10-Day Florence, Portofino, uncovered Genoa and Venice
Customisable Itinerary
4.5 • 6 travellers have booked with Edmondo B.
Trip Overview
Italy, renowned for its stunning landscapes and historic cities, offers countless travel experiences. One such memorable trip is from Portofino's picturesque coastal town to Florence's cultural hub. This journey can be undertaken via various modes of transport, including regional trains, Frecciarossa trains, buses, cars, and ferries. What is waiting for you on this enchanting voyage? Let's find out.
Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is a city steeped in history and culture. As you arrive by train at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station, you’ll be in the city's heart, ready to explore its renowned art, architecture, and culinary delights.
Italy, renowned for its stunning landscapes and historic cities, offers countless travel experiences. One such memorable trip is from Portofino's picturesque coastal town to Florence's cultural hub. This journey can be undertaken via various modes of transport, including regional trains, Frecciarossa trains, buses, cars, and ferries. What is waiting for you on this enchanting voyage? Let's find out.
Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is a city steeped in history and culture. As you arrive by train at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station, you’ll be in the city's heart, ready to explore its renowned art, architecture, and culinary delights.
Florence is home to iconic landmarks such as the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery. Stroll along the River Arno, visit world-class museums, and savour traditional Tuscan cuisine. Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, Florence offers a rich tapestry of experiences.
Portofino, a charming Italian city on the Ligurian coast, is famous for its colourful harbour, upscale boutiques, and serene ambience. Nestled in a sheltered bay, Portofino is a haven for luxury yachts and a celebrity favourite. You can explore its narrow streets, enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, or hike to the nearby Castello Brown for panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea.
The best way to travel from Florence to Portofino is by train. Italy’s train services are known for their punctuality, comfort, and connectivity. You can catch a regional train from Santa Margherita Ligure to Florence, typically around 3-4 hours. These regional trains offer free Wi-Fi, ample luggage space, and comfortable seating, making your trip pleasant and convenient.
For a faster option, consider the Frecciarossa trains, Italy’s high-speed trains that connect major cities. While there is no direct Frecciarossa service from Santa Margherita Ligure to Florence, you can take a regional train to a nearby hub such as Genoa or Pisa and transfer to a Frecciarossa train. The trains feature luxurious amenities, including free Wi-Fi, spacious seating, and on-board services, ensuring a premium travel experience. If you prefer to drive, the distance from Portofino to Florence is approximately 200 kilometres. The journey by car takes around 3 hours, depending on traffic. This route allows you to explore the Italian countryside at your own pace, stopping at charming villages and scenic spots along the way. Buses are another viable option, although they may take longer than trains. Bus services from Santa Margherita Ligure to Florence offer an economical travel method. However, bus journeys can be less comfortable and more time-consuming.
Tips for the Journey
Tickets and Reservations: It’s advisable to book train tickets in advance, especially for Frecciarossa trains, to secure the best prices and seating options. Regional train tickets can be purchased on the day of travel, but advanced booking is recommended during peak seasons.
Luggage: Ensure your luggage is manageable, as you’ll need to navigate train stations and potentially transfer between trains. Most trains provide ample luggage storage, but it’s always best to travel light.
Accommodation: Florence boasts many hotels, from luxurious five-star establishments to charming boutique hotels. Booking in advance ensures you get the best deals and preferred accommodations.
Exploring Florence: Consider using public transport or walking to explore Florence. The city’s historic centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere.
This trip from Florence to Portofino is a delightful journey through some of Italy’s most captivating regions. Whether you choose to travel by train, car, ferry or bus, each mode of transport offers unique experiences and opportunities to explore the beauty of Italy. Embrace the journey and discover the magic that awaits in Florence.
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Trip Map
Destination:
Italy
Start:
Florence, Italy
Finish:
Venice, Italy
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Florence, Best of Florence Walking tour and Michelangelo’s David
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Upon your arrival, you will meet the private taxi that will take you to your hotel. You will then check in and take your time before delving into the atmosphere that is the cradle of the Renaissance. Take your time to settle and then follow your guide across the main attractions of the historical city centre, such as the Piazza and Palazzo Della Signoria, the Duomo complex and Ponte Vecchio. Later, you will meet Michelangelo’s most famous sculpture: the David at Accademia Gallery.
Accommodation
Hotel Home Florence★4 star
Activities
Florence Walking Tour
Accademia Gallery
Transportations
Private Driver from Florence Airport, Peretola to Hotel Home Florence
Destinations
Florence
Day 2
San Lorenzo Market and Tuscan Cooking Class
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This morning, you will discover the foodie heart of Florence. Led by your chef guide, head to the local market learn about the local specialities and the Tuscan food heritage. Here you will liaise with the vegetable vendors, butchers and bakers as you pick out the best, tastiest ingredients to prepare your meal. Aprons on, you will follow your chef's skilled instructions and learn how to prepare exquisite traditional dishes: crispy bruschetta, fresh hand-rolled pasta, tasty pasta sauces and dessert, too. Finally, you can sit down with a good glass of Chianti wine and indulge in your creations!
