From your central Florence hotel, walk with your guide to your first stop, the Piazza della Repubblica, site of the original Roman forum. From here, walk to the Piazza della Signoria, admire the sculptures, and stroll to the Ponte Vecchio, the city’s most famous bridge.
After viewing the splendid Palazzo Pitti, once home to the rulers of Florence, amble through bohemian Oltrarno, with its artists’ workshops and cafés. Cross the river to Via Tornabuoni with its covetable designers, Palazzo Strozzi, and, of course, the Florence Cathedral (Duomo). Skipping the line is not an option here, so decide with your guide whether to visit or not on the day.
Finally, stroll to the Accademia Gallery (tickets not included), walk past the long line, and head straight to Michelangelo’s masterpiece, 'David.' Your guide explains the secrets of the sculpture and the master’s unfinished 'Prisoners' before you end your tour outside the gallery.