Private Awakening The Duomo - Early Entrance

Duration

Hours: 2.5, or thereabouts.

Enjoy an unforgettable artistic and cultural experience by treating yourself to a private The Awakening tour of the Florence Baptistery and Cathedral.

About

Beneath a russet-colored cupola, the Cathedral of Florence lords over other constructions with its balletic bell tower and stunning mix of green, white, and pink marble. Most people refer to it as the Duomo, but its formal appellation is Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. Meanwhile, not too far off, the Baptistery looms, its gilded doors massive and embellished with tales from the Old Testament. Concealed inside these two landmarks lie a stunning array of sculptures, mosaics, stained-glass windows, and breathtaking frescoes. Florence's Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is an incredible masterpiece that exudes the city's unique blend of engineering excellence, artistic brilliance, and natural beauty. Their grand presence in the city center makes them a true testament to Florence's cultural and religious heritage, spanning several centuries. In Florence, Italy, a must-visit location is the Duomo. Every traveler seems to have it on their bucket list. Queues in front of the Cathedral of Florence are quite common. Discovering the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore with loved ones all to yourself before the masses arrive would be a truly magical experience. Imagine what it would be like to visit the Duomo in Florence, Italy at the break of dawn. The sound of doors creaking ever so slowly would reveal a world covered in darkness and silence… To be the very first person to enter the Cathedral of Florence at sunrise and witness the illuminating lights come on is a dreamlike experience. The cathedral's dazzling treasures are yours to discover and appreciate. Experience the unparalleled wonder of a private guided tour of the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore offered exclusively by Florencetown. This one-of-a-kind journey will leave you enchanted.

As the Florence Duomo slowly wakes up, our unique tour called "The Awakening" allows you to witness its grandeur in all its glory. This tour provides an immersive cultural experience unlike the typical touristic activity of visiting the Duomo in Florence, Italy.

At the crack of dawn, when Florence is still dim, your private guide will meet you and your family or friends to start the day. You'll head to the Duomo together.

At the entrance, the "chiavigero" awaits you - a quiet guardian with access to the keys of Florence's Cathedral. As the door opens slightly, catch a glimpse of the stunning interior that lies ahead and feel your heart race with anticipation. Accompany your guide as you step inside and inhale deeply to fully take in the moment. Switch on the key, take in the spiritual air, and brace yourself for wonder - the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is about to come to life! Marvel as the frescoed vault is lit up with dazzling color, and watch the figures leap from the ceiling as if alive. It's an breathtaking experience that you won't soon forget. This spellbinding masterpiece, crafted by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari, showcases the "Last Judgement" and its celestial characters, including angels, saints, and elders. To witness it come to life at daybreak is an awe-inspiring experience that cannot be comparable. Through the Cathedral of Florence's grand passageways, follow your guide as the light brilliantly illuminates the interior. Within this timeless space, learn of its rich past while uncovering hidden treasures. A highlight, the awe-inspiring clock adorned with artwork by Paolo Uccello, intricately measures time in reverse, from nightfall until daybreak. Take a moment to truly appreciate its unique design. Join the locals at one of Florence's most charming historical cafes after your visit to the Duomo in Italy. Take a pause from the art and culture and indulge in a creamy cappuccino or espresso, complemented by luscious pastries for a typical Italian breakfast. Step inside for an informal and traditional breakfast, enjoying the experience of standing at the bar with the locals. Embark on a magical experience by visiting the Cathedral of Florence after breakfast. As an exclusive privilege, your party will gain access through a side door and be escorted to the Duomo rooftop. A private Awakening guided tour will guide you through the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and unveil the marvelous cupola designed by Brunelleschi. It's the perfect way to conclude your visit to this magnificent site. Up the narrow staircase you go, following your guide, until you reach the top and can bask in the stunning view of the city below. From your lofty position, you can see the red-tiled roofs and the tiny people bustling about their day. Your personal guide will describe how Filippo Brunelleschi was able to accomplish this incredible feat of engineering.

Info to Know

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• The Cathedral's access is exclusively granted
At daybreak, be the sole person inside by opening the doors yourself.
• The artwork is illuminated as the lights turn on, creating a mesmerizing sight
• Guide who speaks fluent English and works only for you
• Skipping the line, ascend up to the top of Brunelleschi's dome
• Pastries, coffee and cappuccino are the normal breakfast fare in Italy.

Kindly take note: In order to cancel or reschedule your tours, you must send your requests exclusively via email to tours@townsofitaly.com before the deadlines provided below.

Cancellation/reschedule permitted within 8 days from the tour starting day for bookings from 1 to 8 pax. If you happen to have a booking for 9 or more people, please note that 30% of the total amount will not be refunded if you decide to cancel. However, if you wish to cancel or reschedule and are within 15 days before the tour starts, you will be eligible for a 70% refund.

A 100% cancellation fee will be applied to cancellations or rescheduling that occur after the mentioned deadline. Availability determines rescheduling.

We cannot wait to welcome you!

Clients are required to be at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

We kindly request that you factor this into your travel plans. Regrettably, we are unable to accommodate any delays, no matter how brief, and we regret to inform you that failing to attend the experience will not qualify for a refund, including partial refunds.

We regret to inform that this tour is not suitable for guests with wheelchairs or with impaired mobility.
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. No backpack and big bags are allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
Comfortable shoes suggested.
The itinerary inside the Duomo and Brunelleschi Cupola may slightly vary depending on restrictions decided by the museum board. The inclusions and the tour quality will always be preserved.
Due to the presence of narrow stairs, this tour is not suitable for those with heart problems and/or claustrophobic.
Please note the number of steps to reach the top of each monument:
Terraces: 153
Terraces + Brunelleschi's Dome: 153 + 310

Children and teenagers under 18 years of age should always be accompanied by at least one adult. In the event that this requirement is not met, we retain the right to exclude the underage participant, and unfortunately, no refund will be provided.

Please note that pets are not allowed on this tour.

The described itineraries may undergo slight modifications due to unforeseen operational requirements.

Please note that from APRIL 14TH 2025 the Italian Breakfast will no longer be included