Reseller View
Skip-the-Line to David: Accademia Gallery Tour & Dome Climb
Description Summary
Experience two of Florence’s top attractions, David and the Duomo, with an exclusive level of VIP access allotted to just a select few.
Highlights
- ✓Get VIP access to the terraces of the Duomo.
- ✓Skip the line at the Accademia Gallery and see David.
- ✓Bypass the long lines at Florence’s cathedral.
- ✓Take a shortcut to the top of Brunelleschi’s famous dome.
- ✓Explore in an intimate small group of 18 people or fewer.
Description
Explore Florentine art and architecture on a tour that gets you past the typical long lines at the Accademia Gallery and the Duomo. See Michelangelo’s David in the uncrowded early morning or late afternoon hours, then get an in-depth tour of the Duomo, including the exclusive rooftop terraces, usually not accessible by the general public. With all entrance fees included and a small group of just 18 guests max for a more intimate experience, there’s no better way to see Florence’s top attractions.
This once-in-a-lifetime tour of David and the Duomo gets you skip-the-line access to two of Florence’s most iconic sites. With an expert local guide, you’ll see some of the greatest art and architecture of the Italian Renaissance and get deeper context that will help you more fully appreciate each aspect. Visit Michelangelo’s David without the typical crowds, enjoy exclusive access to the famed Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral's terraces, and climb that incomparable dome—all without waiting in line.
Your tour begins close to the Accademia Gallery in central Florence, where you’ll meet your guide and an intimate group of 18 people (or fewer). Breezing past the long line, you’ll head straight inside. Marvel at Michelangelo’s statue of David as well as his unfinished “Slaves” sculptures, each of which grants you incredible insight into the mind of a master.
After leaving the museum, you’ll stop at Piazza del Duomo outside the Baptistery and check out the incredible bronze-cast doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti, coined the "Gates of Paradise" by Michelangelo. Your tour includes tickets (valid for 72 hours) allowing you to visit other monuments like the Opera Duomo Museum, Baptistery of San Giovanni and Crypt of Santa Reparata on your own after the tour.
Continue on to the jewel of Florence, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with a special skip-the-line entrance. Once inside, your guide will unveil some of the secrets behind the architecture before leading you up to the terraces*—an exclusive space rarely visited by the general public.
Finally, once the guided tour concludes on the terrace level, you’re welcome to continue your journey up to the top of Florence by climbing to the top of the dome. Starting from this level gives you a head start past the long lines down below, so you’ll be soaking up spectacular views of the city in no time at all.
*Please note: Only the morning tour will briefly tour the Florence cathedral. The afternoon tour will enjoy a view of the cathedral's interior from above during the climb to the Duomo terraces. The order of the itinerary may vary to avoid the crowds and enhance your experience.
Your tour begins close to the Accademia Gallery in central Florence, where you’ll meet your guide and an intimate group of 18 people (or fewer). Breezing past the long line, you’ll head straight inside. Marvel at Michelangelo’s statue of David as well as his unfinished “Slaves” sculptures, each of which grants you incredible insight into the mind of a master.
After leaving the museum, you’ll stop at Piazza del Duomo outside the Baptistery and check out the incredible bronze-cast doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti, coined the "Gates of Paradise" by Michelangelo. Your tour includes tickets (valid for 72 hours) allowing you to visit other monuments like the Opera Duomo Museum, Baptistery of San Giovanni and Crypt of Santa Reparata on your own after the tour.
Continue on to the jewel of Florence, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with a special skip-the-line entrance. Once inside, your guide will unveil some of the secrets behind the architecture before leading you up to the terraces*—an exclusive space rarely visited by the general public.
Finally, once the guided tour concludes on the terrace level, you’re welcome to continue your journey up to the top of Florence by climbing to the top of the dome. Starting from this level gives you a head start past the long lines down below, so you’ll be soaking up spectacular views of the city in no time at all.
*Please note: Only the morning tour will briefly tour the Florence cathedral. The afternoon tour will enjoy a view of the cathedral's interior from above during the climb to the Duomo terraces. The order of the itinerary may vary to avoid the crowds and enhance your experience.
Included / Excluded
- ✓Expert English-speaking guide
- ✓Skip the line tickets to the Accademia Gallery
- ✓Special access to the Duomo Terraces
- ✓Skip the line access to climb the dome
- ✓Headsets (when needed)
- ✓Tickets to Opera Duomo Museum, Baptistery of San Giovanni, Crypt of Santa Reparata & Giotto's Tower (Visit on your own - valid for 72 hours)
- ✗Gratuities
- ✗Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Start / End Locations
Start: Piazza San Marco, 50121 Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets in Piazza di San Marco at the Monument to General Manfredo Fanti statue in the center of the square.
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y3nhHXEJCWDSyJsx5
End: Piazza del Duomo, (Terraces of the Duomo), Florence, IT
Directions: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cathedral+of+Santa+Maria+del+Fiore/@43.773145,11.2559602,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x5591438487aaf1f5!8m2!3d43.773145!4d11.2559602
Commentary
Guide • Language: en
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Due to security reasons, children under 7 years of age aren't allowed on this tour and minors under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.
- 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.
- Flip-flops, slippers, clogs and shoes with heels are prohibited inside the Cathedral.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
- Your Duomo ticket is valid for 72 hours to explore the other Duomo monuments on your own: Opera Duomo Museum, Baptistery of San Giovanni, Crypt of Santa Reparata and Giotto's Tower.
- Bags of any kind are not permitted inside the Duomo due to safety regulations, as guests must climb narrow stairways to access the Terrace and Cupola. Free lockers are available before entering the Duomo, your guide will accompany you to them.
- Visitors to the Cathedral must mandatory use Luggage Storage (Piazza Duomo n. 38/r) to leave the following items before entry: suitcases, backpacks, and large or medium-sized bags.
- The Florence Cathedral may occasionally close due to special celebrations or festivities, including Easter ceremonies. We will know in advance and will try to reschedule the tour, contacting you directly.
- 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.
- Each traveler (including children) must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to the Accademia Gallery.
- Please note that the Galleria dell’Accademia admission ticket (€24 per person) is included in the tour price (€20 admission ticket + €4 reservation fee).
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.
- We ask all guests (including children) bring ID on the day of their tour.
- All guests must pass through security. No weapons or large items are allowed inside.
- 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.
- Flip-flops, slippers, clogs and shoes with heels are prohibited inside the Cathedral.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
- Your Duomo ticket is valid for 72 hours to explore the other Duomo monuments on your own: Opera Duomo Museum, Baptistery of San Giovanni, Crypt of Santa Reparata and Giotto's Tower.
- Bags of any kind are not permitted inside the Duomo due to safety regulations, as guests must climb narrow stairways to access the Terrace and Cupola. Free lockers are available before entering the Duomo, your guide will accompany you to them.
- Visitors to the Cathedral must mandatory use Luggage Storage (Piazza Duomo n. 38/r) to leave the following items before entry: suitcases, backpacks, and large or medium-sized bags.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: 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.
Points of Interest
- The Baptistery of St. John, Piazza San Giovanni, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
- Accademia Gallery, Via Ricasoli, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
- Piazza del Duomo, Firenze, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
- Cupola di Brunelleschi, Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
- David di Michelangelo, Via Ricasoli, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
Terms and Conditions
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Additional Information
Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (15+)
- Child (7-14)
- Adult (15+)
- Child (7-14)
Voucher Information
Mobile tickets will be accepted