Florentine Gondola River Cruise Experience
Sip wine on the Arno River and cruise by Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi, and more on a classic Barchetto boat
There are only four original barchetti left in Florence, and most people will never set foot on one. Don’t be one of them. Step aboard this rare and historic vessel—Florence’s answer to the gondola—for a serene cruise along the Arno River. Glide effortlessly beneath the iconic Ponte Vecchio, savoring a glass of local wine while your friendly guide shares the untold stories of the Renaissance City. Join an expert barcaiolo skipper for a journey that transforms sightseeing into a unique experience
What You Get With This Tour
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Passionate English-speaking guide
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Arno River Cruise
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Glass of chilled wine or soft drink
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Barcaiolo skipper
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Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and more
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Maximum group size of 20
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Food
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Hotel pick up and drop off
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Guide gratuities
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meeting point in Piazza Mentana
Aftering finding your local guide in a charming piazza, enjoy a lovely stroll along the riverbanks with your fellow group members -
2
Barcaiolo driver
Your traditional Barcaiolo skipper will use a classic wooden pole to expertly navigate your barchetti boat down the Arno River -
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Arno River
Sit back and relax as you cruise down the stunning Arno River, passing by some of Florence’s most historic sites along the way -
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Florence
Take in the view from the water while spotting Florence’s most iconic landmarks, including the Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, and more! -
5
Ponte Vecchio
Cruise under one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks– a stunning, historic bridge which dates back to the 13th century! -
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Glass of wine
Raise a glass of chilled local wine as you toast with your group members to an unforgettable sightseeing adventure! -
7
Return back to the meeting point
Once you’re back on dry land, say goodbye to your friendly guide and driver and then continue exploring Florence’s landmarks on your own
Additional Information
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 45-minutes 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 near Piazza Mentana 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.
Customer Reviews
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 !
I wish I could remember her name but we had an amazing tour guide. A young woman with a lot of knowledge met us at the gate and took us down to the river to enter a large boat operated by an older gentleman. The older gentleman smiled as we enter the boat And continue to smiling throughout the journey. The young woman filled us with knowledge about the Arno river in regards to World War II. She filled our glasses with wine and for those who did not drink, orange juice or water. We did the later afternoon tour as the sun was setting and it was a beautiful way to go into our dinner. Because we didn’t book our train tickets to Venice in a timely fashion they were way too expensive to go from Florence. However, this was an equally beautiful experience without having to go to Venice. I recommend it highly. I only wish I could remember the young woman’s name to give her credit.
We had an amazing time on this boat ride. The gondolier was so friendly. It was so relaxing and romantic to go under the Ponte Vechio in a gondola
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.
Does this tour include a guide?
Yes, the experience includes a licensed, English-speaking guide.
How many glasses of wine will I get?
You will get at least one glass of wine during the tour.
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