Your VIP Duomo tour begins in the busy piazza just outside the cathedral, where you’ll meet your guide and group of 19 people maximum. The cathedral itself will be closed already, with the final guests of the day still lining up to climb the dome. But even this line can still get quite long, and you’ll avoid the hassle and save time by skipping the queue to head straight inside.

From there, you’ll climb the 463 steps to the top of the cathedral’s famous dome, the largest of its kind ever built, with an opportunity along the way to admire the gorgeous frescoes up close. Your guide will accompany you on the dome climb, allowing them to share the fascinating storey about the now-iconic landmark’s construction that you need to hear to believe. While the trek to the top can be strenuous, you’ll be rewarded once there with views over Florence and the surrounding countryside that will take your breath away.

While the dome is spectacular, your guide’s expert insights will help you appreciate each of its 4 million bricks even more. You’ll learn why Brunelleschi wasn’t an obvious choice to lead the project and get a peek into his secret inventive construction techniques that continue to baffle architects and engineers to this day.

After taking some time to admire the sweeping panoramas from atop the dome, you’ll head down a level and be welcomed out onto the cathedral terraces. This rarely visited spot will be opened exclusively for your group, giving you a chance to admire the dome up close without anyone else around.

Last but certainly not least, you’ll descend once again into the main sanctuary of the Duomo, which by now will have closed to public guests. You’ll have plenty of space to appreciate the details of this incredible building up close as you hear insights from your guide, an art and architecture expert, that will give you newfound appreciation.

You’ll experience one last magical moment on your way out the door as the cathedral Key Master turns off the lights for the day, blanketing the church in peaceful darkness. Step outside and witness as the doors are officially locked, capping off your VIP experience of having one of the most incredible churches in Italy to yourself.