Uffizi Private Tour in Florence
Skip the line to see Birth of Venus, Medusa, Doni Tondo, and more with your own private art guide
Looking for a more intimate exploration of Florence’s incredible Uffizi Gallery? This private guided tour lets you see the iconic masterpieces of artists such as Botticelli, Caravaggio, Leonardo, and Michelangelo with your own personal expert guide and skip-the-line entry. Feel like a VIP on a tour that’s tailored to you, and discover the stories behind the Renaissance art, and the history of this remarkable gallery. Searching for the best private Uffizi tour in Florence? You found it!
- The Uffizi and the Medici Family
- Laocoön and His Sons, by Bandinelli
- The works of Da Vinci
- Botticelli's Birth of Venus
- Raphael's Madonna del Cardellino
- Titian's Venus of Urbino
- Michelangelo's Holy Family (Doni Tondo)
- Caravaggio's Medusa
- Renaissance-era sculptures
- Stunning views of Florence
With over million visitors per year, waiting times in busy months can last hours, but this private tour lets you skip the line and start exploring without the long wait! Once inside, your own personal art 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, da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Botticelli.
Private Uffizi Gallery Tour Description
Your 2-hour private Uffizi tour includes:
Skip-the-line Uffizi Gallery tickets
Tailored private tour of the masterpieces and hidden gems inside the Uffizi
See Botticelli's Primavera, Michelangelo's Holy Family, and more!
Friendly, English-speaking private guide with expertise in art history
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 Primavera and 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.
The Venus of Urbino
Titian’s most sensual painting, the Venus of Urbino, is an exercise in female eroticism. In a departure from previous depictions of the Goddess of Love, Venus appears human in his version. She holds a bouquet of flowers in her right hand while her left hand is placed suggestively between her thighs. With the contrast between the warm colors of her flesh and the dark background, the sensuality of the painting is overwhelming. Learn about the story behind this celebrated work of art, and others by the master Titian.
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 tailor your journey into art and history as they share the important stories behind each painting, as well as their context within Florentine and Italian culture. As a private tour, you'll get to experience the Uffizi at a pace that suits you, and your guide can make suggestions based on the artists and styles you love the most.
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
37 total reviews
Leave a reviewPerfect tour
Tim Gensler
The tour was perfect! The museum is incredibly large and having such a knowledgeable guide take us to the best works of art and explain why these pieces of art and their creators are so important made the visit worthwhile. The early time was great as the accessibility to the works was much better with minimal crowds.
Great climb and loved cutting the lines
Alfred Lewis
A perfect small-group tour that allowed us to get to the top of the Duomo.
Ej nusrala
Edward nusrala and Kim nusrala
Excellent. One of the best museum experiences I have ever had .
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
As this is a walking tour, wear comfortable shoes and don't bring large bags. Other than that, just bring your sense of curiosity!
I'd like to go on this private Uffizi tour at a different time. What should I do?
Just reach out and let us know, we'll do our best to accomodate your schedule.
I don't see any availability on the calendar. What should I do?
This tour often books up 2 weeks in advance and requires special arrangements to prepare. If you’re looking for last-minute availability, feel free to contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Is there anything I should NOT bring?
Please avoid bringing large bags and backpacks, 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 and don't bring large bags. Other than that, just bring your sense of curiosity!
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
If you have any doubts about your mobility, this is your best bet for an Uffizi Gallery tour. Private Uffizi tours are more easily customized to the needs of people with reduced mobility.