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Italian Riviera

Milan, Santa Margherita, Vernazza, Pisa, Florence
Best-Time
May - October
Stops
5
Experience
Beaches, City Life, Culture, Family, Honeymoon, Nature
Length
13 Days
Type
Tailormade

Highlights

Think of a colour and you’re likely to spot it on a building along the coast in one of the many cliff-side towns of the Italian Riviera, Italy’s most attractive coastline.

Begin your holiday exploring the streets of Milan delving into the city’s cultural and artistic side before escaping to the Riviera Coast.

Explore the tiny town of Portofino and marvel at the pastel-hued houses dotting the blue Mediterranean shores. Visit the town’s luxury boutiques and indulge in some seafood in restaurants that dot the waterside.

Head south towards the five villages that make up Cinque Terre. With Vernazza as your base, hike to the other towns and marvel at views of candy coloured house clinging precariously to the cliffside with the azure Mediterranean waters below. Indulge in some wine and food at the many cliff-side restaurants before hopping onto a boat to witness views of the colourful towns from the sea.

Spend the last 3 days of your holiday in the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Florence learning about its impressive art and architecture.

What will you cover?

Suggested Itinerary

DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
DAY 8
DAY 9
DAY 10
DAY 11
DAY 12
DAY 13

Day 1 : Milan Arrival

Arrive at Milan airport and private vehicle will transfer you to your hotel. Check in and enjoy the day at leisure.

Chic Milan is famous for its fashion industry, but this cosmopolitan city offers much more than cutting-edge couture. Home to one of the most striking Gothic cathedrals in Europe, a world-famous opera house, and Leonardo’s iconic The Last Supper, Milan offers more than enough to keep any art-and-architecture aficionado happy. Gourmands can get their fill by dipping in to the city’s vibrant food scene, from trendy street food to Michelin-starred restaurants packed to the gills with elegant Milanesi until the late hours.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Milan

Day 2 : Milan

Today visit Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper and explore Milan on a walking tour

See Milan's main sights and landmarks and take advantage of the skip-the-line admission to Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper'. Follow your knowledgeable guide through the streets of Milan, stopping at spots like La Scala opera house, the magnificent gothic Duomo and Sforza Castle. And then stroll right past the line to see the Da Vinci masterpiece depicting Jesus and his disciples eating their last supper.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Milan

Day 3 : Milan

Today, proceed for a day trip to Lake Como and Bellagio

A great way to discover the timeless beauty of the Italian lakes, this experience includes a walking tour of the chic lake town of Como plus a Lake Como cruise to see snow-peaked mountains and luxury lakeside villas from the water. Visit the colourful seaside town of Bellagio, which many pinpoint as a highlight of the lake. Spend some time at your leisure here to explore and perhaps savour lunch. Later, cruise to Cadenabbia, then return to your coach for the journey back to Milan.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Milan

Day 4 : Milan - Santa Margherita Ligure

After breakfast, transfer to Milan station to catch your train to Santa Margherita. Arrive in Santa Margherita, transfer to the accommodation and check in. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Santa Margherita Ligure is where the maritime scenery and turquoise sea blends beautifully with the green of the Ligurian hills, colourful fishing boats bob in the harbour, and picturesque fishermen’s houses transport you back to a less hurried time.

Visit the beach, the lively harbour and the promenade to catch a glimpse of the picturesque scenery of palm trees and colourful houses dotting the shore.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Santa Margherita

Day 5 : Santa Margherita Ligure

After breakfast, catch a local bus and visit the seaside village of Portofino

Relax at the pearl of the Ligurian Sea at Portofino, a half-moon shaped seaside village that dates back to the Roman period. Its glittering harbour and colourful waterfront houses have made it a much sought after destination among celebrities.

Visit the restaurants lined across the harbour as you enjoy uninterrupted views over the Italian Riviera. Make sure to spend some time wandering the backstreets and visit some high-end shops. Alternatively, get adventurous as you snorkel into the crystal-clear green water of Paraggi bay to discover the underwater treasure around the sandy beach. If dipping into the water isn’t what you wish to do, you can choose to glide along the beautiful coastline of Portofino's Marine Protected Area on a kayak. Paddle through secret creeks and admire picturesque caves that are otherwise inaccessible.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Santa Margherita

Day 6 : Santa Margherita Ligure - Vernazza

After breakfast, transfer to Santa Margherita station to catch your train to Vernazza, one of the five villages of Cinque Terre. Arrive in Vernazza, transfer to your accommodation and check in.

Cinque Terre attracts all kinds of travellers—from those seeking Mediterranean luxury to sun-worshiping beachcombers and outdoor adventurers. The picturesque villages, rolling hillsides, coastal cliffs and easy hiking trails make this Italian jewel the perfect destination for visitors looking to escape. The best part of having your base in Vernazza is that majority of the hotels overlook the city so you are usually always going to have a great view.

Spend the day exploring this small harbour town. Hike up to the castle for some wonderful photo opportunities, visit the beach to swim in the warm waters, and sip some wine in the piazza.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Vernazza

Day 7 : Vernazza

Start your day early to explore the other towns of Cinque Terre.

