Florence Private Walking Tour with Michelangelo's David
Explore the famous sites of Florence, with Ponte Vecchio, Duomo, and skip-the-line Accademia entry
Looking for the ideal introduction to Florence? Then join our expert local guide for a private walking tour that’ll show you the best of Italy’s Renaissance city in just a few hours. You’ll hear fascinating stories of Florence’s history as you take in sites such as the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. Of course, no trip to Florence is complete without seeing the iconic Statue of David, and you’ll have skip-the-line Accademia Gallery tickets to witness Michelangelo’s masterpiece!
- A perfect introduction to Florence
- Accademia and Statue of David
- The Duomo and Brunelleschi's Dome
- Baptistry Doors
- Florentine gelato
- Piazza della Signoria
- Mercato
- The Bronze Boar fountain
- Ponte Vecchio bridge
- Orsanmichele Church
- Dante's District
- Dante's Church
Your friendly private guide will meet you at your hotel or another meeting point in central Florence, and you'll enjoy a short stroll to the popular Accademia Gallery. The main admission line here can be incredibly long at times, but your skip-the-line ticket lets you get inside much more quickly. Your guide will lead you through the gallery, telling stories of its history and the famous artwork housed here—the most famous being Michelangelo's David. Afterwards, you'll begin your private walking tour through the city.
Your guide will lead you through Florence at a pace that suits you, taking in iconic sites including the Florence Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio. Along the way, learn the fascinating history of Florence and gain local insights that'll help you make the most of your time in this beautiful city. This private tour also gives you the flexibility to make the tour your own, so if there's something special you want to see then just let your guide know and they'll do their best to make it happen!
Private Florence Walking Tour Description
Your 3-hour Florence walking tour includes:
Skip-the-line Accademia tickets with statue of David
A tailored private walking tour of Florence's highlights
See the Florence leather market, Dante’s district, Ponte Vecchio, and more!
Stop for a tasty local gelato (not included)
Knowledgeable English-speaking private guide
The Accademia Gallery
After a short stroll through the city with your guide, your private tour begins with skip-the-line entry to the Galleria dell'Accademia. Aside from the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia Gallery is the most-visited museum in Florence. This means that long lines to get inside are common. Luckily, we reserve your Accademia tickets ahead of time, meaning that the only line you'll stand in is the much shorter security line.
Your guide is an expert in bringing the gallery's masterpieces and exhibits to life with entertaining stories about their history and meaning, and they'll help you connect more closely with the stunning artwork you'll see inside, including the most famous piece of all, the statue of David.
Short delays at the security check may occur during the busiest months, June and July. However, our team of experts works to prevent delays as much as possible.
Michelangelo's Statue of David
When you enter the gallery in which the iconic statue of David stands, you'll immediately notice his height, smooth surface, and famously determined expression which reflects the moments before David went into battle with Goliath in the famous biblical tale.
As you enjoy your moment with this world-famous piece, your guide will explain how Michelangelo heroically carved this masterpiece out of a block of carrara marble that no other artist wanted to touch. Make sure you take a good look at David's hands and feet! They're out of proportion because David was supposed to be placed on top of the Florence Duomo.
The Duomo of Florence - Exterior
Your private walking tour continues towards another of Florence's most famous sites. This iconic Duomo is Florence's most recognized landmark, located in the heart of Florence's historical center. Florence's cathedral towers over the city and is topped by a magnificent Renaissance dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Your guide will take you around the outside of this incredible structure, and you'll learn the amazing story of its construction, which began over 800 years ago. You'll also get a closer look at the famed bronze Baptistry Doors.
Piazza della Signoria and the Medici Family
Filled with statues, fountains and beautiful architecture, Piazza della Signoria is the historical and emotional heart of Florence. The most prominent feature of the piazza is Florence’s town hall, the Palazzo Vecchio—once home to the powerful Medici family. Admire the Loggia dei Lanzi and the beautiful exterior corridors of the Uffizi Museum as you learn about the Medici family’s deep impact on the history of Florence, Italy, and the Renaissance movement.
Hidden Gems of Florence
Your walking tour isn't only about world-famous galleries and landmarks. Your guide will also show you some of the city's lesser-known gems, including the beautiful Orsanmichele Church, the ancient leather market, and the popular Bronze Boar fountain. You'll even stroll past one of our favorite local gelato shops where you can buy yourself a refreshing treat. Get to know more of Florence with the insights of your local guide!
Dante's District and Church
Your private tour continues past the original house where Dante grew up, now converted into a museum. Plus, see the little church of Santa Margherita. It's said that this is where Dante and Beatrice fell in love. Dante writes about Beatrice in his most famous work, The Divine Comedy.
The Jewelers of Ponte Vecchio Bridge
Ponte Vecchio means “old bridge” in Italian, and it's appropriately named. Merchant shops have lined this famed bridge since the 13th century. Originally, the shops included fishmongers, butchers, and tanners, however these particular goods caused such a stench in the area that Ferdinand I proclaimed in 1593 that only jewelers were allowed to sell on the bridge. You'll feel as if you've stepped back in time as you stroll around this historic part of Florence.
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
38 total reviews
Leave a reviewRichard Goldstein
Exceptional!
Kathleen A Valenti
Alma was our guide and she was inc! Her knowledge, professionalism and friendliness made the tour a success! We highly recommend her!!
August Sangese
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Bring a little cash with you to try some gelato. Since this is a walking tour, you'll need comfortable shoes. Avoid bringing large bags, as the Accademia requires you to check them.
What if I don't see any availability?
If you are trying to make a booking up to two weeks in advance, the website will show no availability. However, feel free to contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you.
I'd like to go on this tour at a different time. What should I do?
If you need this tour to start at a different time, just reach out and let us know. We'll do our best to accommodate you.
Is gelato included in the tour price?
Food is not included in the tour price. We suggest bringing a little cash with you so you can treat yourself to some delicious Florentine gelato though.
Do we get to go inside the Duomo?
This tour includes a visit to the outside of the Cathedral and a chance to see the Baptistry Doors. It does not go inside. We want to make sure we cover as many sights as possible in a day and consider the Duomo to be far more magnificent from the outside. If you wish to climb the dome, we do offer a Florence Duomo Tour that includes Dome Climb tickets.
What to bring?
Bring a little cash with you to try some gelato. Since this is a walking tour, you'll need comfortable shoes. Avoid bringing large bags, as the Accademia requires you to check them.
What if I'm concerned about my mobility?
This private tour is your best bet if you have concerns about your mobility. Our private tours offer more flexibility in terms of pace and special accommodations. Just get in touch before your tour if there's something we should know.