Bridging Florence’s History: Arno River Self-Guided Walking Tour
Explore Florence's history on this self-guided audio tour produced by art historian Cornelia Danielson. Stroll along the Arno river and cross ancient bridges including the magnificent Ponte Vecchio, seeing a side of the city most visitors miss. This 90-minute journey reveals how the Arno determined Florence's location, powered its medieval wool industry, and connected the city to the wider world. Marvel at architectural treasures like Michelangelo's Ponte Santa Trinita and elegant Renaissance palaces including Palazzo Corsini, while exploring the fascinating Oltrarno neighborhood where dyers and weavers once lived in the shadow of noble residences. Learn about the devastating 1966 flood that damaged the National Central Library, where "Mud Angels" worked to save precious books, before ending at the impressive Porta San Frediano gateway with a deeper understanding of how humble wool workers and powerful merchant families like the Medici shaped one of Europe's greatest cities.
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Bridging Florence’s History: Arno River Self-Guided Walking Tour
What's included in Bridging Florence’s History: Arno River Self-Guided Walking Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Piazza Nicola DemidoffPass-by Only
Our tour starts in this charming riverside square. Stroll through this peaceful square while learning about Florence's historical connection to the Arno River.
Ponte alle GraziePass-by Only
Cross this ancient bridge offering spectacular views of the Arno and surrounding architecture. Experience one of Florence's oldest river crossings, rebuilt after WWII but dating back to the 13th century.
Marvel at Italy's largest library, an impressive neoclassical building housing over 6 million volumes. Discover how "Mud Angels" saved countless precious books when the devastating 1966 flood submerged a third of the collection.
Inclusions
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
- Smartphone and headphones
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
- Food and drink
- Transportation
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- While the route can accommodate strollers, be prepared for cobblestone streets, narrow sidewalks, and occasional steps that might require lifting the stroller.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- This tour starts at Piazza Demidoff. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
VOICEMAP CODE ─── Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour. This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code. DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS ─── Once you've received your code, please follow these steps: Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app Create an account Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes Enter your code then select Download Now PLEASE NOTE ─── You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point. This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next. When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point. Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour. SUPPORT ─── For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]
