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Peregrine Travel Centre

Highlights of Northern Italy

Highlights of Northern Italy

From $ 4,120 AUD

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Description

The enduring phrase ‘la dolce vita’ (the good life) truly captures the essence of Italy. On this trip, you’ll spend eight days discovering the heart of all things Italian on a culturally rich adventure from the piazzas of Rome to the canals of Venice. Take in the crumbling ruins of Rome, board a scenic train ride to Bologna and discover the maze-like canals of Venice with your local leader. Visit the Leaning Tower in Pisa, learn how to make pasta by hand in Bologna and indulge in delicious local cuisine and a couple (or two) glasses of vino – ah Italia!

Trip Name
Highlights of Northern Italy
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Wander around Rome's famous landmarks including the Colosseum (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica and much more.
  • Capture your classic pinching-the-tower photo during your visit to the Leaning Tower. Then, join your local leader on an orientation walk through town where you’ll visit the Duomo (Piazza dei Miracoli, once the largest in Europe) and Pisa Baptistry.
  • Get lost in the floating city of Venice. The maze of alleyways, canals and lagoon islands lead to over 130 churches, all with their own distinct character.
  • Learn to make the king of all comfort foods (pasta, of course) by hand in Bologna. Then, tuck into your creations for dinner with your group and local host.
  • Explore Italy’s iconic cities – all havens of renaissance architecture and historic sights. With plenty of time to discover at your own pace, you can decide what you’d like to see.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Rome
Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Crowded with ancient ruins and religious monuments, Rome is the perfect spot to kick off your trip. Your adventure starts in Rome with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Packed with designer shops, restaurants, cafes and nightlife spots, it’s recommended that you arrive a few days early to see everything and experience the culture of this fantastic city. Maybe sip an espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes and throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit to Rome. After, why not head out for dinner with your group and get to know each other over your favourite carb?
Day 2 - Rome
This morning, join your local leader on an orientation walk around the city to soak up the sights and sounds of Rome. Visit in some of the best-known landmarks of Rome including the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum (the centre of ancient Rome), Victor Emmanuel Monument and the Pantheon. Your afternoon is then free to explore at your own pace. Maybe recharge with a slice of pizza and a strong espresso at the Piazza Navona or head into Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica.
Day 3 - Florence
This morning, depart the Eternal City and catch a train to Florence. When you arrive, check into the hotel and go for a brief walk around the area to get your bearings. Florence is one of the most culturally rich and beautiful cities in Italy, known to many as the beating heart of Tuscany. After checking into your hotel, join your leader for an orientation walk of Florence, then the rest of your evening is free to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the Florentine State Museum or discover historic artworks at the Galleria Uffizi. Food is also a major part of the city's identity - maybe try the bistecca alla fiorentina (a huge T-bone steak that's usually shared between two people) or ribollita (a thick vegetable soup with bread, beans and greens). Panforte is the signature sweet treat, so maybe grab some in the afternoon or after dinner.
Day 4 - Pisa to Florence
After breakfast, travel to the nearby city of Pisa. When you arrive, head out on a short orientation walk. Visit the world-famous Leaning Tower. Grab your classic pinching-the-tower photo, then visit the Duomo (Piazza dei Miracoli, once the largest in Europe) and Pisa Baptistry (it's not always possible to climb the tower). The tower was built in the 12th century, but its foundation was on shifting sand and clay, meaning that it now leans at an angle of 4 degrees (after restoration and stabilising work). Then, continue to wander the streets past high-end boutiques, speciality book and antiques stores. After, head back to Lucca, where the rest of the night is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe head to a local bar for a Prosecco (or two) and a fresh focaccia with finocchiona salami and pecorino cheese – best enjoyed in the shadow of the Palazzo Pretorio.
Day 5 - Florence to Bologna
This morning, jump on a train to Bologna – a beautiful city filled with medieval and Renaissance buildings and art. Get acquainted with this orange-hued hub during an orientation walk with your local leader, then discover the fine art of Italian cooking with an evening cooking class. Here, you’ll learn all about the ultimate comfort food, pasta (of course!) After learning the tricks of the trade, tuck into your creations for dinner.
Day 6 - Bologna to Venice
Early this morning, board the train to the postcard-perfect city of Venice. Full of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas that remains practically unchanged since the 15th century. An orientation walk will help you to get the hang of the maze of the complex canal system, then you can set out on your own. Meet back up with your group in the late afternoon for a cicchetti walking tour (small snacks served in most bars and cafes). Tonight, snack and sip your way through the bars and taverns, soaking up the local culture in the best way.
Day 7 - Venice
Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the Grand Canal or the Rialto Bridge, discover Doge's Palace or see Piazza San Marco with its golden Basilica. Then, you could take a vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for the best view of Venice. No trip here would be complete without a journey down the Grand Canal in a Venetian gondola, so maybe treat yourself to a cruise through the waterways and tick this iconic experience off your bucket list. Later, maybe wander through the Palazzo Ducale, overflowing with paintings by Italian masters, before joining your leader for a cicchetti stop as a real Venetian. Tonight, join your group for a celebratory dinner of Venetian specialties, like fresh lobster and squid ink spaghetti.
Day 8 - Venice
As there are no activities planned for today, you can depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in Venice, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-06-202613-06-2026AUD $ 4,230-
04-07-202611-07-2026AUD $ 4,695-
12-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 4,890-
26-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 4,890-
10-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 4,695-
31-10-202607-11-2026AUD $ 4,695-
14-11-202621-11-2026AUD $ 4,190-
28-11-202605-12-2026AUD $ 4,190-
05-12-202612-12-2026AUD $ 4,190-
12-12-202619-12-2026AUD $ 4,190-
09-01-202716-01-2027AUD $ 4,325-
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $ 4,120-
20-03-202727-03-2027AUD $ 4,325-
17-04-202724-04-2027AUD $ 4,120-
01-05-202708-05-2027AUD $ 4,325-
22-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 4,325-
05-06-202712-06-2027AUD $ 4,325-
19-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 4,325-
17-07-202724-07-2027AUD $ 4,120-
07-08-202714-08-2027AUD $ 4,325-
21-08-202728-08-2027AUD $ 4,325-
04-09-202711-09-2027AUD $ 4,120-
11-09-202718-09-2027AUD $ 4,325-
25-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 4,325-
09-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 4,325-
30-10-202706-11-2027AUD $ 4,325-
13-11-202720-11-2027AUD $ 4,325-
27-11-202704-12-2027AUD $ 4,325-
11-12-202718-12-2027AUD $ 4,325-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Transport

Train, Public bus, Metro

Map

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