The line at the Duomo is the first problem this tour solves.

Florence's Cathedral draws crowds early, and the general admission line can take an hour or more out of your day. This tour uses priority access to get you inside first, so you spend your morning learning, not waiting.

Brunelleschi's dome, from directly beneath it

Once inside, your guide walks you through one of the great engineering puzzles of the Renaissance: how Filippo Brunelleschi built the largest brick dome ever constructed, four centuries before modern construction technology existed. You'll also hear the story of the cathedral's marble facade, added centuries after the dome itself.

A door that took 27 years to finish

Before heading inside, you'll stop at the Baptistery, where the bronze Gates of Paradise depict ten scenes from the Old Testament. Ghiberti spent nearly three decades on the doors, and Michelangelo is said to have given them their name.

Florence's political stage

From the cathedral, the walk continues to Piazza della Signoria, in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of Florentine government since the 14th century. Your guide shares the square's history as a stage for Medici-era politics and public life.

Artisan streets to the river

You'll pass through streets once home to Florence's leatherworkers, including the landmark bronze boar known as Il Porcellino, before arriving at the Ponte Vecchio to end the tour, a bridge that has crossed the Arno for nearly 700 years.

A small group, the whole way through

Groups stay capped at 18 guests, small enough that your guide can answer questions in real time and keep the pace comfortable, whether you're a first-time visitor to Florence or back for a closer look.

Please note that this description is an example and your experience may vary depending on the season, day of the week, and group size. Regardless of where your tour goes, you always have an excellent experience.