Endless Beauty of Florence and Italy
Extend your stay in Italy when attending the Florence 2025 conference. Experience the beauty and culture of Tuscany, the Cinque Terre, and the Italian countryside with these options for pre- and post-conference adventures.
Villa Fontelunga offers a Tuscan retreat just outside Cortona. Managed by two seasoned hosts, this villa is especially popular with Australian travelers seeking personalised itineraries. Surrounded by an olive grove and featuring a pool, it’s the perfect base for exploring historic towns and vineyards between Florence and Siena.
Il Borro Toscana is a luxurious estate set in a restored hamlet, only 40 minutes from Florence. Il Borro offers truffle hunting, cooking classes, and vineyard tours, all framed by views of the Tuscan countryside. This venue is designed for a truly immersive experience.
Consider the Tuscany, Cinque Terre & the Portofino Coast 8 day tour to explore Florence’s Renaissance treasures, such as a private tour of the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Uffizi Galleries. After Florence, unwind along the Italian Riviera at a boutique hotel that offers access to the Cinque Terre’s scenic coastal villages and vibrant landscapes, along with tastings in the vineyards.
Last but not least, take a look at Classic Journey’s Walking Tour, taking place from September 7-13, 2025, which combines the highlights of Tuscany and the Cinque Terre, from vineyard walks and olive grove strolls to an immersive experience in the colourful cliffside villages.
Pre-Conference
Looking for a great start or end to your time in Florence with CPE? This exclusive 8-day experience, curated for a small group of 22-26 guests, offers intimate and immersive encounters with some of Italy’s most iconic settings. Departing on the 12 June 25.
Begin in Florence, where the city’s Renaissance legacy reveals itself in a private, early-morning tour of the Basilica di Santa Croce, one of Italy’s most treasured historic sites. Delve deeper into the art world with a guided visit to the Uffizi Galleries, home to masterpieces that epitomise Italian creativity and passion.
Next, you’ll explore Lucca, a medieval gem, and venture into the culinary heart of Italy. Here, local chefs guide you through a hands-on cooking experience, bringing Tuscan flavours and time-honored techniques to life.
Continue to the Italian Riviera, where you’ll stay in a serene retreat, it’s your gateway to Cinque Terre National Park, where trails wind through cliffside villages and vibrant coastal landscapes.
Visit renowned vineyards and olive groves for tastings that celebrate the diverse flavours of the region. This tour is the perfect way to extend your time in beautiful Italy.
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Tuscany, Cinque Terre & the Portofino Coast 8 Day Land Tour
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Inclusions:
Small groups from 22 – 26 guests for a more personal travel experience
Private, early-opening visit to Florence's Basilica di Santa Croce, final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini and more
In Florence, explore the fabulous Uffizi Galleries on a guided visit
Learn to cook Italian style when you join local chefs in Lucca for a hands-on lesson in pasta making with a wine and olive oil tasting
Spend two nights along the Italian Riviera at an elegant hotel that was once a private villa, a perfect setting to enjoy the magnificent scenery in the region.
Explore Cinque Terre National Park's coastal paths amidst breathtaking views
If you wish, join us for a bicycling tour atop Lucca's well-preserved walls
Enjoy a docent-led visit at La Cervara, a 14th-century abbey renowned for its stunning gardens overlooking the sea.
Attend a wine and olive oil tasting in Tuscany
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
15 meals; service charges, gratuities to local guides, admission fees, taxes and porterage
Post-Conference
7 day Walking Tour through Italy- Classic Journey
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Interested in heading to Italy before the Florence conference? Consider this Walking Tour with Classic Journey. This tour takes place from the 7th to the 13th of September, 2025. This exclusive walking tour allows you to experience the best of Italian culture, food, and landscapes, from Florence to the Ligurian Sea.
The journey starts in Florence, where you’ll travel into the Chianti countryside to visit a renowned winery. Here, a private tour and tasting set the stage before you take a scenic walk to the hotel, a centuries-old villa owned by a count and countess. The Tuscan days are filled with walks past olive groves, encounters with local artisans, and stops to taste traditional sheep’s-milk cheese. A highlight includes a vineyard walk leading to a home-cooked lunch and private wine tasting in the historic cellars of Castello della Paneretta.
