Journeys: Northern Italy, Venice to Florence

Arrive at any time and meet your fellow travellers at a welcome meeting. After an optional group dinner, join the Expedition Leader for an evening walk through the city to experience the beauty of Venice under the soft glow of twilight. Please make your own way to the joining hotel.

Included Experiences

• Venice Evening Orientation Walk: Set off with your Expedition Leader on an evening orientation walk to get your bearings and to see the gorgeous city all lit up at night. Hop on and off the local water taxis, called "vaporettos," as you navigate Venice's picturesque canals and waterways. Truly a city like nowhere on earth, the best way to explore it is on foot and from the water.
• Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Experience another side of Venice on a visit to nearby Murano Island. Walk through the town’s charming streets and hear stories about Murano’s rise as a glassmaking hub during the Renaissance. Watch master glass blowers transform molten glass into intricate pieces, using traditional techniques and hear from a local expert about how this traditional craftwork has spanned generations and become part of the cultural identity of the Venetian islands. Back in Venice, spend the afternoon exploring on your own. Perhaps visit the Guggenheim Museum, indulge in a Venetian food tour, find a quaint cafe on the Grand Canal or enjoy a Venetian gondola ride.

Included Experiences

• Murano Island Glass Blowing Experience with a Local Expert: Experience the enchanting island of Murano on a private water taxi tour with a local expert. This excursion offers a unique glimpse into the rich history and artisanal traditions of Venice. Witness the intricate art of glassblowing in Murano. Visit an authentic workshop and hear from a local expert about the craft of traditional glassblowing and its significance to Murano’s cultural heritage. Gain an understanding of the craft’s history and ancient techniques, which have been featured in the National Geographic Magazine article “Made in Italy: Venice.” These traditional craftworks have spanned generations and have become part of the cultural identity of the islands. Enjoy the serene beauty of this iconic island, away from the crowds.
• Free Time: Admire great Renaissance works of art at the Accademia or the Scuola di San Rocco, or visit the Peggy Guggenheim Gallery for more contemporary pieces.

Optional Experiences

• Guggenheim Museum Visit: While walking down the Grand Canal, stop into this museum to see its extensive modern art collection.
• Venice Food Tour: Immerse yourself in Venice’s rich culinary heritage with a guided food tour through Cannaregio and the historic Jewish Ghetto. Savor a progressive meal that embodies authentic Venetian flavors — from the city’s signature spritz to locally produced wines paired with creamy risotto. Enjoy traditional cicchetti such as baccalà mantecato, sarde in saor, and polenta, among other local delights, then raise a glass of crisp prosecco to your journey. As you wander through Venice’s hidden alleyways and canals, uncover the stories, culture, and centuries-old influences that have shaped its unique cuisine. End your culinary adventure with a sweet finale, a classic tiramisù or artisanal gelato.
• Campanile San Marco Lookout: Climb to the top of the Campanile - Venice's tallest building - to take in a great bird's eye view of the cityscape and lagoon.
• Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) Visit : Visit this former palace, rebuilt and restored numerous times, and admire the Gothic Venetian architecture. Once the seat of the government, the Palazzo Ducale is now a grand museum. Enjoy the stellar artwork, ornate chambers, and courtyards.
• Gondola Ride: Sit back and enjoy a different point of view as you glide through the historic canals of Venice on a gondola.
• Saint Mark's Square and Basilica Visit: Enter the picture-perfect Piazza San Marco from one of the many winding alleyways and stare in awe at the grandeur. With the massive, ornate basilica standing tall at one end, pigeons gathering and flying around, and violinists playing a Vivaldi tune at a café table — this is Venice. Wander the square and people watch or duck inside the glittering basilica for more Venetian inspiration.

Set off from Venice on a drive through the stunning landscapes of northern Italy to La Spezia, gateway to the spectacular Cinque Terre. From here, hop on a train to the seaside village of Monterosso al Mare, one of the area’s 5 villages. Visit the town before choosing how best to continue exploring. Those seeking a more active option can join a local guide for an included moderate hike from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza, following a trail along terraced landscapes and charming villages. Alternatively, continue exploring the coastal villages by train with your Expedition Leader who will provide additional insight into the region throughout your journey. Return to La Spezia and enjoy an evening exploring on your own.

Included Experiences

• Local Train: Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
• Cinque Terre Guided Hike or Explore by Train: Choose to explore the stunning area of Cinque Terre either on foot or by train. Those looking to hike will walk from the village of Monterosso to Vernazza along with a with local guide. This trail is part of the famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) and it offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The path winds through terraced landscapes and charming villages, providing opportunities to learn about local history, culture, and flora. The hike concludes in the picturesque village of Vernazza, known for its colorful houses and vibrant harbor. The elevation gan and loss is approximately 230m. Alternatively, join your Expedition Leader to explore Cinque Terre's stunning landscapes and picturesque villages by train before returning to the hotel in the evening.

