Best of Northern Italy: Florence to Venice
8 days, Florence to Venice
Itinerary
Day 1Florence
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until tonight's welcome meeting.
If you booked the Florence Food Tour we highly recommend booking pre-trip accommodation. This walking food tour begins at 10am from the joining point hotel and lasts approximately 3.5-4 hours. Likewise, special meal requirements cannot be accommodated.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Florence Food Tour
Uncover the treasures of Florence, savoured by locals for generations, on this 3-hour walking tour through Oltrarno. Experience the unique flavours and foods that make the cuisine of this region so distinct from the rest of Italy. Famous for being the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to Michelangelo’s famous statue of David, Florence is a city rich with culture, history and of course, some of the tastiest Tuscan food in the region. Wander the streets and soak up the bohemian vibe as you stop to sample wine and salami. There is even the chance to get hands on as you learn how to make Italian cantucci (cookies).
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Meridiana (or similar)
Day 2Florence/Cinque Terre
Head out of Florence on a private bus and visit Pisa en route to the coast, with a bit of free time to explore. Settle into the colourful, charming town in the Cinque Terre region.
Travel to Pisa and stop for a visit at the Field of Miracles to see the famous leaning tower (entrance fee not included). Later, head on to the coastal paradise of Cinque Terre.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Pisa Visit
Visit Pisa and check out its famous leaning tower. Wander the area and take photos to your heart's content. Opt to enter the Pisa Cathedral, or enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Hotel Genova (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Cinque Terre
Lace up your hiking shoes today and walk one of the most scenic trails in the area, from Corniglia to Manarola. Visit charming, colourful towns along the way and take in the stunning vistas. Afterward, immerse yourself deeper in the Cinque Terre region with a short stop in the cliffside village of Riomaggiore.
The national park pass and daily unlimited train ticket is included. Opt to follow your CEO along centuries-old footpaths and mule tracks leading through olive groves, vineyards, and orchards on a full day hike, or hop on and off the train, experiencing each town on your own. Choose to rest in each of the 5 villages, sampling delicacies in each place, such as local pesto, espresso, or delicious gelato.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Cinque Terre Hike
Set out on one of the most scenic and rewarding trails in the Cinque Terre region. This moderately challenging hike through Cinque Terre National Park offers stunning views of vineyards and charming hillside villages.
National Park Pass and Unlimited Train Ticket
Use the included park fee and train ticket for this trip. Opt to follow your CEO along centuries—old footpaths and mule tracks leading through olive groves, vineyards and orchards on an exhilarating hike, or hop on-and-off the train, experiencing each town on your own.
Riomaggiore Visit
Set out to explore Riomaggiore, a quaint village nestled on the coastline of this beautiful region. Take in views of colourful houses, steep cliffs, and terraced vineyards.
Accommodation
Hotel Genova (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Cinque Terre/Lake Como
Travel to Lake Como, a perfectly picturesque region laden with villas and lush gardens. Arrive in the late afternoon then hop on the the historic Como-Brunate funicular. Enjoy the stunning panoramic views of Lake Como and the Alps. This quick 7-minute ride ascends to the charming village of Brunate, known as the "Balcony of the Alps."
Set out from Cinque Terre on a train journey with a few changes en route, passing through Milan and on to elegant Como Town, located on the shores of Lake Como. On the border with Switzerland, enjoy the spectacular backdrop of the snowy-peaked Alps.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Funicular Ride
Enjoy a funicular ride from Como town to the hilltop village of Brunate. In operation since 1894, the historic lift is the best way to get a bird's eye view of the stunning region.
Accommodation
B&B Hotel Como City Center (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Lake Como
Spend the day on Lake Como, enjoying the scenery via ferry. Return to town in the late afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Set out by ferry to explore the lake and the elegant towns of Menaggio and Bellagio. Explore shops, restaurants, and fine residences before spending the evening as you see fit. Soak up the elegant atmosphere in one of the lakeside cafés or restaurants. Take some time for shopping — some of the finest Italian designers are to be found in Como's chic boutiques.
Lake Como Ferry Excursion
Experience the beauty of Lake Como with a scenic ferry ride, stopping at the charming towns of Menaggio and Bellagio. Hop off at Menaggio to explore its beautiful hiking trails or wander the picturesque streets of Bellagio, discovering its quaint boutiques and artisan shops. Don't miss the walk to Punta Spartivento for breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Free Time
Set out and explore this elegant lakeside town.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Como Cathedral
FreeHead to the piazza in the historic part of the city to pay visit to one of the most stunning sites in Como. With its ornate and unique architecture, you won't be able to miss it.
Accommodation
B&B Hotel Como City Center (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Lake Como/Venice
Travel to Venice, the "city of canals," and enjoy a guided walking tour over bridges and canals, and view the Piazza San Marco.