Hike to Corniglia and endeavour to climb the 300-step staircase the town is famous for. Check out what are arguably some of the best panoramic views from atop the highest village in Cinque Terre. It’s the only village where it’s possible to see each of the Cinque Terre towns from a single terrace.

Next hike to Manarola. This is one of the most popular towns and it is likely you’ve seen this town in photos, postcards or paintings. Manarola is famous for producing the Cinque Terre wine, Sciacchetrà made from the grapevines that surround this village. Visit a charming wine bar to sip a glass or two. You’ll find it hard to stop yourself from clicking multiple photos of the town’s coastline and the cerulean ocean beyond.

Hike to Riomaggiore, the southernmost village known for its candy-coloured houses. Spend your time walking the cobbled streets and narrow alleys. While away your time at the beach or stroll along the coast.

Conclude your day as you relax on a sailing trip at sunset along the Ligurian Coast headed towards Vernazza. Though the footpaths and villages of the Cinque Terre are lovely to explore by land, this stretch of coast is particularly spectacular when seen from the water. In a unique atmosphere that only this picturesque bay at sunset can offer, admire the fascinating landscape of lights and colour of the villages of Cinque Terre.

In case, you do not wish to hike between the villages, feel free to hop onto a train that connects each town.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Vernazza

Day 8 : Vernazza

Today, start the day at ease. Relax in one of the cafes in Vernazza town centre and enjoy the sweeping views.

Later, hike or catch the train to Monterosso, the final village of Cinque Terre. Monterosso is the largest village and is split into two sections- old and new with a tunnel connecting the two sides. While the other villages of Cinque Terre have beaches, they’re often rocky and pebbly rather than sandy. Monterosso is home to Cinque Terre’s only true sandy beach. Rent a beach umbrella and a deck chair and enjoy your day in the sun and sand.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Vernazza

Day 9 : Vernazza - Pisa

After breakfast, transfer to Vernazza station to catch your train to Pisa. Arrive in Pisa, transfer to the accommodation and check in.

Later, visit the leaning tower of Pisa

Perhaps one of the world's most beloved architectural mistakes, the Leaning Tower of Pisa's imitable tilt has made the UNESCO World Heritage site an icon of Tuscany and all of Italy. Spend time clicking photos with the tower and don’t hesitate to get creative. If you wish, you can ascend the leaning tower's 294-step spiral staircase and be rewarded with stunning views over Pisa.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Pisa

Day 10 : Pisa - Florence

After breakfast, transfer to Pisa station to catch your train to Florence. Arrive in Florence, transfer to the accommodation and check in.

Capital of Tuscany and known as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence and its UNESCO-listed historic centre are home to some of the world's greatest artistic and architectural masterpieces. With its museums, gardens, architecture and sensational culinary scene, you will quickly understand why this city is a must-see when visiting Italy.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Florence

Day 11 : Florence

Today explore the best of Florence on a walking tour with Skip-the-Line access to Michelangelo’s ‘David’

Led by an expert guide, begin your walking tour with skip-the-line entrance inside the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David. Marvel at the lifelike contours of the 17-foot sculpture and see why this creation has become of the most iconic in the world. Afterward, continue on a walking tour of the city. Your guide will point out architecture from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, as well as provide historical commentary and local lore about the sites that you pass, such as the Florence Duomo, the medieval Palazzo Vecchio, the Church of Orsanmichele and the former Ancient Forum, now Piazza della Repubblica. Don't forget to rub the nose of the legendary boar statute, il Porcellino, promising your return to Florence! Your tour will conclude in Lungarno, facing the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Florence

Day 12 : Florence

Today, ride a vintage Vespa through Tuscany.

Your Vespa tour will begin in central Florence, where you’ll meet your guide for a brief safety overview and practice ride before hitting the road. Saddle up on your original Vintage PK Vespa, a classic model no longer produced, and follow your guide through the city streets until you reach the outskirts.

Admire panoramic views of Florence from the Church of San Miniato al Monte before taking a peek inside. The Romanesque church hosts an array of incredible artwork and is one of the city’s lesser-known gems. Continue into the Tuscan hills, past poppy fields and vineyards, with plenty of opportunities to pause for photos. As you travel back toward Florence, pull over at Piazzale Michelangelo, where views of the Arno River and the iconic Duomo stretch out before you. Conclude your adventure with a Tuscan meal on a private terrace, savouring bites of burrata cheese, bruschetta or meat cold cuts with fennel. Sit back, relax and soak up the Italian spirit before heading back to your original departure point.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Florence

Day 13 : Florence Departure

After breakfast, a private vehicle will transfer you to Florence airport where you can catch your flight back home


Where to rest your head ?

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Inclusions

accommodation
Hotels & Apartments
meals
Daily Breakfast
sightseeing
Tours & Excursion
transfers
Private Airport Transfers
transport
Intercity Trains
visa
Italy Visa
travel insurance
13 Days

Exclusions

flights
International Flights
meals
Food & Drinks

Starting from
112000 per person