Best of Italy: Tuscany, Cinque Terre & The Amalfi Coast
13 days, Florence to Naples
Itinerary
Day 1Florence
Arrive in Florence at any time. Meet your CEO and fellow travellers in the evening at a welcome meeting.
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
Medici Chapels Visit
9-32EUR per personAdmire the opulence of the two Medici Chapels. The Sagrestia Nuova was designed by Michelangelo and built as a mausoleum for the powerful Medici family.
Ponte Vecchio Visit
Walk across this medieval bridge and look over the Arno River to feel the romance of this city. Jewelers, art dealers and souvenir shops run the length of the bridge, featured in many master paintings.
Piazzale Michelangelo Walk
Cross through the centre of the city and over the Arno. Climb to the top of the hill and check out the vista over the river from Piazzale Michelangelo. It's worth every step!
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.
B&B Hotel Firenze City Center (or similar)
Day 2Florence to Cinque Terre
Start the day off with a walking tour of Florence seeing all of the famous sites like the Centro Storico, Giotto’s bell tower, the Palazzo Vecchio and The Uffizi. It’s onwards to the Cinque Terre region. On the way the group will stop in Lucca for a guided walk through this medieval town.
Florence Orientation Walk With a LOCAL GUIDE
Head out for a walk through the heart of Florence with a local guide.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Lucca Guided Walking Tour
Discover medieval Lucca on foot with a guided walking tour. Stroll atop the 17th-century city wall, still fully intact! Visit the 12th-century Duomo of San Martino. Pass by the Guinigi Tower and see Puccini’s birthplace.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Hotel Venezia La Spezia (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Cinque Terre
Enjoy some breakfast before taking a short train to the village Romaggiore for the start of today's hike. Walk along the coastal path of Cinque Terre, a World Heritage Site and National Park. Enjoy a free afternoon to continue exploring. You could sign up for a food making class, book a boat trip, or hike any of the other coastal and inland paths that will take you all over one of the most gorgeous stretches of coastline in all of Italy.
Spend the morning discovering the five towns within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre, Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore, and Vernazza.
Should you opt out of the hike with the group and CEO, the Cinque Terre National Park pass will still be available for you to discover the five towns on your own.
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.
Free Time
Spend the day in your own paradise. Stroll the beaches, walk along the coastal paths, find a delicious restaurant overlooking the water. Or if you'e feeling more adventurous find a boat tour or go kayaking in the sea. No matter what the medieval fortresses and buildings covered with vines and vibrant colours will make this day memorable.
Cinque Terre Coastal Path Hike
Set out on one of the most scenic and rewarding trails in the Cinque Terre region. This moderately challenging hike offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, vineyards, and charming hillside villages.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Pesto Making Class
80EUR per personLearn the art of cooking with this traditional Ligurian sauce.
Cinque Terre Boat Trip
50EUR per personTake in the beauty of Cinque Terre’s five colourful villages while cruising along the Ligurian Sea. Witness the steep hillsides and terrain covered in olive groves and grape vines.
Cinque Terre Inland Hike
Venture onto one of the inland and much higher trails, which winds for much of the route through cool and shady woodland. The views are not constant, thanks to the trees, but when you come across a vantage point the panorama is truly breathtaking. Fewer tourists venture up here so the villages are unspoiled and retain a lovely sense of tranquility.
Accommodation
Hotel Venezia La Spezia (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Cinque Terre
A full free day to enjoy the marvels of Cinque Terre. Opt to visit the town of Portovenere or join a pesto-making demonstration in Manarola. You could also spend some time shopping, wine tasting, cafe-hopping, and beach walking if you’re craving more relaxing vibes. Kayaking, boat tours, and hiking are always available.
Free Time
Spend the day walking, shopping, beach lounging, or traveling to Portovenere, the "sixth" town in Cinque Terre.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Visit Portovenere
Travel to Portovenere, known as the "sixth" Cinque Terre town. This picturesque coastal village overlooks the Gulf of La Spezia and is known for its natural beauty and charming historic center. Spend time exploring the area before returning to La Spezia in the late afternoon.
Cinque Terre Inland Hike
Venture onto one of the inland and much higher trails, which winds for much of the route through cool and shady woodland. The views are not constant, thanks to the trees, but when you come across a vantage point the panorama is truly breathtaking. Fewer tourists venture up here so the villages are unspoiled and retain a lovely sense of tranquility.
Pesto Making Class
80EUR per personLearn the art of cooking with this traditional Ligurian sauce.
