Vasari Corridor & Uffizi Gallery Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Skip-the-line access to Uffizi Gallery
- Explore Vasari Corridor's art treasures
- Guided tour with art historian
- Discover hidden art gems
- Experience Florence's rich history
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line access to the Uffizi Gallery
- Guided tour of the Vasari Corridor
- Expert art historian guide
- Food and beverages
Itinerary
Pass by: Uncover Florence's hidden gem – the Vasari Corridor! Begin your journey at Via Cavour 12 black, where your knowledgeable, art-loving guide will greet you. From there, accompany your guide to the renowned Uffizi Gallery and the iconic Vasari Corridor.
Founded in 1560 at the behest of Cosimo I de' Medici, from being the seat of the most important Florentine magistracies, the Uffizi did not become the marvelous art gallery it is today until 1769. Your private guide will skillfully lead you through the luminous halls of this fantastic museum, taking you on a journey to discover the greatest painters of the Italian art scene, from the Middle Ages to the Late Renaissance. Giotto, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci are just some of the absolute geniuses whose priceless masterpieces you will have the privilege of admiring on display. These are immortal works of the magnitude of Botticelli's “The Birth of Venus” and “Primavera,” Michelangelo's “Tondo Doni” and Leonardo da Vinci's “Annunciation,” to name a few. The Uffizi is one of the largest museums in the world, but thanks to your private guide you will be sure to grasp its essence in just 2 hours.
After a short break on the Uffizi terrace, from which you can admire Piazza Signoria and Florence from above, the much-anticipated moment will finally arrive: the museum staff will open the doors of the Vasari Corridor wide, revealing one of Florence’s best-kept secrets. Designed in 1565 by Giorgio Vasari for Cosimo I de' Medici, this elevated passage allowed grand dukes to move between their private residence at Palazzo Pitti and the seat of government at Palazzo Vecchio in total safety, avoiding the crowded streets of central Florence. During the visit, the corridor offers unique views of Florence, especially the Ponte Vecchio, and architectural highlights, such as the Mannelli tower, which Vasari had to incorporate into the passage. The guide won’t provide explanations inside but will point out the most beautiful views and ingenious architectural features created by Vasari throughout the 750-meter journey.
The passage will last 30 minutes and will allow you to reach the Boboli Gardens away from the crowds, just as the Medici did centuries ago. The exit will be alongside the Buontalenti Fountain, a masterpiece of Mannerist sculpture that offers us a fascinating fusion of architecture, painting and sculpture. Once out, follow your private guide back to Piazza Signoria on a walk back along the Vasari Corridor, which will allow you to admire this work of art from the outside as well, making your experience even more complete.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for weather conditions.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Please inform the provider of any mobility issues in advance.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the tour.
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas; follow guide's instructions.
- Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early to ensure timely departure.
Cancellation policy
0All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
Good to know
- The experience will be private for your group: however, as per Museum rules, a maximum of 25 people are allowed to access to the Vasari Corridor, so there may be additional participants during the Vasari walk up to a maximum of 25 pax
- During the Vasari Corridor walk (30 minutes), the guide will not be allowed to explain, but will follow you along the way, pointing out the sights and points of interest
- Due to the complicated nature of access management at the Vasarian, admission times may vary slightly from those online. In any case, you will be notified immediately in writing about the time change
- Tickets for the Vasariano are nominative. When booking, please provide us with the following details of all participants: first name, last name, date of birth
- 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.
- Entrance ticket to the Uffizi Gallery + Vasari Corridor €47.00 per person
- Please note: To enter the Uffizi Gallery and the Vasari Corridor, all participants are required to carry a valid ID. Non-EU visitors are required to bring their passport. Museum staff may refuse entry if a valid ID is not presented.
Traveler reviews
Informative
Our guide was an art historian and an historian who did an admirable job supplementing my understanding of the palaces and offices used by the Medici, and explaining the Vasari corridor and its reason to be. We had about 2 hours touring the art in the Uffizi, which is never enough, but the explanations were great. I had not realized how so many artists portrayed the Madonna in a pensive/melencholy with her child until this voyage through (mainly) the Renaissance in the Uffizi. Also, the Medici soaked up roughly 1000 Roman (and Greek) statues, so it is a wonder many were left for the other kingly collectors of Europe. The tour ends in the courtyard of the Pitti Palace and it is a good idea to leave a couple hours to see either some of the art there, or the gardens if the weather is good. But if you do that, consider bringing a snack.
Exceptional.
Private tour was great to see a lot of important works of art in a timely fashion and tie their significance in with Floretine history
Fabulous renaissance morning!
Informative, entertaining, enthusiastic guide who made the whole experience very enjoyable. Went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed our visit to the Uffizi, the Vasari Corridor and incredibly knowledgeable about Florence in general. Would definitely recommend.
Outstanding guide brought art to life
Alex was an outstanding guide, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. We learnt so much. The tour was worthwhile and we highly recommend it
Private Tour of the Uffizi & Corridor is Well Worth the Price!
3-hours is just the right amount of time for this tour. The private tour is the way to go as Florence, even in April, is super crowded as is the Uffizi. We had only 4-family members in our tour and, unless Alex brought us to the side to share information on a particular painting, it was still difficult to hear him. I recommend the tour operator supply audio headsets to the members of any size tour (2+) as it would make for a much better experience for the guide and the participants. Alex was extremely knowledgeable, pleasant to be with and maneuvered us through the crowds effectively. However, I do believe we would have seen more if we were outfitted with audio headsets. With most “private tours” like this one, we skipped the mile long line to enter the museum. That alone is worth the price of the tour.