SPRINGTIME IN ITALY

A DREAMY 10-DAY JOURNEY THROUGH FLORENCE, VERONA & VENICE

From Verona’s whispered romance to Florence’s Renaissance splendor and the timeless allure of Venice, this 10-day journey is a feast for the senses and a love letter to Italy itself. Wander storied streets, sip your way through the country’s finest wines, and lose yourself in art, history, and the simple joy of la dolce vita. Whether you're basking in the golden glow of Tuscany or drifting through Venice’s misty canals, every moment is a masterpiece waiting to be lived.

 

Five Days in Florence: A Springtime Dream

Florence in spring is pure enchantment—golden sunlight spilling over terracotta rooftops, wisteria draping hidden courtyards, and just the right warmth for long, lingering al fresco dinners. The summer crowds haven’t arrived yet, meaning you can admire Botticelli’s masterpieces without the bustle and wander the city’s cobbled streets at a dreamy, unhurried pace. With gelato in hand and the scent of fresh blooms in the air, spring is the perfect time to lose yourself in Florence’s timeless beauty.

DAY 1

Wander Through the Artisan Workshops of Oltrarno

Cross the Ponte Vecchio into the Oltrarno district, where Florence's true creative soul thrives. On an artisan workshop tour, you’ll step into tiny studios where master craftspeople sculpt, paint, and gold-leaf their way to perfection. Think marbled paper, hand-tooled leather, and intricate mosaics—living history at its finest.

DAY 2

Seek Out the Wine Windows (Yes, Wine Windows!)

Florence has a delightfully quirky secret—buchette del vino, or wine windows, dating back to the 17th century when noble families sold wine directly from their palazzi. These tiny portals have been revived in recent years, serving up glasses of Chianti through history-steeped stone. A scavenger hunt for these charming little windows? Yes, please!

Step Beyond the Arno: A Spirited Stroll Through Santo Spirito & the Brancacci Chapel

Cross the river into Florence’s Oltrarno—where life moves to a more poetic rhythm, artisans still shape the city by hand, and history whispers from every sun-warmed stone. On an immersive journey, a local art historian will guide you through the Santo Spirito neighborhood, a vibrant pocket of Florence where grand churches, lively piazzas, and hidden ateliers weave together past and present. Marvel at the breathtaking frescoes of the Brancacci Chapel, where you’ll find the masterpiece by Masaccio that changed the course of Renaissance art, and soak in the effortless charm of a district where Florentine tradition is very much alive.

DAY 3

Florence Fresco Painting Workshop

Step into the world of Renaissance artistry with a hands-on fresco painting workshop. Learn time-honoured techniques from a local fresco master—just like Michelangelo and Raphael once did. Your journey begins in the artist’s studio, where you’ll uncover the fascinating history of fresco: What makes it so challenging? Why was it the ultimate test for Renaissance painters? Then, brush in hand, you'll bring your own fresco to life, gaining a newfound appreciation for this intricate craft and the breathtaking masterpieces adorning Florence’s walls.

Climb to San Miniato al Monte for an Unforgettable Sunset

For the best panoramic view of Florence, venture beyond Piazzale Michelangelo to San Miniato al Monte. This Romanesque basilica is not only stunning in itself, but it also offers a sunset that will make your heart skip a beat.

Pro tip: Bring a bottle of wine and toast to the city’s golden glow.

DAY 4

Masterpieces & VIP Access: Uffizi & Accademia Unveiled

With a local expert leading the way (and skip the line tickets), step into the legendary Uffizi Gallery and come face-to-face with masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Giotto, and Da Vinci. Then, prepare for an unforgettable encounter with one of Florence’s most iconic treasures—Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring David—standing in all his glory at the Accademia Gallery.

DAY 5

Be the First to Enter Brunelleschi’s Dome at Dawn

Rise before the city stirs and experience Florence in its quiet, golden-hour glory. Meet the chiavigero, who holds the keys to the Duomo, and be among the first to step inside Brunelleschi’s Dome—no crowds, no rush, just the hush of history unfolding around you. Climb to the top and take in the view as the sun casts its first light over terracotta rooftops and rolling Tuscan hills. Led by an expert guide, this rare access tour isn’t just about seeing—it’s about feeling Florence’s soul from above.

Indulge in Tuscan Cuisine with a Market-to-Table Cooking Class

Head to Mercato Centrale, gather fresh ingredients, and learn how to whip up a perfect Tuscan meal with a local chef. From handmade pasta to decadent tiramisú, this hands-on experience is as delicious as it is immersive.

Where to Stay in Florence

Riva Lofts Florence 4*

A hidden gem on the Arno’s left bank, Riva Lofts Florence is where history, design, and effortless elegance collide. Once a 19th-century factory, now a chic urban retreat, this intimate haven lets you savor Florence at your own rhythm.

