Liguria and Florence

Arrive at Pisa International Airport and make the scenic journey to the Italian Riviera (approx., 1 - 2 hours), 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.

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. 

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.

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, visit the famous Uffizi Gallery with the wonderful collectiond 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.

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 The Academia, and the Bargello – all of which are open until 11pm on selected nights.

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.