After arrival and check-in, ease into Venice with a gentle wander through the labyrinth of alleys to Ponte dei Sospiri and along the quieter canals, stopping for a coffee at Caffè Florian to soak up the atmosphere. Continue to the lively Riva degli Schiavoni promenade for first views of the lagoon, then explore the artisan shops of the nearby Mercerie for Venetian glass and masks before a light lunch at a bacaro sampling cicchetti.
After a leisurely lunch, drift toward the grand heart of the city with a visit to Piazza San Marco, where you can admire the mosaics of Basilica di San Marco and the soaring campanile for panoramic views (lift available). Wander through the elegant arcades of the Procuratie to the waterfront terrace for aperitivo, then take a short vaporetto ride to Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore to watch the sunset glow over the lagoon before dinner back near your hotel.
As twilight deepens, wander the lamp-lit backstreets toward Campo Santa Margherita to join locals for an aperitivo at a lively bacaro, sampling spritz and seafood cicchetti. Later, stroll across the charming Ponte dell'Accademia and linger on the bridge for river views before settling into a relaxed dinner at a trattoria in Dorsoduro, where you can savor classic risotto al nero di seppia and end the night with gelato while watching gondolas glide under the bridges.
Begin your day with a peaceful stroll through the quieter sestiere to Campo San Polo and then along the tree-lined banks of the Fondamenta Zattere, stopping for espresso and pastries at Pasticceria Tonolo. From there, join a guided walking tour of the bustling Rialto area to explore the colorful stalls of the Rialto Market, cross the iconic Ponte di Rialto for photo views of the Grand Canal, and cap the morning with a private shared gondola launch from the nearby Riva del Vin to glide under hidden bridges and past palazzi before lunch.
After lunch, wander into the atmospheric sestiere of Cannaregio, where you can visit the moving Ghetto Nuovo and browse independent boutiques along the Fondamenta della Misericordia before pausing for an aperitivo at Osteria al Molino. Continue with a scenic vaporetto ride along the lesser-known back canals to Santa Maria dei Miracoli to admire its marble façade, then disembark for a late-afternoon stroll over the peaceful Ponte delle Guglie toward Campo San Giacomo dell'Orio to watch locals gather before an evening cicchetti crawl.
As dusk falls, head to the lively heart of San Polo for a seafood-focused dinner at Antiche Carampane, then wander toward the atmospheric courtyards of Campo San Giacomo di Rialto to enjoy people-watching with a glass of local wine. Finish the night with a moonlit vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal past the illuminated façades of Ca' Foscari and Palazzo Barbarigo, stepping off near Punta della Dogana for a last gelato while the lagoon shimmers.
After an early checkout from Venice, set out on the scenic drive toward the Dolomites with a coffee stop in Belluno to stretch your legs and admire its medieval lanes; continue winding up the SR48 for dramatic views of the jagged peaks. Arrive near Cortina d'Ampezzo mid-morning and take a gentle guided walk along the Lago Federa circuit or the easy trail to Rifugio Fodara Vedla, where alpine meadows and panoramic terraces make for a perfect picnic and first taste of the Dolomite landscape.
After your lakeside picnic, drive higher into the mountains for an afternoon cable car ride up to Faloria, where sweeping terraces and easy ridge walks offer postcard views of the Tofane peaks; pause at the mountaintop Rifugio Faloria for hot chocolate or a spritz on the sun-soaked terrace. Later, follow a short, well-marked loop to the scenic Croda da Lago lookout-perfect for golden-hour photos-and finish with a relaxed aperitivo in the village of Cortina d'Ampezzo, soaking in alpine atmosphere before dinner.
As twilight settles, head to Passo Giau for a short sunset stroll along the ridge path and watch the jagged peaks turn rosy while enjoying a warming cup at the roadside Rifugio Fedare; it's a spectacular, quieter alternative to busier viewpoints. Later, descend toward the valley and dine at Osteria da Rita in a nearby mountain village, savoring hearty polenta and speck while recounting the day's alpine highlights.
