Free cancellation with conditions
Admire the beauty of Florence on a guided walking tour and electric boat ride!
Accompanied by a guide, you'll set off to discover Florence in the late morning, following in the footsteps of the Medici.
Your tour will begin in the Medici family's original neighbourhood, the San Lorenzo district. You will follow in their footsteps through the narrow streets of the Florentine city and admire their first residence, the Palazzo Medici Riccardi. You will also discover the church of San Lorenzo, Florence's first cathedral, and the Princes' Chapel, the Medicis' family mausoleum.
Nearby, you will reach the heart of Florence and its imposing complex: the Cathedral and its incredible dome, created by the master Brunelleschi, the baptistery of San Giovanni and the Porta del Paradiso (Gate of Paradise) and Giotto's iconic bell tower.
Your visit will continue along Via Calzauioli, Florence's pedestrian artery linking religious and political power (Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria). Here you can see the imposing church of Orsanmichele, a true Florentine Gothic masterpiece, decorated with statues and patron saints.
Your next stop will take you to the Mercato della Paglia (straw market) and Italy's most famous pig, the "porcellino"! It's customary to touch its snout and throw a coin into the fountain for good luck!
Finally, you'll reach Piazza Signoria, one of the most beautiful squares in the world and a veritable open-air museum. It is here that you will admire the Fountain of Neptune and the sculpted masterpieces of the Loggia dei Lanzi including Perseus holding the head of Medusa by Cellini and the Abduction of a Sabine Woman by Gianbologna. You'll also see the majestic Palazzo Vecchio and the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, symbols of Florence par excellence.
You'll enjoy free time for lunch (not included) before embarking in the afternoon for a cruise on the Arno.
You'll sail silently on the waves, aboard an electric boat, and continue your immersion in the Renaissance and Florentine history thanks to the audio commentaries available on board. Bridges, churches, towers, gardens and palaces will hold no secrets for you! You'll hear anecdotes and secrets about the river but also about the noble families and their magnificent palaces.
You'll have the opportunity to admire two of the city's bridges as you pass under them: the Ponte Santa Trinita adorned with statues and enjoy an unsual view of the unmissable Ponte Vecchio and its ancient jewellers.
You will have a unique view of the Uffizi Gallery, the Vasari Corridor, or the Opera House and notice sublime spots only visible from the river. On your walk, you may come across Florence's canottieri , the rowers of Italy's oldest rowing club; you'll recognise them by their sleek, colourful boats...
This activity, ideal at the start of your stay, will give you an immersive experience in Florence.
