Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- Uffizi Gallery
- The Birth of Venus
- Primavera
- Annunciation
- Venus of Urbino
Select a date
Tour Description
You may come for Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and the Primavera, but with the guidance of an art history expert, you’ll leave with far more than the highlights. This tour is designed not just to show you the masterpieces, but to illuminate the stories, artists, and details that most visitors walk right past.
During these three thoughtfully paced hours, your guide will help you navigate the Uffizi’s vast collection with confidence and curiosity. You’ll gain insight into both the celebrated icons and the hidden gems. These works rarely make it onto postcards in the gift shop, but often leave the deepest impression.
By the end of your visit, you’ll have experienced the key masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance and discovered a new way to connect with art that might just change how you enjoy museums going forward.
Choose this tour if...
- You’re seeking an experience that makes art approachable for all, from beginners to seasoned art lovers, so everyone can enjoy.
- You want an intentional exploration of the Uffizi, letting your expert navigate the crowds and handle the logistics so you can truly enjoy the art.
- You want to impress your friends and family with the fascinating stories behind popular pieces and lesser-known works that not many visitors will learn.
- You prefer a calm, private setting with a guide who stays by your side, rather than leading from a distance, and is ready to tailor the experience to your pace and curiosity.
Experts
Traveler Testimonials
We would have been lost without her
"She pitched her knowledge at the right level for us and introduced us to some amazing artworks and artists. We would have been lost in the vast Uffizi if we had visited on our own."
-Susie R.
-Susie R.
Made sense of the Uffizi
"Super knowledgeable, passionate and engaging guide, and I learned so much during the tour! One of the things I worried about beforehand was just how crowded the Uffizi would be, but our guide had a strategy so that we avoided the crowds."
-Melissa W.
-Melissa W.
Opened our eyes to the Uffizi’s hidden depths
"Our guide had deep knowledge of every painting in Uffizi and made us see things we would never have discovered."
-Marie U.
-Marie U.
The name “Uffizi” comes from the Italian word for “Office”, as the building was commissioned in 1560 by Cosimo I de’ Medici to serve as the offices for the Florentine magistrates. Today, these rooms host some of the most important pieces of art in the world.
Instead of a hurried walkthrough, your expert will take their time weaving a narrative through iconic and lesser-known works that showcase the evolution of Florentine art.
Marvel at the trailblazing techniques of Cimabue and Giotto, immerse yourself in the harmony showcased by Lippi and Botticelli while exploring the era's budding philosophical notions, particularly those favored by the Medici court. Dissect Mannerist masterpieces by artists like Parmigianino and Bronzino with your art historian.
Interested in seeing something specific? Let your guide know so they can weave it into your trip through the venue's halls.
By getting to know the history behind the paintings, you’ll get to know the artists of the time—their aspirations, techniques, and allegiances. You’ll also better understand the intricate intertwining of beauty, artistry, and politics that shaped the Renaissance era.
- Uffizi Gallery - One of the world’s most renowned museums, home to Florence’s greatest artistic treasures.
Tickets
Your booking includes skip-the-line access tickets to the venue. Please note that our skip-the-line tickets will allow us to enter a special lane where our group will have to stand in line due to security and crowd control measures. Your guide will use this time to dive into the history of the gallery, the Medici family, and the various types of art you will see inside.
During the summer season, we're pleased to offer late tour times on Tuesdays. This allows you to enjoy smaller crowds and a more serene experience.
Headsets
We are required by the venue to order headsets. You will see a “Headset Fee” added to your order.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
A few things that pair well with this tour:
- Comfortable walking shoes. The Uffizi has 13,000 square meters of exhibition space to explore!
- A fully charged phone or camera. Photos are allowed, but flash photography is not.
- A few euros to purchase a coffee at the cafeteria on the second floor. (It has a panoramic view.)
- An audio guide on the power and politics of Florence. If your interests are a merging of art and history, this experience is perfect for you.
Do you pre-purchase tickets for the Uffizi tour?
