Florence in a Day: David, Cathedral & City Highlights Guided Tour

Florence , Italy

Florence in a Day: David, Cathedral & City Highlights Guided Tour

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About this experience

Experience Florence in a Day on a guided small-group tour that brings together the city’s greatest highlights. Skip the line to see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia, then discover the heart of Cathedral Square with access to the Baptistery, Duomo Museum, and Santa Reparata. Afternoon tours include entry to the Cathedral interior, while morning tours admire it from the outside. Continue through Florence’s historic center to see landmarks like Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi area, and Ponte Vecchio. Choose to add a self-guided climb of Giotto’s Bell Tower for unforgettable views.

- Florence in a Day experience covering top highlights in one tour.
- Skip-the-line entry to see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia.
- Visit Cathedral Square with access to the Baptistery, Duomo Museum & Santa Reparata
- Optional self-guided climb of Giotto’s Bell Tower for panoramic city views.

Available options

Tour Without Bell Tower Climb

Choose this option if you don’t wish to include Giotto’s Bell Tower in your tour.<br/>Duration: 3 hours

Tour With Bell Tower Climb

Choose this option to enjoy a self-guided climb of Giotto’s Bell Tower as part of your tour.<br/>Duration: 3 hours

What's included

Professional and licensed expert guide

Pre-reserved tickets and guided tour for the Duomo Museum

Headsets to hear the guide better

3-hour walking tour in the Historic Centre

Pre-reserved tickets for Giotto Bell Tower Climb (at your leisure)

Skip-the-line entry to the Accademia Gallery

Pre-reserved tickets and guided tour for the Baptistery

Cathedral Visit (only afternoon tours include entry)

Detailed itinerary

Meet your expert guide and join your group in front of the monument of Manfredo Fanti at Piazza San Marco.

Stop 2

Begin your journey at the Accademia Gallery with your pre-reserved tickets, where your expert guide will showcase Michelangelo’s world-famous Statue of David, unraveling its history and artistic brilliance along with other remarkable works housed in the museum. Learn the story of the famous David statue and its creator Michelangelo.

Stop 3

Continue your tour in Duomo Square and follow your expert guide to discover the most famous monument in the heart of Florence. Benefit from their local knowledge in this intimate small group tour.

Depending on the tour time you select, afternoon tours include entry to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore to admire its stunning frescoes and the remarkable details beneath Brunelleschi’s dome. Morning tours enjoy an exterior visit, offering beautiful views of the Cathedral from Piazza del Duomo.

Stop 5

Explore the Duomo Museum and see original statues, reliefs, and artworks from the Cathedral complex. Look for important pieces by Michelangelo and Donatello that show the story of Florence’s art.

Next, step inside the Baptistery, known for its golden mosaics and the famous Gates of Paradise. Hear how artists created these works and why this building is one of the oldest in Florence.

Stop 7 Pass by

Then, continue your walk to Piazza della Signoria, an open-air museum filled with Renaissance sculptures and dominated by the historic Palazzo Vecchio.

Stop 8 Pass by

Pass the Uffizi Gallery from the outside and hear stories about the Medici family and the artists they supported.

Stop 9 Pass by

End your tour at the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest bridge, lined with traditional goldsmith shops.

Upgrade your experience by selecting the Giotto Bell Tower climb, which lets you ascend at your own pace for panoramic views across Florence’s timeless skyline.

What's not included

Transport to the meeting spot

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

879 reviews

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720

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Tripadvisor 4.4

65 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The interior visit of the Cathedral is only available on afternoon tours; morning tours only see from the outside.

Low season (generally November to March) is often seen as an opportunity for renovation and maintenance. Therefore, sites may be closed during this period, often without warning.

Giotto’s Bell Tower has no lift available.

Individuals wearing sleeveless shirts and shorts above knees are not allowed inside the cathedral

Backpacks of any size or dimension, and any bag designed to be worn on the back, are not allowed.

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.

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

It is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.

Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.

The baptistery is currently undergoing restoration of the vault's mosaics.

Meeting point

We will meet in front of the monument of Manfredo Fanti at Piazza San Marco. Your guide will have a signboard that says “Walks In Europe.”

Important notes

Your guide has timed reservations and tickets for your group. Please find your guide at the meeting spot.

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