Set off from the Dolomites with an early train or private transfer toward the Ligurian coast, arriving in Monterosso al Mare where you can stretch your legs on the cliffside Fegina promenade and savor a seaside breakfast of focaccia and espresso at Bar Il Golfo. Afterward, stroll the old-town lanes to discover the frescoed San Giovanni Battista church, then hop the local train or take the coastal path to Vernazza, arriving mid-morning to climb up to the Castello Doria for sweeping harbor views before pausing at Ciak Ristorante for a seafood plate overlooking the pastel houses.
After a relaxed morning in Monterosso and Vernazza, take the coastal trail or the short local train to Corniglia and wander the peaceful terraced lanes down to the lesser-known Spiaggia di Guvano viewpoint for quiet sea vistas and photos. Continue with a late-afternoon tasting at Enoteca Il Pirun sampling local Sciacchetrà and Ligurian olive oil, then stroll through Piazza Santa Maria to watch the sun soften the pastel facades before catching the train to your evening base.
As daylight cools, wander to the quieter headland around Punta Mesco for a short cliff-top walk where the setting sun washes the sea with gold and offers sweeping views of the five villages. Follow this with a relaxed seafood dinner at Ristorante Belvedere (or a terrace trattoria nearby) sampling fresh anchovies and trofie al pesto, then finish the night with a digestivo at Bar La Torre as lights twinkle across the harbor.
Start your morning with an energizing hike along the scenic Blue Trail from Manarola toward Corniglia, pausing at the panoramic terrace near Belvedere Punta Bonfiglio for sunrise views over the vineyards and sea. After the short descent into Corniglia, reward yourselves with a leisurely breakfast of fresh focaccia and cappuccino at Bar La Torretta before exploring the village's cliffside lanes and the tiny Chiesa di San Pietro tucked above the harbor.
After descending into Vernazza for your morning views, spend the afternoon taking the coastal train to Riomaggiore and walking the short, scenic stretch of the seaside promenade toward Marina di Riomaggiore, stopping for a relaxed seafood lunch at Trattoria dal Billy with sea-surface tables. Later, board a small boat from the harbor for a 45-minute guided coastal cruise that hugs the cliffs past colorful villages, pauses for snorkel-ready swims near hidden coves, and returns in time for aperitivo at Buca di Matté while the sun softens the Ligurian light.
As the sun softens, wander the terraced path west of the main villages to Punta Corone, a quieter headland perfect for golden-hour photos, then continue down to the secluded pebble cove at Grotto dei Colombi to listen to the surf. Finish with dinner at the cliffside Osteria a Mare, where you can toast with local Vermentino while tasting grilled seafood and lemon-infused desserts as lights begin to sparkle across the harbor.
Arrive in Florence and start with a fragrant breakfast of cornetti and espresso at Pasticceria Gilli, then stroll down the elegant Via de' Tornabuoni to admire high-fashion palazzi and stop at the marble-clad Basilica di San Lorenzo to glimpse its Medici chapels. Continue across the lively Piazza della Repubblica toward the river, pausing to climb the terraced gardens of Giardino delle Rose for sweeping views of the Arno and the cathedral dome before descending to join a guided interior visit of the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (booked-in-advance access recommended).
After your Duomo visit, continue exploring by crossing the Ponte Vecchio and browsing the goldsmiths' workshops before wandering into the lively Mercato Centrale for a casual lunch of lampredotto or handmade pasta at one of the upstairs food stalls. Later, stroll through the artisan quarter of Oltrarno, stopping at Santo Spirito square to watch local life and visit a small workshop for a leather- or marbled-paper demonstration, then climb the peaceful steps to Piazzale Michelangelo for a sunset panorama over the city skyline.
As the city lights come on, wander into Piazza Santa Maria Novella to admire its striking façade and then slip into the nearby Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella for a fragrant perfume or lavender-sachet shopping experience. Continue with a leisurely aperitivo at La Terrazza Rooftop Bar overlooking the rooftops, then head to Teatro del Sale for a convivial, food-forward dinner with live music-perfect for sharing Tuscan dishes and local wines with your travel companions.
