Florence: aperitif in a rubber dinghy under the Ponte Vecchio

Florence: Aperitif in a Rubber Dinghy Under the Ponte Vecchio

Exploring Florence from the Arno River offers a fresh way to see the city’s beauty. This 1.5-hour tour by T-Rafting combines a relaxing raft ride with a charming apertif—a perfect blend of adventure and romance. Starting from San Niccolò beach, you’ll glide along the water, passing bridges and historic monuments, culminating in a special stop under the iconic Ponte Vecchio to enjoy drinks with scenic views.

This experience is designed to be easy, safe, and suitable for all, making it a fantastic option for couples, friends, or anyone seeking an alternative view of Florence. The tour runs daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., so you can choose a sunset hour for a more romantic atmosphere. The activity is led by live guides speaking English, Italian, and Serbian, ensuring a friendly and informative experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration: 1.5 hours of river adventure and aperitif
• Location: Starts at San Niccolò beach, Florence, Italy
• Main activity: Rafting on the Arno River with a photo stop under the Ponte Vecchio
• Highlights: Scenic views, historical monuments, and a toast at sunset
• Suitability: Easy, safe, accessible for most, but not suitable for children under 3 or those with mobility issues
• Booking: Reserve with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with the option to pay later

Starting Point at San Niccolò Beach with Clear Signage

The tour begins at the San Niccolò beach, where T-Rafting guides—wearing blue T-shirts with the logo—greet participants. The meeting point is marked by yellow inflatable boats, making it simple to find. Visitors are advised to arrive 15 minutes early to complete equipment collection and safety briefing.

Once geared up, the guides provide instructions on maneuvers and safety measures. This preparation ensures everyone feels confident before setting out onto the Arno River. The group size is manageable, and the activity is designed to be safe and accessible for most.

The Scenic Journey Along Florence’s Bridges and Monuments

As the raft departs, it gently glides along the Arno River, offering views of Florence’s historic bridges and landmarks. The scenic route passes beneath famous bridges and past notable monuments, providing a unique perspective on the city’s architecture and layout from the water.

The pacing allows plenty of time to take in the sights, with guides often sharing interesting tidbits about Florence’s history and urban landscape. The scenery is both relaxing and visually captivating, especially as the tour can be booked during the beautiful sunset hours.

Enjoying the Aperitif in a Rubber Dinghy

The highlight of the tour is the stop under the Ponte Vecchio, one of Florence’s most recognizable sights. Here, participants can toast with drinks while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere created by the setting sun and the illuminated bridge.

The aperitif includes a tasty drink, adding a cheerful, celebratory element to the experience. This moment is ideal for photos and soaking in the romantic ambiance of Florence from a truly unique vantage point. The scenic backdrop of the Ponte Vecchio and the river enhances the charm of this social pause.

More Great Tours Nearby

Sunset Viewing and Scenic Photos Opportunities

Choosing a sunset booking allows travelers to witness Florence bathed in golden light, making the experience even more memorable. The sky’s colors reflect beautifully on the water, providing excellent conditions for scenic photos.

Guides often take photos during the stop, so participants can focus on enjoying the moment without worrying about capturing the perfect shot. The romantic atmosphere of the sunset combined with the gentle movement of the raft makes this an ideal setting for special moments or shared experiences.

Practical Details: Booking, Timing, and What to Wear

Participants can reserve this activity with the flexibility of paying later and cancel free up to 24 hours beforehand, making it easy to fit into travel plans. Tours run every day from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with specific start times available, so booking in advance is recommended.

For a comfortable experience, it’s advised to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Wear breathable clothes suitable for outdoor activity, such as a T-shirt or sportswear. A daypack is useful for storing belongings, but cellphones are not allowed on the raft unless they have a neck strap, due to safety concerns.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This raft trip is best suited for adventurous spirits and those looking for a romantic, scenic experience. It’s not recommended for children under 3 years or individuals with back problems, mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. The activity is designed to be easy and safe, but participants should be comfortable in an outdoor, water-based environment.

How This Experience Differs From Other Florence Tours

Unlike typical walking or bus tours, this activity offers a water-based perspective of Florence. It combines relaxation with light adventure, making it stand out among other sightseeing options. The stop under Ponte Vecchio for a toast, combined with scenic views at sunset, creates a memorable, photo-worthy moment that other tours cannot replicate.

The professional guides speak multiple languages, ensuring clear communication and engaging commentary. The group size and safety protocols contribute to a personalized and trustworthy experience.

The Sum Up: A Unique Florentine Adventure with a Touch of Romance

The apertif in a rubber dinghy under Florence’s Ponte Vecchio offers a distinctive way to experience the city’s beauty from the water. This 1.5-hour excursion combines scenic views, a relaxed river ride, and a cheerful toast at sunset, making it ideal for romantic outings or adventurous day trips.

While it’s a simple activity, its charming setting and unique vantage point provide a memorable moment in Florence. The activity’s flexibility and family-friendly design (excluding very young children and those with mobility issues) make it an attractive option for many visitors seeking a light-hearted, scenic experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is not suitable for children under 3 years or those with mobility or back problems. It’s designed for adults or older children comfortable on water.

What should I wear for the raft trip?
Wear comfortable, breathable clothes, comfortable shoes (preferably closed-toe), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Leave cellphones behind unless you have a neck strap, as they are not allowed on the raft.

Can I cancel this booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You also have the option to reserve now and pay later.

When is the best time to book?
Booking in advance is recommended, especially for sunset sessions, which are popular and fill quickly.

How long does the activity last?
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, including the stop under Ponte Vecchio and scenic cruising.

Where is the meeting point?
The activity begins at San Niccolò beach, marked by yellow inflatable boats and guides in blue T-shirts. The coordinates are 43.765541076660156, 11.263833045959473.

Is the activity safe?
Yes, the activity includes a safety briefing and is designed to be safe and accessible for most people.

What makes this tour special?
Its unique water-level perspective of Florence, combined with the romantic aperitif at sunset under Ponte Vecchio, makes it a distinctive experience not found in typical city tours.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby