Best of Northern Italy: Florence to Venice

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.

Enjoy the flexibility to experience Cinque Terre your way. With your free time, you may choose to 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.

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 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.

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.