Liguria and Florence

This stunning ten night escape takes you from the glitz and glamour of the Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre to the Renaissance grandeur of Tuscany’s capital – Florence.

At a glance

Explore the glamorous seafront of Sanremo
Fill your camera with colourful photos of the Cinque Terre
Visit art galleries not to be missed including Uffizi and Accademia

For more information, call our Italy Experts on:

01293 765055 Or Request a quote

Suggested Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : UK - Liguria

Arrive at Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport and make the scenic journey to the Italian Riviera (approx, 1 hour), where you can check in to your pick of our great hotels. The Liguria coastline is perhaps Italy’s most spectacular, sheltering photogenic gems like Portofino and Sestri Levante, and boasting some of the best beaches in the country in between.

Points of interest:

Liguria's Beaches

Where you could stay

Best Western Hotel Regina Elena

Liguria, Santa Margherita

15 minutes drive from the exclusive resort of Portofino
Rooftop swimming pool with views over the Ligurian coast

Find out more

Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast - Rapallo

Liguria, Rapallo

Splendid coastal location just five minutes from Rapallo
Beautifully decorated with old-style elegance blended with modern-day comforts

Find out more

Hotel Vis a Vis

Liguria, Sestri Levante

In a beautiful hilltop location, overlooking Sestri Levante
A unique, family run hotel steeped in Italian history

Find out more

Days 2-7 : Liguria

Explore Liguria at will, enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery, ocean colours and pretty towns nestled along the coast. From Portofino's glamorous seafront to Sanremo’s grand Beaux Arts casino, there are lots of ways to fill your time in the region, although you can just as easily find a beach and while away the hours should you prefer.

The eclectic city of Genoa is widely recognised by historians as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and its maritime legacy is evident in what is Italy's largest port and medieval town. Wander the narrow alleyways and admire the 16th and 17th-century palaces newly rejuvenated as museums and galleries, or visit the famed Aquarium of Genoa. Be sure to spend a day exploring the glorious towns of the Cinque Terre – just a boat ride away. This string of stunning towns literally translates to ‘five lands’, and each town has its own appeal, from the spectacular beachfront of Monterosso al Mare, to the colourful jumble of coastal Vernazza.

Points of interest:

Visit Portofino Visit Cinque Terre from Liguria

Where you could stay

Best Western Hotel Regina Elena

Liguria, Santa Margherita

15 minutes drive from the exclusive resort of Portofino
Rooftop swimming pool with views over the Ligurian coast

Find out more

Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast - Rapallo

Liguria, Rapallo

Splendid coastal location just five minutes from Rapallo
Beautifully decorated with old-style elegance blended with modern-day comforts

Find out more

Hotel Vis a Vis

Liguria, Sestri Levante

In a beautiful hilltop location, overlooking Sestri Levante
A unique, family run hotel steeped in Italian history

Find out more

Day 8 : Liguria - Florence

Make the spectacular journey across Italy to timeless Florence (approx. 2-4 hours, depending on which resort you’re staying in) and check in to your well-located hotel. For your first afternoon and evening, stay close to the Piazza della Signoria and the Piazza del Duomo, where plenty of restaurants and shops can be found. The astonishing duomo is well worth a visit should you have time, offering spectacular views from its remarkable dome – a mighty accomplishment by Italy’s Brunelleschi, and still the largest masonry dome in the world more than 500 years after being built.

Points of interest:

Piazza della Signoria Florence Cathedral

Where you could stay

Grand Hotel Baglioni

Italian Cities, Florence

A historic hotel with elegant details
Located in the historic heart of Florence

Find out more

Hotel Balestri

Italian Cities, Florence

Central riverside location
Boutique hotel with charm and atmosphere

Find out more

Hotel Porta Faenza

Italian Cities, Florence

Situated only 700 metres from the train station in the centre of ancient Florence
Great value for money

Find out more

Day 9 : Florence

Spend the morning perusing one of Florence's colourful markets, which sell everything from food to antiques and leather goods; the most famous is in the area around Piazza San Lorenzo and gets very lively during the summer and weekends.

