Skip the Line Uffizi Gallery Tour (2025)

• Meeting point at Piazza della Signoria
• Uffizi Gallery
• La Primavera
• Botticelli's Birth of Venus

• Michelangelo's Holy Family (Doni Tondo)
• Madonna and Child with Saints
• Caravaggio’s Medusa
• End inside Uffizi Gallery

Uffizi Gallery Tour Description

Your 2-hour tour includes:

• Skip-the-line Uffizi Gallery tickets

• Guided tour of the masterpieces inside the Uffizi

• Fun, English-speaking guide with expertise in art history

• Maximum group size of 15

History of the Uffizi and Medici Family

As you stroll through the grand rooms, hallways and courtyard of the Uffizi, your guide will tell you the about the fascinating history of the gallery. The construction was ordered in 1560 by Cosimo I de’ Medici (known as Cosimo the Great and the first Grand Duke of Tuscany) to house the administrative and judiciary offices of Florence. At the time, the Medici family’s influence in Florence was extremely powerful, and without their patronage of the arts the Italian Renaissance may not have happened as it did.

Botticelli's The Birth of Venus

One of the most featured artists your guide will tell you of at the museum is Sandro Botticelli, whose masterpieces Primavera and The Birth of Venus are housed here. You may well recognize his painting of The Birth of Venus, which shows the goddess being carried ashore in a giant seashell. Primavera, meanwhile, depicts the arrival of spring with dancing gods and muses in an enchanted garden. Whatever the extent of your art history knowledge, you can't help but admire these paintings’ vibrant compositions.

Caravaggio’s Medusa

A highlight for many art-lovers on this Uffizi tour is Caravaggio’s Medusa. A gripping study of the dark mythological figure with snakes in her hair, the painting is also an excellent example of Caravaggio’s revolutionary approach to the game between light and dark. As you look into Medusa's eyes, she appears to stare back at you. Legend has it that you’ll turn to stone if you hold her gaze for too long.

Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo (Holy Family)

Michelangelo’s Holy Family (or Doni Tondo) painting dates back to the same period as his David statue, and is one of the few remaining examples of Michelangelo’s painting, together with the breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. The Doni Tondo also laid the foundations of mannerism, also known as Late Renaissance. This style of European art featured bizarre, striking poses and iridescent colors, and your guide will help you to see its clear origins in this masterpiece.

And much, much more....

These highlights are just a few of the world-class works of art housed at the Uffizi. Let your expert guide lead you on a journey into art and history as they share the important stories behind each painting, as well as their context within Florentine and Italian culture. At the end of your guided tour, you are free to stay within the Uffizi Gallery and continue exploring on your own!

Passionate English-speaking guide

Skip-the-Line Uffizi tickets

The Birth of Venus

Medusa

Doni Tondo (Holy Family)

Max 16 people

Guide gratuity

Hotel pick-up

Food and drink

Is there anything I should NOT bring?

Please avoid bringing large bags, as the Uffizi requires you to check them in. Food and drink are not allowed in the museum, but there is a café onsite if you need to grab a drink or bite after your tour.

Does the tour always skip the line?

Yes, you’ll avoid the long ticket line and head straight to the shorter security line, potentially saving hours during busy months.

Are there ever any sudden closures at the museum?

Sometimes the museum closes small areas for restoration at short notice, and certain artwork may not be accessible for a time. This is quite rare and out of our control, but your guide will make sure you see the very best of the art available.

What to bring?

As this is a walking tour, wear comfortable shoes. Other than that, just bring your sense of curiosity!

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

While this isn’t a physically demanding tour, you should expect to be on your feet for a couple of hours, and there may be some stairs and uneven surfaces along the way. If you have any doubts about your mobility, we suggest taking an Uffizi Private Tour so your tour can be tailored to your needs.