Partner Perks include: Room upgrade (based on availability), Guaranteed 1pm late check-out, Complimentary glass of wine per guest, per stay, Complimentary daily parking.

 

Verona: A Tale of Romance, History & Timeless Beauty

Verona, the city of Shakespearean whispers and medieval charm, is a dreamscape of rose-hued palazzi, ancient arenas, and hidden courtyards draped in ivy. A place where Roman ruins stand shoulder to shoulder with Renaissance elegance, and every cobblestone seems to echo with stories of love and legend. Whether you're tracing the footsteps of star-crossed lovers, indulging in Veronese delicacies, or simply basking in the city's golden glow, Verona is more than a stop—it's a chapter in your Italian love affair before you drift into the enchanting canals of Venice.

DAY 6

Step Back in Time at Castelvecchio

This imposing 14th-century castle is more than just a pretty fortress—inside, you’ll find a museum filled with sculptures, frescoes, and medieval weaponry. Walk across its fortified bridge for a view that feels straight out of a storybook.

DAY 7

Piazza delle Erbe & A Love Story for the Ages

Bustling with market stalls, charming cafés, and fresco-clad facades, Piazza delle Erbe is Verona’s lively living room—where history and la dolce vita intertwine effortlessly. Settle in with an Aperol Spritz, let the world drift by, and soak up the scene. If you’re visiting in spring, savor the season’s finest—fresh strawberries and tender asparagus, artfully woven into local dishes that taste like sunshine on a plate.

Then, follow the whispers of romance to Juliet’s Balcony, where star-crossed lovers and dreamers alike gather to bask in Shakespearean magic. Touch the bronze statue of Juliet for good luck (or just for the story), scribble a love note on the walls, and let Verona sweep you off your feet.

Where to Stay in Verona

Hotel Indigo Verona - Grand Hotel des Arts 4*

Step into the heart of Verona at Hotel Indigo, a 1920s gem built for Austrian nobility. Nestled on Corso Porta Nuova, the hotel immerses you in the city’s rich history, where the past and present dance in every corner, just steps from Michele Sanmicheli’s timeless influence.

 

Three Days in Venice: A Springtime Serenade

Venice in spring is a whisper of romance, where the city wakes in a soft mist, the canals shimmer under golden light, and every breeze carries the scent of the sea. With fewer crowds and just the right touch of warmth, this is the season to glide through quiet canals, linger in sun-dappled piazzas, and savour cicchetti by the water. From hidden gardens to world-famous palazzi, Venice in spring feels like a secret—one waiting just for you.

DAY 8

Take a Small-Group Tour to Murano & Burano

Skip the tourist traps and opt for an intimate experience to these two enchanting islands. Murano is famous for its mesmerizing glassblowing artistry, while Burano is a kaleidoscope of color, where every canal-side house looks like it was hand-painted by a dreamer. A must for anyone who loves craftsmanship and picture-perfect scenery.

DAY 9

Get Inspired at Museo Fortuny

Once the home of eccentric designer Mariano Fortuny, this museum is a temple of artistic experimentation. Think lavish textiles, moody lighting, and an aesthetic that blurs the line between past and future. It’s Venice’s hidden gem for lovers of art and design.

DAY 10

Drift Into a Dream: A Gondola Ride at Dusk

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s absolutely worth it. As the sun melts into the horizon and Venice takes on a golden glow, step into a gondola and let the city work its magic. Glide through hushed canals, past centuries-old palazzos that shimmer on the water’s surface, and under bridges that have whispered love stories for generations. It’s the perfect, poetic farewell to La Serenissima—one last moment to let Venice sweep you off your feet.

Where to Stay in Venice

Il Palazzo Experimental 4*

A Venetian masterpiece with a twist of modern allure, Il Palazzo Experimental is a stunning blend of tradition and innovation. With three grand entrances on the iconic Canal Della Giudecca, you’re met by a vibrant mix of experiences—from a sleek lobby to a chic restaurant, and the famed Experimental Cocktail Club bar, the group’s third outside London and Paris.

Partner Perks include: Room upgrade based upon availability; Complimentary welcome drink per guest, per stay; Complimentary daily breakfast; Complimentary welcome gift on arrival.

Ready to Plan Your Own Italian Spring Adventure?
Italy in the spring is an intoxicating blend of beauty, history, and everyday magic. If this itinerary has sparked your wanderlust, let’s craft a journey that’s tailor-made for you. Get in touch to make your dream escape a reality—because the world is waiting, and your next great adventure starts now.

 
Next
Next

EXPLORING RIO DE JANEIRO