If you're reading this planning for your visit to Florence in advance, two things you need to know: 1) Book it now. 2) Start a stair-stepping workout routine now. Climbing to the top of the dome and surveying the entire city of Firenze is an unforgettable experience. You simply can't get another view like that in Florence. If you're afraid of heights, it's still worth it (although there's a spot at the base of the dome you may have to wait at for a few minutes looking straight down several hundred feet). Beware, though, there are MANY stairs—spiraling, close, and cramped steps—you will have to take to get to this exceptional view. But it's worth it. So start working on your stair-stepping routine now. At least 1,000 stair steps a day. It's a bonus to get you in shape for all the walking you'll be doing in Florence!

Good instructions on finding contact person on site to exchange vouchers for tickets. Area was crowded and we still had to wait in long line before entering. Our time was changed from our initial purchase, from 2:00 to 2:15. It did no good to arrive 15 minutes before our initial scheduled time due to long lines. It was fun and a good challenge to climb all the way to the top of the dome.

Nice view and the ticket cover all the places, but going up and down the dome was a pain, not because of the stairs but because people dont walk when they have to and keep stoping to take pictures, and to go down took 30min waiting because people dont contribute.