Florence Duomo: Evening Dome Tour with Exclusive Terrace Access
Description
Stand in awe of Florence’s most impressive monument as you explore it from top to bottom without the usual crowds. This exclusive after-hours tour takes you from the top of the dome, out onto the cathedral terraces with private access, and finally down into the heart of the sanctuary after all public guests have cleared out for the day. With just your group of 19, expert guide, and the cathedral Key Master himself inside the church after closing time, you’ll experience the Duomo in a way that few others can claim and return home with once-in-a-lifetime memories.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your VIP Duomo tour begins as you climb the 463 steps to the top of the cathedral’s famous dome. Your guide will accompany you, sharing the fascinating story about the now-iconic landmark’s construction. While the trek to the top can be strenuous, you’ll be rewarded by breathtaking views over Florence and the surrounding countryside. Then you’ll head down to the cathedral terraces, a rarely visited spot that will be opened exclusively for your group. Finally, you’ll descend into the main sanctuary of the Duomo, now closed to public guests. You’ll have plenty of space to appreciate the details of this incredible building up close as you hear insights from your guide, an art and architecture expert, that will give you newfound appreciation. You’ll experience one last magical moment on your way out the door as the cathedral Key Master turns off the lights for the day. Step outside and witness as the doors are officially locked, capping off your VIP experience.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Due to conditions inside the Duomo (463 steps and fairly narrow), wheelchairs, those with limited mobility or strollers, and anyone with claustrophobia cannot be accommodated on this tour.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Children under 7 years old aren't allowed on this tour.
- We ask all guests (including children) to bring their ID on the day of their tour.
- Due to the religious nature of the Cathedral, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
- Flip-flops, slippers, clogs and shoes with heels are prohibited inside the Cathedral.
- Your Duomo ticket is valid for 72 hours to explore the other Duomo monuments on your own: Opera Duomo Museum, Baptistery of San Giovanni, Crypt of Santa Reparata and Giotto's Tower.
Reviews(35)
Like the other reviews say, this is one of those unique must-do tours! Our guide was excellent, the climb was not, and the experience of being last in the duomo when they shut off the lights is spectacular.
Fantastic tour of a truly amazing and awe-inspiring church. Antonio was very knowledgeable, attentive to the needs of the group and very much enhanced this incredible experience.
The experience is quite magical, when we got in there was still a few other visitors in the church but not many. We got our personal key keeper (they had these old keys opening doors just for our group), they opened the doors so we could go to the side of the basilica on a walkable balcony/ ledge (photo below). By the time we got back inside it was just us, it's hard to explain the sensation. There was a moment when everyone was silent just looking up (you'll see why when you get there). I've got so much more to tell and took some great photos but I don't want to spoil anything. On a special note, a huge thank you to Elena (our tour guide). The experience is totally worth it
This was an amazing tour! Highly recommended but it is strenuous. If you can physically handle the climb it is amazing! Once in a lifetime experience!
I had a great experience on this after hours duomo tour including getting to see the sunset on a private terrace. We had a small group of only ~10 people. There is a lot of tight turns and corners. Would not recommend for someone who gets claustrophobic easily or has a fear of heights. All in all had an amazing trip. Regina was amazing!
This was the first excursion in Florence for us and it was truly memorable. I was slightly nervous about the number of steps, but it is manageable, plenty of pausing stops along the way. And it's well worth the climb to get to the terrace.
Chiara was one of the best guides we have ever been with. The tour was wonderful. Seeing Florence and the Duomo at sunset and at night is magical.
This is an evening tour of the Duomo, including not only the climb to the top of the dome, but also exclusive access to the terraces that are along the rooftop of the church. The tour includes wonderful interior and exterior views of the cathedral and dome, and beautiful views of the city of Florence. Our guide was super friendly, informative and hilarious. She had a vast knowledge of art, history and architecture. We were, as promised, the last group to leave the church. We got to experience the church as they shut off the lights for the night-amazing.
This was incredible. Lots of stairs but 1000% worth it. Alma was our guide. She was amazing. Best tour I’ve ever done absolutely amazing.
What a great experience. The tour was very informative and adventurous with a climb of the Duomo and then a hike around the terrace in the evening. Great pictures and the cherry on top was when the Keymaster locked the Duomo for the evening and allowed us to hold the keys.
