Best of Northern Italy: Florence to Venice

Uncover the treasures of Florence, savoured by locals for generations, on this 3-hour walking tour through Oltrarno. Experience the unique flavours and foods that make the cuisine of this region so distinct from the rest of Italy. Famous for being the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to Michelangelo’s famous statue of David, Florence is a city rich with culture, history and of course, some of the tastiest Tuscan food in the region. Wander the streets and soak up the bohemian vibe as you stop to sample wine and salami. There is even the chance to get hands on as you learn how to make Italian cantucci (cookies).

Head to the piazza in the historic part of the city to pay visit to one of the most stunning sites in Como. With its ornate and unique architecture, you won't be able to miss it.

Explore Venice’s diverse culinary scene with a food tour through Cannaregio and the historic Jewish Ghetto. Enjoy a progressive meal that highlights Venetian flavours beginning with Esse biscuits and Orecchio di Haman, authentic venetian-Jewish baked goods, followed by Italian espresso and a classic spritz and tramezzino. Pair locally produced wine with creamy risotto, sample baccalà and polenta, and rinse it down with a glass of sparkling prosecco. Wander through charming alleyways, savor each dish, and uncover the rich history behind Venetian cuisine. Finish your culinary adventure with a choice of tiramisù or gelato.

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.

Sit back and enjoy a different point of view as you glide through the historic canals of Venice on a gondola.

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.

Take a quick trip across the lagoon and experience Venice’s artisanal roots. Explore the island of Murano, famous for its skilled glassblowers, and walk along the colourful streets of Burano, known for a centuries-old tradition of lacemaking.

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.

Noted for its collection of more than 60 paintings by Italian master Tintoretto, Scuola Grande di San Rocco is the last remaining "scuole" or confraternity dedicated to charitable works. The Upper Hall, which contains Tintoretto's ceiling masterpiece, allows visitors a peek into opulent Venetian court life.

While walking down the Grand Canal, stop into this museum to see its extensive modern art collection.

Noted for its collection of more than 60 paintings by Italian master Tintoretto, Scuola Grande di San Rocco is the last remaining "scuole" or confraternity dedicated to charitable works. The Upper Hall, which contains Tintoretto's ceiling masterpiece, allows visitors a peek into opulent Venetian court life.

Sit back and enjoy a different point of view as you glide through the historic canals of Venice on a gondola.

Featuring works from famed artists including Bellini, Tintoretto, and Veronese, there is no better place to delve into the history of Venetian art.

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.

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.

While walking down the Grand Canal, stop into this museum to see its extensive modern art collection.