Florence River Cruise on a Traditional Barchetto

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 four originals still operating in Florence. Savor this unique experience with a glass of chilled Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine) while passing beautiful Florence attractions like the Corsini Palace and the Santa Trinita Bridge.

Numbers are limited to 12 people on this small-group boat ride, ensuring you'll receive personalized attention from your guide.

As you make your way from your central Florence meeting point to the riverside on a 30-minute guided walk, your local historian guide will introduce you to the many charms of the city! Walk through the distinctive Piazza Signoria, often considered the political hub of Florence, and pass the Uffizi Gallery before seeing the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s famous bridge that stretches across the Arno.

At the embarkation point, hop aboard your boat, one of Florence’s rare original barchettos, and head down the Arno on a one-hour cruise. Meaning 'little boat' in Italian, the barchetto is a wooden gondola-style boat that was originally used (centuries ago) to carry building materials for Florence's city walls down the river.

While your guide unveils the secrets of the beautiful palaces that frame the riverside, your barcaiolo, a true Florentine boat-handler, will expertly guide your barchetto with a long wooden oar.

Relaxing with a glass of Prosecco, you'll glide past the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most famous art museums in Italy, before sailing under the unique Ponte Vecchio. As you cruise, your guide will talk about the mysterious Vasari Corridor, the enclosed passageway that lines the Ponte Vecchio, and will explain the town's history. You will also see countless other Florence attractions during your cruise, such as the Santa Trinita Bridge and Corsini Palace with its stunning Baroque architecture.

• 30-minute guided walk
• 1-hour Arno River boat ride
• One glass of Prosecco wine per person

• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and drinks, unless specified