Florence: Uffizi & Accademia Small Group Walking Tour

Summary

Florence art walk through Uffizi, Accademia and city squares

You’ll follow a local guide through Florence’s Uffizi & Accademia galleries with timed entry—no long lines—see Michelangelo’s David up close, stroll past the Duomo and across lively piazzas in a small group (max 15). Expect real stories behind famous art and quiet moments that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

We were already shuffling our feet outside the Accademia when our guide, Marta, handed out those little radios — honestly, I was grateful because Florence can get loud. The first thing that hit me inside was how quiet it suddenly felt. Everyone kind of held their breath when we turned the corner and there was David, just standing there like he’d always been waiting. Marta told us about the veins in his hands and I squinted to see them — she was right. The marble almost looked soft up close. I’m not sure I really understood what Renaissance meant until then.

After that, we spilled out into the street and wandered past the Duomo. The bells were ringing (not for us, but it felt like it), and you could smell espresso from somewhere nearby. We paused at Orsanmichele — apparently it used to be a grain market? Never would’ve guessed from all those statues outside. Marta pointed out one saint whose toes had been rubbed shiny by centuries of hands. She laughed and said even saints need pedicures sometimes.

Piazza della Repubblica was busy as ever; a kid tried to toss a coin through the Porcellino’s grate but missed — his dad made him try again for luck. Our group didn’t feel too big; maybe 12 of us? It made it easy to ask questions or just hang back if you wanted. By the time we reached Piazza della Signoria, I’d stopped trying to take photos of everything. Sometimes you just want to look.

The Uffizi itself is almost overwhelming — Botticelli’s Primavera is brighter than any photo I’d seen, and Marta somehow got us right up close without feeling rushed. From the second-floor windows you get this sideways view over Ponte Vecchio; gold shops glinting in the sun, tourists drifting across like ants. She pointed at the Vasari Corridor above us and told stories about Medici dukes sneaking home unseen — I tried to imagine what they’d think of all of us now with our headsets and sneakers.

I left thinking about how many footsteps have echoed through those halls before ours. The art is famous, sure, but it’s the little things that stick: cool marble under your palm, someone’s laughter echoing off old stone, sunlight catching on a gold bracelet in a shop window below. Florence gets under your skin a bit — in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Florence art and city walking tour

• Arrive at air-conditioned office
• Check in and gather group
• Visit Accademia Gallery
• See Michelangelo's David statue
• Walk through Piazza del Duomo
• Pass Orsanmichele Church and Museum
• Pass Piazza della Repubblica
• Stop at Fontana del Porcellino
• Visit Piazza della Signoria
• View Vasari Corridor from Uffizi
• View Ponte Vecchio from Uffizi
• Tour Uffizi Galleries

Top questions

How long is the Florence Uffizi & Accademia walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours from start to finish.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both museums and routes are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is limited to 10-15 people for a more personal experience.

Does this tour include tickets for both Uffizi & Accademia?

Yes, timed entry tickets for both galleries are included in your booking.

Will we see Michelangelo's David on this tour?

Yes, you’ll visit the Accademia Gallery where David is displayed.

Are headsets provided during the tour?

Yes, radios and headsets are provided so everyone can hear the guide clearly.

Where does the tour start?

You’ll meet at an air-conditioned office near Accademia Gallery for check-in 15 minutes before departure.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transport options are available near the meeting point.

What’s included

Your day includes priority timed entry tickets for both Uffizi and Accademia galleries (so no waiting in line), guided walking tour with an expert local guide using personal headsets for easy listening even in crowds, plus small group size—never more than 15 people—to keep things relaxed and interactive as you explore Florence’s main squares and landmarks together.