Begin with an early, skip-the-line visit to Galleria degli Uffizi, focusing on Botticelli's Allegories and the Medici portrait rooms, then take a short coffee break at the museum café while discussing highlights. Continue with a guided walk to Piazza della Signoria to study the open-air sculptures and the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, finishing your morning with a hands-on fresco demonstration at a nearby restoration workshop where you can learn about techniques used on Renaissance masterpieces.
After the Uffizi morning, linger in the historic center with a guided visit to Museo Nazionale del Bargello to admire early Renaissance sculpture by Donatello and Verrocchio, then cross to explore the intimate chapels of Orsanmichele, once a grain market turned sculptural showcase. Finish with a hands-on marbling workshop at Taddei Bookbinders in the Oltrarno where you can craft your own decorative endpaper as a keepsake, followed by a relaxed aperitivo at Rasputin overlooking the Arno.
Wind down after a day of masterpieces with a sunset walk through the quiet lanes to Chiesa di San Miniato al Monte, where twilight views from the hilltop terrace frame the city and the Duomo in golden light. Descend to the Oltrarno for dinner at Trattoria 13 Gobbi, enjoying hearty bistecca alla fiorentina and local Sangiovese, then finish the night with a leisurely gelato from Gelateria La Carraia while lingering on the riverbank near Ponte alle Grazie to watch the Arno reflect the city lights.
Begin with a lively food-focused stroll through Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio, sampling local cheeses, cured meats and seasonal fruit from family-run stalls, then join a morning tasting with a vendor to learn about Tuscan olive oils and artisanal honey. Afterward, cross to the Oltrarno to visit Via dei Serragli for independent studios, popping into a small ceramics workshop at Ceramiche Il Castello for a hands-on glazing demo and finishing with a mid-morning espresso at the tucked-away Caffè degli Artigiani while watching local craftsmen at work.
After a market- and workshop-filled morning, wander across the river to explore Piazza del Carmine and join a hands-on leather-stitching session at Scuola del Cuoio where you can make a small passport wallet under a master artisan's guidance; follow this with a late lunch of seasonal pasta and a chilled glass of Vernaccia at the nearby family-run osteria Trattoria Cammillo. In the late afternoon, stroll the quiet lanes of the Oltrarno to visit Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica's lesser-known herb garden and then enjoy an intimate atelier tour and silver-smithing demo at Laboratorio Orafo Romano, finishing with an aperitivo on a tucked rooftop terrace overlooking the artisan quarter as the light softens over the Arno.
As twilight falls, wander to Piazza Santo Spirito to join locals for an aperitivo at Volume or Il Santo Bevitore, then browse the lively evening artisan stalls that line the square for handmade jewelry and small leather goods. Continue with a hands-on cooking class at In Tavola Cooking School focused on Tuscan antipasti and semplice pasta-finish by sharing the meal with a carafe of Chianti in the cozy dining room, then stroll across to Piazza della Passera for a final nightcap while listening to street musicians and soaking in the Oltrarno's relaxed atmosphere.
If you choose Pisa, catch an early regional train to Pisa Centrale and head straight to the verdant Campo dei Miracoli to see the leaning marvels up close with a guided climb of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and a visit inside Duomo di Pisa before a riverside cappuccino at Caffè dell'Ussero. Alternatively, for Chianti, meet your driver in Florence and drive through rolling vineyards to Greve in Chianti for a market stroll and deli tasting at Antica Macelleria Falorni, then continue to Castello di Verrazzano for a cellar tour and a paired tasting of aged Chianti Classico on the estate terraces.
If you choose Pisa, spend the afternoon wandering the lesser-known lanes beyond the Campo dei Miracoli to discover Piazza delle Vettovaglie's lively market stalls and enjoy a riverside aperitivo at Bistrot Pisa while watching locals. Alternatively, in Chianti linger at Castello di Brolio for a cellar tour and panoramic vineyard walk, then savor a long, relaxed lunch of seasonal antipasti and a vertical tasting of Chianti Classico at Enoteca Ricasoli before returning to Florence as golden light warms the rolling hills.
