Kayak on the Arno river in Florence under the arches of the Old Bridge

Name: Kayak on the Arno river in Florence under the arches of the Old Bridge
Brand: Firenze Rafting
SKU: 298697P1
Price: 53.75 USD
Rating: 5.0 (43 reviews)

Florence, Italy

Kayak on the Arno river in Florence under the Old Bridge

2 hours
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Kayak down the Arno River in Florence, and see the Ponte Vecchio and other historical bridges from the water. Skipping the sidewalk crowds, you’ll paddle down the peaceful waterway with a guide and enjoy unobstructed views of Florence as you go. Use of a lifejacket is included, and you’ll learn about the Vasari Corridor and the goldsmiths of the Ponte Vecchio from your guide.

Enjoy an alternative tour of Florence, from the Arno River itself
Select a double- or single-seater inflatable raft on the day of the tour
Combine Florence sightseeing with fun exercise in the city center
Paddle by the arches of the Ponte Vecchio, the iconic Florence bridge

What's Included

Lifejacket, paddle, kayak
Insurance

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 47, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
The meeting point is at the sandy beach on the river, right in front of the "Torre di San Niccolò", Piazza Poggi, Florence

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation

Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Operated by Firenze Rafting

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

MICHELLE_S

Marco was a fantastic guide & the trip was very cool! He shared lots of history & personal stories which made it that much more enjoyable!

Reviews

5.0

43 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 43 reviews

A Wonderful Way to Explore Florence - and Kayak for the first time.

Aivan_R, Mar 2024

This was my first time Kayaking and so I was a bit nervous but Zeno was a really good instructor. He provided very easy to follow instructions and was very patient. We also had a waterproof container to store wallets and phone - but if you paddle well you don't get all that wet. I got very wet (lower body only) as I was just learning to paddle but another in my group barely got wet. The route is scenic and Zeno explained the significance of the Ponte Vecchio, the Vasari Corridor, etc. and also gave me tips on restaurants in Florence (very useful that). It's recommended to wear shorts or trousers you can roll up (I wore track pants) as you'll get a bit wet while making the return journey - they do provide flip flops and so carrying shoes is not a problem as you'll just change into their flip flops. It's easy for first timers (like me). The day we went for Kayaking, we were lucky to enjoy glorious sunshine in Florence at 16 Degree Celsius (March, 2024) - it was very lovely. Along with climbing up the Brunelleschi Dome, this is one of my most favourite experiences in Florence. I recommend a visitor does both - Florence from up high and down below in the river.

comedy of booking errors

Lynda_G, Oct 2023

This was a comedy of errors. I flew into Florence on 8Oct. Once I landed I found a message from the operator asking if I needed help getting there as I was late. I double checked my ticket and confirmed the tour date as 9Oct. I explained this and they apologized for the booking error. As 9Oct was no longer available, they were able to rearrange some things to book me on 10Oct. Unfortunately, I became extremely ill and was unable to make the new booking date. The operators were helpful, polite, gracious and professional. I would not hesitate to book again should I get a chance to return to Florence.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

We tried to do our best to solve the inconvenience. Get back to us when in Florence, it will be our pleasure to have you onboard

Fine but not great

Joel_S, Sep 2023

It was enjoyable to be on the Arno river. But if it is going to be a tour, the individual leading the group has to provide useful and insightful information. Frankly, at some level, it felt like we were simply renting kayaks to go on the river. It is not as if this was bad – it just wasn’t as good as it could have been.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Hello Joel, we are sad that you have not fully enjoyed the activity. It sounds strange that the guide didn't provide you any historical explaination along the way. We generally consider at least one stop, to give the participants some information under the arches of Pontevecchio, as part of the river experience.

Amazing way to experience Florence

Victoria_L, Aug 2023

So glad we got to do this! During our first day in Florence, we saw the kayakers on the river and searched google for a chance to do it! This tour popped right up and we signed up with ease. The tour was comprised of a small group and a lovely guide who really let us relax and glide down the river at our own pace. Our guide was kind and talkative and let us feel part of the city. Highly reccomend to anyone who wants to try a different kind of tour experience in this city.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Thank YOU Victoria to be part of the magic experience ;-)

Kayaking the Arno

Nicholas_H, Jul 2023

Getting to kayak on the Arno was definitely a highlight of the trip. You get to see and learn about Florence from a new perspective. The guides were really great and helpful. I had such a fun time!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

It's been a pleasure Nicholas! Had great time together ;-)

Best part of our holiday

Emma_L, Jul 2023

Both instructors were brilliant Very informative and great fun. Enjoyed the kayak and the interesting facts about Florence. Also good laugh. We also had a short trip o the raft down the rapids great fun

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thanks for the excellent review Emma!!!

Great way to see “la cita...

Melissa_R, Jul 2023

Great way to see “la cita bella” in a whole new way. Was also nice on a hot day. Tour guide was fun and informative!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thank you very much Melissa!!