Walking along rustic paths, you’ll catch sight of the towers of San Gimignano, rising in the distance like a medieval dream. After experiencing Tuscany’s art and flavours, your route heads toward the coast, where you’ll settle in Santa Margherita overlooking the Ligurian Sea.
The coastal adventure begins with the enchanting villages of the Cinque Terre - Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Follow the ancient footpaths connecting these colourful, cliffside villages or take the coastal train. A boat or footpath will lead you to the secluded monastery of San Fruttuoso, where you’ll also visit nearby Portofino. Evenings bring lively trattoria dinners, where you savour the full tapestry of Tuscan cuisine.
Returning to Florence before the conference, you’ll dive into Renaissance art with a guided tour featuring Michelangelo's David, Brunelleschi's dome, and the bustling San Lorenzo market. Explore the timeless streets, sample traditional foods, and immerse yourself in the artistic legacy of this renowned city.
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Stays in Tuscany
Our top accommodation recommendations offer an ideal base for experiencing Tuscany's rich culture, cuisine, and captivating beauty.
Il Borro Toscana
Looking for a pre or post Florence conference extension? Il Borro Toscana is a breathtaking retreat located just 40 minutes outside of Florence, nestled within a century-old hamlet surrounded by 1,100 hectares of organic land. This stunning estate offers an immersive experience in the heart of Tuscany, where tradition, culture, and sustainability converge to create the ultimate escape for conference attendees looking to extend their Italian adventure.
One of the standout features of Il Borro is its array of activities designed to immerse guests in the Tuscan countryside. Guests can partake in truffle hunting adventures, guided by skilled experts who share the traditional techniques used to find these culinary treasures. This unique experience, along with guided tours through the picturesque landscapes of Valdarno, Casentino, Cortona, Montepulciano, and Tuoro, provides a perfect blend of exploration and enjoyment. Each tour typically includes tastings and delightful lunches, allowing visitors to enjoy the flavors of the region as they connect with its heritage.
Within the estate, guests can indulge in the finest cuisine under the guidance of Executive Chef Andrea Campani. His culinary offerings are rooted in Tuscan tradition, emphasizing the use of locally sourced ingredients from small producers who share Il Borro’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. The estate has two exceptional dining venues: Osteria del Borro, which provides a rustic yet refined dining experience, and Il Borro Tuscan Bistro, where old flavours meet new culinary experimentation.
Other experiences guests can participate in include wine tours, cooking classes, and artisan workshops. There are also outdoor activities such as horse riding and golf. Each experience is designed to allow guests to explore the landscapes and rich traditions of the region.
Villa Fontelunga
Nestled in the enchanting Tuscan countryside near Cortona, Villa Fontelunga offers a quintessential Italian escape where tradition meets luxury. Run by two seasoned hosts with 25 years in the hospitality industry, this beautiful retreat is known for its warm, tailored experiences and has become especially popular with Australian travelers. Positioned between Siena and Florence, Villa Fontelunga is an ideal base for exploring Tuscany’s iconic small towns, stunning landscapes, and historic sites before or after the Florence conference.
Every day, the attentive hosts are ready to customise your itinerary, ensuring you experience the best of Tuscany at your own pace. From wine tasting to olive oil sampling, visits to hidden gems in nearby villages, or strolls through medieval streets, they are dedicated to crafting a truly memorable Tuscan holiday.
Villa Fontelunga features elegantly designed villas that seamlessly blend modern comfort with rustic charm. The property is set within a 200-tree olive grove, with the pool tucked away amidst these olive trees.
The nearby Emporio di Ines, located just 900 meters up the road, is Villa Fontelunga’s on-site deli and restaurant, offering authentic Tuscan cuisine in a lounge-bar ambiance. Known for its unique “Cicchetti” menu, a Venetian-style array of small dishes, Emporio di Ines features fresh ingredients from the villa’s own market garden and nearby local suppliers.
Beyond the immediate property, the Val di Chiana region offers an abundance of historical and cultural riches. This area, once a contested battleground between the powerful Renaissance cities of Siena and Florence, is now a destination that effortlessly combines centuries-old history with modern-day appeal. You can explore nearby villages filled with artisanal shops, dine at local trattorias, and discover the heritage of Tuscany’s famed wine regions. Whether venturing out on a leisurely day trip or exploring the nearby landmarks of Florence and Siena, Villa Fontelunga’s location provides easy access to some of Italy’s most celebrated attractions.
Request a tailored quote about these pre and post conference options.
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