florence river tours

Florentine Gondola Boat Tour

Sip wine on the arno river and cruise by ponte vecchio, uffizi, and more on a classic barchetto boat.

Max 20 Guests

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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!

Tour Overview

What's included.

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

Select participants and date

Check Available Tours

Meeting point in Piazza Mentana

Meet your barcaiolo driver

Views of Florence

Ponte Vecchio

Meeting and drop-off point

What to bring?

See what people are saying

Leave a review

Chris Grace

September 21, 2023 15 pm EST

August 19, 2023 15 pm EST

Marianne Fraser

August 05, 2023 14 pm EST

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 !

Lovely and informative

System Admin

January 27, 2022 15 pm EST

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.

So cool! Absolutely Beautiful!

December 09, 2021 21 pm EST

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

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Free Cancellation outside of 24 hours

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Florence Mini Cruise with Apertivo: on the Arno River with the traditional Florentine gondola

• Up to 20 Participants
• Available in : English

What you will find

Full program.

You will get on board the “barchetto”, one of the only 4 original traditional wooden boats left in Florence, conducted by a “ barcaiolo ”, a true florentine tradition holder that will guide the boat with his long-reaching pole. No noisy engines, only the charm of tradition and the voice of your expert guide to unveil the secrets of the Arno river as you stroll on its calm waters and discover its history and the beautiful Palazzos that frame its ancient riverbed.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Mini Cruise on the Arno River (approx. 50 min)
• Delicious breakfast or Cool Wine "aperitivo"
• English speaking fully licensed
• History guide

YOUR GUIDE / TOUR OPERATOR

Towns of Italy -   Florencetown is a certified and qualified tour operator with the City of Florence Tour Operator 'official stamp'. He has been operating in Florence since 2006 and specializes in the creation and management of tours and practical activities for small groups and regularly scheduled private individuals. Guaranteed quality!

Please let us know in advance any special need or impaired mobility of the clients and we will do our best to accomodate them

Info / Important details

CANCELLATION POLICY: free cancellation 48 hours before the tour, a penalty will be applied thereafter or no refund will be made. This tour may be canceled due to heavy rain and may require rescheduling or a full refund.

• Type: shared tour
• Conditions: from May to October. Minimum 1 and maximum 20 people.
• Accessibility: special needs (communicate in advance), children
• Duration: approx 1h
• Language: English
• Voucher: digital and / or paper

Where / Meeting point

Piazza Mentana 2 rosso - 50123 Firenze (FI)

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Florence Boat Tour On Florentine Gondola

Every great city stands astride a river and Florence is no exception. Climb aboard this “Florentine gondola” for a romantic and unique cruise on the Arno!

A leisurely cruise down the River Arno is a great window to gaze at the beauties and elegance of this fascinating city. After meeting your guide at our office and enjoying a fun introduction to the tour as you walk through Piazza Signoria and under the Uffizi Gallery , seeing the Ponte Vecchio from the bank, we get to the “embarcadero”.

Then you’ll board the “ barchetto ”, one of the only 4 original traditional wooden boat s left in Florence. No noisy engines, only the charm of tradition and the voice of your expert guide to unveil the secrets of the Arno river as you cruise on its calm waters and discover its history and the beautiful Palaces framing its ancient banks.

You’ll pass in front of the Uffizi Gallery, the beautiful caretaker of many artistic historical treasures, pass under the unique Ponte Vecchio bridge and find out more about the mysterious Vasari Corridor. You’ll also have the chance to discover the Santa Trinita Bridge - the most loved of Florentine bridges - and the amazing Palazzo Corsini .

After the relaxing river cruise, depending on the option selected, you will be offered an Italian-style refreshing “aperitivo” with a glass of cool Prosecco wine, to celebrate on board your romantic stay in Florence ! Welcome aboard!

5 months ago

Amy Pthomme

Kavnit Kaur

3 months ago

Victoria Nadon-lachance

8 months ago

Maria Rosa Sánchez

Hace 8 meses

SELECT DATE

• Professional guide
• Small group tour
• Mini cruise on the Arno river
• Prosecco wine "aperitivo"

Departure time

Meeting point.

PIAZZA MENTANA, 2 RED

In front of the BOOKING OFFICE - opposite from the Arno River

• Admire Florence from a different perspective: get on board of our "barchetto" and pass under the world-famous Ponte Vecchio and Santa Trinita Bridge!
• A passionate and art-lover local guide

Notes and advice

• Comfortable shoes are recommended
• The tour departure might be cancelled due to rain. We will do our best to proceed with the tour. However rain could prevent us from being able to offer an enjoyable and fully safe experience
• We regret to inform that this tour is not suitable for guests with wheelchairs or with impaired mobility

What is the currency in Italy?

The official currency used in Italy is the Euro (€) . 

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Ciao Florence Tours & Travel srl

Via Cavour, 36 R 50129 Firenze

[email protected] [email protected]

Tel. +39 055 354044

P.IVA 05823680482

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Arno River Boat Tour

• 8.40 / 10 14 reviews | 200 travellers Interesting! Very good explanation of the Guide! Very helpful!! 8 Gustavo
• Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the service starts
• X (Twitter)

Join us on this peaceful boat ride through Florence as we navigate the Arno River, passing through the beautiful capital of Tuscany and crossing under the arches of the Ponte Vecchio in an authentic Florentine gondola!

