Why travelers love this tour
The Private Route to the Top of Florence
Your own expert guide, skip-the-line access to Brunelleschi's masterpiece and the most iconic view in the city — all without sharing the experience
Skip-the-Line Dome Tickets
Skip the line tickets to ascend Brunelleschi's dome
Climb 463 Steps to the Top
Climb the 463 steps into the dome for an up close look at its incredible construction
Up-Close Fresco Views
View the 3600 square metres of frescoes on the inside of the dome from up close
360° Views over Florence
Enjoy panoramic 360-degree views from the top of the dome over Florence
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Tour at a Glance
Prices, times and meeting point — all in one place.
From€ 280,00
Free CancellationUp to 24 hours before departure
Duration3 hours
Departure9:00am
Meeting pointPick up and drop off at your accommodation.
Itinerary
The Duomo, Up Close and Privately
From the baptistery to the summit — the full spiritual and architectural story of Florence's most important monument, with no crowds and no compromise.
Local ExpertiseOur private Florence Duomo tour offers a wonderful insight into the spiritual and religious centre of Florence. You need time to explore the history and architecture of the Piazza del Duomo to really understand its significance, so the chance to do this with a passionate local guide truly brings to life the traditions and stories behind this intriguing and important place.
Sacred HeritageOver the centuries, religion has defined the development of Florence’s art, and its influence can be seen in every aspect of its heritage in the places we visit today. Not only is it so often the subject of many artistic works, religion has been at the very heart of many of the artists like Botticelli, Donatello, Giotto, Masaccio and Michelangelo who, through their genius, have been able to inspire and touch us through their masterpieces.
Piazza DuomoOn this excellent private Florence Duomo tour, we take you on a journey through the history of the religious centre of the city, the Piazza Duomo. Your expert guide will lead you through the highlights, which include the current Cathedral and its instantly recognisable facade, the baptistery, the city’s first cathedral (the Santa Reparata), whose remains can still be viewed beneath the Duomo, and Giotto’s famous Bell Tower, with its numerous sculptures. You’ll learn about the Misericordia, the oldest private voluntary institution in the world, still run by the brotherhood for the care of the sick and elderly; and also the late Gothic building, the Loggia del Bigallo, which is linked with local charity fraternities.
Brunelleschi's DomeThen we ascend Brunelleschi’s Dome, which is the undisputed symbol of Florence and the largest of its kind in the world. As you climb you’ll be able to get a wonderful close up view of the 3600 square metres of frescoes that decorate the inside of the dome. It is the largest painted surface in the entire world and your guide will talk you through some intriguing facts as you move past. From this elevated perspective you’ll get a unique view of the inside of the dome and, as you walk between the two shells, you’ll gain an insight into its intricate brickwork and fascinating construction. When you realise that this entire structure was built without the aid of scaffolding you will start to understand the genius behind it.
Summit ViewsAs you reach the top and take in your reward of the spectacular views over the city, the once in a lifetime experience of a private Florence Duomo tour will be cemented in your memory forever.
Landmarks Included in this Tour● Piazza del Duomo
● Baptistery doors (Gates of Paradise)
● Giotto’s Bell Tower
● Brunelleschi's Dome climb
● Florence Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)
● Loggia del Bigallo
● The Baptistery of St John from the outside
● Baptistery doors (Gates of Paradise)
● Giotto’s Bell Tower
● Brunelleschi's Dome climb
● Florence Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)
● Loggia del Bigallo
● The Baptistery of St John from the outside
Highlights
What's included
- Private Florence Duomo tour with a guided climb of Brunelleschi’s Dome
- Friendly expert local guide
- Skip the line tickets to access the dome
- Headsets to ensure you can hear your guide properly
Duration3 hours
Departure9:00am
Free cancellationUp to 24 hours before departure
Know before you go
Helpful details before booking
A few practical notes to help you choose the right Tuscany day trip and arrive prepared.
- No Bags, Umbrellas or Selfie SticksLarger bags, backpacks, long umbrellas, liquids and selfie sticks are not allowed inside the cathedral.
- Short Delays Possible on Busy DaysWe offer skip the line tickets, however on very busy days there may be a short delay to access the dome climb.
- Not Accessible for Wheelchair UsersDue to limited wheelchair accessibility and steps we’re not able to accept wheelchair users.
- Cover Knees and ShouldersBoth men and women must cover their knees and shoulders to enter the cathedral.
- Good Physical Condition RequiredYou’ll need to be in good physical condition to make the climb and it is not recommended for anyone who suffers from vertigo, claustrophobia or any heart issues. It is also not advised for pregnant women.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Once you have made your reservation and made the payment by credit card through our secure website, you will be able to print the information or save it to your mobile device to bring with you to the check-in.
We offer a full refund to any cancellation up to 24 hours before the departure time of the tour.
If you would like to change the day of your tour, you may do so (depending on availability) up to 24 hours before the start of the tour with no extra fees.
We always love to hear feedback about the tour! You can find us on TripAdvisor by searching for the Walkabout Florence Tours.
