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Solo-ish Italy

9 days, Florence to Venice

Map of the route for Solo-ish Italy
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Itinerary

Day 1Dinner Party: Florence

Arrive at any time and catch an included arrival transfer to the hotel. After a welcome briefing in the evening, set off with your CEO and new travelling companions to take part in an interactive (and delicious) pasta-making class. What better way to get to know each other and to be welcomed to Italy than over a steaming plate of fresh pasta that you have just created yourself!

Arrival Transfer
Florence Peretola Airport – Florence30m-30m8km

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

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.

Dinner Party: Florence Pasta-Making Class

Food is a universal language, and there's no better way to get to know a new friend, or a new community, than by breaking bread together and digging in to a delicious meal. Join your fellow Solo-ish travellers for a hands-on pasta-making class in the home of a local chef. Go shopping together for fresh ingredients from family-run markets in the Oltrarno neighbourhood that will be used for our culinary creations then pick your own herbs from the garden. Strap on the apron and learn how to make delicious fettucini, ravioli and tiramisu before digging into a feast of your own creation along with some delicious Tuscan wine.

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)
Hotel

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 2We Day: Florence

Be immersed in the magic of Florence today and explore the city's incredible history, art and food. First off, follow a local guide for a walking tour of Florence's iconic landmarks and plazas which will transport you to the heart of the Renaissance. End the walk at the market, where your CEO will take you along the stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats where you can sample some delicious items along the way. After lunch, set out on a guided walk to discover Florence's rich cultural diversity, exploring the city through the stories of its migrant communities.

We Day: Florence Migrant Tour and Market Visit

With your incredible CEO at the helm, get to know the local community and your Solo-ish travel mates on a day packed full of interesting and engaging adventures. Set off on a walking tour to discover Florence's rich cultural diversity with a migrant local guide, exploring the city through the stories of its migrant communities. Finishing at the local market, explore vibrant stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats. Savor the flavors of traditional Tuscan cuisine as you sample typical local products, including the renowned Pecorino cheese. This enriching experience offers a true taste of Florence's culinary heritage.

Florence Guided Walking Tour
Florence2h

Discover the enchanting beauty and rich history of Florence on a guided tour through its iconic streets and landmarks. This immersive experience, led by a knowledgeable local guide, takes you on a journey through the heart of the Renaissance. Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Duomo, explore the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza della Signoria, and stroll across the historic Ponte Vecchio. Learn about the city's illustrious past, from its Medici rulers to its world-renowned artists.

Accommodation

Hotel Meridiana (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 3G Day: Cinque Terre

Leave Florence behind and drive north up the coast on another highlight-filled day. FIrstly, stop at one of Italy's most iconic landmarks at Pisa to visit the Field of Miracles and see the famous leaning tower (entrance fee not included). Explore the Piazza dei Miracoli, take photos with the Leaning Tower, and perhaps visit the Cathedral or Baptistery if time allows. After lunch, continue up the coast to the colourful city of La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre National Park. Set off with your CEO to explore the town and for a pleasant surprise in the evening.

Private Vehicle
Florence – Pisa1h45m90km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

G Day: Visit Pisa and La Spezia

With your Solo-ish travel mates and CEO, explore some of the worlds coolest activities alongside new friends. It's not just an epic day of fun, its chock full of incredible experiences and a surprise G element along the way to take your day to 11. Start the day with a visit to 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. Continue north up the coast towards Cinque Terre, arriving to the port city of La Spezia and set off to explore with your CEO.

Private Vehicle
Pisa – La Spezia1h15m100km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Hotel Genova (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4Cinque Terre

Lace up your hiking shoes today and walk among some of the most scenic landscapes on earth. With various hiking options available, follow paths and take advantage of an unlimited train pass to discover the cliffside trails linking the 5 picturesque villages of Cinque Terre. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to spend longer out and about in Cinque Terre, or back in La Spezia relaxing at a cafe or at the hotel.

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 one of the village-to-village hikes, 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.

Please note that a few popular hiking paths along the Cinque Terre have been temporarily closed due to water erosion and damage caused by landslides in 2016. Your CEO will guide you on the best, most accessible path for today's hike.

Cinque Terre Hike
Corniglia – Manarola3h-4h 5-6km

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.

Local Train
La Spezia – Corniglia15m15km

Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.

National Park Pass and Unlimited Train Ticket
Cinque Terre

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.

Accommodation

Hotel Genova (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Cinque Terre/Lake Como

After breakfast, walk to the train station and travel to Lake Como, a perfectly picturesque region laden with villas and lush gardens. Arrive in the late afternoon and get your bearings on an orientation walk with your CEO, 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
La Spezia – Como5h

Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.

Accommodation

B&B Hotel Como City Center (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Lake Como

Set out by ferry to explore the lake and the elegant towns of Menaggio and Bellagio. Soak up the elegant atmosphere in one of the lakeside cafés or restaurants or take some time for shopping — some of the finest Italian designers are to be found in Como's chic boutiques.

Lake Como Ferry Excursion
Como

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.

Funicular Ride
Como

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.

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Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Como Cathedral
Como
Free

Head 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)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Lake Como/Venice

Hop on a train this morning and travel to Venice, the "city of canals," arriving in the early afternoon. After time to settle into the hotel, meet up with a local guide and set off on foot for a guided walking tour over bridges and canals, exploring key landmarks and hidden gems. Your guide will provide insights into the city’s history, architecture, and culture. The rest of the day is free to continue exploring or to relax.

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.

Guided Walking Tour of Venice
Venice2h

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.

Local Train
Como – Venice3h30m-4h300km

Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.

Accommodation

Albergo Marin (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Me Day: Venice

Spend the day discovering Venice on your terms. Choose to join your CEO on an excursion to discover the nearby islands of Murano and Burano, to see the traditional glass-blowing and lace workshops. Otherwise take the day for yourself to explore, pre-book a food tour, take a gondola under the Ponte Rialto (Bridge of Lovers), explore the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, or just get lost in the twisting maze of the city.

Me Day: Venice Me Day

Traveling solo alongside your new Solo-ish travel mates means there's always something fun to do and new friends to explore with. But the joy of travel can also be about taking time to yourself to recharge, refresh and reflect on the journey. Today, choose to join your CEO for an incredible activity, or take the time to yourself to enjoy your own company in one of the most incredible places on our planet.

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Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow

Campanile San Marco Lookout
Venice
8EUR per person

Climb 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
Venice
10EUR per person

Noted 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
Venice1h-2h
15EUR per person

While walking down the Grand Canal, stop into this museum to see its extensive modern art collection.

Venice Food Tour
Venice

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
Venice
17EUR per person

Visit 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
Venice30m-45m
80EUR per group

Sit 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
Piazza San Marco1h-3h
Free

Enter 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
Murano – Burano
20EUR per person

Take 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.

Accommodation

Albergo Marin (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Venice

You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish travellers and depart at any time.

We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this beautiful city has to offer.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Solo-ish Italy

| 9 days - Florence to Venice - from $2699 USD