Skip-the-Line to David: Accademia Gallery Tour & Dome Climb

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.

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. 

Tour info

Duration
3 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
18
Pricing (From)
Adult: (15-99 years)
€149.00
Child: (7-14 years)
€139.00
Commentary
English
Meeting Point

Piazza San Marco, Florence, 50121, IT

Dropoff location

Piazza del Duomo, (Terraces of the Duomo), Florence, 50122, IT

Why take this tour?

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. 
  
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.

What’s included?

  • 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)

  • Gratuities

  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Things to know

Before you book

  • Due to conditions inside the Duomo (463 steps and fairly narrow), wheelchairs, those with limited mobility, and anyone with claustrophobia cannot be accommodated on this tour.

  • 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.

  • Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.

Before you go

  • Please note that the tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows after tour commencement or departure.

  • If you cannot join your tour at the last minute (running late, etc), please contact us. We may be able to reschedule your tour with a small amendment fee depending on availability.

  • 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.

  • Shoes with heels and flip-flops are prohibited inside the Cathedral.

  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

  • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.

Cancellation Policy

    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.

Redemption information

    Mobile tickets will be accepted


    Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption

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.