At the indicated time, we'll meet at Piazza Mentana . Then, from this central point of Florence, we'll walk to the Uffizi pier for a romantic boat ride on the Arno River.

Sailing down the river on a  traditional Tuscan boat , very similar to the iconic Venetian gondolas, you'll enjoy a  unique perspective of Florence's beautiful riverside sights .

First, you'll cruise under the arches of the famous Ponte Vecchio . These days, it's a popular site for marriage proposals, but the Medieval bridge hasn't always had such a love-struck history... your guide will reveal the turbulent history of one of the city's most emblematic landmarks.

Continuing onwards down the Arno, you'll pass under the  Ponte Trinità , where you'll see the  elegant architecture of the Frescobaldi and Lanfredini Palazzos . Do you know who their former inhabitants were? Learn all about the intriguing  Vasari Corridor  and its use by Florence's nobility throughout history.

As the cherry on top, we'll toast with a glass of wine on board – the perfect ending to a magical experience! The boat ride on the Arno River will conclude 1 hour later at the pier from which we set sail.

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Boat ride on the Arno River

English–speaking guide on board

A glass of wine

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Towns Of Italy Show more

Corporate name: Florencetown Srl

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Piazza Mentana

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An enchanting Florentine cruise

• Inspiring experience led by a private licensed guide
• 50-minute cruise on the Arno River aboard a vintage Barchetto, the traditional Florentine “Gondola”
• See Florence from a different angle!
• On board typical aperitivo or breakfast

EVERY DAY at 6.00PM | From June to September: EVery day at 9:30 AM, 6PM anfd 8PM

Approx. 60 min

From MAY to OCT 15

ITALIAN, ENGLISH, GERMAN, FRENCH, SPANISH

Description

Enchanting, fascinating, overwhelmingly beautiful. Filled with gorgeous artistic masterpieces and striking architecture Florence is one of the most admired cities in the world. Walking through the historic center is fabulous, but if you’re looking for an outstanding, and unusual, viewpoint you can’t miss our special Private Boat Tour on the Arno River!

Appreciate Florence’s magnificence from an extraordinary viewpoint, the Arno river’s gently flowing waters, and enjoy the rare privilege of a private cruise and private guided tour. Meet your guide, a licensed professional dedicated exclusively to you and your party, and stroll to the Arno river banks. Ships ahoy! Board the quaint barchetto , the Florentine “gondola-like” traditional wooden dinghy, and set off on your memorable cruise.

Steered by the local "barcaiolo", sailor, with a long wooden pole, the barchetto will drift smoothly along the river, while your guide points out the sights and tells you about Florence’s history, including local stories and fascinating legends. Admire the majestic palace façades and evocative bridges cruising under the Ponte Vecchio, alongside the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Corsini and below the sumptuous Santa Trinita Bridge.

Crown your experience a bracing typical Italian "aperitivo", an exquisite glass of chilled wine (and a soft drink for the children). In the morning Departure, a delicious Italian breakfast will replace the wine aperitivo.

Perfect for romantic couples, discerning travelers, fun-loving groups of friends and families with children, our Private Boat Tour on the Arno River allows you to admire Florence’s marvels, and learn about its heritage, from an engaging and one-of-a-kind angle.

• Boat tour Florence Italy: mini Cruise on the Arno River (approx. 50 minutes aboard)
• Cool Wine "aperitivo" for afternoon departures /Italian Breakfast for morning departures (Coffee cappuccino and pastries)
• English speaking licensed history guide

Meeting Point

TOWNS OF ITALY TOURIST HUB | FLORENCE -

Piazza Mentana 2red - Florence - SEE ON MAP

Please let us know in advance any special need or impaired mobility of the clients and we will do our best to accomodate them.

Rain Policy

The tour departure might be cancelled due to rain.

We will do our best to proceed with the tour. However rain could prevent us from being able to offer an enjoyable and fully safe experience. In any case, clients should show up at the meeting point at the scheduled time, or contact the office in advance. In case we cancel the tour (and only in this case), guest options are:

1)      Rain check to be used the following day or at any other time, subject to availability.  The Rain check is a voucher given to client. The voucher is transferable and may be sold or given to others to use at a future date and lasts up to 1 year from date.   It has a value that can be possible used in any other tour provided by our company.

2)      100% refund for tour cancellation.

Please note that clients' safety and comfort are of utmost priority. In any case, clients should show up at the meeting point at the scheduled time, or contact the office in advance. No-shows will not be refunded.

from EUR 156 p.p. (price based on a party of 4 pax)

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Florence Boat Tour

Come aboard this "florentine gondola", for a romantic and unique cruise on the arno river, the most romantic tour in town, florence boat tour: a romantic cruise on the arno river, our tours and experiences, discover all our experiences and book now, availability is limited, florence boat tour on florentine gondola.

Come aboard this Florentine Gondola for a romantic and unique cruise on the Arno river and an aperitivo right before dinner!

Why choose Florencetown ?

Secure bookings, best rates guarantee, 48-hours cancellation policy, guaranteed departures, over 50.000 statisfied travelers every year, featured on, need assitance, booking office phone     (+39) 055 281103.

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