When you visit Florence, there are certain places that you simply can’t afford to miss. Coming in right at the top of that list is the Accademia Gallery. After 20 years of guiding visitors to Florence through the best of what the city has to offer, we still never tire of seeing the awe-struck faces of our clients when they first glimpse Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia - it’s just something you simply have to experience for yourself!
Is a Tour of the Accademia Gallery Worth It?
Absolutely, in a previous article, we outlined all the practical details you need to know before visiting. But in our opinion, you should join a tour to get the best out of your visit. That way you’ll get to learn about David and the other masterpieces of the collection in their historical context. Just as importantly, you won’t have to worry about the practicalities of tickets, entrance times, opening hours, and queues - meaning you can experience the Accademia Gallery stress-free.
So what’s the best tour to take? We’ve put together a summary of the best tours of the Accademia in Florence. All you need to do is decide what type of traveler you are, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect option to suit your needs.
1. Best of Florence Semi-Private Tour with Michelangelo's David
Who it’s for: Travellers seeking expert guidance at a low cost
Type of Tour: Small Group Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: €89 per person
This is our flagship small-group tour that visits the Accademia Gallery. Michelangelo’s David is the undeniable highlight here! With an expert art historian leading the way, you’ll skip the lines at Florence’s premier sculpture collection and get the lowdown on Michelangelo’s masterpiece in context in an intimate group (max 9 participants). After visiting the Accademia, you’ll also get to see other Florence highlights like the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, and the incredible Duomo.
2. A Day in Florence
Who it’s for: Travellers who want to see all the best of Florence in a day
Type of Tour: Private Tour
Duration: 6 hours
Cost: From €1,075 per group
Our most popular Florence itinerary, this private tour will see you exploring all the best of what Florence has to offer on an immersive, day-long tour. We’ve got the highlights covered, of course, including the Accademia Gallery with Michelangelo’s David as well as the Uffizi Gallery across town (where you’ll take advantage of skip-the–lines access). Visits to the Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza del Duomo and Orsanmichele will round out the picture of Renaissance Florence.
3. Best of Florence Private Tour with Accademia
Who it’s for: Travellers looking for a convenient, custom experience
Type of Tour: Private Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: From €535 per group
The most time-efficient and convenient way to enjoy the best of what the Accademia Gallery has to offer is this 3 hour private itinerary that will see your group be led through the collection by one of our local experts. You’ll get to learn all about the history of Michelangelo’s iconic David as well as spending time admiring other masterpieces of the Accademia collection, including Michelangelo’s Prisoner sculptures. For more on some of the artworks you’ll get to see on our private Accademia tour, see our online guide to what to see at the Accademia.
4. Accademia and Uffizi Gallery Combo Private Tour
Who it’s for: Completists who want to see Florence’s major galleries in one day
Type of Tour: Private Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Cost: From €775 per group
If you are arranging a trip to Florence on your own, it can be difficult (and stressful) trying to squeeze in a visit to the Accademia Gallery and the Uffizi Gallery in a single day. Our private combo tour makes it a hassle-free experience - we handle the tickets, timing and logistics - meaning you can put yourself in the capable hands of our guide for a special day admiring and learning about some of the greatest artworks ever made.
5. Cruise Excursion to Florence with Accademia
Who it’s for: Cruise travellers arriving in Livorno or La Spezia with tight schedules
Type of Tour: Private Tour
Duration: 10 hours including transfers
Cost: From €2,035 per group
Unfortunately for cruise travellers visiting Italy, Florence doesn’t have a port of its own. Instead the nearest docking facilities are further north up the coast at Livorno and La Spezia, and arranging a day in the city of the Medici isn’t always easy or practical when you arrive. That’s why we came up with a special private tour itinerary designed especially for cruise passengers.
We’ll pick you up from your ship when you dock with private transport and whisk you to Florence, where you’ll meet up with our guide for a special visit to see Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia. Then explore the Uffizi across town as well as the most famous sights of the historic centre, before hopping back in our private transportation for the trip back to your ship.
So there you have it! These are the best options to visit the Accademia Gallery on a tour this year. Through Eternity have over 20 years of experience leading world-class tours in Rome, Florence, Venice and beyond. Join us in 2024 for more inspiring travel experiences!
MORE GREAT CONTENT FROM THE BLOG:
- What to See in the Accademia Gallery
- How to Visit the Accademia Gallery
- The Best Museums in Florence
- What to See in the Uffizi Gallery
- How to Visit the Uffizi Gallery
- 7 Fascinating Facts About the Ponte Vecchio
