Florence Duomo Skip-the-Line Tour with Dome Climb
Explore the breathtaking cathedral and take in captivating views from Brunelleschi’s Cupola!
Want to see the best view of Florence from the top of the Duomo, but don't want to wait for hours in the long lines? On this illuminating tour you'll skip the line and explore the striking frescoes and magnificent architecture of the Florence Cathedral with an expert guide by your side. Afterwards, climb up to Brunelleschi’s Dome for an up-close look at the Renaissance architect’s incredible artistry, along with a jaw-dropping view of Florence!
- Meet your guide outside Museo della Misericordia
- Florence Duomo
- Central nave
- Vasari's Last Judgement
- Dome Climb
- End your tour inside the Florence Duomo
- Views from atop the dome
- Say goodbye to your guide
Your captivating visit to the Florence Cathedral begins outside of the Museo della Misericordia, in Piazza del Duomo, where you’ll meet your passionate guide and small group. After admiring the Duomo’s striking facade, enjoy a quick entry into the Cathedral with your priority skip-the-line tickets. Once inside, your expert guide will explain the intriguing history of the iconic Duomo, including the prominent artists and Renaissance architects that helped bring this stunning Cathedral to life.
After departing from your guide, make the steep climb up to Brunelleschi’s Dome. From the Duomo’s majestic rooftop, gaze out at Florence’s enchanting cityscape. After you descend from the breathtaking cupola, you’re free to continue exploring the vibrant Piazza del Duomo on your own!
Please be advised that children under 7 are allowed to climb the Dome and must be always accompanied and/or carried during the climb. Small children may find the climb steep and is not recommended as an independent activity.
Florence Duomo Skip-the-Line Tour with Dome Climb Tour Description
Your 1.5-hour tour includes:
Professional guide
Skip-the-line tickets to the Florence Duomo
Climb to the Cathedral’s Dome
30-minute guided visit through the Cathedral
Incredible views of Florence
Small group of 15 people max
Admire the Duomo’s Stunning Facade
Your unforgettable tour begins just outside of the Museo del Duomo, where your enthusiastic guide and intimate group of fellow travelers will be waiting. Your small group tour only allows for up to 15 participants at most, so you’ll enjoy plenty of time to chat with your knowledgeable guide about the Duomo’s fascinating history.
Before entering the majestic Duomo, take a moment to appreciate the iconic landmark’s striking facade. As your guide will explain, the Gothic Cathedral took over 140 years to be completed and is renowned for its incredibly detailed exterior.
Tour the Florence Cathedral
With your skip-the-line tickets in hand, enjoy a swift and seamless entry into the captivating Florence Duomo. As your passionate guide details the rich history and artistry that went into creating this spectacular church, marvel at the intricate details and works of art that line the Cathedral’s ornate walls. Gaze in amazement at world famous frescoes, vibrant stain glassed windows, and a breathtaking motif that adorns the Duomo’s marble floor.
Entrance into any religious site requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. The company will not be held responsible for refused entry due to unsuitable dress.
Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome
After saying goodbye to your friendly guide, you and your group members will ascend up to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome. The climb up 463 steps will bring you 91 meters above ground and reward you with unparalleled views of Florence’s cityscape! You’ll also enjoy an up-close look at the incredible talent of Brunelleschi, who is celebrated as being one of the founders of Renaissance architecture.
Once you’re finished admiring a birds-eye-view of the city, your guide will walk you back outside where you’re free to continue exploring with your included Pass, which provides access to the entire Duomo Complex in Florence, including the Cathedral, Baptistery, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Opera del Duomo Museum, and the archaeological site beneath the cathedral.
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
9 total reviews
Leave a reviewFlorence Duomo Skip-the-Line Tour
Jeff Deans
This review is for the Duomo tour of 6 May, 2025 at 10am. Instructions for the meeting place were timely, clear and convenient. We met our tour guide Stephanie in front of the Museo Della Misericordia, located in Piazza del Duomo and proceeded to the side entrance of the cathedral for the skip the line tour. Once inside our guide gave us some history on the construction of the cathedral and the dome itself before showing us to the access point for the dome climb. She did not accompany us on the climb so that is where the guide part ended. She was very knowledgeable and informative regarding the construction of the Duomo. It was a bit hard to hear her due in part to the echo inside and the low volume of voice (perhaps intentional as it is an active church). A hearing device like we had on other tours might have helped. We climbed the dome and it was amazing to see the frescos and construction up close. The views at the top were fantastic! When we returned to the bottom we were not allowed access to view the rest of the interior of the cathedral. This was not explained to us or made clear at the beginning of the tour. The only option we were told was to exit and get in line to reenter. The line was quite long by this time so we didn’t elect to do this due to time constraints to our day. The ticket included the bell tower and the Museo Della Misericordia. We didn’t elect to tour the bell tower again due to the line. We did take a shortened tour of the Museo but there wasn’t any standard English translation capability. We did find a very enthusiastic volunteer who spoke good English and happily described the history of the brotherhood and answered our questions. I do recommend visiting to gain an appreciation of this amazing organization. Overall it was a good experience but the skip the line only applies to the done climb.
Great tour saved so much time.
Jeanette Haas
Our tour guide, Stephanie was very knowledgeable about the Duomo. We were able to skip the huge lines and go directly inside. there we were given a great info about the cathedral and its construction. We then got to climb to the top of the dome with its awesome 360 degree views over Florence and the up close views of the frescos while climbing back down were amazing.
Sandy Okugawa
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
We recommend bringing comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, and a camera to capture the view from Brunelleschi’s Dome! Since this is a religious site, you will also need to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
What to bring?
We recommend bringing comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, and a camera to capture the view from Brunelleschi’s Dome! Since this is a religious site, you will also need to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
This tour is run by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Florence.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, because of the climb to the dome, this tour is not suitable for guests with disabilities, claustrophobia, heart diseases, pregnant women, or those who suffer from vertigo.
What happens if it rains?
We run our Florence Duomo tours rain or shine.
Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?
No, it is very unlikely that your tour would be canceled. In the rare event that this tour is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, we will reschedule or provide a refund.
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 the Florence Cathedral might refuse entry. 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.
How comprehensive is this tour of the Florence Cathedral?
While this tour provides a comprehensive visit throughout the Duomo’s interior and a climb to the dome, it does not include a visit to the terraces. However, you’ll still get to experience all the most important elements of the Cathedral and dome. If you wish to visit the Terraces, check out our Complete Florence Duomo Tour with Dome Climb and Secret Terraces
Does the Florence Duomo ever experience sudden closures?
Due to unforeseen events, it is possible that the Duomo might experience sudden closures. If this happens, we will reschedule your tour or provide a full refund.
Is lunch included in the price of the tour?
No, lunch is not included on this tour. But, we’re happy to recommend one of our favorite spots for after your tour, and your guide is sure to point you in the right direction too.
Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?
Yes, kids are welcome on this tour. Please keep in mind, minors must be accompanied by their parents at all times.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No hotel pickup is included on this tour. You’ll meet your guide at the designated meeting point outside of the Museo del Duomo.
Where does this tour end?
This tour ends following your climb to the dome. You’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like or explore the rest of Piazza del Duomo.
Will the guide join us during the Dome Climb?
No, the guided visit will conclude after the tour of the Duomo Cathedral, and you will independently climb the Dome afterward.
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