Alexander Meddings
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10 Guests Max
2 hrs
Private TourDevising an itinerary for a city as artistically rich as Florence is no simple matter – and fitting in visits to both the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia is often not feasible. Ideally, you should spend at least two full days in Florence. But this is not always possible – especially if visiting as a day trip from Rome or disembarking a cruise from Livorno or Civitavecchia.
If you only have time for either the Uffizi or Accademia, you should choose the Uffizi.
According to UNESCO, Florence houses the world’s greatest concentration of universally renowned artworks. Many of these are dispersed throughout the city’s many galleries and museums, including the Accademia, Palazzo Pitti, and the Bargello – not to mention the city’s dozens of churches. But the lion’s share of these artworks resides in the Uffizi Galleries.
The Uffizi Galleries contains the quintessence of Western art, including instantly recognisable masterpieces such as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Spring, Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation, and Caravaggio’s Bacchus. Across its 45 halls are paintings, sculptures, busts, and sketches spanning centuries: from the 432 Cross of the 12th century to contemporary exhibitions by world-renowned artists.
Details from Botticelli’s Venus and Spring
Unlike the more narrowly focussed Accademia, which is primarily celebrated for its sculptural works (some of which are unfinished), the Uffizi offers a panoramic view of Western art history. This extensive collection allows you to experience the progression of art from the Medieval period through the Renaissance and beyond – all under one roof.
The Uffizi's larger capacity also brings a practical advantage. Its spacious layout accommodates more visitors comfortably, meaning less time waiting and more time appreciating art. For those who prefer a more structured visit, Carpe Diem offers a private tour of the Uffizi, ensuring an insightful, in-depth and personalised exploration of its many halls and corridors.
The sheer extent of the Uffizi’s collection can, of course, be a double-edged sword. Viewing so much art can be mentally exhausting, and the amount on display might dilute the personal connection one might feel with any single piece. If lingering over art is what matters to you most, or you take a ‘less is more’ approach to your art viewing, the Accademia might be better.
Most famous as the home of Michelangelo’s David, the Accademia Gallery holds international appeal. It is undeniably the place for admirers of Renaissance sculpture, not least Michelangelo’s 16th-century masterpiece. However, the gallery's focus is narrower than that of the Uffizi, primarily showcasing sculptures and a smaller collection of paintings.
That’s not to say that the Accademia stops at "David". The gallery also houses a collection of Michelangelo’s unfinished Prisoners or Slaves, which offer a rare glimpse into his creative process. They reveal Michelangelo’s approach to the non-finito (unfinished), allowing viewers to see the raw transformation of marble into lifelike figures. This intimate experience with Michelangelo’s work makes the Accademia particularly special, offering a depth that is both educational and profoundly moving.
Michelangelo's David. Seeing this world-renowned masterpiece in person is a big factor in deciding whether to visit the Uffizi or Accademia.
Moreover, the Accademia's smaller size compared to the Uffizi means visitors can enjoy a more relaxed viewing experience. You won’t be overwhelmed by vast crowds or endless galleries. Instead, you can take your time to truly appreciate each piece, making it ideal for those who prefer a more contemplative art experience. To enhance this experience further, we provide private tours of the Accademia, ensuring a tailored visit that will nourish you with knowledge.
Each of Florence’s galleries, museums, and churches are artworks in themselves. You could spend weeks without admiring all there is to see in the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo); the Baptistery and the Campanile of Giotto, San Lorenzo, Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce, with its Pazzi chapel; Santo Spirito; San Miniato al Monte, and the Convent of San Marco which houses paintings of Fra Angelico, just to name a few.
Beyond the Uffizi or Accademia, there is also the secular centre – Piazza della Signoria, and the Palazzo Vecchio that looms over it – and many other museums, like the kids-friendly Leonardo Museum, the science-specific Galileo Museum, and Palazzo Pitti. (Technically, both Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens fall under the direction of the Uffizi. But as each requires a separate entrance ticket, we are treating them as separate).
Fitting so much into your time in Florence is no easy feat, and while we believe that the Uffizi slightly edges it in the “Uffizi or Accademia” debate, what you really must do in Florence is venture off the beaten path.
For those looking to immerse themselves further into the rich tapestry of Florence, our Florence tours offer fun and authentic alternatives. Our Florence food tour guides you through the heart of Florence’s culinary scene, introducing you to such local delights as cheeses, salamis, Chianti wines, and the famous Florentine steak (bistecca alla fiorentina) where the city does it best. Or check out our private walking tour of Florence, which gives you expert insight into Florence’s most stunning attractions (along with a load of local recommendations for your time in the city!)
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Nowhere does food like Florence. Voted the best city in the world for food, the Tuscan capital specialises in hearty meat dishes and full-bodied wines that charm the palates of all who visit. Our Florence Food Tour takes you on a culinary journey through the artisan district of Oltrarno to sample the best of Tuscan cuisine and eat and drink like a local in Florence!
After whetting your appetite with crispy schiacciata bread, and light, fruity Chianti wine (or non-alcoholic options for our sober friends!), you’ll be indulging in Florence’s local food culture in a local trattoria. Your foodie guide will share all their expertise about the history and evolution of Florence’s traditional cucina povera and introduce you to the most famous dishes in Florence and the locals who make them. Come curious, but most of all come hungry.
