One-oar Surfing on the Arno River from Florence

About this tour

Paddle a wide, stable board down Florence's Arno River with a trained guide steering you past Renaissance landmarks. This two-hour float requires no prior experience or athletic ability—you'll glide slowly past the Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and palaces of old Florentine families, seeing the city from a perspective most visitors miss. The river's gentle pace means you can absorb the architecture and history without exertion.

Highlights

• Glide beneath Ponte Vecchio and Ponte di Santa Trinita from water level
• Pass the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Spini Ferroni from the river
• Stand-up paddling requires zero experience or fitness level
• Stable, oversized board designed to keep you dry and safe
• Professional instructor guides the entire two-hour route
• See Renaissance Florence from an angle most tourists never access

What to expect

You'll meet your instructor at the launch point and receive a brief orientation on the board and paddle technique—genuinely simple stuff. Once on the water, you'll stand or kneel on a wide platform and propel yourself gently downstream. The Arno here is calm and manageable. You'll drift past centuries-old bridges, palazzo facades, and museums, with your guide pointing out what you're seeing. It's contemplative rather than sporty. Two hours passes quickly. You won't get soaked if you're cautious, and falling in is unlikely given the board's size and the river's behaviour.

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