Tours & Vacations Curated by Impulsive Escape Travel

Italy vacation idea

Solo Italy: Florence to Venice

A 9-day solo-only small-group Italy journey linking Florence, Cinque Terre, Lake Como and Venice with rail travel, local experiences and built-in time to connect.

Italy Guided / Escorted Moderate Rail Small Group Solo Travel Culture
Length9 days / 8 nights
FormatSolo-only small-group tour
ActivityLight
Route Florence • Pisa • La Spezia • Cinque Terre • Lake Como • Venice

Why This Trip Stands Out

This is a great fit for solo travelers who want the social side of a small group without giving up time to explore on their own. The route moves from Florence through Cinque Terre and Lake Como to Venice, using trains and local transportation for much of the journey.

  • Solo-only departures built around meeting and traveling with other independent travelers.
  • A hands-on pasta-making experience in Florence and guided walks that go beyond the obvious highlights.
  • Time in Pisa and Cinque Terre, with the option to hike or use the included train pass between the coastal villages.
  • Lake Como by ferry, plus the funicular to Brunate for views over the lake and Alps.
  • Guided time in Venice plus a full day to choose your own pace and optional experiences.

Sample Itinerary

Days 1–2 | Florence

Arrive in Florence in time for the included transfer and evening welcome. Start with a pasta-making dinner, then spend the next day exploring Florence with guided walks, local market stops and time to experience the city’s food and culture.

Days 3–4 | Pisa, La Spezia & Cinque Terre

Travel north with a stop in Pisa before continuing to La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre. The following day is flexible: hike the coastal paths or use the included unlimited train pass to move between the villages at your own pace.

Days 5–6 | Lake Como

Continue by train to Lake Como and get oriented before riding the funicular to Brunate. The next day includes a ferry outing across the lake with time around Menaggio and Bellagio.

Days 7–9 | Venice

Travel by train to Venice for a guided walking tour through the canals, bridges and historic neighborhoods. Day 8 is intentionally flexible for optional islands, food, museums or simply wandering Venice on your own before the tour ends on Day 9.

What You Get

What’s Included

  • 8 nights in hotels on a twin-share basis
  • 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
  • Included arrival transfer in Florence when arriving by the required time
  • Florence pasta-making experience and guided city walks
  • Visit to Pisa and La Spezia
  • Cinque Terre National Park entry and unlimited train pass
  • Lake Como ferry outing and Brunate funicular
  • Guided walking tour of Venice
  • Transportation between included destinations and activities

Your Stay

Where You’ll Stay

Eight hotel nights are included on a twin-share basis. Solo travelers are paired with another traveler of the same sex unless they purchase the optional private-room upgrade, subject to availability.

Getting Around

Transportation

Most intercity travel is by train, with local bus and public boat transportation where needed. Travelers should be comfortable carrying their own luggage through stations and for short walks between transportation and hotels.

Food & Dining

Meals & Dining

Eight breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner are included. The opening dinner is built around a hands-on pasta-making experience in Florence, while many other meals are left open so you can choose where and what you want to eat.

More to Add

Optional Experiences

Optional choices can include a Venice food tour, Murano and Burano, a gondola ride, Doge’s Palace and other Venice sightseeing. A private-room option is currently offered from $899, subject to availability and current pricing.

Make It Yours

Ways to Customize It

The core group itinerary follows fixed departures, but I can help add flights and pre- or post-tour hotel nights around the trip.

Group Details

How the Group Works

This is a solo-only small-group departure for travelers age 18 and older. Group size is capped at 16 and averages about 12 travelers, creating a more social format while still leaving free time throughout the itinerary.

A Good Match?

Who This Trip Is Best For

Solo travelers age 18+ who want a social small-group trip with a balance of guided experiences, free time and scenic rail travel through northern Italy.

Before You Choose It

A Few Things to Know

You need to be comfortable carrying your own luggage through train stations and up stairs, since elevators are not always available. Arrival in Florence by 2:00 PM on Day 1 is required to use the included transfer and join the opening activities. Travel insurance is required by the tour operator.

Interested in This One?

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Pricing & availability: Prices shown are starting prices from the applicable tour operator and were available when last verified. Unless noted otherwise, pricing is per person based on the occupancy shown above. Availability, taxes, fees, supplements, promotions, and supplier terms can change. Your exact price and availability will be confirmed before booking. Nothing is confirmed until payment is applied.

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