Begin your European adventure in timeless style with this extraordinary solos-only pre-cruise tour of Tuscany—crafted exclusively for guests joining our Amadeus river cruise from Budapest to Vienna.
Before you board the ship, slow down and truly savour the spirit of Italy from one exquisite base: the 4-star Grand Hotel Cavour in the heart of Florence. With its Renaissance skyline, cobbled laneways, and rich artistic soul, Florence is the perfect place to immerse yourself in la dolce vita—without ever having to repack your suitcase.
This unforgettable journey has been designed with the discerning solo traveller in mind. As always with Two’s a Crowd, every guest enjoys their own room, no sharing, and our groups are small, sociable and hosted by a dedicated Tour Host throughout. From wine tastings in the rolling hills of Chianti to hands-on Tuscan cooking in a centuries-old farmhouse, each day invites you to discover the food, landscapes and traditions that make this region so beloved.
You’ll explore medieval gems like Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni; wander world-renowned galleries like the Uffizi; sample Brunello wines while Mozart plays in the vineyard; and marvel at the terracotta towns, artisan workshops, and golden sunsets of the Val d’Orcia. There’s time to relax too—whether it’s enjoying a cappuccino in a quiet piazza or picking up some souvenirs at a local market.
With Florence as your elegant base, you’ll experience the very best of Tuscany at a relaxed and comfortable pace—surrounded by fellow solo travellers who share your sense of adventure. It’s the ideal way to connect, unwind, and get into the spirit before your European river cruise even begins.
Your journey starts here—one hotel, countless moments to remember. Will you join us?
TOUR PRICING: A$9,996
TOUR DATES: 17TH – 25TH SEPTEMBER 2026
About THE Grand Hotel Cavour
For all seven nights of your stay in Tuscany, you’ll call the Grand Hotel Cavour home—an elegant 4-star retreat set right in the historic heart of Florence. Perfectly located between the iconic Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, this stylish hotel places you just steps from Florence’s most treasured landmarks, including the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, and the city’s best boutiques and gelaterias. Nestled on a quiet cobbled street, the hotel offers a peaceful refuge from the bustle, yet you’re never more than a few minutes’ walk from the art, architecture, and atmosphere that make Florence unforgettable. You’ll wake each day in the very cradle of the Renaissance, where the spirit of Michelangelo, Dante, and Leonardo da Vinci still lingers.
Inside, the Grand Hotel Cavour blends historic charm with modern comfort. Rooms are individually styled, with plush furnishings, elegant bathrooms, and thoughtful touches throughout. The rooftop terrace—boasting panoramic views over Florence’s terracotta rooftops and Brunelleschi’s dome—is a true highlight. With everything at your doorstep, including fabulous cafés and restaurants, this is the ultimate base for your Tuscan escape—offering the comfort of unpacking just once, and the luxury of being in the heart of it all.
Weather
Tuscany shares the classic Mediterranean climate—hot, dry summers and cool, wetter winters. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the sweet spots to visit. You’ll get plenty of sunshine, mild temperatures, and fewer tourists—perfect for wandering hill towns and sipping wine alfresco. Summer (July and August) can get scorching, especially in cities like Florence where the heat lingers in the stone streets. Expect temps around 30–35°C, so plan your days around early starts, shady lunches, and maybe an afternoon dip if your accommodation has a pool. Winter is generally mild in the valleys but can be cold and damp, especially in the hills.
Money
Tuscany, like the rest of Italy, uses the Euro (€). Prices are usually written with a comma instead of a decimal—so €7,50 means seven euros and fifty cents. While most places accept cards, cash is still handy for small towns, local markets, and charming trattorias tucked away in the countryside. Always keep a few coins for toll roads and public bathrooms too.
Electricity
Electricity in Tuscany runs on 220 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz, just like most of Europe. Plug types C, F, and L are used, so bring a universal adapter if you’re coming from outside the EU. Most accommodations will have sockets that fit multiple plugs, but it’s always wise to pack your own adapter—especially if you’re heading off the beaten track.
Visas
Visitors from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and many non-EU countries can enter Italy (including Tuscany) for up to 90 days without a visa. Just make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your departure date. If you’re planning a longer stay or working while you’re there, check the latest entry rules before you go.
Language
Italian is the official language throughout Tuscany. You’ll also hear some delightful local dialects, especially in rural areas, but everyone speaks standard Italian. English is widely spoken in tourist spots like Florence, Pisa, and Siena, but a few polite Italian phrases (think: per favore, grazie, un caffè per favore) will earn you extra smiles from locals—and might even get you better service.
Please be sure to carefully read the information contained in the brochure so you fully understand the physical requirements, and get a sense of the overall pace of the schedule.
Each tour has a physical rating from ‘Relaxing’ through to ‘Difficult’ as rated by those with an average level of fitness. This tour is rated Easy. Please refer to definitions below.
Please speak with the team if you are unsure if a tour is right for you.
