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Florence Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Florence Cruises & boat tours

Florence Boat Tour

1. Florence Boat Tour

See Florence from a whole new perspective, with a relaxing and leisurely cruise down the Arno River. Hop on board the “barchetto”, one of only four original traditional wooden boats left in Florence. A traditional rower will steer you through the water with a long, sweeping oar. Your guide will tell you about the secrets and history of the Arno River as you cruise on its calm waters and admire the beautiful Palazzos that frame its ancient riverbed. See the Uffizi and the charming Ponte Vecchio from the water, and hear stories of the mysterious Vasari Corridor. You will also have the chance to pass under the Santa Trinita Bridge and the amazing Palazzo Corsini. Enjoy a refreshing glass of wine onboard, to celebrate your romantic evening in Florence! See and experience a new side of this special city from the comfort of a traditional, gondola-style boat.

Florence: Sunset Gondola Tour

2. Florence: Sunset Gondola Tour

The Arno river is the history of Florence. It was its first supply source, and initially divided the city before uniting it through its marvelous Middle Ages and Renaissance bridges. Its riverbanks house some of the most beautiful ancient noble palaces, and nowadays it perfectly reflects the romantic, elegant, and slow flowing soul of Florence. This tour will let you discover this soul at the most picture-perfect moment of the day: aperitivo time. This important time of the day is right before dinner, right before sunset, when Florence is flooded by the most magical light, and even the cold stones seem soft and warm. Follow your guide from the bank, all the way through to the embarcadero (pier). Here you will climb aboard a barchetto, a Florentine gondola, one of the very few traditional wooden boats left in Florence. Your gondola will be conducted by an authentic barcaiolo, a Florentine boatman that will guide your boat with his long-reaching pole. There will be 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 push through its calm waters, you will pass under the magnificent Florentine bridges and discover its history and the beautiful Palazzos that frame its ancient riverbed. Following your Gondola ride, you will enjoy a refreshing “aperitivo” with a glass of cool wine to celebrate your romantic stay in Florence.

From Florence: Cinque Terre, Vernazza, Lucca Guided Tour

3. From Florence: Cinque Terre, Vernazza, Lucca Guided Tour

Begin your tour with a scenic drive to Manarola. Arrive at the picturesque town of Manarola, where colorful houses and vineyards cling to steep terraces. Stroll through its charming alleys, and see the remains of its 14-century castle and watchtower. Take a relaxing boat ride to Vernazza, home to the only natural port of Cinque Terre and famous for its elegant houses. Visit Corniglia, the only town in Cinque Terre that isn't directly located by the beach yet equally stunning. On your way back to Montecatini, stop at Lucca — a charming city by the Serchio river. Go for a stroll along its cobblestone streets and witness the town's Renaissance architecture.

Tuscany: Cruise with Lunch and a Drink

4. Tuscany: Cruise with Lunch and a Drink

The departure time of the excursion will be at 10:00 am from Porto Santo Stefano. The boat will sail to reach Cala Grande, Cala del Gesso, Cala dell’Olio, Isola Rossa, Cannelle, Cala Purgatorio, Grotta dei Santi and Grotta Azzurra. Depending on the wind and sea conditions, our captain will choose the coves to reach during the tour so that you can enjoy a day in safety and rest. In fact we arevery attentive to your safety and therefore follows and respects all the measures of the Covid-19 health protocol. In the middle of the morning our captain will delight you with a snack of bruschetta accompanied by a glass of prosecco or a cold drink; for the little ones we will serve soft drinks. Afterwards, a special surprise lunch prepared by our captain: his special and famous cold pasta with tuna, cherry tomatoes and avocado. They say it's a real delicacy! All this will be accompanied by a cool wine and various drinks. Other menus are available on request. During the day you will be able to admire the famous crystal clear water of Cala Grande, the famous white pebbles polished by the sea and an ancient watchtower in Cala del Gesso as well as the tower of the Cannelle Argentate, which was built on the promontory of the bay to protect against barbarian attacks and from which it takes its name. The Grotta dei Santi, on the other hand, is famous for its bizarre stalactites and stalagmites whose shapes resemble the figures of saints from which the cave takes its name. It is also one of the most ancient areas of Monte Argentario, as it is here that relics of life from remote and distant times have been found. Lastly, you will pass by the Grotta Azzurra, which, like the grotto on Capri, is unique and beautiful thanks to the daylight that reflects in the water, giving it a particular intense blue. At the end of this unforgettable experience, our captain will take you back to the port at about 18:00.

