Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, beckons travelers with its rich tapestry of art, culture, and history.
While Venice might be more renowned for its gondolas, Florence also offers a unique and serene tour experience along the picturesque Arno River.
The Florence Gondola tour holds a special place in the city’s history because the serene waters of the Arno River have been integral to Florence’s story for centuries.
The gondola tours allow you to see Florence from a different perspective, providing a tranquil respite from the bustling streets.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Gondola tour in Florence.
Top Florence Gondola Tour Tickets
Table of contents
- What to expect at Florence Gondola Tours
- Where to book tickets
- How do online tickets work
- Florence Gondola Tour ticket price
- Florence Gondola Tour tickets
- Meeting point for Florence Gondola Tours
- Florence Gondola Tour timings
- How long does the tour take
- Best time to take the Florence Gondola Tour
- FAQs about the Gondola Tours in Florence
What to expect at Florence Gondola Tours
A gondola tour in Florence offers a unique and enchanting experience, allowing you to explore the city from an alternative viewpoint as you glide along the picturesque Arno River.
As you embark on your gondola journey, you can expect to see some of Florence’s most iconic landmarks and historic sites. These may include magnificent Florentine bridges and beautiful palazzos that frame its ancient riverbed.
Most gondola tours in Florence are accompanied by knowledgeable guides, who will provide historical and cultural insights as you pass these landmarks.
Learn about the rich history of the city, its art architecture, and the significance of the sites you encounter.
The gondola ride is a serene and peaceful experience where the boat’s calm waters and gentle movements create a soothing atmosphere.
Expect a romantic ambiance if you take an evening gondola tour. The city’s lights reflect on the water, and the evening air adds to the charm, making it a popular choice for romantic outings.
Where to book tickets
Tickets for the Florence Gondola tour are available online in advance or at the tour operator’s ticket counters.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
Due to the high demand for tickets for the Gondola tour in Florence, the operators sell a limited number of tickets; thus, booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Go to the Florence Gondola tour ticket booking page, select your preferred date, and choose the number of tickets to buy.
After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.
Ticket printouts are not required.
On the day of your visit, you can show the e-ticket on your smartphone to take the tour.
Florence Gondola Tour ticket price
The ticket for the Morning Tour with Italian Breakfast on a traditional Gondola-style boat is priced at €65 for all adults aged 13 years and above.
Children between four and 12 years pay a discounted price of €55 for entry.
Infants aged three years and below can enter for free.
The ticket for the Evening Tour with Aperitivo on a traditional Gondola-style boat is priced at €69 for all adults aged 13 years and above.
Children between four and 12 years pay a discounted price of €59 for entry.
Infants aged three years and below can enter for free.
The ticket for the Sunset Tour with Aperitivo on a traditional Gondola-style boat is priced at €89 for all adults aged 13 years and above.
Children between four and 12 years pay a discounted price of €76 for entry.
Infants aged three years and below can enter for free.
Florence Gondola Tour tickets
The Arno River represents Florence’s history.
Initially a vital supply route, the river’s magnificent Middle Ages and Renaissance bridges ultimately fostered unity after causing initial division within the city.
Adorning its banks are some of the most breathtaking ancient noble mansions, encapsulating Florence’s romantic, elegant, and leisurely essence.
Booking this popular tour will introduce you to this essence at the most picturesque time of the day: aperitivo time.
Just before sunset, right before dinner, is a crucial moment as it bathes Florence in the most enchanting light, rendering even the cold stones warm and supple.
From the bank, proceed with your guide to the embarcadero (pier).
You will board a barchetto, a Florentine gondola, and one of the city’s few remaining antique wooden boats.
The captain of your gondola will be a real barcaiolo, a Florentine boatman who will steer the boat with a long pole.
No loud engines will be used; instead, your knowledgeable guide’s voice and the allure of tradition will reveal the mysteries of the Arno River.
