This tour is perfect for the active, independent traveller, mixing guided tours with free time and optional additional tours, take a look at where this tour takes you!
Day One: Welcome To Florence
Meet your tour leader at 7:30 pm for a fun orientation walk of the city, including the stunning gothic Cathedral and the Ponte Vecchio. We finish the tour in a busy street in Florence renowned for its nightlife. Here we will explore the bar rated by the locals as the best aperitivo place in town. Sit and socialise like the locals.
We think it's a great idea for you to arrive in the morning to see anything you might have on your bucket list that we don't cover. Check-in time for your accommodation usually starts at 2 pm, but the accommodation holds bags.
Day Two: Free Time In Florence
Now you will have a free day in Florence. See the monuments and some local artisan markets in complete freedom. If you want to get away, our team recommends taking a day trip to Tuscany to explore the wine region. You can also see the famous Medieval villages of San Gimignano and Siena.
Day Three: Pisa And Cinque Terre
Bright and early meet us at the Santa Maria Novella Train Station. Cinque Terre is not entirely around the corner, but the effort is worth the wait. We head by train to the first stop, Pisa. Enjoy some free time to explore the Square of Miracles. Here you can see the Pisa Cathedral, Baptistery, Campo Santo and the famous Leaning Tower. Relax and take photos before we move on.
We then go on to see the Cinque Terre, or Five Lands: Manarola, Riomaggiore, and Vernazza. Famous for their natural beauty, picturesque walking trails, panoramic views, and warm beaches don't miss these villages. We aim to head back to Florence at 8 pm, but before that, we give you ample time to relax on the beaches of Vernazzaor explore the town at their leisure.
Day Four: Welcome to Venice
Venice here we come. We catch the train from Florence train station,and in only two hours we will reach Venice. After check-in, we will head down to town for an orientation walk of the stunning city. We stop by monuments such as the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark's square, the Catherdral, and the Palazzo Ducale.The afternoon is free for you to tick items off your bucket list.
Day Five: Full Free Day In Venice
Now you will have a free day to relax, visit the Duomo and famous sites or wander in Venice centre. You could also join a half-day tour to the islands of Murano and Burano. This is perfect to check out the many colourful houses and the glass factories or take 30-minute gondola ridealongs the Venice canals. It's up to you!
Day Six: Verona And Venice
In the morning head to the romantic Italian city of Verona, the setting of the famous Shakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet and well known for its spectacular Roman Amphitheatre. In Verona, we visit the infamous balcony in Romeo and Juliet, do some shopping and sightseeing. We will be back in Venice in the late afternoon. The evening will be free for you to do what you please.
Day Seven: Explore Milan
In the morning, head to Milan, the world capital of fashion and design. Check in to our accommodation and head down to the historical centre seeing sights such as the Duomo, Vittorio EmanueleII's gallery to conclude by the Navigli,a popular area in Milan, and perfect for a night out.
Day Eight: Lake Como
In the morning we will travel to Como. After a 1hour and 30-minute ride, arrive at Como. Attractive, and encircled by enchanting hills and famous for being the birthplace of many notable figures including the scientist Alessandro Volta. Here you will have free time to check out the many fascinating sites.
From here, we take a ferry across Lake Como towards Bellagio, a small village at the top of a long hilly promontory between the two southern branches of Lake Como. This elegant but tiny town is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the lovely views, gardens, classy boutiques, picturesque lanes, and a wide choice of restaurants and bars. We then catch a ferry to Varenna. This stunning village boasts picturesque lanes and old fishermen's houses for a perfect gelato or cold drink with amazing views. We head back to Milan in the evening.
Day Nine: Goodbye Milan
Today, we will check out at 10 am, signalling the end of our tour. If you wish to spend the whole day in Milan, you can store your bags at the hostel until you leave, and keep travelling on to your next destination.