Florence was at the center of artistic, political and scientific developments during the Renaissance, and was home to men such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Galileo. The masterpieces that fill the galleries of the Uffizi and the Duomo were created by some of the greatest artistic geniuses of the age, who were supported by the mighty Medici dynasty. On your engaging Florence tour, your personal guide will discuss the connections between art and political power, and explain why Florence played such an important role in European history.  This comprehensive tour includes must-see sights such as the Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio, as well as some fascinating parts of Florence that are often overlooked. The relatively compact size of the city center makes Florence ideal for walking, and on your tour, you’ll see some of the most famous piazzas and fountains, as well as exploring the atmospheric back streets. Wander the Uffizi Gallery and come face to face with masterpieces by Giotto, Botticelli, Da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian, Caravaggio and more. See the Duomo, the site of an attempted coup and the religious heart of Florence. Get to know the fascinating, multilayered history of the building as you explore the remains of Santa Reparata, the 4th-century cathedral buried beneath the 15th-century cathedral. Learn about the art of Brunelleschi, the headstrong architect of the Duomo who achieved his vision against all odds. Visit the Baptistery, the distinctive octagonal building nearby, which attracted the most talented artists in Florence. See the Baptistery's exquisite bronze doors that took 21 years to complete and were dubbed the “Gates of Paradise” by Michelangelo.