After perusing the gallery for a few hours, head to the rooftop cafe for fresh air, espresso and great views
The Uffizi Gallery is globally famous, and rightly so: it holds the world’s finest collection of Italian Renaissance art, in addition to works dating right back to ancient Greece. Much of the collection was bequeathed to the city by the Medici family in 1743 — on the one condition that it never leave Florence. Today it stands as one of the greatest gifts of the Medici offspring: along with the Vatican Museums in Rome, the Uffizi is one of the two most visited museums in Italy.
The building the gallery is housed in was built by Cosimo I de’ Medici and designed by Giorgio Vasari in the 16th century. Vasari is perhaps most famous for his series of biographies, Lives of the Artists, one of the most interesting and entertaining history of art documents we have. Read it for the gossip, then head to the Uffizi to see all of their finest works on show.
The Masters
Perhaps the greatest - and most popular - room in the Uffizi is the Botticelli room. It is one huge hall that contains dozens of works by the Renaissance master, including The Birth of Venus, Spring and Adoration of the Magi. Elsewhere you will find works by the likes of Michaelangelo, Da Vinci, Canaletto — in fact, just about any Italian master you can think of.
The Vasari Corridor
The Vasari Corridor links Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi to the Pitt Palace on the opposite side of the river Arno. Commisioned by Cosimo I in 1565, it is over one kilometre long and allowed the Medici to move freely - and privately - between the seat of government and their home. Now you can walk in their footsteps: enjoy the spectacular views through the circular windows and also the selection of 17th and 18th century paintings that line the walls.
Please note that there is often a long line to enter into the Duomo of Florence. If the line is too long you will not visit the interior of the Cathedral on tour, and your guide will give you tips on the best time to return to avoid standing in line.
Discover the highlights of Florence and follow an expert and entertaining tour guide to the most significant places through the historical centre and learn about the amazing history of the city from the time it was the capital of the Renaissance to the time it became the capital of early unified Italy.
On your private half-day tour, you will:
Your tour begins in the prestigious Accademia Gallery, where you will enjoy timed entrance tickets to the museum, and explore stunning artwork, including Michelangelo's David.
Then see the religious centre of the city: admire the Duomo, whose impressive Dome was designed by Brunelleschi, and the Baptistery of Saint John, one of the oldest buildings in Florence. From the religious centre, you will walk to the political centre, and enjoy a pleasant stroll through Piazza Della Signoria, surrounded by its ancient buildings and the Loggia Dei Lanzi.
In this open-air museum, we will see original masterpieces by Giambologna and Cellini. From there, you'll cross the famous Ponte Vecchio, the medieval bridge on the Arno River. Your tour finishes with a delicious gelato (on us!) before your guide leaves you with recommendations for how to spend the remainder of your day.
This half-day tour of Florence's Renaissance artwork and architecture is a must for all visitors.
Please note: that there is often a long line to enter into the Duomo of Florence. If the line is too long you will not visit the interior of the Cathedral on tour, and your guide will give you tips on the best time to return to avoid standing in line.
Please note that there is often a long line to enter into the Duomo of Florence. If the line is too long you will not visit the interior of the Cathedral on tour, and your guide will give you tips on the best time to return to avoid standing in line.
Please note that there is often a long line to enter into the Duomo of Florence. If the line is too long you will not visit the interior of the Cathedral on tour, and your guide will give you tips on the best time to return to avoid standing in line.
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