Kayak tour on the river Arno, Pisa (aperitif upon request)
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kayak tour on the river Arno, Pisa (aperitif upon request) worth booking?
Kayak tour on the river Arno, Pisa (aperitif upon request) is a 2-hour experience in Pisa, Italy, from $40 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (19)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $40 per person
Discover the Tuscany city of Pisa from an original viewpoint and take unique selfies from the river Arno! Let our guide tell the story of the river Arno and its relationship with the city of Pisa while sipping a glass of wine to live the true Italian lifestyle! Relax your mind and get away from the crowd by paddling on the river Arno! Difficulty level: easy, suitable for anyone including families and groups of friends. Our expert will teach you how to be independent on the kayak and all the safety instructions. Start the tour at the Canottieri Arno headquarters (Lungarno Bonaccorso da Padule, 2, 56122 Pisa, Tuscany, Italy). The suggested tour lasts 2hrs. Enjoy the view of the Benedettine Monastery, Cittadella Tower, Santa Maria della Spina Church, National Royal Palace, Lanfreducci Palace, Palazzo Blu, Agostini Palace, Praetorian Palace, Lanfranchi Palace, San Matteo Church, and Scotto Garden. End the tour at the Canottieri Arno headquarters.
What you get
About this experience
Discover the Tuscany city of Pisa from an original viewpoint and take unique selfies from the river Arno! Let our guide tell the story of the river Arno and its relationship with the city of Pisa while sipping a glass of wine to live the true Italian lifestyle! Relax your mind and get away from the crowd by paddling on the river Arno! Difficulty level: easy, suitable for anyone including families and groups of friends. Our expert will teach you how to be independent on the kayak and all the safety instructions. Start the tour at the Canottieri Arno headquarters (Lungarno Bonaccorso da Padule, 2, 56122 Pisa, Tuscany, Italy). The suggested tour lasts 2hrs. Enjoy the view of the Benedettine Monastery, Cittadella Tower, Santa Maria della Spina Church, National Royal Palace, Lanfreducci Palace, Palazzo Blu, Agostini Palace, Praetorian Palace, Lanfranchi Palace, San Matteo Church, and Scotto Garden. End the tour at the Canottieri Arno headquarters.
What's included
Included
- Debrief on how to be independent and safe on the kayak; Kayaks and paddles; A safe place to leave your stuff; Safety equipment; Waterproof cases for smartphones
Not included
- Towel, soap, and shampoo if you want to shower at the end
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Ex Monastero delle Benedettine
Monastero delle Benedettine (Benedictine Monastery): built in 1393, it was home to the Benedictine nuns until the ‘60s. Currently, the Monastery hosts Italian and foreign students and teachers from the University of Pisa and a convention hall. The current Neo-Gothic facade dates from 1850.
Pass by without stopping
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina
Chiesa S. Maria della Spina: the Pisan Gothic small church of S. Maria della Spina was built in 1230 on the riverbed of the Arno. Starting from 1333, the church kept as a relic a thorn of the crown of Christ, now exhibited in the church of S. Chiara. In 1871, the building was completely dismantled and rebuilt at a higher altitude; on this occasion the church was raised by about one meter.
Pass by without stopping
Palazzo Agostini
Palazzo Agostini Venerosi della Seta (Agostini Palace): this palazzo was built between the late 14th century and early 15th centuries, but was only acquired by Mariano and Pietro Agostini, silk merchants, in 1496, who gave it its name. The façade, totally clad in Gothic terracotta mouldings, in the shapes of plants, human heads and heraldic designs, with double and triple mullioned windows, and the open loggia (later closed) on the top floor, make it one of the most important examples of domestic Gothic architecture in Tuscany. At street level is the Caffè dell’Ussero founded in 1775 (the palazzo is also known in Pisa as Palazzo dell’Ussero); it was the meeting place of famous scientists and erudite Italians and foreigners.
Pass by without stopping
Ponte di Mezzo
Ponte di Mezzo: The bridge is 89 metres long has a single arch 12.5metres high; it was constructed after being bombed by the Allied forces in WWII in reinforced concrete and faced with white Verona stone. Since the second half of the 17thcentury, the "Gioco del Ponte" has taken place on the bridge. It involves a struggle between teams from the two parts of Pisa, north and south of the river (Mezzogiorno and Tramontana), to win the bridge by pushing a heavy float into the adversary’s side of the bridge.
