David & Duomo: Accademia & Exclusive Dome Access

About this experience

Explore Florentine art and architecture on a tour that gets you past the typical long lines at the Accademia Gallery and the Duomo. You'll breeze past the long line to marvel at Michelangelo’s statue of David, granting you incredible insight into the mind of a master. After, 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 entrance up to the terraces—an exclusive space rarely visited by the general public. You’re welcome to continue your journey up to the top of Florence by climbing to the top of the dome to soak up even more spectacular views of the city. With all entrance fees included, an expert guide, 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.

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 1h

   Meet your local expert guide and small group of 18 people or fewer outside the Accademia. Before the daytime crowds show up or after they've left in the afternoon, you’ll head in to marvel at Michelangelo’s “David” as well as his unfinished sculptures known as “Slaves,” which give incredible insight into the mind of one of history’s greatest artists.

2. Stop 2 · 30min

   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 del Duomo Museum, the Baptistery of San Giovanni and Crypt of Santa Reparata, and Giotto's Tower on your own after the tour.

3. Stop 3 · 1h

   You’ll enter the Duomo, where your guide will bring the unbelievable history of its construction to life. You'll also have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to step onto the Duomo’s rooftop terraces, rarely open to the public and offering stunning panoramic views.

4. Stop 4 · 45min

   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.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

• 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.

End point

• Duomo Terraces

- 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. - Only small handbags are allowed inside the Accademia Museum. There is no bag check or storage available. - 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. - 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. - 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.

Before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• 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.
• 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.
• Please note that the Galleria dell’Accademia admission ticket (€24 per person) is included in the tour price (€20 admission ticket + €4 reservation fee).
• 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.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.