Florence Private tour Cathedral, Brunelleschi's Dome, Museum, Baptistery

Florence , Italy

Florence Private tour Cathedral, Brunelleschi's Dome, Museum, Baptistery

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About this experience

Discover the best of Florence's religious center with our exclusive tour of the Cathedral, Duomo Complex, and the famous Cupola climb.
Benefit from pre-reserved tickets and dive into the most famous architectural marvels, including Brunelleschi's Dome.
Choose a private tour to experience an intimate journey with personal attention in the company of a knowledgeable guide, and make the most of your visit.
Explore the Museum of the Opera del Duomo's highlights and the Baptistery with your pass.

Available options

Private Tour in English

Private tour in German

Private tour in French

What's included

Pre-reserved tickets for the Baptistery

Brunelleschi Pass

Private expert tour guide for a tailored experience

Pre-reserved tickets to climb Brunelleschi's Dome

Pre-reserved tickets to visit the Museum of the Duomo

3-hour private tour at a relaxed pace

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Meet your local guide in Duomo Square and start to discover the most famous monument in the heart of Florence. Pre-reserved tickets and separate entry get you into the Museum, Baptistery, and Brunelleschi's Dome more quickly.

Stop 2

Get priority admission to the octagonal Baptistery of St. John, best known for its ceiling, decorated by golden mosaics, and its gleaming bronze doors (the Gates of Paradise).
As you gaze at the detailed relief work on the panels, you might be surprised to learn that these are not the original bronze doors; those are currently on display in the Museum. Luckily, that will be your next stop!

Continue into the Duomo Museum, where incredible authentic masterpieces like the gates of the Baptistery, Donatello’s sculptures, and the original dome’s wooden scaffoldings are exhibited.
Although you could spend hours wandering through the displays, your guide will point out highlights such as the Michelangelo’s Pietà.
You will hear why Michelangelo tried to destroy it and see tell-tale signs of repairs made to this world-famous sculpture.

Stop 4

Your experienced guide will tell you about the Cathedral, its construction through the centuries, and how it came to be the religious center of Florence.
Go inside the Cathedral and you'll begin understand even more how it relates to the other magnificent buildings in the square.

Our pre-reserved ticket will give you priority access to climb the famous dome of Brunelleschi at your leisure. See the wonderful paintings of the Last Judgment by Vasari and Zuccari up close and personal. They are still among the largest fresco paintings in the world!

What's not included

Transport to the meeting spot

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR

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Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The Cathedral of Florence is an “operating” church and it can be closed to visitors for any liturgical reason, often without warning (for the funeral of a Bishop, for example).

Entry to the Cathedral is not guaranteed as the Cathedral is a working church and hours can change without notice due to liturgical or other reasons. Our guides make every effort to enter the Cathedral with guests.

Visitors are advised that the Baptistery is undergoing restoration of the mosaics of the vault. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Please note that backpacks of any size or dimension, and any bag designed to be worn on the back, are not allowed.

Florence can be very warm in the summer. Please be advised that this tour includes portions that are outside and could be in the full sun. Please bring a hat, small umbrella, or sunscreen if you are sensitive to the sun.

Clients must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour. This is due to the timed entry of the tickets.

Tickets are timed and expire within 5 to 10 minutes.

Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.

Please note that the Cathedral is closed to all tourists on Sundays. Instead, we will visit the Ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata (the Crypt).

There are 463 steps to climb the dome at the end of the tour.

Meeting point

We meet in Piazza del Duomo, 41, directly across from the cafe of the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. Your guide will have a signboard that says, “Walks In Europe.”

Important notes

Your guide has timed reservations and tickets for your group and these will be given out at the meeting point.

A dress code is required on this tour as you will be visiting religious sites. No shorts above the knees or sleeveless tops are allowed inside the cathedral. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may be refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.

There are 463 steps to climb the dome.

The Cathedral of Florence is an “operating” church and it can be closed to visitors for any liturgical reason, even without pre-notice (for the funeral of a Cardinal, for example)

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