If you chose Pisa, return to Florence and spend the evening wandering the atmospheric lanes around Piazza dei Ciompi, stopping for a relaxed aperitivo at Le Volpi e l'Uva to taste local wines paired with pecorino and honey while reflecting on the day. If you chose Chianti, finish with a sunset visit to Castello di Ama's contemporary art trail and enjoy a cellar-to-table dinner at Ristoro di Lamole, savoring a tasting menu paired with their estate Chianti as the Tuscan hills glow in golden light.
Slow your final morning with a relaxed stroll through Giardino di Boboli, enjoying its shaded sculptures and panoramic terraces before coffee at the nearby Caffè delle Murate; the peaceful gardens offer a gentle contrast after busy museum days. Then visit the intimate collections at Museo di San Marco to see Fra Angelico's frescoes and finish with a leisurely brunch at Le Vespe Cafe in the Sant'Ambrogio quarter, leaving time to return to your hotel, gather luggage, and make a calm transfer to your onward train or flight.
Spend a mellow afternoon visiting the serene collection at Museo Galileo, where interactive scientific instruments and Galileo's telescopes offer a different lens on Renaissance Florence, then cross to the nearby Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale to browse rare maps and prints for a quiet cultural interlude. Later, enjoy a long, unhurried lunch at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori sampling pappardelle and a final carafe of Chianti, followed by a slow riverside walk toward Piazza Mentana to pick up last-minute artisan leather goods before you return to collect luggage and head to the station or airport.
As evening falls, enjoy a tranquil final wander through the book-lined rooms of Libreria Antiquaria Gonnelli before heading to Corte dei Miracoli, a tucked-away courtyard bar, for an elegant aperitivo of local cheeses and a final glass of Chianti. For your farewell dinner, reserve a table at La Buchetta Food & Wine, where you can savor refined Tuscan specialties and seasonal vegetables, then finish the night with a post-dinner stroll along the softly lit Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, pausing on the riverside to take in one last view of the Arno and Ponte Vecchio from a new angle.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs) | Free |
| Caffè Florian (coffee) | €6 |
| Riva degli Schiavoni (promenade) | Free |
| Mercerie (shopping street - browsing) | Free |
| Bacaro cicchetti (light lunch at a bacaro) | €20 |
| Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) | Free |
| Basilica di San Marco (entrance to basilica) | €5 |
| Campanile di San Marco (lift to bell tower) | €12 |
| Procuratie & waterfront terrace (aperitivo) | €15 |
| Vaporetto ride to Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore (one-way ACTV single) | €8 |
| Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore (watch sunset) | Free |
| Campo Santa Margherita (aperitivo at bacaro) | €12 |
| Ponte dell'Accademia (walk) | Free |
| Gondolas glide (gondola: shared ~30 minutes per person) | €40 |
| Campo San Polo (stroll) | Free |
| Fondamenta Zattere (stroll & coffee) | €4 |
| Pasticceria Tonolo (pastries & espresso) | €6 |
| Rialto Market (guided walking tour) | €20 |
| Ponte di Rialto (viewpoint) | Free |
| Private shared gondola launch from Riva del Vin (per person) | €40 |
| Cannaregio & Ghetto Nuovo (visit) | Free |
| Osteria al Molino (aperitivo) | €12 |
| Santa Maria dei Miracoli (visit) | Free |
| Ponte delle Guglie (walk) | Free |
| Campo San Giacomo dell'Orio (stroll) | Free |
| Antiche Carampane (seafood dinner average per person) | €45 |
| Moonlit vaporetto along Grand Canal (night ride single ACTV) | €8 |