Cinque Terre Boat Trip
50EUR per personTake in the beauty of Cinque Terre’s five colourful villages while cruising along the Ligurian Sea. Witness the steep hillsides and terrain covered in olive groves and grape vines.
Accommodation
Hotel Venezia La Spezia (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Cinque Terre to Chianti Region
After breakfast, travel to North Chianti region. En route the group will stop in Pisa briefly to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. After, continue driving through the stunning Tuscan area and enjoy an included dinner tonight with the group in North Chianti.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit Pisa
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
Villa Pitiana (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 6Chianti Region
Wake up in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. In the morning hike through the hillside villages near Cinque Terre. In the afternoon enjoy an included wine tasting and delicious dinner with the group.
Morning Tuscany Hike
Enjoy a hike through the Tuscan countryside with your CEO. The hike will take around 4 hours and offers beautiful views of green rolling hills along the way.
Free Time
Explore the area on your own during a free day. Enjoy the Tuscan hillside villages and find a cozy cafe to grab a bite to eat or opt for a bike tour around town.
Wine Tasting
Enjoy a wine tasting at the agriturismo. Learn about the local grape varieties, wine making process, and have a sample (or two).
Accommodation
Villa Pitiana (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 7Chianti Region to Naples
Travel back to Florence in the morning and then board a train from Florence to Naples.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
B&B Hotel Napoli (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Naples to Sorrento Coast
Start the day off with an orientation walk of Naples. Stroll past sites like Spaccanapoli, Castell'Ovo, Castel Nuovo Maschio Angioino, Galleria San Carlo, Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace. Then the group will travel to Sorrento Coast. In the evening attend a limoncello tasting and after set out on an orientation walk of Sorrento with your CEO.
Naples Orientation Walk
Take a relaxed walk into Naples. Your CEO will point out some points of interest in the town, including great places for lunch.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Foodie Moment: Limoncello Tasting
Taste this sweet Campania liqueur made from the zest of local lemons. With 100-year-old history (at least), limoncello is traditionally served chilled in a small ceramic glass.
Sorrento Orientation Walk
Explore Piazza Tasso, the lively central square filled with cafes and shops and walk along Corso Italia which is Sorrento's main street, bustling with vibrant shops and historic buildings. Head to Villa Comunale Park for stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
Accommodation
Hotel Eden Bleu (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Sorrento
Enjoy a free day in Sorrento. Maybe set out for an optional excursion to Capri island by hydrofoil and take a stroll through the town while admiring the blue water and striking limestone sea stacks.
Free Time
Enjoy a free day in Sorrento.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Capri Excursion
100-120EUR per personTake a catamaran or hydrofoil to see the jewel of the Amalfi islands. Stroll through the town, or simply relax and take in views of the blue water and striking limestone sea stacks.
Accommodation
Hotel Eden Bleu (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Sorrento Coast to the Amalfi Coast
Spend the day travelling from the Sorrento Coast to the Amalfi Coast. Pass through the towns of Amalfi and Ravello taking in the dramatic views and searching for lemon groves wherever you go.
Private Vehicle
The journey will take most of the day with stops in Amalfi and Ravello.
Accommodation
Hotel Le Rocce Amalfi Coast (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Amalfi Coast
Transfer to Bomerano di Agerola along the coast and begin to walk The Path of the Gods. The group will hike 8.6km to Positano and then return to our hotel to rest and enjoy free time from a long day hiking along the Amalfi Coast.
Path of the Gods Hike
Set off from the small town of Bomerano and follow the path along the Amalfi Coast with sensational views of lemon groves, gorges, deep valleys, woodland, abandoned farmhouses, and the sea below. Stop in the towns of Montepertuso and Positano, where there is more to explore.
Note that hikes are accessible for all travellers, but there can be sections that are more strenuous and challenging due to terrain. Please ensure you have proper closed-toe hiking footwear.
Accommodation
Hotel Le Rocce Amalfi Coast (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Amalfi Coast to Naples
Leave the Amalfi Coast behind and travel north back to Naples today. Along the way the group will stop in Pompeii for a guided excursion. Enjoy an evening of free time in Naples.
Pompeii Guided Tour
Walk through the ruins of Pompeii, which was buried under ash and pumice when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. The forum, the baths and many houses remain well preserved and provide us with a glimpse of what life was like in the first century.
Private Vehicle
Travel by private vehicle from the Amalfi Coast to Naples with a stop to Pompeii on the way back.
Free Time
Explore Naples on this free evening.
Accommodation
B&B Hotel Napoli (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Naples
Depart at any time.