Florence by Bike: Small Group Tour of the Renaissance City
See the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria on a guided ride with a local expert
What You Get With This Tour
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Coast through the Renaissance
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Guided bike ride through Florence
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See Palazzo Vecchio, Duomo, Arno and more
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Helmet, bike bag, and map rental
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Guide tips
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Entry to landmarks
Tour Itinerary
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1
Your tour begins in central Florence
Meet your guide on a quiet side street in the center of Florence, then grab your bike, helmet, and map and tune into a short safety briefing. -
2
Circle the Florence Cathedral and Giotto's tower
Pedal to Piazza del Duomo, where the pink and green marble cathedral rises beside Giotto's bell tower. Your guide explains how Brunelleschi raised the massive brick dome in the 1400s without any scaffolding to hold it up. -
3
Roll into Piazza della Repubblica
Next, glide into Piazza della Repubblica, a grand square built over the old Roman forum and later the city's central market. A single column still marks the spot where merchants once traded goods in ancient Florentia. -
4
Pause in Piazza della Signoria
Pause in Piazza della Signoria, Florence's open-air sculpture gallery outside Palazzo Vecchio. Your guide points out the copy of Michelangelo's David and shares how the palace lion once forecast the day's weather. -
5
Cross the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno
Then ride toward the Ponte Vecchio, the medieval bridge lined with gold and jewelry shops above the Arno River. Learn how this was the only Florence bridge spared from destruction during World War II by the retreating army. -
6
Wander through the Santo Spirito quarter
Across the river, you'll cruise into the Santo Spirito quarter, the artsy Oltrarno district where artisans still work in workshops. Pause near the vast Palazzo Pitti, once home to the powerful Medici grand dukes of Tuscany. -
7
Admire the Basilica of Santa Croce
Pedaling back across the Arno, you'll reach Santa Croce, the largest Franciscan church in the world. Your guide reveals how the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli rest inside this soaring Gothic basilica. -
8
Your tour ends in central Florence
Finally, you'll coast back to where the ride began and return your bike and helmet. Before you go, your guide shares tips on the best gelato, trattorias, and sights to fill the rest of your time in Florence.
Additional Information
Discover what to expect, what's included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
Riding ability: All guests must be able to ride a bicycle on their own. The route covers cobbled streets and shared roads with occasional city traffic, so some confidence in the saddle helps.
Age policy: All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and carry proof of age. Kids are welcome as long as they are comfortable riding in a group across varied surfaces.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible, as it involves riding over cobblestones and uneven streets. If you have questions or concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance.
Pregnancy advisory: Pregnant travelers are strongly discouraged from joining due to the city's bumpy cobbled streets.
Weather Advisory: This tour runs rain or shine, and rain ponchos are available at the office if the weather turns.
ID Requirement: Please bring one credit card and one government-issued ID to be held as a deposit for the duration of the tour.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your tour includes:
Expert English-speaking licensed guide
Guided bike ride through Florence's historic center
Bike rental for the duration of the tour
Helmet, bike bag, and map
Historical insight of the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and more
What to bring:
Government-issued ID
Credit card for the security deposit
Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes
Water bottle
Weather-appropriate clothing (sunscreen and a hat in summer, warm layers in winter)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, kids are welcome as long as they can confidently ride a bike in a group over cobbles and shared roads. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and carry proof of age. Limited smaller bikes are available for children on request.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible, as it involves cycling over cobblestones and uneven streets. All guests must be able to ride a bicycle on their own. If you have concerns, please contact us in advance to discuss your needs.
Does this tour run if it rains?
Yes, the tour runs rain or shine. Rain ponchos are available at the office if the weather turns, so dress for the conditions and bring layers in the cooler months.
How much cycling is involved?
This is a relaxed ride on easy cruiser bikes at a casual pace that suits most levels. You'll cover the historic center over a few gentle hours, with plenty of stops to admire the sights and hear stories, so you don't need to be an experienced cyclist.
Are pregnant travelers able to join?
Pregnant travelers are strongly discouraged from joining, as Florence's cobbled streets make for a bumpy ride. If you have questions, please contact us in advance.