You can learn about its history and the stunning palazzos that frame its old riverbed as you navigate its tranquil waters and pass beneath its majestic Florentine arches.
After your Gondola tour, indulge in a delectable meal, complete with a drink..
Celebrate your romantic stay in Florence with a relaxing aperitivo and a glass of chilled wine in the evening.
After the tour in the morning, indulge in a traditional Italian breakfast.
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.
Remember to wear covered shoes and avoid wearing flip-flops or other similar shoes.
Ticket Prices
Morning Tour with Italian Breakfast
Adult Ticket (13+ years): €65
Child Ticket (4 to 12 years): €55
Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free
Evening Tour with Aperitivo
Adult Ticket (13+ years): €69
Child Ticket (4 to 12 years): €59
Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free
Sunset Tour with Aperitivo
Adult Ticket (13+ years): €89
Child Ticket (4 to 12 years): €76
Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free
Save time and money! Buy the Florence Pass, the key to exploring the city’s top attractions. Visit the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery. The pass also includes a downloadable audio guide app, and you get to skip the ticket lines for Brunelleschi’s Dome.
Meeting point for Florence Gondola Tours
Meet at the Towns of Italy/Florencetown booking office in Florence, Italy.
Address: Piazza Mentana, 3, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy. Get Directions.
You can reach the meeting point by car or public transport.
By Bus
Take buses C1, C3, or 23 to reach the nearest bus stops Benci, Corso Dei Tintori, or Galleria Degli Uffizi.
Take a 2 to 3-minute walk to reach the Florencetown booking office.
By Car
If you are traveling by car, turn on your Google Maps and get started.
There are enough parking garages around the meeting point.
Florence Gondola Tour timings
The Florence Gondola morning tour with Italian breakfast begins at 9.30 am.
The evening tour with aperitivo starts at 6 pm, and the sunset tour with aperitivo begins at 8 pm.
How long does the tour take
A morning tour with Italian breakfast lasts for 90 minutes.
The evening tour with aperitivo and the sunset tour with aperitivo both last an hour each.
Best time to take the Florence Gondola Tour
If you want to take a boat tour on the Arno River in Florence, the best time to do so would be in the late afternoon or early evening.
This is when the weather is most pleasant, and the soft, warm light of the setting sun can provide a beautiful ambiance.
Enjoy the picturesque views of the historic buildings and bridges along the river, such as the famous Ponte Vecchio.
We recommend making reservations in advance, especially during the tourist season.
Remember that the Arno River boat tours are popular in Florence, so it’s a good idea to plan to secure your preferred time.
The next best time to take a gondola tour in Florence is during the daytime, between late morning and early afternoon.
This is when you can enjoy the beautiful views of the city’s historic architecture and other picturesque landmarks in good lighting.
FAQs about the Gondola Tours in Florence
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Florence Gondola tours:
Gondola tours in Florence generally start near the Ponte Vecchio or the Santa Trinita Bridge and often follow a route that takes you along the Arno River, passing under several of the city’s iconic bridges before returning to the starting point.
The duration of Gondola tours in Florence can vary, usually lasting between an hour to 90 minutes. Some tour operators may offer longer or shorter options to suit your preferences.
Yes, most gondola tours in Florence come with a knowledgeable guide who provides information about the history and significance of the landmarks you pass by during the tour. The guide can enhance your understanding of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Making reservations online in advance is highly recommended, especially during the peak tourist season. Florence can get crowded, and securing your spot ensures you won’t be disappointed if the tours are fully booked.
Gondola tours in Florence are full-day experiences, and some tour operators offer morning, evening, and sunset options. Evening and sunset tours can provide a different ambiance as the city’s lights and landmarks are illuminated.
Yes, gondola tours in Florence are ideal for families and children. It can be a unique and enjoyable experience for kids, but ensuring that children are comfortable and safe on the boat is essential.
Dress comfortably and according to the weather. If you opt for a morning tour, it’s a good idea to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, along with a camera to help you capture the beautiful views.
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