Solo-ish Italy

Arrive in Florence by 14:00 and catch an included arrival transfer to the hotel. After a welcome briefing in the evening, set off with your CEO and new travelling companions to take part in an interactive (and delicious) pasta-making class. What better way to get to know each other and to be welcomed to Italy than over a steaming plate of fresh pasta that you have just created yourself!

Be immersed in the magic of Florence today and explore the city's incredible history, art and food. First off, follow a local guide for a walking tour of Florence's iconic landmarks and plazas which will transport you to the heart of the Renaissance. End the walk at the market, where your CEO will take you along the stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats where you can sample some delicious items along the way. After lunch, set out on a guided walk to discover Florence's rich cultural diversity, exploring the city through the stories of its migrant communities.

Leave Florence behind and drive north up the coast on another highlight-filled day. FIrstly, stop at one of Italy's most iconic landmarks at Pisa to visit the Field of Miracles and see the famous leaning tower (entrance fee not included). Explore the Piazza dei Miracoli, take photos with the Leaning Tower, and perhaps visit the Cathedral or Baptistery if time allows. After lunch, continue up the coast to the colourful city of La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre National Park. Set off with your CEO to explore the town and for a pleasant surprise in the evening.

Enjoy the flexibility to experience Cinque Terre your way. With your free time, you may choose to take a hike through some of the most scenic landscapes on earth, 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 hike through Cinque Terre National Park offers stunning views of terraced vineyards and charming hillside towns. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure, whether discovering more of Cinque Terre, savouring time at a seaside café, or returning to La Spezia to unwind at the hotel. 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 one of the village-to-village hikes, 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.

After breakfast, walk to the train station and travel to Lake Como, a perfectly picturesque region laden with villas and lush gardens. Arrive in the late afternoon and get your bearings on an orientation walk with your CEO, 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.

Set out by ferry to explore the lake and the elegant towns of Menaggio and Bellagio. Soak up the elegant atmosphere in one of the lakeside cafés or restaurants or take some time for shopping — some of the finest Italian designers are to be found in Como's chic boutiques.

Hop on a train this morning and travel to Venice, the "city of canals," arriving in the early afternoon. After time to settle into the hotel, meet up with a local guide and set off on foot for a guided walking tour over bridges and canals, exploring key landmarks and hidden gems. Your guide will provide insights into the city’s history, architecture, and culture. The rest of the day is free to continue exploring or to relax. 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 discovering Venice on your terms. Choose to join your CEO on an excursion to discover the nearby islands of Murano and Burano, to see the traditional glass-blowing and lace workshops. Otherwise take the day for yourself to explore, pre-book a food tour, take a gondola under the Ponte Rialto (Bridge of Lovers), explore the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, or just get lost in the twisting maze of the city.

You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish travellers and depart at any time. We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this beautiful city has to offer.

Hotel (8 nts) on a twinshare basis. If you are interested in purchasing your own room, please see below for the My Own Room option.

Train, bus, public boat.