Top Florence On the Water

A Florentine gondola boat tour offers a unique way to experience the beauty and history of Florence from the tranquil waters of the Arno River. Unlike Venice’s famous gondolas, Florence has its own traditional boats, known as “barchetti” or “renaioli,” which were originally used to transport goods along the river. Today, they provide an authentic and intimate way to discover the city from a completely different perspective.

Take in the top sights in Florence from both land and water with this unique combined walking and boat tour. Get a unique perspective on the Tuscan city’s Renaissance heritage as you stroll through the old town, then board a traditional gondola for a scenic cruise down the Arno River. Listen to stories about the city and its famous past residents from your guide, and toast to your introduction to Florence with a glass of bubbly Prosecco.

The panoramic excursion includes the descent of the stretch of the Arno river that flows through the historic center of Florence, from San Niccolò to Santa Rosa. The river offers a truly unique perspective, with the possibility of taking magnificent photographs of the most famous buildings and monuments (Pontevecchio, Vasari Corridor, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Santa Trìnita etc.). A perfect mix of sport and culture, the guides who will accompany you will tell anecdotes about the river and its centuries-old relationship with the city. Paddling in a group under the arches of Pontevecchio, an unforgettable experience!

Kayak down the Arno River in Florence, and see the Ponte Vecchio and other historical bridges from the water. Skipping the sidewalk crowds, you’ll paddle down the peaceful waterway with a guide and enjoy unobstructed views of Florence as you go. Use of a lifejacket is included, and you’ll learn about the Vasari Corridor and the goldsmiths of the Ponte Vecchio from your guide.

Florence packs its landmarks into a compact center, but seeing it on foot misses the view from the river that shaped the city. Combine both on this private tour, walking past the historic landmarks before heading onto the Arno for a different vantage on the same skyline. A guide covers the city's history along the way, with a glass of prosecco to round out the time on the water.

Swap the crowds of Florence for a day spent in nature. Begin with a brief prep session before a horseback ride along scenic country trails, guided by a professional instructor who tailors the experience to your skill level. Afterward, relax by the pool. Lunch features fresh local pasta, cheeses, cold cuts, bruschettas, Chianti wine, and water, with vegetarian options available. End the day visiting a local olive oil and Chianti producer.

Voyage through the heart of Florence without the crowds on a stand-up paddleboard adventure. Learn basic paddling and steering techniques, and enjoy a leisurely paddle down the Arno River. As you navigate the calm waters, pass by riverside attractions like the Ufizzi Gallery and Palazzo Corsini, and glide beneath the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. No experience is necessary on this family-friendly tour.

Step inside the iconic Boboli Gardens and wander through the incredible Italian Renaissance landscape. Enjoy a guided tour of the fantastic gardens of this UNESCO World Heritage Site that was carefully crafted for the Medici family. Walk through the 400-year-old cypress trees and see the Grotta Grande, a cave featuring unfinished statues from Michelangelo. Hear stories from your guide as you take snaps of the Fountain of Neptune, the amphitheatre and the ancient Egyptian obelisk. Afterwards, explore Pitti Palace with an audio tour app. This former home of the Medici family also later housed the Habsburg royal family along with other kings of Italy.

Activity suitable for everyone: slowly glide along the Arno River on a wide and safe board, with a professional instructor who directs us on this memorable Florentine adventure. The calm of the river and the peace within us! Here's what we'll see during our passage on the Arno: The Uffizi Gallery, the palaces of the ancient families who lived on the Lungarno The Ponte Vecchio, the only bridge that was not mined during the Second World War The Ponte di Santa Trinita, rebuilt in 1946 exactly as it was in the 16th century The Palazzo Spini Ferroni, home of the Ferragamo fashion house. It's truly an emotion to pass under such famous bridges, it seems like going back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Standing Up Paddle is accessible to everyone, even those who don't like surfing or doing sports. You paddle safely on a huge board and there is no chance of falling A memorable opportunity to enjoy the art and nature of Florence in a single experience!

Start by meeting your guide in Piazza della Signoria. Then, step inside the Uffizi Gallery and discover the incredible collection of art. Uncover ancient Greek statues to paintings by Italian Renaissance masters, including Michelangelo and Giotto. Tour the most iconic paintings with your guide, such as Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Primavera. Hear stories about Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation and the unfinished Adoration of the Magi. See masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio and more. First opened in 1581, the building was once used by the Medici family as administrative offices, which is where the name ‘Uffizi’ comes from. Today, it houses one of the most important and popular art galleries in Italy.