After a light lunch, embark on the pre-bookable Vasari Corridor excursion, which takes you from the Uffizi Gallery and its wonderful collection of paintings and ancient statues to the Vasari Corridor – the secret passageway that runs from the Palazzo Vecchio and above the Ponte Vecchio Bridge to the Pitti Palace. Built by order of Cosimo I de Medici to let dukes cross without mingling with the public, it is now filled with precious works of art and is one of Florence’s most interesting attractions. Finish the day with a meal in one of the many authentic trattorie located in the centre, before taking a stroll along the atmospheric streets.

Points of interest:

Mercato Centrale

Where you could stay

Grand Hotel Baglioni

Italian Cities, Florence

A historic hotel with elegant details
Located in the historic heart of Florence

Find out more

Hotel Balestri

Italian Cities, Florence

Central riverside location
Boutique hotel with charm and atmosphere

Find out more

Hotel Porta Faenza

Italian Cities, Florence

Situated only 700 metres from the train station in the centre of ancient Florence
Great value for money

Find out more

Day 10 : Florence

Take a break from the crowds and buy a ticket for the short bus journey to the ancient hilltop town of Fiesole, which pre-dates Florence by several centuries. Its central square is a long, gently sloping arena lined with shaded pavement cafes perfect for enjoying an alfresco cappuccino and admiring the stunning views. Finish your day with another meal in beautiful Florence, before taking advantage of the late night summer openings in the Uffizi Gallery, The Academia, and the Bargello – all of which are open until 11pm on selected nights.

Points of interest:

Uffizi Gallery Accademia Gallery

Where you could stay

Grand Hotel Baglioni

Italian Cities, Florence

A historic hotel with elegant details
Located in the historic heart of Florence

Find out more

Hotel Balestri

Italian Cities, Florence

Central riverside location
Boutique hotel with charm and atmosphere

Find out more

Hotel Porta Faenza

Italian Cities, Florence

Situated only 700 metres from the train station in the centre of ancient Florence
Great value for money

Find out more

Day 11 : Florence - UK

Bid farewell to Florence, as you embark on your last journey in Italy, heading to beautiful Pisa (approx. 1 hour) before transferring to Pisa International Airport and boarding your flight home.

11 days from £1,375 per person

Price shown includes return flights from London, accommodation in each destination for the duration specified and transfers, trains and/or car hire as required. The price shown represents a from price per person based on two people sharing on low season travel unless otherwise stated. Price is subject to availability and flight seats change continually, affecting the final price. The lead-in price shown is for guidance only. To obtain a tailored quote specific for your requirements, please contact one of our Italy Experts.

Practical Information

Flight Information

Most flights to Liguria arrive into Genoa airport (GOA) although visitors to the west of the riviera can also fly into Nice (please call our Italy Experts to book flights to Nice). Direct flights to Genoa are available from London Gatwick, London Heathrow and London Stansted and take approximately 2 hours.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

You don’t have to leave a tip in Italy – most Italians don’t tip for restaurant meals, bar drinks, taxi rides or hair and beauty treatments. However if you do leave a tip, you might receive quicker service.

Details

Based on 2 adults sharing. Travelling October 2023.

Quote reference number: 53036121

Liguria and Florence

At a glance

Suggested Trip Itinerary

Best Western Hotel Regina Elena

Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast - Rapallo

Hotel Vis a Vis

Best Western Hotel Regina Elena

Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast - Rapallo

Hotel Vis a Vis

Grand Hotel Baglioni

Hotel Balestri

Hotel Porta Faenza

Grand Hotel Baglioni

Hotel Balestri

Hotel Porta Faenza

Grand Hotel Baglioni

Hotel Balestri

Hotel Porta Faenza

11 days from £1,375 per person

Practical Information

Flight Information

Visa Information

Tipping

Details

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