Perfect for families, foodies, and anyone looking for a unique experience in Florence, our Food Tour of Florence is packed full of personal stories and insider recommendations. Book now as spaces fill up fast!
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Enjoy Traditional Drinks and Scandalous Stories in the Heart of the Renaissance City.
This isn’t your typical tour. The Tipsy Tour in Florence is the perfect blend of fascinating history, tasty drinks, and making memories with newfound friends. Explore the vibrant nightlife of the Renaissance City and sample signature Italian cocktails, wine, and shots. Along the way you’ll hear about Florence’s less savoury past with some saucy stories and dark history, all the while getting tipsy of course! This tour is all about bringing people together so if alcohol isn’t your thing, not to worry! We’ve got some alcohol-free options for travellers who want the social experience without the hangover.
Your fun-loving guide will wow you with scandals from Florence’s history. Sip away as you learn the life stories of some of Florence’s most notorious figures. The Medici are a great starting point – specifically, Catherine de Medici, believed by many to have had a penchant for poison and a dabble in the dark arts.
As we travel from bar to bar, tracing the steps of prisoners and sex workers alike, your guide will immerse you in the bloody tale of the Pazzi Conspiracy, where Lorenzo de Medici and his entourage were attacked in Florence’s cathedral during High Mass on Easter Sunday. Then you’ll find out what happened to the Pazzi family, too.
Spoiler alert – it was way worse.
During the experience, we’ll visit at least two vibrant bars and enjoy drink stops outside famous sights. Plus, we’ll order shots from a wine window on the street, like a true Florentine. You might wonder why wine from a window never became a worldwide phenomenon, and trust us – we don’t know either.
When the Tipsy Tour is over, the night out officially begins. We’ll enjoy the city long into the night, making unforgettable memories with our Tipsy besties.
Spaces fill up fast, so book your Florence Tipsy Tour today!
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Florence’s Accademia Gallery houses one of Europe’s richest collections of art and sculpture. Hone in on its highlights on a tailored tour and come face to face with the world’s most famous sculpture: Michelangelo’s David.
This private Accademia tour is perfect for art enthusiasts looking to broaden their knowledge and fill in the gaps. It covers the evolution of western art from the Giotto’s gilt gold of the Florentine Gothic to Botticelli and Lippi’s humanist masterpieces the High Renaissance.
See for yourself why the statue of David is considered one of the most life-like sculptures ever carved and learn the historical context that saw the Florentines adopt the biblical David as the symbol of their city.
Learn about the artists behind the work, their history and the techniques they used. Gain insider knowledge of lesser-known works like Michelangelo’s Prisoners or Slaves, and enjoy free time at the end of the tour to wander through the museum at your own pace.
5(93)Most people are familiar with the Uffizi’s international reputation as a gallery. Its halls house masterpieces by the likes of Botticelli, Leonardo, Raphael, and Caravaggio. But the Uffizi didn’t start life as a gallery. Deriving its name from the Middle Italian for ‘the Offices’, this 16th-century complex constitutes the most beautiful and architecturally innovative administrative office complex ever designed. And while going into the office isn’t something you typically associate with being on holiday, here you must make an exception.
The Uffizi was designed by the architect and biographer Giorgio Vasari, under the patronage of Cosimo I. After Cosimo died, his heirs lost interest in politics. His eldest son, Francesco I, brought his private collection of artworks and made the Uffizi his private museum. The collection they accumulated over the coming centuries is what you see today.
And our private tour of the Uffizi brings you face to face with its highlights.
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Every cobble in Florence tells a story. Its 14th-century walls contain such a wealth of archaeological and artistic treasures that the city centre itself is a UNESCO site – a global centre of cultural importance. This private walking tour of Florence tells the story of Renaissance city through the monuments it leaves behind.
Accompanied by your expert, licensed guide, you’ll explore Florence’s streets and discover its attractions, being transported through its illustrious history – from its founding as a Roman colony through to its patronage by medieval Europe’s most powerful bankers and merchants (not least the infamous Medici).
Your private walking tour takes you through Florence’s world-famous sites. Gaze up at Brunelleschi’s 15th-century Duomo – the dome of Florence’s Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore – and the Golden Doors of Paradise on its adjacent Baptistery. Learn to decipher the symbols and reliefs that adorn the Tower of Giotto beside the Duomo and learn why the Florentine’s chose them and what they said about their city.
Stroll past Piazza della Repubblica, Italy’s most important square in the mid 1800s when Florence was the country’s capital, and admire the statues that line the niches of the nearby Church of Orsanmichele. Florence’s most picturesque piazza lies just a short stroll away: Piazza della Signoria, in the background of which loom the medieval fortress of Palazzo Vecchio and the Renaissance offices converted into the world’s most famous gallery: the Uffizi.
Head through the vaulted arches of the Uffizi and you arrive at Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s most famous bridge, which dates back in its current form to the days of the Medici. Absorb its rich history, and some of its seldom shared secrets, as your expert guide shares their expertise and answers all your questions.
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