Accommodation
Hotel Home Florence★4 star
Activities
San Lorenzo Market and Tuscan Cooking Class
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Florence
Day 3
Chianti Countryside Full Day Excursion With Wine Tasting
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Enjoy the perfect mix of art, history, landscapes, food and wine in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside. Departing from Florence, you will see the many highlights of Siena on a guided walking tour, admiring the marvellous Tuscan landscape, taste genuine Tuscan food paired with great wines, and finish your day relaxing in the hilltop village of San Gimignano. A full day to experience firsthand some of Tuscany's most breathtaking towns, where amazing views are around every corner.
Accommodation
Hotel Home Florence★4 star
Activities
Chianti Countryside Tour with Wine and Food Tasting
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Florence
Siena
Day 4
From Florence to Cinque Terre, Day at Leisure
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This morning, depart Florence to discover Cinque Terre! Make your way to Saint Maria Novella railway station and board your train to La Spezia. Once there take advantage of the Cinque Terre Card to easily reach your hotel in Cinque Terre. Check-in and then start discovering the lovely five villages of the National Park travelling by its railway line.
Accommodation
Hotel Gianni Franzi★2 star
Activities
Free Time in Cinque Terre
Transportations
Train from Hotel Santa Maria Novella to La Spezia
Train from La Spezia to Vernazza
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Florence
Vernazza
Monterosso al Mare
Day 5
Day at Leisure at Cinque Terre National Park
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Today, you will have a full day at leisure to explore the National Park of Cinque Terre. The card allows you to make an unlimited number of trips by rail to fully enjoy this scenic coastal area, as well as access to all its hiking trails. Discover this enchanting Protected National Park with its colourful homes, striking cliffs, and sparkling blue sea! Enjoy exploring the five villages independently, taking your time to stroll, shop souvenirs, take photos, and relax.
Accommodation
Hotel Gianni Franzi★2 star
Activities
Cinque Terre National Park
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Vernazza
Liguria
Day 6
Genoa Private Food Walking Tour
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Today, you will depart to discover Genoa! Board your regional train from Cinque Terre to the ancient city of Genoa, famous for its maritime history. Make your way to your hotel and relax, then discover the city with its beauties and goodies with the help of a private local guide. You will be surrounded by a genuine and unique environment, a memorable way of tasting the city's traditional specialities and of visiting Genoa!
Accommodation
NH Collection Genova Marina★4 star
Activities
Genoa Food Walking Tour
Transportations
Train from Cinque Terre to Genoa
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Vernazza
Genoa
Day 7
Local Train to Santa Margherita Ligure Portofino and San Fruttuoso Abbey
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You will meet your private guide at Santa Margherita Ligure railway station. You will then head to Portofino via a pleasant coastal route in 1 hour 15 minutes. This is one of the most beautiful walks to spectacular views of Tigullio that can be admired. After visiting Portofino, you will then reach Abbazia di San Fruttoso, a hidden corner of paradise in Italy. The Abbey and the fishing village around it stand as a true oasis in a unique scenario, amid the earth and the woodlands of Mount Portofino and the blue sea of eastern Liguria.
Accommodation
NH Collection Genova Marina★4 star
Activities
Marina di Portofino
Abbey of San Fruttuoso
Camogli
Transportations
Train from Genoa to Santa Margherita Ligure
Train from Camogli to Genoa
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Genoa
Portofino
San Fruttuoso
Camogli
Day 8
Travel to Venice and Grand Canal Tour
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After Breakfast, you will reach Genoa railway station and board your train to Venice. Make your way to your hotel and check in. In the afternoon, join a tour along the Grand Canal. Your local, and friendly guide will entertain you with stories of the palaces and their owners. The facades of these stunning buildings are only visible from the water and were built to be most appealing from that viewpoint. On this tour, you will explore the quaint waterways, with their many picture-perfect bridges on the quieter side of Venice.
Accommodation
Hotel Continental Venice★4 star
Activities
Grand Canal Tour of Venice
Transportations
Train from Genova Piazza Principe to Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Genoa
Venice
Day 9
Murano and Burano Island Tour
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Today, you'll discover the lagoon of Venice and its most beautiful islands joining this tour of the Venetian lagoon and its most famous island. In Murano, you'll see a demonstration on the modelling of glass by the glassblowing masters who will give life to vases, glasses and many other beautiful objects from the local tradition. You will then head to Burano, famous for the colourful houses of the fishermen, who, according to legend, would have painted their houses with bright colours to be able to recognise them in the typical local fog.
Accommodation
Hotel Continental Venice★4 star
Activities
Murano and Burano Island Tour
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Venice
Day 10
Arrivederci!
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Private water taxi from the hotel to Venice Marco Polo Airport.
Transportations
Taxi from Hotel Continental Venice to Venice Marco Polo Airport
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Venice
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What’s included?
9 nights accommodation
11 activities
9 breakfasts
Airport transfer
Entrance fees
Ground transportation
Licensed English speaking guides
What’s not included?
Alcohol beverages
Domestic flights
Entry visas / airport departure tax
Gratuities
International flights
Laundry
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 5,858/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
Italy in 10 days
4-star, 2-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer