Private Florence San Marco Museum Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry

Florence , Italy

Private Florence San Marco Museum Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry

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About this experience

Discover the captivating beauty and rich history of San Marco, a Dominican convent designed by Michelozzo and commissioned by Cosimo "Il Vecchio" de' Medici.
Begin your tour in the peaceful Cloister of St. Anthony, where frescoed lunettes lead you to halls featuring Beato Angelico's masterful frescoes and wood paintings. As you move through the Great Refectory, historic Kitchen, and service areas, you'll encounter the works of Fra Bartolomeo, another prominent Renaissance artist. In the Small Refectory, don't miss the breathtaking Last Supper fresco by Domenico Ghirlandaio. Then, head upstairs to visit the monks' cells, where you'll find Beato Angelico’s incomparable frescoes, including the cell of Girolamo Savonarola, a fiery preacher whose sermons against corruption left a lasting mark on Florentine history. End your journey in the elegant Library of San Marco, Europe's first public library, and a brilliant example of Renaissance architecture.

Available options

Morning Visit

Private Guided Visit with entrance time between 09.00am and 11.00am, depending on Museum Availability

What's included

Earphones for groups of more than 7 participants

Local professional Guide at your side

San Marco Museum skip-the-line tickets

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

San Marco Museum includes most of the ambiences of the Dominican convent designed by Michelozzo, one of the greatest architects of the Renaissance and commissioned by Cosimo "Il Vecchio" de 'Medici. The museum is developed in various evocative halls, containing one of the world's most famous cycle of paintings by the Dominican monk Beato Angelico. The tour begins in the elegant Cloister of St. Anthony, where we find some doors with frescoed lunettes that lead to the ancient halls hosting many wonderful works on wood and frescoes by Beato Angelico.
The visit proceeds with the Great Refectory with paintings of Fra Bartolomeo. In the sma Refectory is instead preserved a magnificent fresco by Domenico Ghirlandaio, a great artist of the ‘500, depicting the Last Supper.
Upstairs it is waiting for us the “not to be missed” visit of the monks' cells in which you can admire the incomparable frescoes that Beato Angelico. The visit of the museum will end in the suggestive ambiences of the Library

Stop 2

Your visit experience will be further enriched with an enthralling exterior guided tour of San Marco square and Santissima Annunziata square, located just a few steps far from the museum, where to admire wonderful buildings of absolute interest.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Gratuities

Everything not mentioned as Included

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Each traveler must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to the San Marco Museum

Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the attraction.

Meeting point

Meeting with the guide at 09:00 am at the entrance of San Marco Museum (Piazza San Marco nr 3)

Important notes

• The private Local guide is available for 2 hours
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed.
•It is mandatory to present an original identity document.
• During periods of increased inflow of visitors, despite our reservations, the admission to the museums may be subject to delays, mainly due to security reasons for which the access to the museum is regulated according to the number of people inside it. Based on the above reasons any possible delay cannot be attributable to Caf Tour & Travel responsibility.
• Please be aware that in case of no-show, the guide will wait for you for a maximum of 30 minutes from the tour departure time. After that time, if nobody informed us about the delay, they are entitled to leave and no refund will be granted to any client who is not at the departure point at the established time.

About Florence

Florence, the capital of Italy's Tuscany region, is a treasure trove of art, architecture, and history. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, it's home to iconic masterpieces, stunning cathedrals, and a rich cultural heritage that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

Duomo

The Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Its iconic dome, designed by Brunelleschi, offers panoramic views of the city.

Architecture/Religious 2-3 hours Free to enter the cathedral, €18 for the climb to the dome

Uffizi Gallery

One of the world's most famous art museums, the Uffizi Gallery houses works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Museum/Art 2-3 hours €20

Ponte Vecchio

A medieval stone bridge famous for its jewelry shops. It's one of the most iconic landmarks in Florence.

Architecture 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Piazzale Michelangelo

A panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views of Florence. It's a perfect spot for sunset and photography.

Scenic Viewpoint 1-2 hours Free

Accademia Gallery

Home to Michelangelo's famous statue of David, the Accademia Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers.

Museum/Art 1-2 hours €16

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

A thick-cut, grilled T-bone steak, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. It's a must-try for meat lovers.

Dinner Contains beef, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Ribollita

A hearty vegetable and bread soup, traditionally made with leftover bread and vegetables. It's a classic Florentine dish.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian, can be made vegan

Lampredotto

A Florentine street food made from the fourth and final stomach of a cow. It's typically served in a sandwich.

Lunch Contains beef, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Cantucci

Almond biscotti traditionally served with Vin Santo, a sweet Tuscan wine. They are crunchy and perfect for dipping.

Dessert Contains almonds, can be made gluten-free

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Tuscan countryside Cycling tours Hot air balloon rides Wine tasting tours Spa day at a luxury hotel Strolling through the gardens of Villa medici Visiting museums and art galleries Attending opera or concerts

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-28°C 59-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Florence is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and petty theft can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Florence Airport • 5 km from city center
Pisa International Airport • 85 km from city center

By train

Santa Maria Novella Station

By bus

Villa Costanza Bus Station, Florence Airport Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network covers the entire city and is the primary mode of public transport. Buses are frequent and reliable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: MyTaxi, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Santa Maria Novella Oltrarno San Lorenzo Santa Croce

Day trips

Siena

70 km from Florence • Half day to full day

A medieval city known for its stunning Piazza del Campo and the Palio, a traditional horse race held twice a year.

Pisa

85 km from Florence • Half day

Home to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, this city offers a mix of historic sites and scenic views.

Chianti Wine Region

30-50 km from Florence • Full day

A picturesque wine region known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages.

Festivals

Festa di San Giovanni • June 24 Calcio Storico Fiorentino • June (dates vary) Firenze dei Fiori • April to June

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Book tickets for popular attractions in advance to save time and avoid long queues
Explore the city's hidden gems, such as the Oltrarno neighborhood and the secret passages of the Palazzo Vecchio
Try local specialties like Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Ribollita, and Lampredotto
Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals