Indulge in "la dolce vita" on this nine-day immersion into northern Italy, from Florence to Venice. Get to know your fellow travellers at a pasta-making class in Florence, then dive deeper into the city with a walking tour led by a local migrant guide. On your way to the stunning Cinque Terre, snap a pic of the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Explore Cinque Terre’s jaw-dropping coastal paths, then enjoy a boat ride on Lake Como, taking in the hilltop views from Brunate. Finally, soak up the magic of Venice. Italy's rich history, dreamy landscapes, and irresistible cuisine await.
Travel Style
Solo-ish Adventures
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Dinner Party: Florence Pasta-Making Class, Florence
We Day: Florence Migrant Tour and Market Visit, Florence
G Day: Visit Pisa and La Spezia, Pisa
Me Day: Venice Me Day, Venice. Complimentary Arrival Transfer. Florence guided walking tour. Hike from village-to-village in Cinque Terre or explore by train. Unlimited Train pass and entry fee for Cinque Terre National Park. Como orientation walk. Day trip on Lake Como by ferry. Funicular ride to Brunate. Guided walking tour of Venice. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Try the art of pasta-making at a hands-on cooking class in Florence, Marvel at the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa up close, Discover the jaw-dropping coastal beauty of Cinque Terre, Enjoy a picturesque boat ride across the serene waters of Lake Como, Stroll along the charming canals of Venice
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Train, bus, public boat.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotel (8 nts) on a twinshare basis. If you are interested in purchasing your own room, please see below for the My Own Room option.
Itinerary
Dinner 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!
We 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.
G 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.
Cinque 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.
Cinque 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.
Lake 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/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.
Me 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.
Venice
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.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
