Best of Northern Italy: Florence to Venice - 8 Days

Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until tonight's welcome meeting.

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.

Enjoy the flexibility to experience Cinque Terre your way. You may choose to take part in an optional hike through some of the most scenic landscapes on earth, Monterosso to Vernazza or explore the region at a more relaxed pace using your unlimited train pass. If you opt for the hike, you’ll follow picturesque coastal and hillside paths linking the five iconic villages of Cinque Terre. This moderately challenging optional hike through Cinque Terre National Park offers stunning views of terraced vineyards and charming hillside towns. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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