Enjoy the morning discovering Cinque Terre on your own or join your Expedition Leader on a visit to Portovenere, a charming seaside village with colourful houses and sparkling blue waters. Later, travel south to Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region. Walk through the lively and historic streets with the Expedition Leader, stopping for an aperitivo experience with a light dinner at a local bar. After, enjoy an evening stroll back to the hotel, taking in the beauty of the city’s architecture and monuments lit up at night.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy a free morning in La Spezia to explore the city or take a short trip to the village of Portovenere.
• Aperitivo Experience: Take a break: sip a pre-dinner drink and snack on some Italian specialties at a local bar.

Optional Experiences

• Visit Portovenere: Travel to Portovenere, known as the "sixth" Cinque Terre town. This picturesque coastal village overlooks the Gulf of La Spezia and is known for its natural beauty and charming historic center. Spend time exploring the area before returning to La Spezia in the late afternoon.

Set off on a guided tour of Florence, a city renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant history. This walking experience, led by a knowledgeable local guide, takes you on a journey through the heart of the Renaissance. Marvel at the architectural splendor of Il Duomo, which took more than 100 years to build. Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza della Signoria, and stroll across the historic Ponte Vecchio. Learn about the city's illustrious past, from the powerful Medici family to its world-renowned artists. Afterward, continue to a delightful market, to explore vibrant stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses and cured meats. Savor the flavors of traditional Tuscan cuisine as you sample local products, including the renowned Pecorino cheese. This enriching experience offers a true taste of Florence's culinary heritage and will serve as a light lunch. Enjoy the rest of the day with free time to explore Florence’s many plazas and world-class museums. Il Duomo is viewed from the outside, admission inside is not included on the walking tour.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: There is so much of Florence to explore – its famous museums, galleries, cathedrals, and shops.
• Florence Market and Food Tour: Enjoy the local specialities on this Expedition Leader-led market and food tour. Take in the sights, sounds, and smells, and enjoy every moment.
• Florence Guided Walking Tour: Discover the enchanting beauty and rich history of Florence on a guided tour through its iconic streets and landmarks. This immersive experience, led by a knowledgeable local guide, takes you on a journey through the heart of the Renaissance. Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Duomo, explore the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza della Signoria, and stroll across the historic Ponte Vecchio. Learn about the city's illustrious past, from its Medici rulers to its world-renowned artists.

Optional Experiences

• Galleria dell'Accademia Visit: Admire beautiful sculptures by the Renaissance master, Michelangelo, including the famous statue of David, at this beautiful art gallery. Check out rare musical instruments made by Stradivari (who made string instruments) and Bartolomeo Cristofori, the inventor of the piano, at Accademia Gallery's Museum of Musical Instruments.
• Uffizi Gallery Visit: Head to the Uffizi Gallery to see spectacular Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci paintings in person.
• Pitti Palace - Palatine Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art: Visiti the Pitti Palace and learn about history alongside modern art.
• Medici Chapels Visit: Admire the opulence of the two Medici Chapels. The Sagrestia Nuova was designed by Michelangelo and built as a mausoleum for the powerful Medici family. (9-32 EUR per person)

Take advantage of a free day in Florence to pursue whatever your interests may be. Perhaps visit the Galleria dell'Accademia, the Uffizi Gallery, the Pitti Palace or the Medici Chapels (note that some of the more popular attractions in Florence require pre-booking). Or explore the city on foot, stopping at cafes and gelato shops along the way. After an optional dinner out with the group, set off to the Piazzale Michelangelo and enjoy a breathtaking panorama of Florence, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the picturesque sunset.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Take advantage of a free day to discover the best of everything that Florence has to offer.
• Piazzale Michelangelo Walk: Cross through the centre of the city and over the Arno. Climb to the top of the hill and check out the vista over the river from Piazzale Michelangelo. It's worth every step!

Optional Experiences

• Galleria dell'Accademia Visit: Admire beautiful sculptures by the Renaissance master, Michelangelo, including the famous statue of David, at this beautiful art gallery. Check out rare musical instruments made by Stradivari (who made string instruments) and Bartolomeo Cristofori, the inventor of the piano, at Accademia Gallery's Museum of Musical Instruments.
• Uffizi Gallery Visit: Head to the Uffizi Gallery to see spectacular Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci paintings in person.
• Pitti Palace - Palatine Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art: Visiti the Pitti Palace and learn about history alongside modern art.
• Medici Chapels Visit: Admire the opulence of the two Medici Chapels. The Sagrestia Nuova was designed by Michelangelo and built as a mausoleum for the powerful Medici family. (9-32 EUR per person)

Depart at any time.