Florence: Ponte Vecchio Rafting Experience with Aperitif

5. Florence: Ponte Vecchio Rafting Experience with Aperitif

Experience the city from a different perspective on a rafting boat adventure through the Arno River. Paddle along the central section of the Arno aboard an inflatable boat. See beyond the numerous Renaissance monuments and take in romantic landscapes. Discover the attractive fisherman's hut, S.Niccolò, and admire the old Bridge Ponte Vecchio passing under its outstanding arches. Let yourself be carried peacefully by the stream and enjoy snacks and local Tuscan wines during the aperitif time on the River. Don't forget to take unforgettable pictures of the fantastic views.

From Florence: Cinque Terre Day Trip with Lunch

6. From Florence: Cinque Terre Day Trip with Lunch

Travel to one of the most picturesque places in Italy and discover the scenic vistas and quaint villages along the Mediterranean coast. Hit the road from Florence in a comfortable car and explore the magical path with an English-speaking driver and guide. Be impressed by the uniqueness and variety of colors of Cinque Terre. Admire the perfectly preserved architecture and the stunning coastal and mountain trails of The Italian Riviera. Arrive in Manarola, the first of the Cinque Terre villages you will visit. Admire the staggering beauty of the pretty little town and take in glorious panoramic views with your camera. Next, take a boat to Vernazza and be blown away by the magical atmosphere and breathtaking views. The prettiest of the Cinque Terre villages, Vernazza is also called the Cinque Terre jewel. Take a stroll through the cobblestone streets and marvel at the closely packed, pastel-colored houses rising over the cobalt-blue sea. Enjoy the delicious traditional meal such as pasta al pesto and tastes of local fish at one of the local restaurants. Move on towards Monterosso, another charismatic attraction of Cinque Terre. Know about the history of the place from your experienced guide and enjoy some free time to explore the relaxing beaches, and local shops of the village. Head down to one of the many stunning beaches for a refreshing swim or stroll through the streets for a unique shopping experience in the typical “botteghe” of the village.

Florence: Florentina Boat Tour

7. Florence: Florentina Boat Tour

Discover Florence on a relaxing and leisurely cruise down the Arno River. After meeting up with your guide in Signoria Square, you will walk through the historic city center, passing the Uffizi courtyards, as the guide will explain to you the importance and history of this historical museum. Continuing through the courtyard, you will arrive at the banks of Ponte Vecchio of the Arno River, and the guide will escort you to the docks at the embarcadero. Here you will hop on to a barchetto, an original traditional wooden boat - of which there are only four boats left in Florence. The boat will be steered by a traditional Florentine rower. During the boat ride your guide will reveal the hidden secrets and history of the River Arno. Admire and also learn about the Uffizi and the charming Ponte Vecchio from the water. Do not miss the chance of passing under the Santa Trinita Bridge and the amazing Corsini.Hop aboard to see and experience a unique side of this Renaissance city, while sipping on a glass of Prosecco.

Boat ride & Tuscan Food: Lunch and Arno river E-Boat Cruise

8. Boat ride & Tuscan Food: Lunch and Arno river E-Boat Cruise

Bridges, churches, towers, gardens and palaces slide in front of your eyes like in a beautiful film while the boat silently slip zero-emission on the water, giving you the opportunity to admire the city of the Renaissance from a privileged and unpublished point of view: there are places and glimpses of rare beauty visible only from the river! Starting from Ponte alle Grazie, this beautiful electric boat in natural wood will take you on a fascinating journey into the history and art of the city thanks to the commentary of an audio-guide. Stories, anecdotes and secrets related to the river and the noble families whose magnificent palaces are reflected in the water. And the possibility of taking surprising and unusual photos of magnificent architectures such as those of the Uffizi Gallery and the Vasari Corridor, but also to the well-kept and unexpected garden on the river of the historic Rowing Association, the oarsmen who you will happen to greet as they ply the river with their slender and colorful boats. And finally the evocative passage under the ancient bridges that connect the two parts of the city: the elegant Ponte Santa Trinita adorned with statues and the iconic and romantic Ponte Vecchio with its glittering jewellery. After the cruise, a traditional Tuscan Lunch is waiting for you, in a typical Restaurant located in the old city, a few steps from the end of the boat ride on Arno River.