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Palazzo Pretorio
Palazzo Pretorio (Preatorian Palace): The Government building or Palazzo Pretorio, Headquarters of the Government Auditor and the Civil and Criminal Chancery, was one of the buildings involved in the process of renovation undertaken in the 18th and 19th centuries, that aimed to alter the medieval appearance of the town. It was reconstructed in 1953 by Sanpaolesi, who only partially based it on Gherardesca’s design. The ground floor loggia was extended to the whole length of the building and the clock tower was built taller.
Pass by without stopping
Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Reale
Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace): Built between 1583 and 1587 by will of the Grand Duke Francis I de’ Medici, to a plan by the Florentine architect Bernardo Buontalenti, the palace is situated in a prestigious area of Pisa, where the residence of the Marquis of Tuscia stood in the 10th century. In the18th and 19th centuries the palace continued to be the residence of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany. Peter Leopold I particularly enjoyed spending the winter here because of the mild climate. After the unification of Italy, the Savoy family occasionally stayed here, giving it its present name.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Pisa
The guide will wait for you in front of the green door.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The guide will wait for you in front of the green door.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kayak Pisa
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- People need to have a basic understanding of swimming techniques
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
19 verified traveler reviews for Kayak tour on the river Arno, Pisa (aperitif upon request). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
You will get wet. Bring...
You will get wet. Bring dry clothes to change. Gabriel is very knowledgeable about the area. Friendly and speaks English pretty well.
via Viator
Great to see the city...
Great to see the city from a different viewpoint. The guide, gabriele, was great, very informative and could and answer all our questions. There was Only me and my husband on the tour so could go as slow as fast as we wanted with plenty of opportunities to take pictures. Would recommend for something different to do whilst here.
via Viator
Fun but not a tour!
Was a fun experience and mostly worth the €32 euros I paid, for the simple fun of getting to Kayak on the Arno river! However, I would be reluctant to call this a tour. The ‘tour’ guide we had did not set a reasonable pace for the group - some were really up ahead and others a bit slower (the providers website says this is an activity suitable for all levels but it was treated like we should all be advanced). So there was no opportunity for him to tell us about what were seeing, I had to row up next to him and ask which was a bit disappointing, he also didn’t seem very enthusiastic or happy to be there. All in all it was more like he was there to ensure none of us crashed of capsized vs as a tour guide. I’d still book this tour, but just manage your expectations in case you get our same guide! Also avoid the yellow kayak with the round ended nose unless you are advanced!
via Tripadvisor
The best place to kayak!
This was so much fun! We had Edoardo as our guide and he was the best! We had a fun time with him and he was so patient and gentle with us, I was a little scared at first for falling in the water but he reassured me that nobody has fallen in the water before We were only my husband and I and our guide so we got to small talk with Edoardo
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful scenic tour. Great guide 👍
Myself and my 16 year old son took the 7pm tour with Edo. It was so beautiful on the river, we got to hear live jazz music from a river bar, we seen beautiful birds and nature and our guide was super friendly, highly professional young man who made us feel at ease and told us about the surrounding areas and life in Pisa. Thanks Edo! Highly recommend
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kayak tour on the river Arno, Pisa (aperitif upon request): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Pisa.
How much does Kayak tour on the river Arno, Pisa (aperitif upon request) cost?
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Prices start at $40 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Pisa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kayak tour on the river Arno, Pisa (aperitif upon request) take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Pisa is not rushed.
Is Kayak tour on the river Arno, Pisa (aperitif upon request) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 19 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Pisa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kayak tour on the river Arno, Pisa (aperitif upon request)?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kayak tour on the river Arno, Pisa (aperitif upon request) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kayak tour on the river Arno, Pisa (aperitif upon request)?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Pisa can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Pisa and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kayak tour on the river Arno, Pisa (aperitif upon request) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Pisa within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Pisa?
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On Outty we rank every Pisa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Pisa’s Ultimate Food Tour: Full Tuscan Meal by Do Eat Better, Pisa: Beyond the Tower (1h round-trip tour), Pisa: Self-Guided Bike Tour to the Sea. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Pisa?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Pisa?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Kayak tour on the river Arno, Pisa (aperitif upon request)?
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Included: Debrief on how to be independent and safe on the kayak; Kayaks and paddles; A safe place t. Not included: Towel, soap, and shampoo if you want to shower at the end; and Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Kayak tour on the river Arno, Pisa (aperitif upon request)?
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The guide will wait for you in front of the green door. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Kayak tour on the river Arno, Pisa (aperitif upon request) offered in?
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It is offered in English and Italian. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Kayak tour on the river Arno, Pisa (aperitif upon request)?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Kayak tour on the river Arno, Pisa (aperitif upon request) if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Kayak tour on the river Arno, Pisa (aperitif upon request)?
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Across 19 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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