Florentine Gondola Boat Tour

Sip wine on the Arno River and cruise by Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi, and more on a classic Barchetto boat

Travel Flexibly 5 / 5 See All 5 Reviews · 0.50h · Florence, Italy

Want to discover Florence’s answer to the gondola? The hop aboard one of four remaining original barchetti for a gentle cruise along the Arno River, gliding under Ponte Vecchio bridge as you sip local wine and hear stories of the city from your friendly local guide.These beautiful boats have been traversing Florence’s waterways for centuries and provide a memorable way to see the Renaissance City. Join a small group and expert barcaiolo skipper for a boat ride through the heart of Florence!

  • Expert local Barcaiolo skipper
  • Florentine barchetto boat experience
  • Cruise along Florence's Arno Rover
  • Beautiful views of Florence
  • Ponte Vecchio
  • A relaxing way to see the city sights
  • Local wine and soft drinks included

Though Florence is not a city of canals like Venice, travel by boat along the Arno River has been a way of life for many generations. You'll meet you engaging local guide by the riverbank, and along with a small group you'll enjoy a boat ride that takes in city views of the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and more. You'll also pass under the famous Ponte Vecchio, along with some of Florence's other historic bridges.

With a traditional Barcaiolo skipper and knowledgeable local guide, you'll learn the history of these boats along with fascinating stories of the city.

Florence Barchetto Boat Tour

Your Arno River boat cruise includes:

  • Arno River Cruise on an historic wooden Barchetto boat

  • Views of Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and more

  • Complimentary glass of chilled wine or soft drink

  • Traditional Barcaiolo skipper

  • Engaging English-speaking local guide

  • Maximum group size of 20

Board Your Barchetto by the Riverbank

After meeting your guide at a convenient spot nearby and enjoying a short stroll to the river, you'll climb aboard one of only four remaining original barchetti boats. Though the barchetto is similar to the gondolas of Venice, it has its own unique history gliding down the rivers of Tuscany. Your expert barcaiolo skipper will use the traditional wooden pole to navigate the vessel for your cruise along the river, and you can just sit back and enjoy the ride!

Cruise Along Florence's Arno River

As you gently ride the Arno, you'll take in some to the famous sites of Florence on this historic boat. Enjoy views of the Uffizi Gallery, Duomo and more, with stunning photo opportunities along the way. This Arno river cruise is a great way to see a different side to this beautiful city.

Glide Under Florentine Bridges Including Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio, along with the Duomo, is one of the two great symbols of Florence. Merchant shops have lined this famed bridge since the 13th century. Originally, the shops included fishmongers, butchers, and tanners, however these particular goods caused such a stench in the area that Ferdinand I proclaimed in 1593 that only jewelers were allowed to sell on the bridge.

You'll cruise underneath Ponte Vecchio and also see other architectural marvels, the Ponte delle Grazie and Ponte della Santa Trinita. These great bridges are often overshadowed by the Ponte Vecchio but have their own great stories and tradition.

Enjoy a Glass of Local Wine Along the Way

As you're sitting back and enjoying the city sights pass you by, your guide will bring out some chilled local wine to celebrate the journey in style. Salute!

Not a wine drinker? Not a problem. Soft drinks are available too.

What you get with this tour
Arno River Cruise on an historic wooden Barchetto boat
Views of Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and more
Complimentary glass of chilled wine or soft drink
Traditional Barcaiolo skipper
Engaging English-speaking local guide
Maximum group size of 20
Tripadvisor Logo

See what people are saying

5 total reviews

Leave a review
5.0/5 (based on 5 reviews)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 stars
21 September 2023
C
Reviewed by
Chris Grace

19 August 2023
A
Reviewed by
Ann Brewer

Barch
05 August 2023
M
Reviewed by
Marianne Fraser

The guide Marta was very knowledgeable and had interesting facts . It was really great to view Florence from the Arno and with Marta’s information filled in the gaps of Florence’s history. We enjoyed very much and recommend !

show more reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Please make sure you wear sunscreen during summer months at there is no shade on the boat.

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

No, it's run by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Florence. They're a specialist company who we know uphold our high standards.

Can I bring my kids on this tour?

Yes, kids are more than welcome on this tour, and soft drinks are available instead of wine.

What to bring?

Please make sure you wear sunscreen during summer months at there is no shade on the boat.

