Florence: Authentic Barchetto River Cruise with Wine & Guide｜Italy

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, enjoy a delicious drink. In the evening, relax with a refreshing “aperitivo” with a glass of cool wine to celebrate your romantic stay in Florence.