Guided tour

Florence: Cathedral & Brunelleschi's Dome Skip-the-Line Tour

4.8 / 5

52 reviews

Activity provider: Fat Tire Tours - Italy
Guided tour

Florence: Cathedral & Brunelleschi's Dome Skip-the-Line Tour

Activity provider: Fat Tire Tours - Italy

From US$ 100.98 per person

Discover the masterpiece work of Brunelleschi, the great architect who led the construction of the Florence Dome.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Duration 2.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Gain quick entrance to the Duomo and climb to the top for breathtaking views
  • Experience sweeping views of Florence
  • Private visit to the Northern Terrace of the Duomo
  • Admire the beautiful view over Florence from the cupola's viewing platform
  • Enjoy this small group experience with no more than 19 guests per guide
Full description

On this small group tour, your guide will take you to the top of the Duomo, the highest building in Florence, without having to wait in line. Before visiting the Dome, enjoy a guided tour inside the Museum (or Baptistry) to discover the old facade of the Cathedral. Then skip the line to get inside the Duomo and hear its history and most important facts. 

Continue to s climb 150 steps to reach the Northern Terrace of the Cathedral, where you can admire a breathtaking view over the city of Florence and the Dome. After the visit to the terrace, climb the other 400 steps to reach the very top. Follow in the footsteps of Brunelleschi as you ascend the ancient staircase he once used for inspirational views of the city. 

On the way up the 463-step staircase, you will feel as though you have gone back in time, winding through the narrow passages of this elegant and ancient building. The Duomo itself is notable for the 44 stained glass windows that adorn the interior. 

This tour will give you the chance to discover Brunelleschi's techniques from a special point of view. You will be close to the Frescos decorating the Dome. 

Includes
  • Professionally licensed English-speaking guide
  • Entrance fee to the Dome, Cathedral, Museum (or Baptistry), Northern terrace of the Duomo and a view from the cupola
  • Hotel Pickup
  • Gratuities
Not suitable for
  • Children under 12 years

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Please meet your guide at the activity provider’s office. Directions from the Duomo Cathedral Square: If you are facing the front of the church, turn right on Via dei Calzaiuoli and walk straight on, turn left on the 4th cross street, which is Via dei Cimatori. Directions from Piazza Della Signoria: face the statue of the man on horseback, on your right, there is Il Cavallino restaurant. Take that street (via delle Farine) and turn right onto the second cross street, which is Via dei Cimatori.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

  • Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended
  • Dress code: shoulders, abdomen, and knees must be covered during the
  • Cathedral visit
  • All participants must be at least 12 years of age
  • The dome visit and rooftop portion of this tour are not recommended for
  • individuals with a fear of heights and/or claustrophobia due to the narrow spaces
  • and staircase to the roof terrace
  • The following objects are not allowed inside the Cathedral: glass objects,
  • luggage, helmets
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered a full refund.
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 52 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5
  • Service
    4.7/5
  • Organization
    4.8/5

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Star rating:

I loved the tour of the dome and learning information about the construction and history of it, as well as about Florence. I think some of us lost track of the host at the top but we all made it down eventually. It was very nice to learn about the architecture and methods of construction in addition to the history.

July 3, 2022

Extraordinary tour both in terms of history and landscapes. We were guided by the talented Elena who, in perfect English, guided us through the beauties of the Church of S. Maria del Fiore and illustrated the wonderful panorama that we could admire at the end of the 463 steps to get to the dome. Experience to do !!!

January 3, 2022

Excellent tour!

I had a very nice tour guide, Christina, she is very passionate and knowledgeable about the art and buildings we saw! The tour gives a quick but thorough view of most of Firenzes il Duomo highlights. The view from Brunelleschi's dome is the best you can get! With the ticket you can later on visit the baptistry and Giotto tower on your own (within 72 hours). I always love guided tours, you get more info than the standardized travel books give, or description panels in front of the object. Christina was fond of telling some interesting curiosities along the way, which was great! Would highly recommend!

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May 29, 2019

Product ID: 7363