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Florence segway tour with City Discovery: When we were in Florence we decided to hop on one of the most modern forms of transport and glide around the city – an old meets new tour if I’ve ever seen one. The tour was a Florence segway tour and it’s one of the coolest Florence day tours you could join.
We went with City Discovery and loved the experience, this is the tour we went on here: (click to see tour).
For more Italy videos check out the playlist on my channel: Italy Travel Vlogs
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Florence Segway Tour: The Training
We arrived promptly at the meeting point and waited for our group members before starting our orientation for the Florence segway tour.
I can’t describe how nervous I was as the others in my group started to hop on their segways. In fact I was thinking of chickening out because I was really worried I wouldn’t be able to balance the machine. However, my fears were unfounded as in 2 minutes I was riding around with ease and controlling the balance was much easier than I had expected.
Once we were all feeling comfortable we set off slowly to start our tour of the historical center of Florence on our segways.
Florence Segway Tour: Important Details
- Times of tours: 9.30am or 2.30pm.
- Price: Roughly USD85
- Other: Night tour also available.
Florence Segway Tour: What You’ll See
Let me start by telling you that a Florence segway tour is not an all inclusive all day tour that takes you around to all the sites with enough time to go inside each and every attraction. Like most segway tours, they instead offer an overview of all of the sites you visit, with a small amount of time in some of the smaller spots. While you will stop, and have a little bit of time to explore some areas and take photos, you won’t have time to enter the big galleries and museums as the tour is only for 3 hours.
The segway tour took us around Florence’s historical center, and many of the museums and other notable attractions were pointed out to us. We saw many pretty bridges and squares such as Piazza del Duomo, Piazza Santa Maria Novella and Mercato del Porcellino. While you’re buzzing around you’ll be able to hear your tour guide via an earpiece you’re given at orientation.
One cool little thing was this bronze pig. Apparently it’s considered good luck for those in Florence to touch the pigs nose, and place a coin in it’s mouth. If the coin lands in the drain directly below than it means your wish will come to. Hears hoping to my wish coming true!
We thought the tour was a great way to get an overview of the Florence, and we used it to plan out our photography hit list for the rest of the day. The start point was very close to where we were staying, which was in the historical centre.
One little extra which is thrown into the Florence segway tour is that towards the end you’re given a free cup of gelato. You can opt for either a single or double scoop. This was a nice little touch which we quite enjoyed. So if you haven’t had the opportunity to try gelato in Italy yet, City Discovery make sure that is sorted.
Heading to Rome after Florence? Read about the best things to do in Rome here.
Florence Segway Tour: Group Size
According to my voucher there is a maximum number of twelve for these tours but we only had three others in our tour group. One couple from America and a man from Germany, both a little older than us. The guide however, was either in his twenties or thirties.
Segway Tips
A few tips from our experience on the Segways, however keep in mind this was our first ride.
- Balancing is nowhere near as hard as you think. Steven regularly teases me for my lack of balance, and I’ve never claimed to be co-ordinated, but even I found it easy after a minute of practice.
- We were able to take selfies and use our GoPro while on the segways however I will say two things. While moving I had the Go Pro strapped to my wrist and filmed while holding onto the handle bars only when we had enough space. Secondly, I only took photos when in stationary position and even then the segway would move slightly. I would advise asking your guide if you are allowed to do this and always make sure you’re not near anything you can bang into. Your guide will stop for a photo stop where he or she can take photos of you.
- You’re advised not to bring a big backpack. There is a small pocket on the Segway for some essentials like a water bottle or a small camera.
- Step on or off quickly, the way your guide does.
- Don’t get too close to others. You don’t want to have to stop suddenly while driving and if you’re too close you may bump the person in front of you. Also when in stationary position subtle changes in your balance will lightly move the segway, be aware of your surroundings so that you wont slowly bump into someone.
- The tour company meeting point is in a cute alleyway near one of the squares about 3 minutes walk from the Brunelleschi and the Duomo. Alleyways can be confusing though, so either print out a map (if in walking distance) or catch a taxi (if you live further away).
Instant Street Cred
I’ve never done an activity where we’ve been stared at so much, and not only that, two lots of people passing by even asked for the name of the company. I don’t claim to know much about the segway industry, but I’m guessing it’s not seen just yet as a “must do” that people will search for before their trips, as many people don’t know too much about them. Personally we never would have heard of segway tours if we hadn’t have found them in our search through the City Discovery website.
However after riding one ourselves, we definitely want to seek them out in each town we’re in. It’s a great way to get an overview of the city and a fun way at that.
What is City Discovery?
City Discovery is an online tour booking website which partners with companies all around the world to make it easier for travelers to find day tours and multi-day tours. We found this particular tour by looking up tours in the city of Florence and choosing our favourite. You can also navigate tours by price range which is handy if you have a budget to stick to.
After paying you’ll be sent the coupon with the address and meeting details via email, alongside the name of the company. Some vouchers need to printed off, while others don’t so make sure you check. This particular activity required us to print out the piece of paper that had our booking details.
I think these types of websites are a great way to find out about things you never would have thought of doing. As I mentioned earlier, we never would have knew about segway tours if it was’t for City Discovery and it was one of the highlights of our trip.
Should You Do It?
I had so much fun on the Florence segway tour and thought it was a great way to orientate myself of the city, so I would totally recommend it. For more on what I did in Florence check out these two videos:
- Free things to do in Florence: Watch video here.
- Eating Italian food in Florence: Watch video here.
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