G Adventures: Solo-ish Italy
Day 1: Dinner Party: Florence
Arrive at any time 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!
Day 2: We Day: Florence
Be immersed in the magic of Florence today and explore the city's incredible history, art and food. First off, set out on a guided walk to discover Florence's rich cultural diversity, exploring the city through the stories of its migrant communities. 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, 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.
Day 3: G Day: Cinque Terre
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.
Day 4: Cinque Terre
Lace up your hiking shoes today and walk among some of the most scenic landscapes on earth. With various hiking options available, follow paths and take advantage of an unlimited train pass to discover the cliffside trails linking the 5 picturesque villages of Cinque Terre. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to spend longer out and about in Cinque Terre, or back in La Spezia relaxing at a cafe or 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.
Day 5: Cinque Terre/Lake Como
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, before taking the rest of the day and evening at leisure to continue exploring or to find a cafe to relax and watch the world go by.
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.
Day 6: Lake Como
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. Return 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."
Day 7: Lake Como/Venice
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.
Day 8: Me Day: Venice
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.
Day 9: Venice
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.
Venice
With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.
Excursions
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Today enjoy a walking tour of Venice with your local English-speaking guide including visits to several of the most famous landmarks of the city.
The Doges’ Palace was the seat of the main government departments, the residence of the Doge, from where the Venetian Republic was ruled. Lavish frescoes, graceful staircases and gilded stuccowork reveal the glory and opulence of this period.
One of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica was once the Doge’s chapel. It is also a mausoleum for St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice who was martyred by the Turks in Alexandria, Egypt. As you enter the Basilica, marvel at the golden mosaics depicting the life of St. Mark, the Old and New Testaments, the life of Jesus and his Resurrection. St. Mark’s Square is actually not a square at all, but a trapezoid whose extensive sides flare out giving it the appearance of being even more spacious.
Travel to and from the San Marco area with your guide by private Venetian-style motorboat.
Highlights:
- Admire the wonderful architecture of the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Return private motorboat transfers between the harbour and central Venice
- An expert English-speaking guide (4 hours)
- Entrance fees to all named sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs.
- Gratuities
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice holds a wealth of treasures for anybody interested in the exquisite arts. With your expert guide, discover the Frari church, considered one of the most imposing Gothic monuments in Venice. In view of this, you’ll be surprised to discover that the church’s austere look hides a wonderfully lavish interior where, among the many treasures, you’ll find Titian’s early altarpieces and a true masterpiece by Giovanni Bellini. Also visit the Accademia Gallery; a dazzling collection of masterpieces spanning the full development of Venetian art from Byzantine to Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo. Travel to and from the San Marco area with your guide by private Venetian-style motorboat.
Highlights:
- Admire the many art treasures on display in the Frari Church
- See the masterpieces on display in the Accademia Gallery
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Return private motorboat transfers between the harbour and central Venice
- An expert English-speaking guide (4 hours)
- Entrance fees to all stated sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours
Travel with your English-speaking driver across the causeway to Venice’s mainland and onwards to the beautiful and historic city of Verona where your expert local guide will meet with you. Verona is an elegant city with one of the world’s finest Roman amphitheatres at its heart. The Arena still plays host to thousands of performances today, as it did millennia ago.
Verona also featured heavily in Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, so a visit to the house of Juliet and its famous balcony is a must. Enjoy time at leisure (about an hour) in the beautiful piazzas before returning with your driver to your cruise ship.
Highlights:
- Visit Verona's impressive Amphitheatre
- See Juliet's House and its famous balcony
Tour Duration: 7 hours
Tour Can Operate: Mornings
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan transfers between Venice cruise terminal and Verona
- An expert English-speaking guide in Verona (3 hours)
- Entrance fees to the stated sightseeing
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours
Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours
Today you will be met by your local English-speaking guide for a full day excursion by private motor-boat to explore the Lagoon Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Venice lies in the centre of a vast lagoon that stretches for about 30 miles from north to south, studded by numerous small islands, mostly deserted. This amazing environment is what drove the Venetians to establish their city here, a perfectly secure and inaccessible little world. Enjoy the beauty of a ride across the waters of the lagoon; visit the island of Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years and where you can see the age-old techniques of glass blowing still in use today.
Continue to Torcello, to see the breathtaking mosaics in the Basilica di Santa Maria dell’Assunta, the oldest building on the lagoon. After a leisurely lunch (payable locally) you reach the island of Burano, a quaint and colourful fisherman island famous for its lace and charming architecture.
Highlights:
- Cruise across the lagoon to Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years using the same techniques
- Explore Torcello and Burano, a colourful fishing village famous for its lace and charming architecture
Tour Duration: 7 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
• Return private motorboat transfer between the harbour and the islands
• An expert local guide (7 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes
Exclusions:
• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities
The story of Murano and Burano
The story of Murano and Burano
Hop on a private boat and start sailing through the Venice lagoon! This unique tour will let you discover the authentic side of Venice by exploring two famous islands – Murano and Burano. First stop, Murano – an epicenter of the most sophisticated glass production in the world. “Il vetro di Murano”, the glass of Murano, is a special type of glass made for decades. You will visit one of the traditional factories and take part in a glass-blowing demonstration. Pretty exclusive, don’t you think?
Your next stop is Burano – a small, fishermen’s island, famous for its heritage of lace embroidery that it’s still today made by hand only. It is often mentioned as one of the prettiest towns in Italy and also one of the most unique thanks to two characteristics: its canals and its colorful houses that make the island a real rainbow of colors! This tour will surely let you remember the Venice Lagoon forever.
Highlights:
- Unique island experience
- Personal guide
Tour Duration: Approx. 3-4h
Tour can operate: Morning or afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private guide
- Private boat
Not Included:
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Items purchased for personal use
The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice
The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice
Are you ready to start this tour with a private boat cruise down the most spectacular “boulevard” in the world? Yes, we are talking about The Canal Grande, Venice’s main artery. Just hop on your private boat and enjoy the scenic views of all the marvelous palaces and side alley’s canals. Sit back and relax while you absorb the breath-taking beauty and uniqueness of Venice. After the ride, the guide will take you through Calli, Callette, Ponti, Campi and Campielli. You will reach Rialto bridge, that was the only way to cross the great Canal on foot, for centuries. You can indulge in great experience of the famous local market filled with interesting products and learn more about the area that was once a significant place for trading goods.
Highlights:
Tour Duration: up to 4h
Tour can operate: Morning / Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Easy
Inclusions:
Not Included:
- Lunch
- Tips
- Drinks
- Transfers
Cinque Terre
Explore the ruggedly beautiful Ligurian villages of Cinque Terre. With their steep-walled coastal cliffs, the villages of these "Five Lands" are perched high above the sea, commanding spectacular views. Accessible by boat, railway or on foot, Cinque Terre has remained relatively isolated from the rest of the world for centuries, which has helped to retain the medieval look of the "Five Lands." San Pietro, a 13th-century church, stands above a grotto named after Lord Byron. Part of the structure dates back as far as the 6th century. Brightly painted with black and white stripes, this striking landmark can be spotted from far out at sea. From the terrace enjoy a spectacular panorama of the Gulf of La Spezia and the hills of Cinque Terre.