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Florentine Gondola Boat Tour

Have you ever wanted to see the Cradle of the Renaissance from a different perspective? See and experience the splendour of Florence on a traditional boat from the Arno River.

An Italy boat ride would usually be associated with Venice or the Amalfi Coast. However, this romantic boat trip of the River Arno allows you to see a different side of Florence that you don’t get from a walking or cycling tour. Float away with the charm of a traditional boat and relaxed atmosphere.

Morning Florentine Gondola Boat Tour with breakfast 1.5 hours

Enjoy a special Italian breakfast before boarding on a Florentine gondola for a romantic and unique cruise on the Arno River where you’ll see Florence from a completely different perspective.

In the light of the morning, you’ ll start your day enjoying a leisurely cruise on a “barchetto,” one of only four traditional wooden boats left in Florence. A “barcaiolo”, a true Florentine tradition holder, will guide the boat expertly down the river with his long-reaching pole. There are no noisy engines on the Arno, only the charm and tradition and the voice of your expert guide.

They will unveil the secrets of the river as well as inform you of the history of the grand palazzos which line the ancient waterway. You’ll even hear a few colourful local stories! You will pass by the Uffizi gallery, under the Ponte Vecchio, and you’ll find out more about the mysterious Vasari Corridor. You will also have the chance to discover the Santa Trinita Bridge and the amazing Palazzo Corsini. All of this will be completed by a special Italian Breakfast in your hand as you enjoy a refreshing “aperitivo.” There really is no better way to enjoy the charm of the Florence Italy river than from the relaxed comfort of a traditional gondola-style boat!

Florentine Gondola Boat Tour 6.00pm 1 hour

Come aboard this “Florentine Gondola” for a romantic and unique cruise and "Aperitivo" on the Arno river! See Florence from a total different perspective. A leisurely cruise down the River Arno is a great way to see Florence. After you meet the guide, you will then get on board the “barchetto”, the Florentine Gondola, 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.

You will pass in front of the Uffizi gallery, the beautiful caretaker of many artistic historical treasures, pass under the unique Pontevecchio bridge and you will find out more about the mysterious Vasari Corridor. You will also have the chance to discover the Santa Trinita Bridge and the amazing Palazzo Corsini.

You will then enjoy a refreshing “aperitivo” with a glass of cool wine, to celebrate on board your romantic stay in Florence!

The commentary is informative but very entertaining and may include a few colourful local stories. The tour is safe and very enjoyable. See and experience the splendour of this special city from the relaxed comfort of an old, gondola style, traditional boat.

Experience Includes

  • Mini Cruise on the Arno River aboard a Florentine Gondola (approx. 50 min)
  • Cool Wine "aperitivo" (soft drink for children)
  • English speaking fully licensed History guide
  • Only in English for the highest quality
  • On the morning departure, an Italian breakfast is included (instead of wine aperitivo)

    Experience Excludes

    • Hotel pick-up and drop off

    Departs

    Daily

    Departure location

    Meeting point: Towns of Italy Tourist Hub, Piazza Mentana, 2/r, Firenze

    Start times

    9.00am (2024), 9.30am or 6.00pm depending on option chosen

    Duration

    Around 1-1.5 hours

    Terms & Conditions

    • Please let us know in advance any special need or impaired mobility of the clients and we will do our best to accomodate them.
    • On the morning departure, an Italian breakfast is included (instead of wine aperitivo)
    • Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, please specify childs age at the time of booking.
    • Cancellation Policy: If you cancel at least 72 hours in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee. If you cancel within 72 hours of the scheduled departure or do not show for the tour, there is a 100% cancellation fee.
    • Please note that the tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows after tour commencement or departure.