Best of Northern Italy: Florence to Venice
Best of Northern Italy: Florence to Venice
A beautiful view of Florence and the basilica, Italy
View of the Peace Arch in Milan, Italy
Varenna on Lake Como, Italy
St Mark's Square, Venice, Italy
The beauty of Murano, Italy
$1999
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Northern Italy with the "Best of Northern Italy: Florence to Venice" tour. Begin your adventure in Florence, exploring its cobblestone streets and world-class art galleries. Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Cinque Terre on foot and by train, and visit the iconic leaning tower in Pisa. Experience the serene beauty of Lake Como by ferry, and enjoy a funicular ride to the hilltop village of Brunate. Conclude your trip in the enchanting city of Venice, wandering its canals and bridges, and taking a guided walking tour of Piazza San Marco. With transport by train, bus, and public boat, and accommodations in comfortable hotels, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and scenic beauty. Join us for an Italian adventure that promises unforgettable memories and stunning vistas. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until tonight's welcome meeting.
Additional Information: If you booked the Florence Food Tour we highly recommend booking pre-trip accommodation. This walking food tour begins at 10am from the joining point hotel and lasts approximately 3.5-4 hours.
ACTIVITY: 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.
Day 2: Florence/Cinque Terre
Location: Florence, Pisa, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Cinque Terre
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Visit 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.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 3: Cinque Terre
Location: Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lace up your hiking shoes today and walk one of the most scenic trails in the area, from Corniglia to Manarola. Visit charming, colourful towns along the way and take in the stunning vistas. 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.Additional Information: 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.TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.ACTIVITY: 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.ACTIVITY: 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.ACTIVITY: Set out to explore Riomaggiore, a quaint village nestled on the coastline of this beautiful region. Take in views of colourful houses, steep cliffs, and terraced vineyards.
Day 4: Cinque Terre/Lake Como
Location: Cinque Terre, Milan, Como, Lake Como, Brunate
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
ACTIVITY: 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.
Day 5: Lake Como
Location: Lake Como, Menaggio, Bellagio, Punta Spartivento
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
ACTIVITY: 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.
FREE TIME: Set out and explore this elegant lakeside town.
Day 6: Lake Como/Venice
Location: Venice, Piazza San Marco, Venice
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
FREE TIME: Head out through the winding alleyways for your first taste of magical Venice.
ACTIVITY: 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.
Day 7: Venice
Location: Venice, Murano, Burano, Ponte Rialto, Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.FREE TIME: With so much to see and do, don't waste a minute.With so much to see and do, don't waste a minute -- get out and explore the "city of canals".
Day 8: Venice
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this beautiful city has to offer.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels (7 nts). -
Welcome Moment
Your Welcome Moment includes meeting your CEO and group.
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Pisa Visit
A visit to Pisa is included in the tour.
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Cinque Terre Park Fee and Hike
The Cinque Terre park fee and a CEO-led hike are included.
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Unlimited Train Ticket in Cinque Terre
An unlimited train ticket in Cinque Terre is provided.
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Riomaggiore Visit
A visit to Riomaggiore is included.
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Funicular Ride from Como to Brunate
Enjoy a funicular ride from Como to the hilltop village of Brunate.
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Day Trip on Lake Como by Ferry
A day trip on Lake Como by ferry is included.
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Guided Walking Tour of Venice
A guided walking tour of Venice, including Piazza San Marco, is included.
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Transport Between Destinations
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is provided.
What's Not Included
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Entrance Fee to Pisa Tower
The entrance fee to the Pisa Tower is not included.
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Meals
Meals are generally not included in the trip price.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and museum tickets are not included and may require advance booking.
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Luggage Handling
You are responsible for carrying your own luggage throughout the trip.
Transport
Train, bus, public boat
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay in hotels for 7 nights, offering a blend of local charm and convenience throughout your journey in Northern Italy.
Meals Included
7 breakfasts
Group Size
Max 16, avg 12.
Solo Travellers
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. ...more ...less
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly through Northern Italy using a combination of train, bus, and public boat, ensuring a smooth and scenic journey between destinations.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Local Dress
In Italy, shoulders should be covered while visiting churches and cathedrals. Ask your CEO for more specific advice.
Important Notes
1. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
2 LOCAL GUIDES
It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places.
3. LUGGAGE
In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times. We highly recommend travelling with a backpack or duffel bag over any wheeled luggage options.
4. RESERVE TICKETS IN ADVANCE
Please note that if you wish to visit popular museums such as the Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel) and Villa Borghese in Rome, or the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries in Florence, we strongly advise reserving tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line for a long time (especially during the high season from May-September, where this can take several hours). Tickets can be reserved online through sites like https://www.weekendinitaly.com/en
ome and https://www.weekendinitaly.com/en/florence. Please refer to your Full itinerary to ensure you reserve tickets for the correct dates you will be in Rome and Florence. There may be the possibility of arranging tickets on arrival on Day 1, with the help of your CEO, but availability cannot be guaranteed at such short notice.
5. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
6. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:
During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.
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Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. ...more ...less
About Accommodation
On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
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What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-2 ...more ...less
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a combination of train, bus, and public boat for transportation between destinations and included activities.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in hotels for 7 nights. These are typically small family-run hotels or pensions, with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels. The accommodations are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations. ...more ...less
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Are there any specific activities included in the Cinque Terre region?
Yes, the tour includes a hike from Corniglia to Manarola, a visit to the cliffside village of Riomaggiore, and a national park pass with a daily unlimited train ticket for exploring the Cinque Terre region.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The maximum group size is 16, with an average of 12 participants.
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Is there a minimum age requirement for this tour?
Yes, you must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. Minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old must be at least 12 years old.
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What is the role of the group leader on this tour?
The group leader's role is to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. They provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend local eating venues, and introduce you to local friends. They are not traditional guides but have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited.
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What should I consider when packing for this tour?
It is essential to pack light and bring luggage that is compact and lightweight, as you will need to carry it from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses, and possibly up several flights of stairs. A backpack or duffel bag is recommended over wheeled luggage.
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Are there any specific dress codes to be aware of during the tour?
In Italy, shoulders should be covered while visiting churches and cathedrals. It's advisable to ask your CEO for more specific advice.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Best of Northern Italy: Florence to Venice
8 Days Starting in Florence, Italy and ending in Venice, Italy
Visiting: Florence, Pisa, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Cinque Terre, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Milan, Como, Lake Como, Brunate, Menaggio, Bellagio, Punta Spartivento, Venice, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Murano, Burano, Ponte Rialto, Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26101
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
