Early Morning Duomo Tour with Exclusive Entry and Brunelleschi's Dome
Be among the first of the day to enter Florence cathedral on this VIP experience
If you’ve been dreaming of experiencing the historic Duomo in Florence in a truly unique way—without the crowds and with it all to yourself—look no further. Join this exclusive early-morning tour, where you and your intimate group will be the first to enter Florence’s most iconic landmark. Watch as the official key master unlocks the doors, and be among the first to step inside this 11th-century marble Cathedral as the lights illuminate the stunning interior.
What You Get With This Tour
-
Passionate English-speaking guide
-
VIP semi-private tour
-
Skip-the-line tickets
-
Early Duomo entrance
-
Group size of 19
-
Hotel pick up and drop off
-
Guide gratuities
Tour Itinerary
-
1
Meet your guide in front of the Duomo
At 6:45 am, while Florence begins to awaken, you’ll join your expert guide and the key master to unlock the Cathedral for the day. -
2
Cathedral and Baptistery
The Cathedral, a masterpiece of Renaissance and Gothic architecture, and its baptistry tell a tale of Florence’s artistic and religious heritage. -
3
Duomo at daybreak
Before the cathedral opens, you’ll have the unique chance to admire the frescoes and statues in a peaceful, almost magical stillness. -
4
Chiavigero
Watch in awe as the official key master switches on the Duomo’s lights, revealing Vasari and Zuccari’s mesmerizing “Last Judgement”. -
5
Florence Duomo clock
Tune in as your guide explains why this fascinating 24-hour timepiece moves counterclockwise and starts from sunset. -
6
Discover Santa Maria del Fiore
Translating to "Saint Mary of the Flower,” the Duomo’s official name refers to its dedication to the Virgin Mary and Florence’s Latin name. -
7
Ascend Brunelleschi's Dome
Join your guide for an exclusive tour of Brunelleschi’s cupola and witness firsthand the craftsmanship that brought this masterpiece to life. -
8
Duomo rooftop
Savor every breathtaking moment as you gaze upon Florence, still immersed in morning light, from Brunelleschi's cupola. -
9
Ending point at the Duomo
After two and a half hours with your guide, it’s time to part ways. But don’t feel you have to hurry off—you're welcome to stay and enjoy.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Dress Code: Both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders for entry into the Cathedral, and access to the Cupola will be denied if wearing high heels, flip-flops, slippers, clogs, or similar unstable footwear.
Accessibility: This tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the 463 steep steps required to climb Brunelleschi’s dome.
Please Note: This is an exclusive, early-morning tour that starts before the general public is allowed inside the Cathedral.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 2-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
VIP, semi-private Duomo tour
Skip-the-line to Brunelleschi’s dome
Witness the switching on of the Cathedral lights
Maximum group size of 19
What to bring:
Comfortable shoes (463 steps to the top of the dome)
Government-issued ID
Water
Camera
Shawl/scarf/sweater to cover knees and shoulders
Customer Reviews
Wonderful tour, so great to be in the duoma just as the keymaster opened up. Aurora was amazing and gave so much info regarding the duomo and view from the duoma once up top. Tickets good for museum and baptistry too!
Avoid al, the queues and lots of people in your photos. Instead have a great guide to tell you about the Duomo and be first into the Cathedral and to the top of the dome. Definitely recommend. I’d do it again. The views of early morning Florence make the steps up worth it.
This tour was outstanding. Our wonderful guide was Alla, soft-spoken and very knowledgeable with a tangible love for Florence and the Duomo. The experience of entering the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore in the dim, early morning light and witnessing the gradual illumination of the church was extraordinary and, unexpectedly, the highlight of the tour for me. Climbing the Duomo, being so close to the frescoes of the dome and enjoying the view from the top - all of it was a tremendous experience. I would do this tour again, simply to experience every part of it once more. Highly recommend.
Loved, loved, loved this tour. Great information and the climb is worth it. Hard, but worth it. Don't look at others, this is the tour to book!
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
We suggest wearing comfortable clothes and shoes.
What to bring?
We suggest wearing comfortable clothes and shoes.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
This tour is run by our trusted and vetted partners in Florence.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Regretfully, this tour is not suitable for guests with wheelchairs or impaired mobility, due to the steep, 463 step staircase to the cupola.
What happens if it rains?
We run our tour rain or shine.
Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?
We ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise you might be refused entry inside the Duomo. We understand the summers in Florence can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary. Access to the Cupola and the Terraces will be denied in case you wear high heels, flip-flops, slippers, clogs, or similar footwear.
Is lunch included in the price of the tour?
No, lunch is not included in this tour.
Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?
Kids aged 7+ are welcome on this tour, though minors must always be accompanied by an adult. Kids that are aged 7-12 are charged a reduced fee. Please choose accordingly during the booking.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup is not included. You will meet your guide and the rest of your group in the Duomo Square, in front of the main entrance of the Cathedral.
Where does this tour end?
This tour ends in the Duomo, after visiting Brunelleschi’s cupola.
Does the itinerary of this tour ever change?
The itinerary of the tour may slightly vary depending on restrictions decided by the museum board. If this happens, the inclusions and the tour quality will always be preserved.
Is there any chance this tour will be canceled?
On the rare occasion the tour is canceled, we'll inform you as soon as possible. We will work with you to reschedule your tour when possible or provide a full refund.
You May Also Like
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Complete Florence Duomo Tour with Dome Climb and Secret Terraces
View this charming city from the hidden terraces of Brunelleschi’s dome after touring the cathedral
Free Cancellation Guided Tour
Florence Highlights Tour with David and Duomo Entry
See Michelangelo’s David, visit the Florence Duomo, and walk the city’s historic heart
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Florence Duomo Skip-the-Line Tour
Explore the iconic cathedral with an expert guide and visit the fascinating Misericordia Museum
