Florence Duomo

You'll meet your licensed, english-speaking tour guide at 9.45 AM outside the entrance to the Cathedral Museum, behind the cathedral in Piazza del Duomo. You'll be given an introduction to the magnificent 'duomo complex' at the heart of the city before a priviliged-entrance to the museum, the Museo del Opera del Duomo, home to the largest collection of Florentine monumental sculpture in the world.

You'll be introduced to a treasure trove of medieval and Renaissance art, over 750 works covering more than 7 centuries of history, the vast majority of pieces having being created for either the cathedral or its clocktower and baptistery. A true highlight is Michelangelo's unfinished Pietà, and you'll also see works by Donatello and Ghiberti.

Your tour will last around one hour after which, at 11.00 AM, you'll be given your skip-the-line tickets to climb up (again ,there's no guide for this) to the top of the duomo, all 463 steps! Only a certain number of people are allowed up to the dome each day, and booking in advance is essential. The inside of the dome is decorated with Vasari's enormous 'Last Judgement', and, once you reach the external terrace, you're free to stay and enjoy the incredible views, an unequalled vista across Florence to the Tuscan hills beyond.

The cupola is the highest point in the city and can only be visited with reserved-spaces. Your ticket, after the tour and the dome visit, is valid for 72 hours and grants access to the other buildings of the complex - the belltower, the Baptistery and, naturally, the cathedral itself. Availability is Monday, Friday and Saturday only.