Start From: $77.97

available days discounted days

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

Reserve Now $77.97 / per person
$77.97 / per person
You may also like
Skip the Line
Up to 20% off

Skip the Line

Florence in a Day Combo Tour with David and Uffizi

Explore Accademia Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Florence Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and so much more

Day Trip

Day Trip

Tuscany Wine Tour from Florence to Siena & Chianti

Enjoy a luxury Tuscany day trip to visit Siena and San Gimignano then taste food and wine in Chianti

Skip the Line
Up to 8% off

Skip the Line

Statue of David Evening Tour

See Michelangelo's David on a later tour of the Accademia Gallery with fewer crowds

Skip the Line
Up to 20% off

Skip the Line

Florence Walking Tour with Statue of David

Uncover the best of Florence at the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, and skip the line at Accademia

New Tour

New Tour

Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Boat Ride

Visit these iconic fishing villages the easy way on this tour to the beautiful Italian Riviera

Skip the Line
Up to 20% off

Skip the Line

Skip the Line Uffizi Gallery Tour

See Botticelli, Caravaggio, and Michelangelo's masterpieces in Florence's famous Uffizi Gallery

Views from the Top of the Dome

Views from the Top of the Dome

Complete Florence Duomo Tour with Dome Climb

View this charming city from the terraces of Brunelleschi’s famous dome after touring the cathedral

Guided Tour
Up to 20% off

Guided Tour

Florence Local Food Tour in Santo Spirito

Get an authentic taste of Florence’s exquisite food and wine in a lively local neighborhood

Private Tour

Private Tour

Tuscany Shore Excursion: Chianti Wine Country and San Gimignano

A Chianti Wine Tasting Excursion

Skip the Line

Skip the Line

Florence Private Walking Tour with Michelangelo's David

Explore the famous sites of Florence, with Ponte Vecchio, Duomo, and skip-the-line Accademia entry

New Tour

New Tour

Skip the Line Duomo Terraces Tour with Dome Climb

Admire the Florence Cathedral, climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome, and enjoy breathtaking views

Private Tour

Private Tour

Private Pisa Day Trip from Florence with Lunch in Vinci

Discover Tuscany on this VIP private tour, with Leaning Tower of Pisa, Da Vinci Museum, and more!

New Tour

New Tour

Tuscany in a Day Tour from Florence

Visit Siena, dine at a Chianti vineyard, explore San Gimignano, and see the Leaning Tower of Pisa!

New Tour

New Tour

Florence Accademia Gallery Express Guided Tour

Skip the line, marvel at renowned masterpieces and see Michelangelo’s iconic David statue!

New tour

New tour

Pisa and The Leaning Tower Half Day Tour from Florence

Explore the City famous for its Piazza dei Miracoli and enjoy skip-the-line access with this tour

New Tour

New Tour

Tuscany Wine Tour by Vespa from Florence

Taste the food and wine of Chianti as you ride through the Tuscan countryside on a vintage scooter

New Tour

New Tour

Early Morning Duomo Tour with Exclusive Entry and Brunelleschi's Dome

Be among the first of the day to enter Florence cathedral on this VIP experience

New Tour

New Tour

Tuscany Day Trip from Rome with Vineyard Lunch and Wine Tasting

Wander through the medieval towns of Montepulciano and Pienza and enjoy a 3-course meal!

New Tour

New Tour

Tuscany Wineland Safari from Florence

Get off the beaten track to explore vineyards, castles, food, and Chianti wine on this 4x4 day tour

New Tour

New Tour

Vintage FIAT 500 Self-Drive Tuscany Tour from Florence

Get behind the wheel of an iconic Italian car, cruising to the Tuscan countryside

New Tour

New Tour

Semi-Private Cinque Terre Day Trip & Vineyard Tour from Florence

Discover the best of Cinque Terre with seafood lunch, wine tasting, and transportation included

Pisa & Cinque Terre Day Trip From Florence

Pisa & Cinque Terre Day Trip From Florence

Explore the charming towns of Monterosso and Manarola, embark on a coastal hike, and tour Pisa

Skip the Line

Skip the Line

Private Siena Walking Tour

Explore this charming Tuscan city with an engaging local guide to see the Duomo, San Domenico & more

New Tour

New Tour

Pizza and Gelato Making Cooking Class in Florence

Create the authentic food of Italy with an expert pizzaiolo chef, homemade lunch, and wine

New Tour

New Tour

Tuscany Wine Making Experience and Gourmet Dinner from Florence

Dine like Tuscan royalty and create your own Chianti wine blend on this small group VIP evening tour

New Tour

New Tour

Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class in a Tuscany Farmhouse in Florence

Pick fresh ingredients and learn to make authentic, Italian cuisine on an unforgettable day trip!