Florence by Land & Water: Walking Tour and Arno river E-Boat

9. Florence by Land & Water: Walking Tour and Arno river E-Boat

Morning Tour: Your discovery will start with the ancient Medici Family District.  Along the heart of Florence, you will also walk along the same narrow streets where the Medici' walked, touching the stones used to build their residences and you will see the same monuments that they were used to see every day: the first example of building is Palazzo Medici Riccardi, their first residence in San Lorenzo district, where you can find as well their Church and mausoleum-Medici Chapels. A few steps away you will reach then the amazing complex of monuments: the Cathedral with its incredible Brunelleschi dome, the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the elegant Giotto bell tower. The walk continues along lively Via Calzaioli in the heart of the city, where you can admire the imposing and singular Orsanmichele Church, a masterpiece of Florentine gothic art, then we reach the bustling Mercato della Paglia (Straw Market): don’t forget to rub the nose of the famous "porcellino" (pig) and toss a coin into the fountain to bring you good luck! Finally in Piazza Signoria, one of the most beautiful squares in the world and the political centre of the city. Here you can admire the beautiful Fountain of Neptune with the marvelous and imposing marble statue by Ammannati and then, looking around, the sculptural masterpieces of the Loggia dei Lanzi, including the Cellini’s Perseus and the Gianbologna’s Rape of the Sabines. Dominating all this is the majestic Palazzo Vecchio with its crenelated Arnolfo tower, one of the most famous symbols of Florence. Continuing on, you can admire the romantic, picturesque Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, with its renowned jewelery shops.  During the afternoon, bridges, churches, towers, gardens and palaces slide in front of your eyes like in a beautiful film while the e-boat silently slip zero-emission on the water, giving you the opportunity to admire the city of the Renaissance from a privileged and inedited point of view: ci sono places and glimpses of rare beauty visible only from the river! Starting from Ponte alle Grazie, this beautiful electric boat in natural wood will take you on a fascinating journey into the history and art of the city thanks to the commentary of an audio-guide. Stories, anecdotes and secrets related to the river and the noble families whose magnificent palaces are reflected in the water. And the possibility of taking surprising and unusual photos of magnificent architectures such as those of the Uffizi Gallery and the Vasari Corridor, but also to the well-kept and unexpected garden on the river of the historic Rowing Association, the oarsmen who you will happen to greet as they ply the river with their slender and colorful boats. And finally the evocative passage under the ancient bridges that connect the two parts of the city: the elegant Ponte Santa Trinita adorned with statues and the iconic and romantic Ponte Vecchio with its glittering jewelery.

Florence: Historical Walk and Private Boat Tour with Wine

10. Florence: Historical Walk and Private Boat Tour with Wine

Believe this Experience will make you enjoy Florence in a nice, slow and sustainable way. Starting from the highest hill of the city, we will experience the best view of its skyline and entering inside one of the oldest churches of Florence (when it's open). Easy walk all downhill passing by Michelangelo's square, the most famous look out point of the city. Guided by an expert local you will discover the secrets of the southern neighborhood of Florence. Passing by the ancient city walls dated back to the 13th century. At the end of the Charming Walk, you will sit and Laid Back while the rest is done by the boat. Stories and buildings will fill up the boat ride while you will sip wines and grab some snacks along the way. Ponte vecchio, the Uffizi, Ponte Santa Trinità, Ferragamo's palace, Saint Jacopo church, etc Who wouldn't enjoy Wines while Learning all the interesting stories Florence has to tell you. If you believe fun, learning and wines are the things that suits you please give us a chance to make you happy. We have designed this Experience because we believe good locals can deliver incredible experiences avoinding the famous musuems.

Frequently asked questions about Florence

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Florence?

The best day trips and excursions from Florence are:

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Other Sightseeing Options in Florence

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What people are saying about Florence

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 1 reviews

Although only an hour this was very relaxing and peaceful as we slowly moved down the river. Our guide was pleasant and knowledgeable, pointing out places of interest and giving detailed information. An hour well spent

It was so relaxing and amazing to see the river and Florence from a different perspective. Giada was our guide and she was fabulous. It was fun to have a glass of wine while being taken down the river.

So fun great price one of my fav Italy activities but you need a bathroom on the bus ! So much liquid and long rides and waiting for people to pee at the wineries please get a bus with a Bathroom

The guide was very knowledgeable engaging and spoke very good English. The trip was not rushed and was very relaxing.

Great overall experience! The guide, Francesca, was super informative and helpful throughout the whole experience!