Venice, Florence & Cinque Terre - September 21-27, 2025

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE STUNNING BEAUTY of 3 Distinct Regions

From the romantic canals of Venice to the Renaissance avenues of Florence to the seaside pathways of Le Cinque Terre, get ready to explore and discover your way through three of Italy’s most beautiful regions. On this all-inclusive and immersive tour, you’ll visit world-famous sites, explore tucked away treasures and take in spectacular vistas.

JUST Imagine…

  • arriving from Venice’s Grand Canal to attend an orchestra performance of Vivaldi
  • enjoying a food and wine-tasting tour across the famous Arno River in Florence
  • walking the scenic, seaside Via dell’Amore from Riomaggiore to Manarola
  • strolling along the picturesque canals in the colorful village of Burano
  • gazing at Renaissance masterpieces in Florence’s Ufizzi Gallery
  • dipping your feet in the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea
  • browsing the chic stores of Venice and Florence and the charming shops of le Cinque Terre
  • dining in hand-selected cafes, trattorie and restaurants that feature the best cuisine of each region

ITINERARY

DAY 1, Sunday, September 21: Venice

  • Highlights: Check-in Venice hotel, Murano, Burano
  • Dinner

Benvenuto a Venezia! We meet up in the afternoon at our boutique hotel, located along a quiet canal in Venice’s unspoiled Cannaregio neighborhood. After a friendly meet and greet with our fellow travelers, we’ll walk to the nearby Vaporetto stop for an evening boat ride to the island of Murano. After exploring some glass factories and shops, we’ll continue to the fishing village Burano, with its colorful houses and inviting canals. Here we’ll enjoy dinner at a favorite trattoria, featuring delicious Venetian specialties. Afterwards we return by boat to Venice for a good-night’s sleep after an active afternoon and evening.

DAY 2, Monday, September 22: Venice

  • Highlights: Piazza & Basilica San Marco, gondola ride, Vivaldi concert
  • Breakfast, lunch

This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we gather together for a meandering walk to famous Piazza San Marco. After enjoying the views of this historic and picturesque piazza, we’ll make our way inside the Basilica San Marco for a fascinating guided tour of this magnificent cathedral – including the incredible Pala di Oro and terraces. After a walk along perimeter of the Dodges palace, with spectacular views of the Grand Canal, it’s back to the Canneregio district where you can enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many inviting cafes.

This afternoon you’ll have free time to explore, shop or perhaps take a gondola ride. This evening we’ll meet up to walk to a nearby Vaporetto stop where we’ll catch a boat to our dinner location. After a delicious meal, we walk next door to the beautiful 17th century church to enjoy a fabulous Vivaldi concert preformed by local musicians.

DAY 3, Tuesday, September 23: Florence

  • Highlights: Piazza della Signoria, foodies Oltrarno walking tour,
  • Breakfast, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, we make our way by water taxi to Piazzale Roma where we’ll meet our private drivers who will be taking us to Florence. Along the drive we’ll make a stop for lunch on your own.

After checking in at our beautiful, boutique hotel in the very heart of the city, we’ll take a leisurely walk through the historic center of Florence to Piazza della Signore with its famous Renaissance sculptures, including Cellini’s Perseus, Giambologna’s, Rape of the Sabine Women and a copy of Michelangelo’s David. Afterwards we’ll meet up with a local guide Oltrarno (on the other side of the Arno river) for a delightful and delectable foodies’ walking tour that features a variety of local dishes and wines. So fun!

DAY 4, Wednesday, September 24: Florence

  • Highlights: Uffizi Gallery (optional), Accademia (optional), Duomo after-hours (optional), aperitivo Bar Giglio
  • Breakfast, aperitivo

Today, after breakfast at our centrally located hotel, you’ll have several on-your-own options on how you’d like to spend your morning. Opt in for an early-morning guided tour of the incredible Ufizzi Gallery or  Accademia (we’re happy to make the reservations on your behalf), or instead spend the morning exploring or shopping on your own.

In afternoon we’ll make our way to the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella. Here, in tucked-away naves of the church, you’ll discover beautiful examples of medieval frescoes, including the “wall of saints”, before we make our way through an easy-to-miss doorway, leaving to the quiet, former convent cloister, tucked away behind the church. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy an elegant aperitivo together at one of Florence’s historic, 19th century bars. This evening’s dinner is on your own.

