Float down the River Arno under the most beautiful bridges in Florence while being serenaded by a truly fantastic violinist? Yes, please! The River Arno in Florence is not an especially busy waterway but there are a few cruises you can enjoy from the Venice-style gondolas to the electric party boat that we took complete with entertainment!

While the boats cruise at various times throughout the day and early evening, I booked the latest time available, around sunset. We were able to admire this beautiful city from a unique perspective during the “golden hour”. Checking out the location of the boat launch the day before our cruise, so we weren’t wandering around looking for it on the day of the cruise, we walked from our apartment in the Oltrarno to the landing just past the Uffizi. The boat was pretty basic with some chairs in the shade and no refreshments served on board-strictly BYOB. I booked it through the Get Your Guide app here. For only $38 euros, this 50-minute cruise complete with a live violin concert was a bargain!

You will definitely want to take videos/photos on this cruise. Floating under the Ponte Vecchio bridge was the highlight. As you drift by and can see all the details of this medieval icon of Florence, you will notice the various shops jutting out this way and that. What a view to have from a retail store! It’s an amazing structure to see from a distance but very special to see up close from underneath.

Because you definitely want great weather for a river cruise, I appreciate the Get Your Guide’s cancel policy, which allows you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. So, you can book in advance, watch the weather, and cancel/reschedule if there is rain in the forecast. We were lucky-no rain! Make sure you bring some euros to tip the musician-they depend on it. Our violinist also had a QR code to scan and donate directly to him if you didn’t have cash plus he had some CDs to buy-wish I had purchased one!! Guess I’ll just have to go back to Florence and take another cruise. Enjoy the journey!