Which is the capacity of the boat?
The boats have a variable capacity from 6 to 16 places. There are 2 boats of 16 places (we suggest max 12 persons)and also smaller boats. The shape of the boats is very simple, without luxury, but like those that used the renaioli for carry the materials for the construction of Florence.

How the boats move?
The boats are pushed from the “Renaioli” with perches or cross-bars without oars.

Can I cancel a Barchetto tour already booked?
Yes, you can. The tours can be cancelled in case of not sure conditions of the river or because of adverse meterological conditions. The Renaioli Association avails itself of the right of not to carry out the service in case of bad weather and no navigability of the river. Their judgment is unobjectionable.
All this for the passengers security. In case of payment in advance the subscrition will be integrally refunded. If you are doubtful it’s necessary to call the organizers at least 3 hours before in order to arrange what to do. The phone number to contact the organizer staff will you be sent with the voucher of your booking.
No penalty for cancellations received 15 days before the date of the tour. Any cancellations received after this date will be subject to a 30% cancellation fee. Cancellations must be made in writing by fax or email. For all cancellations not received or in case or your noshow, we will be obliged to charge the full fee.
Bookings made within 10 days before the execution of the tour, can be cancelled by fax or email at least 24 hours before the boarding, with a penalty of 20 % on the total amount.

Where is the landing-stage?
The landing-stage is situated between Ponte alle Grazie and Ponte Vecchio, on the right bank of the river, right under the Uffizi. Passengers can reach the landing-stage from Mentana square, Lungarno Diaz, called the Porticciola, through the descent that leads to the river. It is a not sumptuous access and also a little rough at first sight, but we wanted it quite so, simple and spartan, but similar to those that used the renaioli for hundred of years. We would like to transmit, through this short distance to catch up the “barchetti”, the hard work of the men and the animals that with the carts, full of sand, had to go up and to come down from the river, conserving in the memory also the passion and the love for their job and for Florence.

see the map

Is there an insurance for “The Barchetto Tour”?
Yes, there is. The Renaioli Association has an insurance for tort liability against third parties with Assicurazioni Generali, insurance policy N.000000000, by the branch Generali of Florence.

The punctuality:
We insist upon the maximum punctuality above all. It’s better to arrive at least 10 minutes before the boarding. Not being late means to have respect for the other passengers who are waiting and moreover if you are late you could risk to lose the tour.

How long do the Barchetto tour will last ?
The navigation can last from 45 minutes to 1 hour and half, it depends on the route and on the presence of the tourist guide.

Can I book a Barchetto all for me?
Yes, you can. It’s possible to book one ore more “Barchetti”. The price will be arranged each time.

How can I dress myself?
There aren’t particular necessities, we advice you comfortable shoes and moreover you have to consider that during the navigation is more and more cold that ashore, if it’s windy it will be better to have a suitable jacket. In summer afternoon it can be warm but in the evening and the night it’s a little cooler that ashore. In may and september it’s better to wear warm clothes.

Is there a Toilet on board?
No, there isn’t. During the entire time of the navigation it is not possible to use the WC.
We advice you to use it before the boarding.

Is there a bar on board?
No, there isn’t and there isn’t a food giving on board.
It is possible to reserve lunches or suppers before or after the navigation. Moreover it is possible to reserve lunches or suppers in restaurants near the river Arno also by means of our organization.

Can I carry fancy cakes and drinks for a refreshment, an aperitif or a supper with friends?
Yes, you can if this has been accorded at the moment of the reservation

Is it possible to have a snack on board?
It’s possible to have a cocktail party on board for a group of friends if this has been accorded at the moment of the reservation.

Is the barchetto tour suitable for people with an handycap?
Unfortunately no, because the boats have many architectural features that denies access to people with an handycap in order to enter and to exit from the boats. In any case it is necessary a preliminary meeting in order to value the possibilities and the difficulties.

Is the barchetto tour suitable for children?
Children must always be accompanied by an adult (an adult for two children).
The problems to consider are:

· The children will always have to be under control of an adult, because it is possible to lean out.
· During navigation(1 hour) there isn’t possibility to rise, to stretch or to run wild like children would do.
· For the time of navigation it is not possible to use WC.

Is there a touristic guide on board?
It is possible to reserve a qualified tourist guide who will illustrate the historical and architectonic point of view of the reach of Arno from the boat. At the moment of the reservation it is necessary to specify the language that you prefer.

We advise to reserve a tour with a tourist guide. It will be an unique experience in which monuments that you will see slide in front of your eyes, with the descriptions and the information necessary in order to understand and to appreciate the rich history of Florence.

Mobile phone
During the tour on the river the mobile phone must be turned off.

Can I carry animals on board?
It is necessary to ask the authorization at the moment of the reservation: generally it’s possible to carry small dogs to hold, not larger one because they disturb the passengers.

I can’t swim. Are there life-belts for all on board?
Yes, the boats are provided with emergency equipments.

How can I know the prices?
The prices will be visualize in the page Booking Form.
We will give you the prices on the basis of the number of passengers, the presence of the tourist guide or other services.

If your question is not included here above, You can send us one e-mail to
info@florenceriver.it