Perfect way to start the day!

Rebecca_F, Jul 2023

What a fun way to see Florence! Zeno was an awesome guide and really fun and knowledgeable. The 9am tour was perfect as the city is still calm and it's not too hot - perfect way to start the day. Highly recommend.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thank you Rebecca!! I also loved the tour with you ;-)

Beautiful way to see Florence

Corrine_H, Jul 2023

Wonderful experience. I've been to Florence several times and this was a new way to experience the city. It was relaxing and beautiful. So fun to be able to float under the bridges and see the sites from the water. The guide was fantastic and very informative. There were several children on our float and he was wonderful with them. Everyone had a great time.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thanks Corinne for the beautiful review!

Good fun on the Arno in Firenze!

Jacob_F, Jun 2023

Marco was a patient, interesting, accommodating and friendly guide. Safety and enjoyment were his primary concerns. We were pleasantly surprised with the short ride in the group raft over the small falls over the dam - big splash and a bit wet but so fun! We really enjoyed the leisurely pace paddling in our inflatable kayaks down and up the Arno, a lovely river. Marco explained historic and contemporary background to the sites we passed and more. Highly recommend this off-the-beaten-path experience - well worth the money and certainly memorable!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Jacob your great review make us very happy and help us to improve! Thank you

Amazing!

Ben_W, Jun 2023

Such a great time! This was the highlight of my trip to Florence. Very fun kayaking experience, very smart and funny guide, and amazing views of the Arno River and surrounding area.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thank you very much Ben! Proud to have been your best holiday's experience

You must do this when you visit Florence!

Miriam_L, Jun 2023

Marco is an excellent guide, very knowledgeable about the area, very kind and accommodating! Getting away from the crowds, and being on the peaceful river, is such a refreshing break from the overwhelming, sea of humanity in the old city! Highly recommend it! Morning is best when it’s coolest!

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thanks for the good review! The river is very peaceful as you wrote and the view is awesome.

Fun experience!!

Alicia_S, May 2023

Very fun experience kayaking down and back. Loved viewing Florence from being on the Arno. Would have loved if we’d gone a bit further..seemed very short. Challenging with many different languages and guide needs to provide for all his guests. Our guide did a great job..Zeno. Not wild about the ending before the bridge and walking in flip flops on wet rocks to get out of the water.

Response from Host, May 2023

Thank you for your review Alicia! Also many thanks for your flexibility and to be so easygoing to walk on the wet banks of the river after the high water level we had in the last days. Zeno said it's been a pleasant river trip with all of you!

Mindfulness

Manuel_U, Apr 2023

Relaxing way to learn about Florence and see from the Arno River the beautiful scenery. Recommended for family with small kids.

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Thanks for your feedback!

Amazing views, fun activity.

Nicola_B, Oct 2022

Marco was our friendly, helpful, knowledgeable guide. There were 3 of us, 2 in large boat. 1 in small kayak. We went down slide on dam together in larger boat, was fun, we got soaked! Great views from Arno. Marco offered to take photos of us too, nice touch. He shared lots of local info about city. A fantastic 2 hrs spent. Highly recommend it.

Response from Host, Oct 2022

Thank you very much Nicola. Marco is our best guide, happy that you have enjoyed

Very memorable experience !!

Peggy_K, Oct 2022

He taught us some basic skills, he made us all feel safe and allowed us to “race” and have fun with the row.

Response from Host, Oct 2022

Thanks for your feedback Peggy!!

Amazing fun! Highly recommend!

iain_d, Aug 2022

Amazing! Great fun and value for money. Super way to see Florence from a different perspective. The team were really helpful and also gave a bit of history about Florence.

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Thanks a lot for you feedback!! The perspective by the river is definitely unique

KAYAKING THE ARNO

JIM_J, Jul 2022

Our guide was so helpful and friendly and funny! I hurt my knee earlier that morning and he was very accomodating. Ii loved being out on the water and we got to see the bridges and the uffizzi and other buildings from a whole new vantagepoint. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone.

Response from Host, Jul 2022

Thank you very much for your feedback Jim!! We just have done our job, the rest is given by the breathtaking view of the city from the Arno river! Big hug from the whole team

The arno by sunset

Sofie_M, Jul 2022

A special way to discover the story about the arno and the Ponte vecchio. We had the perfect timing with the sunset. The guide is really friendly and gave some information about the city that I didn't read in a city guide.

Response from Host, Jul 2022

Thank you for you nice review Sofie!!

Kayaking fun!!

MICHELLE_S, Jul 2022

Marco was a fantastic guide & the trip was very cool! He shared lots of history & personal stories which made it that much more enjoyable!

Response from Host, Jul 2022

Very pleased that you enjoyed the Kayak in Florence!! Marco is definitely more than a kayak instructor ;-)