New Tour

New Tour

Pisa and Lucca Day Trip from Florence

Book a stress-free trip to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Lucca's medieval walls in a day

New Tour

New Tour

Cinque Terre Hiking Tour from La Spezia

Walk clifftop trails to discover vineyards, epic views, and famous villages on Italy's magical coast

New Tour

New Tour

Cinque Terre Tour with Locally Produced Limoncino Tasting from La Spezia

Explore the Beaches and Picturesque Peaks in a Small Group

New Tour

New Tour

Authentic Tuscan Cooking Class in Florence with San Lorenzo Market

Create delicious pasta, tiramisu, and more with market-fresh ingredients and an expert local chef

New Tour

New Tour

Florence in a Half Day by Bike Tour

Take a ride through the city's hidden gems from Ponte Vecchio to the Oltrarno neighborhood

Skip the Line

Skip the Line

Kid-Friendly Private Florence Walking Tour: David & Gelato

Bring the fun to Florence on this family walking tour that includes a merry-go-round and papermaking

Private Tour

Private Tour

Private Wine Day in the Chianti Hills from Florence

Enjoy an intimate day trip tasting wine and organic food from local farms and vineyards in Tuscany

Skip the Line

Skip the Line

Uffizi Private Tour in Florence

Skip the line to see Birth of Venus, Medusa, Doni Tondo, and more with your own private art guide

Private Tour

Private Tour

Orvieto, Civita di Bagnoregio & Winery Private Day Trip from Rome

Escape the city on a memorable journey through Umbria’s historic towns to taste fine local wines

Private Tour

Private Tour

Livorno Shore Excursion: Florence & Pisa

Maximize your day ashore on this jam-packed private tour with Leaning Tower, David, and more!

Private Tour

Private Tour

Brunello di Montalcino Helicopter Tour from Rome or Florence

Take to the skies on the ultimate VIP Tuscany tour that includes wine tasting and a gourmet lunch

New Tour

New Tour

San Lorenzo Market Tour and Wine Tasting in Florence

Eat your way through Florence’s historic market, enjoy a wine tasting, and try real Italian gelato!

New Tour

New Tour

Oltrarno Local Food Tour in Florence

Take a break from the crowds and eat like a local in the lively neighborhood of Oltrarno

New Tour

New Tour

Chianti Vineyards Tour and Wine Tastings from Florence

See two luxurious wine estates, taste local wine, and sample delicious produce on this half day tour

New Tour
Up to 10% off

New Tour

Brunello di Montalcino Winery Tour & Tasting

Sip wine and stroll through vineyards alongside an expert guide in the hills of Montalcino

New Tour
Up to 20% off

New Tour

Private Vintage FIAT 500 Chianti Tour with Driver from Florence

Cruise through the hills of Tuscany in style and dine at a Tuscan villa on this exclusive experience

Val d’Orcia Day Trip with Two Wine Tastings from Florence

Val d’Orcia Day Trip with Two Wine Tastings from Florence

Sip on Brunello in Montalcino, wander through Pienza, and savor pecorino cheese in Montelpuciano

New Tour

New Tour

Tuscan Countryside Vespa Tour from Florence

Cruise to the rolling hills of Tuscany and taste local food and wine!

New Tour
Up to 20% off

New Tour

E-Bike Tour Through Florence and Tuscan Countryside

Ride along Tuscany’s majestic rolling hills, visit a medieval village, and sample local delicacies!

New Tour
Up to 20% off

New Tour

Florence Duomo Skip-the-Line Tour

Explore the iconic cathedral with an expert guide and visit the fascinating Misericordia Museum

Florence Duomo and Terraces Small Group Tour
Up to 20% off

Florence Duomo and Terraces Small Group Tour

Enjoy a guided visit to the Duomo with skip-the-line tickets and a captivating view of the city!

Florence Duomo Skip-the-Line Tour with Dome Climb
Up to 20% off

Florence Duomo Skip-the-Line Tour with Dome Climb

Explore the breathtaking cathedral and take in captivating views from Brunelleschi’s Cupola!

New Tour
Up to 10% off

New Tour

Tuscany Winery Tour and Gourmet Bites in Montalcino

Pair irresistible wine with delicious gourmet bites after strolling through picturesque vineyards