Skip the Line Uffizi Gallery Tour
See Botticelli, Caravaggio, and Michelangelo's masterpieces in Florence's famous Uffizi Gallery
Want to find the best way to see the magnificent Uffizi Gallery while in Florence? This small-group guided tour lets you skip the line and experience the works of Italy’s most famous artists with the insights of a fun and super-knowledgeable guide. Get to know the real stories behind the masterpieces that defined the Renaissance, understand the influence of the powerful Medici family, and delve into the history behind this iconic gallery. You’ll leave feeling like a true art historian!
Tour Details
- Skip the line at this world-famous museum
- Expert insights from an art-obsessed guide
- Piazza della Signoria
- The Medici's Uffizi
- The works of Leonardo Da Vinci
- Botticelli's Birth of Venus
- Raphael's Madonna del Cardellino
- Titian's Venus of Urbino
- Michelangelo's Holy Family (Doni Tondo)
- Renaissance-era sculptures
- Caravaggio’s Medusa
- The stories behind the art
You’ll meet your expert local guide and the rest of your group in the Piazza della Signoria, just a short walk from the Uffizi Gallery. With over million visitors per year, waiting times in busy months can last hours, but our skip-the-line tickets let you stroll right in to start exploring! Once inside, your guide will share their wealth of knowledge and stories to bring the art to life, as you take in the works of Renaissance masters such as Michelangelo, Leonardo, Caravaggio, and Botticelli.
Uffizi Gallery Tour Description
Your 2-hour tour includes:
Skip-the-line Uffizi Gallery tickets
Guided tour of the masterpieces inside the Uffizi
Fun, English-speaking guide with expertise in art history
Maximum group size of 16
History of the Uffizi and Medici Family
As you stroll through the grand rooms, hallways and courtyard of the Uffizi, your guide will tell you the about the fascinating history of the gallery. The construction was ordered in 1560 by Cosimo I de’ Medici (known as Cosimo the Great and the first Grand Duke of Tuscany) to house the administrative and judiciary offices of Florence. At the time, the Medici family’s influence in Florence was extremely powerful, and without their patronage of the arts the Italian Renaissance may not have happened as it did.
Botticelli's The Birth of Venus
One of the most featured artists your guide will tell you of at the museum is Sandro Botticelli, whose masterpieces Primavera and The Birth of Venus are housed here. You may well recognize his painting of The Birth of Venus, which shows the goddess being carried ashore in a giant seashell. Primavera, meanwhile, depicts the arrival of spring with dancing gods and muses in an enchanted garden. Whatever the extent of your art history knowledge, you can't help but admire these paintings’ vibrant compositions.
Caravaggio’s Medusa
A highlight for many art-lovers on this Uffizi tour is Caravaggio’s Medusa. A gripping study of the dark mythological figure with snakes in her hair, the painting is also an excellent example of Caravaggio’s revolutionary approach to the game between light and dark. As you look into Medusa's eyes, she appears to stare back at you. Legend has it that you’ll turn to stone if you hold her gaze for too long.
Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo (Holy Family)
Michelangelo’s Holy Family (or Doni Tondo) painting dates back to the same period as his David statue, and is one of the few remaining examples of Michelangelo’s painting, together with the breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. The Doni Tondo also laid the foundations of mannerism, also known as Late Renaissance. This style of European art featured bizarre, striking poses and iridescent colors, and your guide will help you to see its clear origins in this masterpiece.
And much, much more....
These highlights are just a few of the world-class works of art housed at the Uffizi. Let your expert guide lead you on a journey into art and history as they share the important stories behind each painting, as well as their context within Florentine and Italian culture.
What you get with this tour
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where to meet?
You’ll meet your guide at Piazza della Signoria in the center of the square at the Statue of Cosimo I (the man on the horse). A friendly representative will be there holding a sign with The Tour Guy name on it.
What to bring?
As this is a walking tour, wear comfortable shoes. Other than that, just bring your sense of curiosity!
Is there anything I should NOT bring?
Please avoid bringing large bags, as the Uffizi requires you to check them in. Food and drink are not allowed in the museum, but there is a café onsite if you need to grab a drink or bite after your tour.
Does the tour always skip the line?
Yes, you’ll avoid the long ticket line and head straight to the shorter security line, potentially saving hours during busy months.
Are there ever any sudden closures at the museum?
Sometimes the museum closes small areas for restoration at short notice, and certain artwork may not be accessible for a time. This is quite rare and out of our control, but your guide will make sure you see the very best of the art available.
What to bring?
As this is a walking tour, wear comfortable shoes. Other than that, just bring your sense of curiosity!
Where to meet?
You’ll meet your guide at Piazza della Signoria in the center of the square at the Statue of Cosimo I (the man on the horse). A friendly representative will be there holding a sign with The Tour Guy name on it.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
While this isn’t a physically demanding tour, you should expect to be on your feet for a couple of hours, and there may be some stairs and uneven surfaces along the way. If you have any doubts about your mobility, we suggest taking an Uffizi Private Tour so your tour can be tailored to your needs.
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