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Italy Experience

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Italy Experience

Was From $ 6,495 AUD
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Description

Venture through Italy, from the canals of Venice to the cobblestone streets of Rome. On this 10-day trip, you’ll visit historic sites and small villages, indulging in as much food and wine as you can handle. Wander the streets on a cicchetti crawl through canal-laden Venice, hike along the Cinque Terre, filling up your camera roll with incredible scenery, and take a pesto-making class in Cinque Terre. Soak in the coastal colours, then head to Pisa – home to the iconic tilted tower – and explore the rolling hills of picturesque Umbria. Discover Florence’s art, history and culture with plenty of free time to explore at your own pace, and sample local wines, traditional dishes (another gelato anyone?) and as many glasses ofaperol spritz as your heart desires.

Trip Name
Italy Experience
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
10
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Take a daytrip to Perugia’s ancient town of Spello. Walk the winding laneways and cobbled streets, then sample the local wine and regional delicacies at a local enoteca for lunch.
  • See some iconic sites around Italy – the canals of Venice, Florence’s Duomo and maybe even one of the Seven Wonders of the World in Rome. Find out why these cities are so loved by so many and enjoy plenty of free time to explore at your own pace.
  • Eat your way through this foodie’s paradise with a tour in Venice and a pesto-making class along the Cinque Terre. With a local leader by your side, you’ll also get the inside scoop on the best gelato, wine and pasta!
  • Hike along the scenic Cinque Terre with a series of walking paths that connect the pastel villages of Monterosso, Corniglia and Riomaggiore.
  • Support the local community with a farewell dinner in Trastevere at a local cooperative that trains and employs local people living with disabilities.

