Florence Gondola Boat Tour Experience on the Arno River

Highlights

• Mini Cruise on the Arno River
• Traditional Florentine Boat
• Special Inclusions

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   Ponte alle Grazie

   5min

   The Ponte alle Grazie is a historic bridge located in Florence, Italy, crossing the Arno River. Originally built in 1237, it was one of the city's oldest bridges, reconstructed multiple times due to damage and flooding. The current version was rebuilt after World War II in 1953, following the destruction of the original during the war. The bridge offers scenic views of the Arno and the nearby Ponte Vecchio, blending historical significance with modern functionality.

2. 2

   Fiume Arno

   5min

   The Arno River is one of the most important rivers in central Italy, flowing for about 241 kilometers (150 miles) from the Apennine Mountains to the Ligurian Sea. It passes through major cities like Florence and Pisa, playing a significant role in their history, culture, and economy. Known for its picturesque landscapes, the river has been both a source of inspiration for artists and a cause of devastating floods throughout the centuries. Its banks are lined with iconic landmarks, making it a central feature of Tuscany's scenic beauty.

3. 3

   Ponte Vecchio

   5min

   The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone bridge spanning the Arno River in Florence, Italy. Built in 1345, it is renowned for its unique design, featuring shops built along its sides, a tradition dating back to the Renaissance when butchers occupied the space. Today, the shops mostly house jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers. The bridge is famous for its picturesque architecture and historical significance, having survived World War II when many other bridges in Florence were destroyed. It's one of the most iconic landmarks in Florence and a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   5min

   The Vasari Corridor is an elevated, enclosed passageway in Florence, Italy, built in 1565 by architect Giorgio Vasari at the request of Duke Cosimo I de' Medici. It connects the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti, passing through the Uffizi Gallery and over the Ponte Vecchio. Originally designed to provide the ruling Medici family with a secure and private route between their residences, it offers stunning views of the city and the Arno River. Today, it houses a collection of self-portraits by artists and is a unique example of Renaissance architecture and Medici history.

5. 5

   Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli

   5min

   The Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli is a historic church located in Florence, Italy, near the Arno River. Founded in the 11th century, it is one of the city's oldest churches, known for its simple Romanesque architecture and serene atmosphere. The church's interior features beautiful frescoes, ancient columns, and a unique coffered wooden ceiling. It is also notable for housing the "Stone of Unction," believed to have been used in the consecration of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Despite its modest size, the church is a hidden gem of Florence’s religious and architectural heritage.

6. 6

   Chiesa di San Jacopo Soprarno

   5min

   San Jacopo Soprarno is a historic church located on the southern bank of the Arno River in Florence, Italy. Originally built in the 10th century, the church has undergone several renovations, blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. Its name, "Soprarno," refers to its location "above the Arno." The interior features notable artworks, including paintings and frescoes by prominent Florentine artists. Though less famous than other Florentine churches, San Jacopo Soprarno holds significant historical and artistic value, offering a more intimate glimpse into the city's religious and cultural heritage.

7. 7

   Ponte Santa Trinita

   5min

   The Ponte Santa Trinita is a historic Renaissance bridge in Florence, Italy, spanning the Arno River. Built in 1567 by architect Bartolomeo Ammannati, it is renowned for its graceful elliptical arches, considered an engineering marvel of the time. The bridge connects the neighborhoods of Santo Spirito and Santa Maria Novella. Though it was destroyed during World War II, it was meticulously rebuilt using original materials salvaged from the river. The bridge is adorned with statues representing the four seasons, making it both a functional crossing and a work of art, blending seamlessly into Florence's historic landscape.

8. 8

   Palazzo Corsini

   5min

   Palazzo Corsini is a grand Baroque palace located along the Arno River in Florence, Italy. Built in the late 17th century for the Corsini family, one of Florence's most prominent aristocratic families, the palace is known for its elegant architecture and richly decorated interiors. The building features a stunning central courtyard, elaborate frescoes, and opulent rooms filled with art and antiques. Palazzo Corsini also hosts cultural events and exhibitions, including the prestigious annual "Antiques Biennale." Its riverside location and artistic heritage make it a significant landmark in Florence.

Before you go

Location