Skip the Line: Accademia Gallery Guided Tour in Florence

Florence , Italy

Skip the Line: Accademia Gallery Guided Tour in Florence

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Embark on a guided tour of Florence's Accademia Gallery, the home of Michelangelo's renowned sculpture 'David.' Enjoy expedited, skip-the-line entry for a 1-hour tour, and learn the secrets behind this museum's impressive collection, which includes works by Giambologna, Paolo Uccello, and Sandro Botticelli.

Available options

Tour in English

Tour in Italian

Tour in Spanish

What's included

Professional guide

Audio headsets available for larger groups to better hear your guide

Small group tour

Accademia Gallery skip the line ticket

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Prepare for a journey in time... to the glorious Renaissance era in Florence. Head to Via Cavour 36 Red, where your local, art-loving guide will be waiting for you! Follow your guide to the nearby Accademia Galleria (about a 5 minute walk), and skip-the-line upon entry.

Stop 2

The Accademia Gallery is one of the most sought-after art galleries in the world. Throughout your tour of the gallery, your guide will truly bring these pieces of art to life, with vivid, storytelling descriptions. Along with interesting stories, you can also learn entertaining and memorable facts about the artists and works of art. Embark on this tour through time as you visit the Renaissance era, a time of great pride and heritage in Florence. First, your guide will lead you through the Hall of “Prisoners,” where you can find many of Michelangelo's unfinished pieces. This hall showcases a unique form of Michelangelo's art, "non-finito," or unifinished. These sculptures are meant to showcase the characters inside the block, as you can feel their emotions forming while they are trapped inside the Carrara marble. As a viewer, you can examine the exact scraps and small details where Michelangelo was working with his chisel and hammer.

Stop 3

It is incredible to witness the process of art, which Michelangelo developed from a simple piece of marble. Your guide will share more details about each of these sculptures and their stories.
Then, at the end of the hall, you will find the unmissable "David," towering over the tiny viewers. Weighing over 12,000 pounds and at 17 feet tall, this is one of the largest, and most important pieces of art of all time. Learn all about this epic sculpture, as well as Michelangelo and his mysterious life. Did you know Michelangelo was a mere 26 years old when he finished his sculpture of David?
Then, admire some of the other masterpieces found in the Accademia Gallery with your guide. You will visit the complex sculpture, “Rape of the Sabines,” by Giambologna, as you learn about the unique process the artist used for his sculptures, which diverses greatly from the simplicity of Michelangelo’s sculpting.

Stop 4

After your one-hour guided tour of the museum, feel free to revisit any works of art and stroll the gallery independently. There is no better way to discover, "the Cradle of the Renaissance" than by visiting one of the most important Renaissance galleries in the world - the Accademia Gallery!

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.9

33 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.6

42 reviews

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Receive your confirmation at the time of booking

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Please note that on the busiest days the entrance into the museums may experience some short delays

From November to March (Low Season): The tour is always confirmed in English and Spanish. The minimum required to confirm the tour in Italian, French and German is 4 pax

The tour will be monolingual and in a small group

Meeting point

Meet your guide in front of Ciao Florence Sales office, in Via cavour 18 black number!

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