Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance on our Best of Florence tour
Highlights
Hidden Gems
- Loggia dei Lanzi with Giambologna's sculptures
- Michelangelo's Slaves in the Accademia
Tour Includes
- Tickets and skip the lines access to the Accademia
- Expert, fluent English-speaking local guide
- Exploration of the most beautiful streets and squares of Florence
- Stunning views of the city
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Our dedicated team is here to help you design the perfect trip. We’re happy to assist every step of the way.
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Can’t make your trip? Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, minus any ticket costs.
ITINERARY
What To Expect On Your Tour
Brunelleschi's Dome
Admire the splendour of Brunelleschi's spectacular dome
The Cathedral’s dome dominates the skyline of Florence, and on your tour you’ll learn all about the fascinating history of this impressive building, which has become one of the most iconic symbols of the city since its construction in 1436.
The massive dome was the work of the great architect Brunelleschi, who had to convince the sceptical overseers of the project that he was capable of this incredible feat of engineering, which involved building one dome inside another.
Please note that we will admire Brunelleschi’s dome from the Piazza del Duomo, the best vantage point from which to see this incredible feat of engineering – to make the most of your touring time we do not enter the cathedral itself.
At The Gates of Paradise
Gaze on Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise
Built at the beginning of the 12th century, the Baptistery is one of the oldest buildings in Florence, and we’ll get to examine its beautiful exterior from Piazza del Duomo. The Baptistery is best known for its exquisite bronze doors, the “Gates of Paradise”, which are widely acknowledged as one of the most beautiful artworks in Florence.
The doors, which depict various scenes from the Bible, were the work of Lorenzo Ghiberti, and they took him 21 years to complete. Michelangelo was so impressed that he was moved to comment that the doors would be worthy as the entrance to heaven itself, earning them the moniker the Gates of Paradise.
Admiring the incredible attention to detail displayed by Ghiberti in their creation, you’ll understand why!
The David
Come face-to-face with Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia
When you get up close to Michelangelo’s David on your Accademia tour, you’ll be left in little doubt that the sculpture’s reputation as the most famous statue in the world is fully justified. Sculpted out of a block of marble that was originally considered too flawed to be used, Michelangelo amazed the city with his creation, a statue that remains not just the highlight of the Accademia, but a must-see sight in Florence.
Your expert guide will tell you the story of David’s creation, giving you an even deeper appreciation of Michelangelo’s masterpiece, before showing you some lesser-known but equally beautiful works in the Accademia.
You’ll learn all about Michelangelo’s Slaves, some of the most moving artworks of the Renaissance; these unfinished sculptures depict bodies struggling to escape from their marble prisons, and were originally intended to adorn the magnificent tomb of Pope Julius II in Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica – a project Michelangelo would never get the chance to finish.
A walk through Florence is an experience like no other
On your tour, you’ll also visit the elegant Piazza della Signoria, which resembles an open-air art gallery, and admire the beautiful views of the city from the Ponte Vecchio. Join our itinerary to discover the true meaning of the Renaissance – a cradle of beauty, profound ideas, and staggering cultural achievement.
For a complete experience of the splendours of Florence, we recommend you combine your tour with our Uffizi Gallery tour, where you will encounter the incredible masterpieces of Renaissance art in one of the world’s great museums.
Create Your Custom Journey
Our dedicated team is here to help you design the perfect trip. We’re happy to assist every step of the way.
