Florence River Cruise on a Traditional Barchetto
Description
Cruise along the Arno River and under the incredible Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s famous bridge, on a barchetto, a small traditional boat! Florence’s answer to the Venetian gondola, your barchetto is one of only 4 originals still operating in Florence. Savor this unique experience with a glass of chilled Tuscan rosé or white wine, while passing beautiful Florence attractions like the Corsini Palace and the Santa Trinita Bridge.
Tour Options
Itinerary
see the Ponte Vecchio from the Arno River
see Palazzo Corsini from the Arno River
see Uffizi from the Arno River
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- RAIN POLICY:
- The tour departure might be cancelled due to rain
- We will do our best to proceed with the tour. However rain or adverse weather conditions could prevent us from being able to offer an enjoyable and fully safe experience
- In case we cancel the tour (and only in this case), guest options are:
- 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
- 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
- The activity lasts 1 hour
- Please be informed that starting from 2025, the new and only meeting point will be Via dei Vaggellai 22/red, Florence.
- We are sorry to inform you that pets are not permitted on our tours
Reviews(395)
The gondola ride was absolutely beautiful! It was a really neat way to see Florence on our first day.
Such an amazing experience and way to enjoy the river without the walking and hustle and bustle. So calm and relaxing. The views are exceptional
A very enjoyable and relaxing cruise on a lovely Italian barchetto steered by Massimo. On the down side, we nearly missed the cruise through no fault of our own, we were at the meeting point twenty minutes ahead of the given time and in the right place (the square) but nobody came for us and we only just made the boat by going down the ramp to the jetty - in fact the boat had just left and had to come back. £65 a bit expensive also.
Excellent history lesson and smooth ride offering a unique view of Florence. We four adult women enjoyed it, except for the others who were on the tour apparently solely for a free glass of wine and to chat up anyone who would listen or talk on their phones. This was not only rude to those actually wanting this experience but we also felt badly for our guide. Felt like junior high. Greta, our guide was absolutely brilliant and possesses the patience of a saint. Big shout out to her and thank you for the Midwest ladies!
Great experience, a little difficult to find meeting spot but worth it !
We had a wonderful hour ride on the Arno River with Francesca. She did a wonderful job of explaining the history of the river & the areas around it. We would recommend this short excursion to all. At 6pm , it was a beautiful time of day to go for a boat ride! Grazie Francesca!
Our very friendly guide shared anecdotes about Florence, which allowed us to learn some very interesting things. The passage on the Arno under the Ponte Vecchio and in front of the Accademia Museum at sunset was very beautiful 🤩
Excellent pre-tour communication, guide was on time, small group of 6 was perfect. Wine + soft drinks included — a nice surprise. The guide is impressively knowledgeable and takes his role seriously — great if you want Florence history, less ideal if you just want to relax and watch the sunset. One significant issue: the guide stood at the front of the boat blocking the setting sun for much of the cruise — a major miss on a sunset tour. The boat driver took great photos of us towards the end which was a bonus. Best time of day to be on the Arno. Read the tour description before booking — this is an educational cruise, not just a scenic float. I still recommend. Kudos for the information shared.
We had a fun trip down the river with Gia and the boat driver was hilarious with two Scottish lads on our 35th wedding anniversary
Francesca was superb. She was friendly, knowledgeable and funny. Definitely a highlight of our trip!