Venice is truly unique and magificent to behold and explore.
There will be plenty of time to wander the narrow cobblestone streets and wide piazzas, crossing hundreds of tiny bridges over the canals and, of course, getting lost in Venice's labyrinth.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Free Time
Head out through the winding alleyways for your first taste of magical Venice.
Guided Walking Tour of Venice
Discover iconic Venetian landmarks on a guided walking tour. Revel in the labyrinth like alleyways, charming bridges, and bustling squares, while gondolas glide through serene canals. Enjoy the unique ambiance of this historic city where every corner tells a story.
Accommodation
Albergo Marin (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Venice
Spend the day getting lost in Venice. Opt for a vaporetto (water taxi) ride to the islands of Murano and Burano, take a gondola under the Ponte Rialto (Bridge of Lovers), explore the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, savour traditional Venetian cuisine on a food tour, or get lost in the twisting maze of the city.
Please note that special meal requirements cannot be accommodated on the optional Venice Food Tour.
Free Time
With so much to see and do, don't waste a minute.With so much to see and do, don't waste a minute -- get out and explore the "city of canals".
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Venice Food Tour
Explore Venice’s diverse culinary scene with a food tour through Cannaregio and the historic Jewish Ghetto. Enjoy a progressive meal that highlights Venetian flavours beginning with Esse biscuits and Orecchio di Haman, authentic venetian-Jewish baked goods, followed by Italian espresso and a classic spritz and tramezzino. Pair locally produced wine with creamy risotto, sample baccalà and polenta, and rinse it down with a glass of sparkling prosecco. Wander through charming alleyways, savor each dish, and uncover the rich history behind Venetian cuisine. Finish your culinary adventure with a choice of tiramisù or gelato.
Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) Visit
17EUR per personVisit this former palace, rebuilt and restored numerous times, and admire the Gothic Venetian architecture. Once the seat of the government, the Palazzo Ducale is now a grand museum. Enjoy the stellar artwork, ornate chambers, and courtyards.
Gondola Ride
80EUR per groupSit back and enjoy a different point of view as you glide through the historic canals of Venice on a gondola.
Saint Mark's Square and Basilica Visit
FreeEnter the picture-perfect Piazza San Marco from one of the many winding alleyways and stare in awe at the grandeur. With the massive, ornate basilica standing tall at one end, pigeons gathering and flying around, and violinists playing a Vivaldi tune at a café table — this is Venice. Wander the square and people watch or duck inside the glittering basilica for more Venetian inspiration.
Murano and Burano Islands Visit
20EUR per personTake a quick trip across the lagoon and experience Venice’s artisanal roots. Explore the island of Murano, famous for its skilled glassblowers, and walk along the colourful streets of Burano, known for a centuries-old tradition of lacemaking.
Campanile San Marco Lookout
8EUR per personClimb to the top of the Campanile - Venice's tallest building - to take in a great bird's eye view of the cityscape and lagoon.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco
10EUR per personNoted for its collection of more than 60 paintings by Italian master Tintoretto, Scuola Grande di San Rocco is the last remaining "scuole" or confraternity dedicated to charitable works. The Upper Hall, which contains Tintoretto's ceiling masterpiece, allows visitors a peek into opulent Venetian court life.
Guggenheim Museum Visit
15EUR per personWhile walking down the Grand Canal, stop into this museum to see its extensive modern art collection.
Accommodation
Albergo Marin (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Venice
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this beautiful city has to offer.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Scuola Grande di San Rocco
10EUR per personNoted for its collection of more than 60 paintings by Italian master Tintoretto, Scuola Grande di San Rocco is the last remaining "scuole" or confraternity dedicated to charitable works. The Upper Hall, which contains Tintoretto's ceiling masterpiece, allows visitors a peek into opulent Venetian court life.
Gondola Ride
80EUR per groupSit back and enjoy a different point of view as you glide through the historic canals of Venice on a gondola.
Gallerie dell'Accademia
12EUR per personFeaturing works from famed artists including Bellini, Tintoretto, and Veronese, there is no better place to delve into the history of Venetian art.
Campanile San Marco Lookout
8EUR per personClimb to the top of the Campanile - Venice's tallest building - to take in a great bird's eye view of the cityscape and lagoon.
Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) Visit
17EUR per personVisit this former palace, rebuilt and restored numerous times, and admire the Gothic Venetian architecture. Once the seat of the government, the Palazzo Ducale is now a grand museum. Enjoy the stellar artwork, ornate chambers, and courtyards.
Guggenheim Museum Visit
15EUR per personWhile walking down the Grand Canal, stop into this museum to see its extensive modern art collection.