We secure timed tickets for the Uffizi in advance. Upon arrival, your guide will already have these tickets. However, please note that even with these pre-purchased tickets, the group will still need to undergo a security check. This might take up to 20 minutes given the Uffizi's popularity, but our guide will make the most of this waiting period by giving you an introduction to the collection's history.
What does "Skip-the-Line" actually mean?
"Skip-the-Line" means that your entry tickets are procured in advance, allowing you to avoid the main ticket purchasing queue. However, there might still be a short wait for security checks or the ticket scanning process.
Will we see the entire Uffizi collection during the tour?
Due to the tour's 3-hour limit, we can't cover the whole collection. There might also be instances where specific rooms or artworks are not accessible due to unforeseen reasons.
Do you purchase children's tickets for the Uffizi tour?
For our Uffizi tours, we purchase only adult tickets for all participants aged 6 and above. This helps us avoid delays caused by the validation of reduced-price tickets, ensuring quicker entry—especially for families. Children under 6 years old do not require a ticket, but they still need to be included in the booking as part of the group.
I have a group of 10, but I can't book for more than 9. Can you accommodate us?
Our booking system has a maximum limit of 9 participants per group due to venue restrictions. For larger groups, we recommend splitting into two or more smaller groups.
Can we include the Vasari Corridor (Corridoio Vasariano) in this tour?
The Vasari Corridor is nearly a kilometer long and doesn’t feature any specific artworks or exhibitions, it’s a passageway with historical significance rather than a curated collection. While we’re happy to explore the option if you are interested, most guests find their time better spent focusing on the highlights of the Uffizi Gallery itself. Additionally, access to the Vasari Corridor is extremely limited, and only groups of up to 5 people total (including your guide) are permitted. If your group has more than 4 guests, the corridor cannot be included. Even for smaller groups, tickets are often sold out far in advance and come at an additional cost.
If you’re interested, let us know as early as possible, and we’ll check availability for you.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
Given its significance and the vast number of visitors it attracts, the venue has made efforts to improve accessibility for all its visitors, including those with disabilities. However, it's worth noting that the collections are housed in a historic building which can present certain challenges for accessibility. Additional details are available here. Please communicate any mobility needs or concerns with our team at the time of booking.
Accessibility Notice: Starting December 2024: The elevators to the second floor are currently out of service due to renovations. Unfortunately, we do not have an estimated timeline for their return to service. Please note that our gallery begins on the second floor. Visitors will need to use the stairs unless prior arrangements are made. For guests with disabilities who cannot use the stairs, an alternative route is available. However, this path adds approximately 1 kilometer to the tour, requiring the use of an elevator at the museum's exit and additional walking time back to the entrance. This may extend the overall tour time. We are happy to accommodate this option, but it is crucial to let us know when you book so we can inform your guide and ensure everything is prepared in advance. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Accessibility Notice: Starting December 2024: The elevators to the second floor are currently out of service due to renovations. Unfortunately, we do not have an estimated timeline for their return to service. Please note that our gallery begins on the second floor. Visitors will need to use the stairs unless prior arrangements are made. For guests with disabilities who cannot use the stairs, an alternative route is available. However, this path adds approximately 1 kilometer to the tour, requiring the use of an elevator at the museum's exit and additional walking time back to the entrance. This may extend the overall tour time. We are happy to accommodate this option, but it is crucial to let us know when you book so we can inform your guide and ensure everything is prepared in advance. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
–
1009 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Susanna was beyond wonderful. Not only was her art historian knowledgeable exceptional but her love of art, the Uffizi and Florence brought a richness to the experience that we will cherish. This is our first time using Context Travel and we definitely plan on being repeat customers.
Carl
May 31, 2025
Susanna was fabulous - extremely knowledgeable, considerate and pleasant. We highly recommend her as a cultural guide.
Ian
May 26, 2025
My wife and I had a wonderful tour of the Uffizi Gallery! She was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Florentine history and art. She was also a pleasure to spend the afternoon with--indeed the three hours flew by! I would highly recommend this tour and this guide!
Roger
May 25, 2025