DAY 5, Thursday, September 25: Monterosso al Mare (Cinque Terre)

  • Highlights: Walking tour Monterosso al Mare, Convento di San Francesco
  • Breakfast, dinner

This morning, after an early breakfast, our private drivers will transport us to the stunning Mediterranean coastline, and the colorful villages of Le Cinque Terre. After checkin at our boutique hotel, just steps from the beach, we’ll head out to explore the historic center of Monterosso al Mare – the northern-most of the five villages – including a steep (but do-able) walk to the Convento di San Francesco with its breathtaking views of the sea. Worth every step!

After some time to relax and recharge, we’ll make our way along the winding, ocean-side promenade to enjoy a regional-style dinner at one of our favorite family-owned restaurants in the village. Evenings along this gorgeous coastline are nothing less than magical!

DAY 6, Friday, September 26: Monterosso al Mare (Cinque Terre)

  • Highlights: Exploring le Cinque Terre
  • Breakfast, dinner

This morning, after an early breakfast, we make our way by train to explore more of le Cinque Terre. The former five villages, perched on rocky cliffs that face the seas, were once humble fishing villages. Now a famous hiking and sightseeing destination, we’ll explore some of the easier walks, in and around the villages, that boast truly spectacular views. And of course there will be time for exploring, shopping and enjoying lunch on your own.

This afternoon it’s back to Monterosso al Mare for a leisurely afternoon in our “home” village. This evening we’ll gather for aperitivo at a tucked away bar that makes the best Limoncello Spritz, followed by dinner at our friend, Silvia’s, exceptional seafood restaurant overlooking the sea.

DAY 7, Saturday, September 27: Departure to Florence 

Early morning pickup by our private drivers for Florence Peretola Airport

Note: Each day on this active itinerary, you can expect to walk. Our walks range from easy/leisure to moderate, and you’ll encounter hard cobblestones, uneven pavement, steps and steep hills. We do caution that this trip is not the right fit for those who have difficulty walking or have a health-related condition that would limit participation and/or impede or inconvenience the rest of the group.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • 2 Nights stay Hotel Ca d’Oro, Venice
  • 2 Nights stay Hotel Pendini, Florence
  • 2 Nights stay Hotel Villa Accini, Monterosso al Mare
  • Private group transfer from Venice to Florence and Florence to Monterosso al Mare
  • Private group transfer from Monterosso al Mare to Florence Peretola Airport on departure day
  • All breakfasts
  • 5 regionally inspired dinners with wine
  • Daily accompaniment by Pamela Haack, as well as expert local guides
  • Entrance fees to all sites and museums
  • Venice musical concert
  • Florence foodies walking tour
  • Cinque Terre panoramic trails and lookout points
  • Free time to explore and shop on your own

Not included: Airfare, transportation to Venice hotel on trip start date, transportation or meals outside of that which is specifically listed in the trip package, gratuities for hotel staff and drivers. Note that we will provide suggestions and directions to arrive at our Venice Hotel.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Venice: Hotel Ca’ D’Oro is just a few-minutes walk from Venice’s Rialto Bridge and the Piazza San Marco, yet tucked away in a neighborhood that reflects Venice of a bygone age. The roof-top terrace with views across the Cannaregio neighborhood, and the abundant breakfast buffet, are not to be missed.

Florence: Boutique Hotel Pendini is located in the very heart of Florence’s historic center. Just steps from museums, historic sites and fabulous shopping, the hotel boasts tastefully decorated rooms, antique furnishings and a delicious breakfast.

Monterosso al Mare: Set just back from the sea, in charming Monterosso al Mare (one of the five villages of le Cinque Terre), Villa Accini is a historic family mansion that was completely renovated and transformed into a hotel. Equipped with all modern comforts, and boasting a relaxing garden, the beach and historic center of the village are within just a few minutes walk.

DATES & DETAILS

  •  Tour: Venice, Florence & Le Cinque Terre
  • Dates:
    • September 21-27, 2025
  • Trip Price:
    • $3,795 USD per person, Double/Twin Occupancy
    • $4,595 USD per person, Single Occupancy
  • Room Descriptions:
    • Single Occupancy: Classic room with double bed, private ensuite bathroom *
    • Double/Twin Occupancy:  Classic room with double bed or two singles, private ensuite bathroom *
    • *️⃣ Note that we reserve single and double occupancy rooms that are of a similar type and size, and that are as equitable as possible with all guests. We are unable to accommodate special room requests.
  • $700 deposit is required to book your space on this tour
  • Recommended Arrival Airport: Venice Marco Polo
  • Recommended Arrival Train Station: Venice Santa Lucia
  • Terms and Conditions

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