Florence: Exclusive First Access to Cathedral and Dome
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
No visitor would renounce visiting the Florence Cathedral, rooftop or Baptistery. But… have you ever wondered what these amazing monuments look like at daybreak, quiet and still before crowds of people start entering?
Imagine meeting the person who opens the Duomo’s impressive door, or the Baptistery’s gleaming “Gates of Paradise”, walking inside before anybody else, and seeing the lights go on.
Now you can, thanks to this novel, spectacular, and exclusive early morning Tour, a unique small group tour crafted to offer a privileged viewpoint on the Duomo and Baptistery. Admire these two exceptional landmarks when they wake up, see the doors open for your eyes only and watch the lights go on!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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. 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
Please note the number of steps to reach the top of each monument: Terraces: 153 Terraces + Brunelleschi's Dome: 153 + 310
Due to the security checks, please be informed that for the entrance to the Dome and Terraces, bulky backpacks and bags are not allowed to climb.
We are sorry to inform you that pets are not permitted on our tours
Operates in all weather conditions
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Exclusive access: VIP small group tour of the Cathedral and Brunelleschi's Dome
Climb on top of Brunelleschi’s dome (skip the line)
Amazing with the first light of day and relish the coolness of the early morning hours at dawn
Private English-speaking guide
Be the one to open the doors, at daybreak, be the only one inside!
Hotel Pick up
Gratuities
What To Expect
Duomo - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
meet the “chiavigero”, the person in charge of opening this jewel case of artistic magnificence. The moment the key turns in the lock, and the doors open, you will start perceiving the interior, still dim and silent. Get ready to be surprised: the next thing the key bearer will do is turn on the lights, firstly those that reveal the amazing frescoed vault. Watch the light slowly illuminate the 3600 square meter masterpiece painted by Vasari and Zuccari. Admire the elaborate, vibrant “Last Judgement” fresco, watch the elders of the Apocalypse, the angels, and the saints come to life before your eyes. Follow your guide, and gaze at the Duomo’s dazzling clock: painted by Paolo Uccello, it tells time from sunset to sunrise! Listen to its uncanny history and then discover the rest of this beautiful church. At the end of the visit, time to treat yourself to a tasty Italian breakfast: join the locals at the bar of a historical café and enjoy a delicious espresso, cappuccino, and brioche!
Cupola Del Brunelleschi
Crown your tour with a memorable viewing of Brunelleschi’s cupola. Access the Duomo again from a privileged entrance, the Porta Canonici open solely for your party, and climb up to the world’s most famous dome. Once on top, relish the extraordinary cityscape, and appreciate learning about Brunelleschi’s talent, the people he worked with, and how he built the cupola. Meantime, enjoy watching Florence, and Florentines, from high above.
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Florence: Exclusive First Access to Cathedral and Dome
Reviews
36 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Morning serenity, storytelling, and community
Y3541HGmollyr,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was a breath of fresh air having the cathedral to ourselves early morning, watching the sunrise, and seeing the morning light come through the stained glass of the cathedral were breath taking. This building brings together tributes to religion, science, and the arts. As much as it is clearly a spectacular work of art, the story behind it demonstrates a culmination of geniuses of various sciences. Our guide was an impecable story teller and very personable, facilitating community within the tour group and ensuring our understanding of the flow of the Italian cafe where we had breakfast. She ensured the climb and descent of the stairs were as inclusive as able.
Amazing. Highly recommend..
ThoughtsFromAng,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Began before dawn with an information session outside the Duomo. Entered the Duomo to experience its lighting for the day and ascend between Brunelleschi’s two layers of dome. Stopped part way up to view the frescoes. Incredible views as Florence awoke for the day.
A day you will never forget! Awesome experience!
Kimberley M,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of our most fav experiences in Florence! A truly memorable day that we will never forget! Our tour guide Greta was so so nice and fun and taught us so much! The climb is quite a climb but wow seeing the duomo open at first light and the views up top - spectacular! Highly recommend!
A must do amazing experience if you visit Firenze!
altJ1904SV,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00To be at the door of the duomo when it is opened, to stand inside in the dark before the lights are turned on, to be the first to climb the steps to the top of the dome, all with a small group of people, is priceless. Add to that our excellent guide Gretta and you will, like me, think the tour was worth every penny. I went back to the Duomo the following afternoon with my partner, and besides having to wait in line, even with a pre-paid ticket, you must then share the experience with 500 or 600 others. Do this tour!
645 sunrise tour is the only way to do it! (And I’m not a morning person)
Kylie S,
Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was so worth it! Starting at 645am might make some pause, and it made us pause as well but after the tour, there’s no other way to do it. We got to see an unobstructed view of the cathedral and an empty plaza all to ourselves. By the time we had climbed to the top, the sun had come up and we had a breath taking view without being shoulder to shoulder with other tourists. If you’re going to Florence, this is a must do experience and you have to do the sunrise tour. Sleep afterward when the rest of the city is crammed into that same plaza.
Duomo Sunrise tour with small group and climb to the top of the dome.
nathanhC98SE,
Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was prompt, professional, and very knowledgeable. She was able to communicate well and gave a clear picture of historical and legendary information. Her humor was on point, and never too much. She guided us through each and every section of the Duomo with professional care and thoughtfulness. The climb to the top of the dome is an incredible experience and one that you should not miss if you are in Florence. Wake up early and do the sunrise tour, you won't ever regret seeing the ancient keys unlock the doors, and the watching the lights come on revealing the beauty of the Duomo. Well worth it.
Amazing start to the day
gloriacM9133ZH,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's was a wonderful tour... Seeing the lights come on inside was more special than I expected. My one tip, when the person goes to unlock the door, stand to the right side for best pics - I was on left and only got his back. So worth doing this
Early entrance Florence Duomo tour
GoPlaces22458082144,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend this tour, not just for skipping the crowds but for the knowledgeable and engaging tour guide. We learned so much about the history, art, and architecture of the Duomo, and seeing the opening in the early morning hours was truly special.
Excellent tour of the Duomo! Great Experience
2 NM Natives,
Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Aurora was a phenomenal guide! She managed the time and the group very well and kept us informed about each stage of the tour. She explained the history and the art and architecture well. At the top of the Cupola, she explained about all of the Florence landmarks.
Awakening tour at the Duomo- a must visit!
markrF2288BS,
Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Private awakening tour at the Duomo! A breathtaking experience at daybreak with our amazing guide, Greta. Climbed the stairs to admire the view and the frescas. This was a must do and an unforgettable experience. Thank you, Greta!
From €159.00
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Operated by Towns of Italy