Best of Florence Walking Tour with Skip-the Line Guided David & Duomo
About this activity
Highlights
- Skip the long lines to marvel at Michelangelo's David
- Special skip-the-line access the to the Florence Cathedral
- Discover the Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio & more on a walking tour
- Take in the top sights of Florence with a small group
- Stress-free sightseeing handled by an expert local guide
Full description
This Best of Florence Tour offers visitors the opportunity to see the city’s top sights in just a few hours. Your guided tour begins with a visit to the Accademia Galleria to see Michelangelo's David – the most popular man in Florence. Enjoy skip-the-line entrance and avoid the long queues. Once inside the Galleria your guide will lead you by the Slaves, lining the corridor leading to David. Hear the story behind this iconic work of art and spot the details that make David one of the world's most captivating sculptures. With an expert art historian on hand and with a maximum of 18 people in your group you'll be able to have all your questions answered.
Next you’ll feast your eyes on one of the city's architectural gems, Florence Cathedral. You'll skip the line and explore this magnificent building with your expert guide. Hear the story of how its architect Brunelleschi recovered lost knowledge and expanded the realm of what was deemed humanly possible all in his pursuit of building it.
The itinerary continues through the streets and piazzas of the Renaissance city. Enjoy a guided walk to see the best of the rest for a fuller understanding of the history and culture of Florence. At Piazza della Signoria, you’ll admire magnificent sculptures in the open air. Hear about the notorious and influential Medici family at Palazzo Vecchio. Visit the Ponte Vecchio and enjoy the quirky architecture of the bridge. Before the end of your visit be sure to rub the nose of Il Porcellino to guarantee your safe return to Florence.
Please note: On Mondays, when the Accademia Gallery is closed, guests can choose an alternative version of this tour, which is the "Duomo skip-the-line + Walking Tour". Instead of visiting Michelangelo's David, you'll enjoy an extended guided walking tour through Florence's historic centre, with skip-the-line entry to Florence Duomo/Cathedral still included. This 2-hour 30-minute experience offers even more time to discover the city's iconic piazzas, landmarks and fascinating Renaissance history.
Included / Excluded
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour of Florence
- Skip-the-line ticket to Accademia Gallery
- Skip-the-line ticket to the Florence Duomo
- Headsets
- Small group of 18 people or fewer
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Meeting point
Departure Point: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets in Piazza di San Marco at the Monument to General Manfredo Fanti statue in the center of the square.
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is in English.
- This tour is wheelchair accessible but must be notified at the time of booking for proper arrangements.
- We are unable to accommodate guests with strollers on this tour.
- We ask all guests (including children) bring ID on the day of their tour.
- Please Note: This tour includes a VIP David & Duomo option, featuring a visit to the North Terrace and a Dome Climb. The Dome Climb is only available to guests aged 7 and older. Please take a moment to choose the option that best suits your interests.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Due to the religious nature of the Cathedral, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
- On Sundays, we will not enter the Cathedral of Florence due to Sunday mass. The guide will provide an explanation of the Duomo from the outside.
- During the Christmas and Easter periods, due to increased visitor traffic, the Duomo skip-the-line option is not guaranteed. As a result, you may encounter a wait before entering the Duomo.
Know before you go
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- All guests must pass through security. No weapons or large items are allowed inside.
- We ask all guests (including children) bring ID on the day of their tour.
- We are able to accomodate guests with mobility impairment or wheelcharis, please make sure to email our Guest Experience team at info@takewalks.com at the time of your booking for proper arrangements.
- We are unable to accommodate guests with strollers on this tour.
- Only small handbags are allowed inside the Accademia Museum. There is no bag check or storage available.
- Shoes with heels and flip-flops are prohibited inside the Cathedral.
- Due to the religious nature of the Cathedral, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering the Cathedral. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
- On Sundays, we will not enter the Cathedral of Florence due to Sunday mass. The guide will provide an explanation of the Duomo from the outside.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- During the Christmas and Easter periods, due to increased visitor traffic, the Duomo skip-the-line option is not guaranteed. As a result, you may encounter a wait before entering the Duomo.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Reviews
If you’re reading this, book it now! You’ll be one of the first on the boat and get the best spot before anyone else. Daniela (aka “Daniel”) treated us exceptionally well from start to finish. Her knowledge of the falls and the stories behind them was the perfect balance of informative and entertaining. She keeps you laughing throughout the tour and enjoys the experience right alongside you as if it were her first time seeing it. 10/10 — I would recommend this tour to anyone. As an added bonus, our group had only four people, which made the experience absolutely incredible and much more personal. Thanks again, Daniel! 😉
The tour was great and having priority on the boat was excellent
The tour was great and having priority on the boat was excellent
Additional information
- Adult (15+)
- Child (7-14)