VIP Florence Duomo Exclusive Access Tour with Terraces View

See the Duomo like nobody else — Exclusive entry and private terrace level access with an expert guide
From US$1,405 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
3.5 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Florence Duomo
  • Museo dell'Opera Del Duomo
  • Baptistery of St. John
  • Florence Duomo Terraces
Photos & Highlights
  • Join an engaging, local expert at the top of their field as you explore exclusive access to Florence Duomo Terraces
  • Unique, personal tours for the intentional traveler. Choose from private tours for just you and your party, or join a small group tour with up other travelers
Select a date
Tour Description
Embark on a journey to the heart of the Renaissance, where architectural brilliance and artistic splendor converge. On this tour, you will have access to skip-the-line entry to Florence’s famed cathedral and an exclusive, private visit to the terraces level, one hundred and fifty steps above ground level. 

You will take in sweeping views of the city below and the dome above, and the elaborate rose window, or rosone, will be just within reach. You'll discover the engineering work involved in its construction and your guide will share their insight into Brunelleschi’s genius ways. 

After admiring the views of the city and the Tuscan hills beyond, you will descend into the main cathedral and be guided through the areas of the majestic Duomo complex. You will be awed by the volume of space created by the dome and the peaceful stillness in one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Your expert guide will narrate the captivating tale of the cathedral's construction, spanning nearly six centuries.

You will then venture into the Baptistery of St. John, an octagonal marvel crowned by a shimmering bronze dome, and admire Ghiberti’s famed doors depicting scenes from the Old and the New Testament in cast bronze. Finally, you'll head across the square to see the Duomo Museum, in existence for one hundred and fifty years and newly renovated in 2015.

As your exclusive and unforgettable experience draws to a close, you'll take with you an indelible imprint of the city's splendor, the magnificence of fifteenth-century engineering and its legacy on Florence and the world today.

Please Note:  As of recently the dome of the Baptistery is under restoration so the mosaics cannot be seen. The rest of the structure is visitable, though there is a large scaffolding in the center of the baptistery. Unfortunately, this restoration is expected to take several years. Any monument of the Duomo complex can be closed unexpectedly for maintenance, religious purposes, or unknown reasons; we appreciate your understanding and flexibility as this is out of our control.
Experts
Molly Molly
Art Historian
Elizabeth Ann Elizabeth Ann
Art Historian
Sarah Sarah
Local Guide
Alessandra Alessandra
Art Historian
Olivia Olivia
Art Historian
Susanna Susanna
Art Historian
Valentina Valentina
Local Guide
Sandro Sandro
Art Historian/Local Guide
Siro Siro
Art Historian - guide
Valerie Valerie
Art Historian
Kate Ann Louise Kate Ann Louise
Cultural Historian
Laura Laura
Art Historian
Martino Martino
College instructor
Chiara Chiara
Local Guide
  • You crave an elevated experience with a guide who has advanced academic knowledge
  • You want to avoid the crowds by having an exclusive and private experience
  • You want to connect to a deeper level to the history of Florence to frame the rest of your trip
  • Florence Duomo – named Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, fourth largest church in the world renowned for its awe-inspiring dome.
  • Duomo Museum – museum dedicated to the history and art of the Florence Cathedral.
  • Baptistery of St. John – octagonal-shaped religious building known for its intricate bronze doors depicting scenes from the Old and the New Testament.
Tickets
  • Includes skip-the-line access tickets to the Florence Duomo and a private visit to the Terraces level.
  • Upon receiving your order, our team will secure a guide. We pre-reserve the dates and time slots; this tour is available on a limited basis and sells out quickly.
Resources
Wheelchair accessibility
  • There is no elevator access to reach the terraces level as it is only reachable by climbing 150 stairs. The terrace visit is not possible to do in a wheelchair, with a walker or for someone with climbing difficulties. The rest of the tour can be done by someone with mobility restrictions.
Service Dogs
  • Service dogs are allowed if you have a medical certificate proving the need. 
For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.

Are we alone in the Duomo and Baptistery on this tour?
Access to the Terraces level is done through a completely private and exclusive tour, however, other visitors will be in the church, baptistery, and museum during your tour of those areas.

Can we climb the Cupola?
On this tour, you will climb to the Terraces level and enjoy the exclusive view from there. The Cupola climb is not included on this tour.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
(5.0) 6 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

We had a wonderful experience. Siro was extremely knowledgeable, informative and just all around nice guy!
Alessandra was great. Very knowledgeable and she was a proud Florentine
Another fantastic guide.