate everything you’ll see throughout your visit. While museums and churches are incredible, this experience helps put everything into context, offering a deeper understanding of the city’s history, art, and culture.
What should we bring?
We recommend bringing a bottle of water, sunscreen (especially in summer), a camera to capture the beauty of Florence, and comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets. A small bag is best—large backpacks and sharp objects should be avoided for museum security checks.
Can we adjust the pace of the tour or take stops for pictures?
Absolutely! This tour is designed to move at your pace and focus on what interests you most. Your guide is there just for you—nothing is scripted, and they are happy to adapt. If you’d like to slow down, take breaks, or spend more time on certain topics, just let them know.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes! While not specifically designed for families, children are more than welcome. There is a good amount of walking, but we love having young explorers join in. Your guide will be happy to engage them and make the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Is there a lot of walking outside in the summer?
Florence can get quite warm in the summer, but don’t worry—our local experts have years of experience and know the best shady spots, cooler routes, and indoor alternatives to keep you comfortable. If the weather is particularly hot or rainy, they will adjust the itinerary to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Is the Duomo included on this tour?
Yes! You’ll see the Duomo up close and learn about its breathtaking exterior and historical significance. However, this tour does not include entry inside the cathedral. If you’d like to explore the interior and dive deeper into its history, we recommend booking our Florence Cathedral Tour with Duomo Museum and Baptistry.
Are tickets included?
Yes! Your tour includes pre-purchased tickets, so you can skip the ticket office line at the museum. While this allows us to bypass the long general admission queue, there is still a separate line for reserved ticket holders. During peak season, this line can be busy, but it moves much faster. Your expert will handle the logistics and help make the process as smooth as possible.
Why do I need to purchase a ticket to the Galleria dell’Accademia for my child?
While admission is free for visitors under 18, families without pre-purchased tickets must wait in a separate line to verify their child's age. To save time and ensure a smoother experience, we typically include tickets for all guests. This allows us to skip the verification line, which can be quite long, and head straight into the museum to enjoy more time with Michelangelo’s David.
How do you navigate big crowds?
Florence is a popular destination, and during peak travel seasons, places like the Accademia Gallery can get very crowded. Air conditioning is also limited, which can make summer visits feel warmer. Our experienced guides know the best ways to navigate the crowds, adjust the pace, and optimize your route to make the most of your visit. While some areas may be more congested, your guide will ensure you get the best possible experience. Patience is key, and we’ll make sure your time in the museum is well spent!
Cancellation Policy
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.
We truly enjoyed our tour with Alessandra! She was knowledgeable about the city and history and did an excellent job giving us insight on places to visit during the rest of the stay. She also adjusted beautifully when one of the members of our group became ill during the tour, helping us navigate the pharmacy. Would definitely recommend her tours!
Kendra
Dec 29, 2024
Alessandra was terrific. Very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. She has a deep knowledge of Florence and was able to answer all our questions.
Jamshid
Dec 29, 2024
Valerie was a wonderful guide. She was so full of knowledge and very in tune with of our 3 sons (7, 10 & 12) when she felt they were tired and needed a snack break! We really enjoyed her wealth of information and effort to bring to life the vibrancy of Florence life during the Renaissance. Highly recommend Valerie!
Beatrice
Dec 26, 2024