Begin your European adventure in timeless style with this extraordinary solos-only pre-cruise tour of Tuscany—crafted exclusively for guests joining our Amadeus river cruise from Budapest to Vienna.
Before you board the ship, slow down and truly savour the spirit of Italy from one exquisite base: the 4-star Grand Hotel Cavour in the heart of Florence. With its Renaissance skyline, cobbled laneways, and rich artistic soul, Florence is the perfect place to immerse yourself in la dolce vita—without ever having to repack your suitcase.
This unforgettable journey has been designed with the discerning solo traveller in mind. As always with Two’s a Crowd, every guest enjoys their own room, no sharing, and our groups are small, sociable and hosted by a dedicated Tour Host throughout. From wine tastings in the rolling hills of Chianti to hands-on Tuscan cooking in a centuries-old farmhouse, each day invites you to discover the food, landscapes and traditions that make this region so beloved.
You’ll explore medieval gems like Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni; wander world-renowned galleries like the Uffizi; sample Brunello wines while Mozart plays in the vineyard; and marvel at the terracotta towns, artisan workshops, and golden sunsets of the Val d’Orcia. There’s time to relax too—whether it’s enjoying a cappuccino in a quiet piazza or picking up some souvenirs at a local market.
With Florence as your elegant base, you’ll experience the very best of Tuscany at a relaxed and comfortable pace—surrounded by fellow solo travellers who share your sense of adventure. It’s the ideal way to connect, unwind, and get into the spirit before your European river cruise even begins.
Your journey starts here—one hotel, countless moments to remember. Will you join us?
TOUR PRICING: A$9,996
TOUR DATES: 17TH – 25TH SEPTEMBER 2026
About THE Grand Hotel Cavour
For all seven nights of your stay in Tuscany, you’ll call the Grand Hotel Cavour home—an elegant 4-star retreat set right in the historic heart of Florence. Perfectly located between the iconic Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, this stylish hotel places you just steps from Florence’s most treasured landmarks, including the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, and the city’s best boutiques and gelaterias. Nestled on a quiet cobbled street, the hotel offers a peaceful refuge from the bustle, yet you’re never more than a few minutes’ walk from the art, architecture, and atmosphere that make Florence unforgettable. You’ll wake each day in the very cradle of the Renaissance, where the spirit of Michelangelo, Dante, and Leonardo da Vinci still lingers.
Inside, the Grand Hotel Cavour blends historic charm with modern comfort. Rooms are individually styled, with plush furnishings, elegant bathrooms, and thoughtful touches throughout. The rooftop terrace—boasting panoramic views over Florence’s terracotta rooftops and Brunelleschi’s dome—is a true highlight. With everything at your doorstep, including fabulous cafés and restaurants, this is the ultimate base for your Tuscan escape—offering the comfort of unpacking just once, and the luxury of being in the heart of it all.
Weather
Tuscany shares the classic Mediterranean climate—hot, dry summers and cool, wetter winters. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the sweet spots to visit. You’ll get plenty of sunshine, mild temperatures, and fewer tourists—perfect for wandering hill towns and sipping wine alfresco. Summer (July and August) can get scorching, especially in cities like Florence where the heat lingers in the stone streets. Expect temps around 30–35°C, so plan your days around early starts, shady lunches, and maybe an afternoon dip if your accommodation has a pool. Winter is generally mild in the valleys but can be cold and damp, especially in the hills.
Money
Tuscany, like the rest of Italy, uses the Euro (€). Prices are usually written with a comma instead of a decimal—so €7,50 means seven euros and fifty cents. While most places accept cards, cash is still handy for small towns, local markets, and charming trattorias tucked away in the countryside. Always keep a few coins for toll roads and public bathrooms too.
Electricity
Electricity in Tuscany runs on 220 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz, just like most of Europe. Plug types C, F, and L are used, so bring a universal adapter if you’re coming from outside the EU. Most accommodations will have sockets that fit multiple plugs, but it’s always wise to pack your own adapter—especially if you’re heading off the beaten track.
Visas
Visitors from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and many non-EU countries can enter Italy (including Tuscany) for up to 90 days without a visa. Just make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your departure date. If you’re planning a longer stay or working while you’re there, check the latest entry rules before you go.
Language
Italian is the official language throughout Tuscany. You’ll also hear some delightful local dialects, especially in rural areas, but everyone speaks standard Italian. English is widely spoken in tourist spots like Florence, Pisa, and Siena, but a few polite Italian phrases (think: per favore, grazie, un caffè per favore) will earn you extra smiles from locals—and might even get you better service.
Please be sure to carefully read the information contained in the brochure so you fully understand the physical requirements, and get a sense of the overall pace of the schedule.
Each tour has a physical rating from ‘Relaxing’ through to ‘Difficult’ as rated by th0se with an average level of fitness. This tour is rated Easy. Please refer to definitions below.
Please speak with the team if you are unsure if a tour is right for you.
