Florence reveals its softer side in the early evening, when the sun catches the stone of its Renaissance palazzi and the Arno turns to liquid gold. Hotel Savoy and Cassetti Ponte Vecchio have captured that fleeting beauty in “Golden Hour on the Arno,” an exclusive experience for guests of the storied Rocco Forte property. It’s an evening of fine jewelry, river views, and Tuscan cuisine—steeped in the elegance and artistry that define the city.

The experience begins with a guided walk through Florence’s storied center, culminating on the Ponte Vecchio, where Cassetti has occupied a prominent position for nearly half a century. Founded in 1926 by master goldsmith Renzo Cassetti, the company is now led by the second and third generations of the family. Known for handcrafted jewelry and engraved silverware, Cassetti was one of the first boutiques on the bridge to pair precious stones with elite Swiss timepieces. Today, it operates seven luxury stores across Tuscany, but its flagship archive on Ponte Vecchio remains its crown jewel. Here, guests are invited into rarely seen private rooms to view vintage pieces—brooches, rings, and necklaces—each bearing the imprint of Florence’s goldsmithing heritage.

As day slips into evening, the itinerary shifts to the river. A traditional sandolo boat awaits along the Arno, where guests are welcomed aboard with an aperitivo and the soft strains of a live violinist. With a renaiolo at the helm, the boat glides past Renaissance facades, Florentine landmarks, and beneath historic bridges as the city is bathed in golden light. It’s a moment of cinematic stillness that feels both timeless and utterly Florentine.

Back at Hotel Savoy, the experience culminates with a three-course dinner at Ristorante Irene, where Chef Fulvio Pierangelini presents a seasonal three-course dinner spotlighting regional ingredients—delicate pasta, seasonal vegetables, and local seafood—paired with elegant Tuscan wines like Bàtar di Querciabella and Monteverro Chardonnay.

For more than 130 years, Hotel Savoy has been a symbol of Florentine elegance. First opened in 1893, the Rocco Forte property has long served as a gathering place for the city’s cultural and social elite. Its 79 rooms and suites, designed by Olga Polizzi, blend timeless Italian style with modern comfort, featuring custom furnishings, artisanal textiles, and curated local artwork. The hotel’s Bar Artemisia, home to cocktails by maestro Salvatore Calabrese, and the breezy, street-facing terrace of Irene make it a favored stop for both locals and international visitors.

“Golden Hour on the Arno” is available through mid-October by reservation, exclusively for Hotel Savoy guests. The €600-per-person experience includes:

·       A private guided tour of Cassetti’s archive on Ponte Vecchio

·       A sunset river cruise with live music and aperitivo

·       A three-course dinner with wine pairing at Ristorante Irene

To reserve, contact concierge.savoy@roccofortehotels.com.

Photos courtesy of Hotel Savoy, unless otherwise noted