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Offered languages
- English
- Italian
- Spanish
Experience Florence like never before on our private tour that combines the city's most iconic landmarks with skip-the-line access to Michelangelo's David. Begin your journey in the historic Piazza della Signoria, where centuries of Florentine history unfold beneath your feet. As we wind through medieval streets, your expert art historian guide will bring the Renaissance to life, sharing fascinating stories of the Medici, master artists, and powerful guilds who shaped this magnificent city.
Discover hidden gems and architectural masterpieces, from the stunning Loggia dei Lanzi to the majestic Duomo complex. The highlight of your experience awaits at the Accademia Gallery, where you'll skip the long queues to stand before Michelangelo's incomparable David. Get unique insights about this masterpiece from your knowledgeable guide, including lesser-known details about its creation and symbolism.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Your guide will welcome you behind the iconic Neptune Fountain (Fontana del Nettuno) in Piazza della Signoria, easily identifiable with our "FLORENCE WITH LOCALS" flag.
Itinerary
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1
Welcome to the political heart of Renaissance Florence! This L-shaped square has been the center of Florentine power since the 14th century. Let's explore: Palazzo Vecchio: Notice the imposing medieval palace with its 94-meter tower. Built in 1299, it served as both a fortress and city hall. The replica of Michelangelo's David marking the palace's entrance stands exactly where the original stood until 1873. Neptune Fountain: Created by Ammannati (1565) to celebrate the Medici's maritime ambitions. Look for the face of Cosimo I de' Medici in Neptune's features. Equestrian Monument of Cosimo I: Bronze masterpiece by Giambologna (1594), symbolizing the Grand Duke's absolute power.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
This beautiful open-air sculpture gallery showcases: Perseus with Medusa's Head by Benvenuto Cellini (1545) - notice the self-portrait of Cellini hidden in Perseus's helmet Rape of the Sabine Women by Giambologna - marvel at how this massive sculpture was carved from a single block of marble Menelaus supporting the body of Patroclus - a Roman copy of a Hellenistic sculpture
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Walking along Via Calzaiuoli, Florence's ancient main street, we reach Orsanmichele: Originally a grain market (1337) Transformed into a church while maintaining its unique architectural character Observe the exterior niches featuring statues by Renaissance masters, representing Florence's powerful guilds Notable works include Ghiberti's St. John the Baptist and Donatello's St. George
Admission ticket free -
3
Our final stop before the Accademia: Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore): Brunelleschi's dome - the largest masonry dome ever built Baptistery: Look at the golden Gates of Paradise by Ghiberti Giotto's Campanile: Notice how the marble decoration matches the cathedral's facade
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Gallery Highlights: 1. Michelangelo's David Historical context: Commissioned in 1501 when Michelangelo was just 26 Analysis of David's anatomical details and expression Symbolic meaning for the Florentine Republic Engineering marvel: How it was carved from a single block of rejected marble Viewing angles: Best positions to observe different aspects of the sculpture 2. Prisoners/Slaves Series Unfinished sculptures showing Michelangelo's working method Discussion of his concept of "liberating" figures from marble Analysis of the "non-finito" technique Connection to Pope Julius II's tomb project 3. Musical Instruments Museum Collection of historical instruments Focus on the Stradivari violins Evolution of the piano, invented in Florence 4. Gothic and Early Renaissance Paintings Notable works by: Botticelli Ghirlandaio Paolo Uccello Discussion of tempera technique and gold ground paintings
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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