| Transfer Venice to Cortina d'Ampezzo (shared/minivan per person estimate) | €60 |
| Belluno (coffee stop) | €3 |
| Guided walk Lago Federa or Rifugio Fodara Vedla (guided hike per person) | €30 |
| Cable car Faloria (round-trip) | €20 |
| Rifugio Faloria (drink/snack) | €8 |
| Croda da Lago lookout (short walk) | Free |
| Aperitivo in Cortina d'Ampezzo (village) | €12 |
| Passo Giau sunset visit & Rifugio Fedare (drink) | €6 |
| Osteria da Rita (dinner per person) | €30 |
| Transfer Dolomites to Monterosso/Levanto (train/transfer per person estimate) | €70 |
| Fegina promenade (Monterosso) & breakfast at Bar Il Golfo | €10 |
| San Giovanni Battista (church visit) | Free |
| Train/coastal path to Vernazza (local train one-way) | €4 |
| Castello Doria (entrance) | €1 |
| Ciak Ristorante (seafood plate average) | €25 |
| Corniglia & Spiaggia di Guvano viewpoint (walk) | Free |
| Enoteca Il Pirun (tasting Sciacchetrà per person) | €15 |
| Punta Mesco cliff-top walk (sunset) | Free |
| Ristorante Belvedere (seafood dinner average) | €35 |
| Blue Trail hike Manarola to Corniglia (park pass when applicable) | €7 |
| Bar La Torretta (breakfast) | €8 |
| Trattoria dal Billy (seafood lunch in Riomaggiore) | €30 |
| Guided coastal boat cruise with swim (45 min - per person estimate) | €35 |
| Punta Corone & Grotto dei Colombi (walk) | Free |
| Osteria a Mare (dinner average) | €35 |
| Transfer Cinque Terre to Florence (train per person) | €25 |
| Pasticceria Gilli (breakfast) | €8 |
| Basilica di San Lorenzo (visit to Medici Chapels - if paid) | €10 |
| Giardino delle Rose (rose garden) | Free |
| Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo interior visit booked access) | €20 |
| Ponte Vecchio (browse goldsmiths) | Free |
| Mercato Centrale (lunch upstairs food hall) | €15 |
| Oltrarno Santo Spirito (visit) | Free |
| Piazzale Michelangelo (sunset view) | Free |
| Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella (shop visit) | Free |
| La Terrazza Rooftop Bar (aperitivo) | €15 |
| Teatro del Sale (dinner with live music per person estimate) | €50 |
| Galleria degli Uffizi (skip-the-line ticket) | €25 |
| Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio (outdoor visit) | Free |
| Fresco demonstration (hands-on demo per person estimate) | €25 |
| Museo Nazionale del Bargello (entry) | €7 |
| Orsanmichele (visit) | €6 |
| Taddei Bookbinders marbling workshop (per person estimate) | €40 |
| Chiesa di San Miniato al Monte (visit & viewpoint) | Free |
| Trattoria 13 Gobbi (bistecca alla fiorentina average per person) | €45 |
| Gelateria La Carraia (gelato) | €4 |
| Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio tasting (food samples & guided tasting) | €20 |
| Ceramiche Il Castello (glazing demo) | €15 |
| Caffè degli Artigiani (espresso) | €2 |
| Scuola del Cuoio leather-stitching session (per person) | €60 |
| Trattoria Cammillo (lunch average) | €25 |
| Laboratorio Orafo Romano (silver-smithing demo) | €20 |
| Volume / Il Santo Bevitore (aperitivo) | €12 |
| In Tavola Cooking School (hands-on cooking class per person) | €95 |
| Pisa day trip - Leaning Tower climb (if chosen, per person) | €22 |
| Chianti day trip - Castello di Verrazzano cellar tour & tasting (if chosen) | €35 |
| Giardino di Boboli (entry) | €10 |
| Museo di San Marco (entry) | €8 |
| Le Vespe Cafe (brunch) | €15 |
| Museo Galileo (entry) | €10 |
| Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale (visit) | Free |
| Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori (lunch) | €30 |
| Libreria Antiquaria Gonnelli (visit) | Free |
| La Buchetta Food & Wine (farewell dinner average) | €50 |
| Transfer to Florence or Rome airport/station (per person estimated) | €30 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | €1,223 |