Get the VIP treatment at Florence’s iconic Duomo with private access to the terraces and an after-hours tour of the cathedral after all public guests have cleared out.
Florence Duomo After-Hours Tour with Dome & Private Terraces
Summary Description
Highlights
- Have the Florence Duomo all to yourself after closing time.
- Get private access to the cathedral terraces.
- Witness the official closing of the church by the Keymaster.
- Climb the dome and see breathtaking views of Florence.
- Hear insights from your guide at every step of the way.
Description
Stand in awe of Florence’s most impressive monument as you explore it from top to bottom without the usual crowds. This exclusive after-hours tour takes you from the top of the dome, out onto the cathedral terraces with private access, and finally down into the heart of the sanctuary after all public guests have cleared out for the day. With just your group, expert guide, and the cathedral Key Master himself inside the church after closing time, you’ll experience the Duomo in a way that few others can claim and return home with once-in-a-lifetime memories.
Your VIP Duomo tour begins in the busy piazza just outside the cathedral, where you’ll meet your guide and group of 19 people maximum. The cathedral itself will be closed already, with the final guests of the day still lining up to climb the dome. But even this line can still get quite long, and you’ll avoid the hassle and save time by skipping the queue to head straight inside.
From there, you’ll climb the 463 steps to the top of the cathedral’s famous dome, the largest of its kind ever built, with an opportunity along the way to admire the gorgeous frescoes up close. Your guide will accompany you on the dome climb, allowing them to share the fascinating story about the now-iconic landmark’s construction that you need to hear to believe. While the trek to the top can be strenuous, you’ll be rewarded once there with views over Florence and the surrounding countryside that will take your breath away.
While the dome is spectacular, your guide’s expert insights will help you appreciate each of its 4 million bricks even more. You’ll learn why Brunelleschi wasn’t an obvious choice to lead the project and get a peek into his secret inventive construction techniques that continue to baffle architects and engineers to this day.
After taking some time to admire the sweeping panoramas from atop the dome, you’ll head down a level and be welcomed out onto the cathedral terraces. This rarely visited spot will be opened exclusively for your group, giving you a chance to admire the dome up close without anyone else around.
Last but certainly not least, you’ll descend once again into the main sanctuary of the Duomo, which by now will have closed to public guests. You’ll have plenty of space to appreciate the details of this incredible building up close as you hear insights from your guide, an art and architecture expert, that will give you newfound appreciation.
You’ll experience one last magical moment on your way out the door as the cathedral Key Master turns off the lights for the day, blanketing the church in peaceful darkness. Step outside and witness as the doors are officially locked, capping off your VIP experience of having one of the most incredible churches in Italy to yourself. Your tour also includes tickets (valid for 72 hours after tour) allowing you to visit other monuments like the Opera Duomo Museum, Baptistery of San Giovanni and Crypt of Santa Reparata on your own.
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line ticket to the Duomo and after-hours tour
- Private access to the Duomo terraces
- Skip-the-line access to climb the dome
- Local English-speaking guide
- Headsets (when needed)
- Tickets to Opera Duomo Museum, Baptistery of San Giovanni & Crypt of Santa Reparata (Valid for 72 hours after tour)
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
Start / End Locations
Start Location: Colonna di San Zanobi, Florence, Piazza di San Giovanni, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
Start Location Notes: 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 San Giovanni, by the column of San Zanobi next to the Baptistery of St. John. Piazza San Giovanni is a centrally located square in front of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and Baptistery of St. John.
Start Location Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/T9vo38cMZZHqtc4L9
Commentary
Guide : English
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- This tour is in English.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- Due to conditions inside the Duomo (463 steps and fairly narrow), wheelchairs, those with limited mobility or strollers, and anyone with claustrophobia cannot be accommodated on this tour.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Children under 7 years old aren't allowed on this tour.
- We ask all guests (including children) to bring their ID on the day of their tour.
- 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 Afterhours Duomo ticket is valid for 72 hours to explore the other Duomo monuments on your own: Opera Duomo Museum, Baptistery of San Giovanni and Crypt of Santa Reparata.
- 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) to bring their ID on the day of their tour.
- Minors under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult to climb the Terraces.
- Guests may be asked to go through security on this tour.
- Only small handbags and backpacks are allowed inside the Duomo.
- 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.
- 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 Afterhours Duomo ticket is valid for 72 hours to explore the other Duomo monuments on your own: Opera Duomo Museum, Baptistery of San Giovanni and Crypt of Santa Reparata.
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
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)
Redemption Information
Tickets will be held at the box office
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Basic Information
- Duration: 2 hours
- Trip difficulty: Easy
- Max Group Size: 19
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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