Florence Bike Tour at Night with Aperitivo Picnic
Pedal through Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, in a small group with 1 glass of wine and a riverside picnic
Florence at night? Most tours don’t even try. After the Uffizi and the Accademia, what’s left to do? This is the answer. Pedal past the Duomo, Sant’Ambrogio Market and Ponte Vecchio in a small group, explore vibrant neighborhoods, and cap it off with a riverside aperitivo picnic—because your evenings deserve better.
- Meeting Point
- Piazza del Duomo
- Florence Duomo & Baptistery
- Santissima Annunziata
- Sant’Ambrogio Market
- San Niccolò Beach
- Aperitivo Picnic
- Ponte San Niccolò
- Ponte Vecchio
- Santa Croce Church
- Ending point
Begin your evening adventure in the heart of Florence, where your local guide will welcome you in Via dei Cimatori. With a small group size of no more than 14 people, you’ll have an intimate and personalized tour, making it feel less like a tour and more like an evening with friends exploring Florence.
This three-hour guided journey seamlessly blends history, culture, and the city’s famous culinary delights. Picture the golden glow of the setting sun illuminating the terracotta rooftops as you glide past Florence’s iconic landmarks. Feel the cool evening breeze as you cycle along quiet streets, away from the daytime crowds. As the night unfolds, you’ll pause by the riverside for a Tuscan aperitivo picnic. With wine in hand, the scent of fresh bread and cheese in the air, and the shimmering Arno River in view, it’s an unforgettable way to end your evening before going back to via dei Cimatori.
Florence at Night Bike Tour Description:
Your 3-hour tour includes:
Knowledgeable, English-speaking local guide
Bike rental
Helmet and bike bag or basket
Group size of 14
A Tuscan aperitivo picnic featuring wine, cold cuts, cheese, and bread
Stops at iconic landmarks, including the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and more
Piazza del Duomo
After meeting your group in via dei Cimatori, you will begin your journey in Florence’s beating heart, Piazza del Duomo, a place where history, architecture, and culture collide. Marvel at the intricate marble facade of the Duomo, its richly decorated exterior shining brightly in the soft evening light. Your guide will bring the square to life with stories of its creation, highlighting the genius of Brunelleschi’s dome and the incredible craftsmanship of the facade. Surrounded by the hum of evening life, this square captures the true essence of Florence.
The Baptistry’s gilded bronze doors, often referred to as the “Gates of Paradise,” are breathtaking under the moonlight. As you stand here, your guide will share tales of the artists who contributed to these masterpieces and the ceremonies that took place here for centuries. The illuminated dome and the detailed carvings on the Baptistry walls create an otherworldly charm at night.
Santissima Annunziata
Cycle to one of Florence’s most elegant squares, where Renaissance architecture meets serene evening beauty. The softly lit arcades provide a peaceful ambiance as you learn about the square’s history and its connection to the city’s oldest Marian shrine, the Basilica of Santissima Annunziata. This site has been a spiritual and artistic center for centuries, known for its miraculous fresco of the Annunciation, said to have been completed by an angel.
The square itself is a masterpiece of symmetry, surrounded by stunning porticos designed by renowned Renaissance architect Brunelleschi. It also houses the equestrian statue of Grand Duke Ferdinand I, a tribute to Florence’s Medici rulers, and a reminder of the city’s rich political and cultural history.
Sant’Ambrogio Market
Pedal past Florence’s bustling Sant’Ambrogio Market, which by night reveals a quieter, almost mystical side. During the day, it’s a hub of activity with locals shopping for fresh produce and artisanal goods. At night, its charm shifts, and you can appreciate the architectural details and the stories behind this historic market. It’s a unique glimpse into Florence’s daily life, without the daytime rush of vendors and shoppers.
Aperitivo Picnic at San Niccolò Beach
Take a well-deserved break along the Arno River at the sandy San Niccolò beach. This quiet riverside spot is a favorite among locals for its relaxed vibe and scenic views. Sip on a glass (or two) of local wine, savoring the rich flavors of Tuscany as the city’s lights twinkle on the water’s surface. The gentle lapping of the river and the cool evening air make this stop both peaceful and rejuvenating, creating a perfect moment to connect with Florence’s natural beauty.
Your guide will spread out a picnic blanket and immerse yourself in a true Tuscan tradition. Enjoy freshly delivered cold cuts, creamy cheeses, and crusty bread, paired perfectly with a glass of local wine.
Ponte Vecchio & Ponte San Niccolò
After your stop, get back on your bike and cycle across Florence’s iconic bridges, each offering its own perspective of the city. The Ponte Vecchio, with its historic shops and glowing lights, feels like stepping back in time. In contrast, the modern Ponte San Niccolò provides panoramic views of the Arno, offering a fresh perspective on Florence’s skyline. Your guide will highlight the significance of these crossings, blending history with the beauty of the present.
Santa Croce
End your ride near the majestic church of Santa Croce, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the final resting place of Florence’s greatest minds, including Michelangelo and Galileo. The illuminated facade casts a spell over the square, making it the perfect conclusion to your evening tour. As you take in the serene beauty of this iconic site, you’ll feel connected to Florence’s rich cultural and artistic legacy before ending the tour where it started in via dei Cimatori, the perfect starting point to continue exploring the charm of Florence at night.
What you get with this tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Please bring a valid photo ID (government-issued) and a credit card, to be retained as a deposit for your bike rental.
Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?
On the rare occasions the tour is canceled, we’ll inform you as soon as possible and work together on rescheduling or on a refund.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
This tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Florence.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
If you have any doubts about your mobility, please let us know beforehand so we can do our best to suggest the tour that better works for you. The terrain includes cobbled streets and uneven surfaces, which may be challenging for some.
Is this tour recommended for pregnant women?
No, it is not recommended for pregnant women to join the bike tour due to the cobblestone streets in Florence, which can be uneven and uncomfortable. For safety and comfort, we suggest considering other more suitable activities.
What happens if it rains?
We run our Florence tours rain or shine and we will provide rain ponchos in case of rain. If the weather is extremely bad and the tour cannot run, we will inform you immediately and work together to reschedule or refund.
Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?
On the rare occasion this happens, we will let you know immediately and work together on a refund or rescheduling.
How comprehensive are the Florence portions of this tour?
The Florence portions of this tour focus on a bike ride through the most iconic sites in the city, including Piazza del Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and more. The experience doesn’t include any entry to the sites.
Can I upgrade to an e-bike?
Yes, you can upgrade to an e-bike for a small additional fee, subject to availability. Please ask about this option on the day of the tour.
What if I don’t drink alcohol but I’d still like to join the tour?
No problem! Please let us know when booking, and we’ll provide an alternative drink.
What if I have food allergies, intolerances, or other dietary requirements?
Please notify us at the time of booking so we can accommodate your dietary restrictions during the picnic.
How many glasses of wine will I get?
You’ll enjoy at least one glass of local Tuscan wine.
Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?
Yes, kids are welcome. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. If your child has experience riding a bike and can navigate on various surfaces, they are welcome to ride their own bike. Alternatively, we have limited child-sized bikes available. For kids not yet comfortable on a bike, we provide double trailers or tag-alongs.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
Hotel pickup is not included. Please meet your guide at the designated meeting point.
Do we get to enter to any of the attractions?
No, this experience doesn't include entry to any of the attractions.