Florence: Vintage Bike Tour with Small Group & Private Option

Summary

Florence’s winding lanes by vintage bike with local stories

You’ll ride a vintage bike through Florence’s narrow lanes and across legendary bridges like Ponte Vecchio, with a small group or private guide sharing stories as you go. Expect pauses for photos at places like Piazza della Signoria and time to soak up details you’d miss on foot — plus helmets, water, and flexibility if rain surprises you.

What’s the experience like?

Ponte Vecchio looked different from a bike — I noticed the gold shops glinting in the morning light, and there was this faint smell of coffee drifting out from somewhere nearby. Our guide, Chiara, waved us over to the side so we wouldn’t miss the little details carved into the bridge’s stonework. She told us how it used to be full of butchers instead of jewelers (which I’d never have guessed — kind of wild to imagine). The city felt alive in a quieter way than when you’re just walking; bells echoing off the river, wheels humming under you.

We started at Piazza della Repubblica, which honestly I’d walked past before without realizing it was once the Roman forum — Chiara pointed out the Colonna dell'Abbondanza right in the middle. The bikes were comfortable enough that even after weaving through Via de' Tornabuoni (so many fancy windows), my legs didn’t complain. At one point a local zipped by balancing three baguettes under his arm and grinned at us like we were part of some secret club. Riding past the Florence Duomo is something else — that dome just looms over you, and for a second I forgot about traffic or anything except how huge and detailed it all is.

It drizzled for maybe ten minutes near Santo Spirito — not enough to ruin anything but just enough that our group debated if we should keep going or switch to walking. We kept riding (rain jackets flapping), and honestly? It made Florence feel more real somehow. At Piazza della Signoria, Chiara let us pause longer; she explained some of the statues’ stories, but mostly we just watched people crossing the square or eating gelato even though it was barely warm out. I still think about that view across the Arno from Ponte Santa Trinita — soft light on old stone, everything kind of golden but not showy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Florence city bike tour highlights

• Start at Piazza della Repubblica
• Pass Florence Duomo
• Pass Basilica of San Lorenzo
• Cycle along Via de' Tornabuoni
• Cross Ponte Santa Trinita
• Visit Basilica di Santo Spirito area
• Pass Pitti Palace
• Cross Ponte Vecchio
• Explore Piazza della Signoria

Top questions

How long is the Florence vintage bike tour?

The tour covers major city sites in Florence and typically lasts around 2-3 hours.

Is this bike tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels and includes comfortable bikes and helmets.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

The tour continues in light rain; in heavy rain it may switch to a walking tour or offer a rain check voucher.

Are children allowed on this Florence bike tour?

Yes, children/teens under 18 can join if accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available.

Which landmarks are included on this Florence bike tour?

You’ll see Piazza della Repubblica, Duomo di Firenze, Basilica di San Lorenzo, Via de' Tornabuoni, Ponte Santa Trinita, Santo Spirito, Palazzo Pitti, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria.

Is hotel pickup included for this Florence vintage bike tour?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at Via dei Vagellai 22 (red), near Piazza Mentana across from the Arno River.

How big are the groups on this guided bike tour?

The small group option has a maximum of 12 people per group for a more personal experience.

Do I need to bring my own helmet or water?

No need — helmets and water bottles are provided as part of your day trip in Florence.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a comfortable vintage-style bike with helmet provided, bottled water for each guest, and guidance from a licensed professional (private guide if selected). Groups stay small for a more personal pace. If rain hits hard you can switch to walking or reschedule with a flexible voucher—so you won’t miss out on seeing Florence’s highlights like Ponte Vecchio or Piazza della Repubblica up close.