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 - Venice
Ciao! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Venice. This watery wonderland of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years – is literally sinking under the weight of its iconic sites. If you arrive early maybe stroll over the Rialto Bridge or browse the boutique shops selling Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. Tonight, indulge in some delicious Venetian bites on a cicchetti (small bites) crawl through the city's fabulous bacari (wine bars), where you’ll also be treated to a glass of aperol spritz.
Day 2 - Venice
Wake up to the magic of Venice and enjoy a free morning to explore this floating city at your own pace. Whether you choose to wander the maze of alleyways, sip a coffee in a tucked-away piazza, or hop on a Vaporetto to admire the views from San Giorgio’s bell tower – the city is yours to discover. In the afternoon, regroup for a special experience: a glass-blowing demonstration at a traditional Venetian furnace right in the heart of the city. Watch master artisans transform molten glass into delicate works of art – a craft that’s been part of Venice’s soul for centuries. Tonight, why not join your fellow travellers for a group dinner at a local restaurant? Venice is known for its seafood specialties, so be sure to try the fresh lobster or the iconic squid ink spaghetti. Buon appetito!
Day 3 - Cinque Terre
Spend the day travelling by train to the once important naval base of La Spezia – now the gateway to the Cinque Terre (Five Lands). The name comes from the five tiny villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Venranzza, Monterosso – whose position, wedged into a series of coves between sheer cliffs, makes it one of the highlights of the whole of Italy. When you arrive in La Spezia there won't be too much time to explore, but after checking into your hotel, you can get your bearings with a short walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione to the gardens along the harbour or head out for dinner with the group.
Day 4 - Cinque Terre
This morning, venture out on the footpaths of the Cinque Terre for a leader-led hike. The footpaths between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region and take you through olive groves and vineyards. When you arrive, maybe set off on a walk or take the train between the villages or back to the group's base. After working up an appetite, take advantage of the Liguria region with a pesto-making demonstration and the chance to create your own pesto. Of course, you’ll try your creation with a glass of wine afterwards. The rest of the day is free. In the evening, there's no better way to recover from your day of walking than with more indulgence in delicious Mediterranean food.
Day 5 - Florence
Say goodbye to the dramatic coastline of Cinque Terre and hop aboard a train bound for Florence – the beating heart of the Italian Renaissance. After checking into your accommodation, head out to uncover the city’s rich history and artistic legacy with a guided walking tour. From the iconic Duomo to the Ponte Vecchio and the open-air sculptures of Piazza della Signoria, Florence is a living museum waiting to be explored. The rest of your evening is free to soak up the atmosphere – maybe grab a gelato, browse the boutiques, or find a cozy trattoria for dinner. Florence is full of charm, so take your time and enjoy it your way.
Day 6 - Florence
Today is free for you to explore all that Florence has to offer. The principal sights are easily discovered on foot – the Pitti Palace, Ponte Vecchio, Arno riverside, the many statues and monuments of the Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral, the Baptistry and the Belltower, and the Santa Croce Church. Maybe visit the Uffizi – one of the world's oldest art galleries and a work of art in itself, see Michelangelo's iconic statue of David or head to the Galleria dell’ Accademia. In the evening, climb the steep stairs uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo for a renowned sunset view across the rooftops of Florence before an included dinner of Tuscan specialties at a local restaurant.
Day 7 - Perugia
After a free morning in Florence, travel by train to Perugia. The once-Roman settlement sits on a rocky hill with views over the green slopes of Umbria, and is now a university town with one of Italy's largest schools. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk through the medieval streets,, stopping along the way for an on-the-go pizza Romana (a rectangular, thick-crust pizza distinctive to Italy). This afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the National Gallery of Umbria – a collection of regional art housed in the Palazzo dei Priori (a grand stone building from the 13th century) or head out when the sun goes down and explore the bustling nightlife. Tonight, Why not do as the Italians do and indulge in passeggiata (the tradition of strolling along the main street in the company of friends), maybe pausing for a glass of local prosecco.
Day 8 - Perugia
Take a train to the nearby medieval town of Spello – a Roman town that straddles a thin ridge at the base of Mount Subasio, which is the mountain where St Francis was said to have talked to the animals. It’s a place known for its wine and rural charm. Two of the local churches feature frescoes by famed Renaissance painter Pinturicchio, who later lent his hand to works in the Vatican and Siena’s Cathedral. Sample the local wine and regional delicacies with lunch at a local enoteca. Tartufo and porcini make up the base of many pasta and risotto dishes, while whole stuffed pig with rosemary is a signature dish of the region. Back in Perugia, the rest of your evening is free.
Day 9 - Rome
This morning, take a bus to Rome and remember that while here, the best attitude is ‘when in Rome’! Join your leader on an orientation walk around the city, where you will pass by some of the iconic sights such as the Colosseum (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) and Arch of Constantine, the Forum, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. If you have time, take a visit to the Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica. Then, head out to the Trastevere region tonight with your group for a final farewell dinner – this artsy part of the city is always a great spot for dinner, drinks and wandering around the winding lanes in the evening. Your local restaurant for tonight is Trattoria De Gli Amici – run by a social cooperative promoted by the community of Sant ‘Egidio, this business trains and employs local people living with disabilities.
Day 10 - Rome
As there are no activities planned today, your trip will come to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Rome, and it’s recommended that you do, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
20-04-202629-04-2026AUD $ 5,200-
27-04-202606-05-2026AUD $ 6,754-
04-05-202613-05-2026AUD $ 6,734-
11-05-202620-05-2026AUD $ 6,799-
18-05-202627-05-2026AUD $ 6,499-
25-05-202603-06-2026AUD $ 7,694-
08-06-202617-06-2026AUD $ 6,499-
27-07-202605-08-2026AUD $ 6,499-
17-08-202626-08-2026AUD $ 6,499-
11-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 6,864-
14-09-202623-09-2026AUD $ 7,194-
21-09-202630-09-2026AUD $ 6,599-
28-09-202607-10-2026AUD $ 6,599-
05-10-202614-10-2026AUD $ 6,499-
12-10-202621-10-2026AUD $ 6,599-
26-10-202604-11-2026AUD $ 6,599-
02-11-202611-11-2026AUD $ 6,499-
04-01-202713-01-2027AUD $ 6,760-
29-03-202707-04-2027AUD $ 6,440-
19-04-202728-04-2027AUD $ 6,760-
26-04-202705-05-2027AUD $ 6,760-
03-05-202712-05-2027AUD $ 6,760-
10-05-202719-05-2027AUD $ 6,760-
17-05-202726-05-2027AUD $ 6,760-
24-05-202702-06-2027AUD $ 6,760-
31-05-202709-06-2027AUD $ 6,760-
07-06-202716-06-2027AUD $ 6,760-
28-06-202707-07-2027AUD $ 6,760-
12-07-202721-07-2027AUD $ 6,440-
26-07-202704-08-2027AUD $ 6,760-
16-08-202725-08-2027AUD $ 6,760-
13-09-202722-09-2027AUD $ 6,760-
15-09-202724-09-2027AUD $ 6,760-
20-09-202729-09-2027AUD $ 6,760-
22-09-202701-10-2027AUD $ 6,760-
27-09-202706-10-2027AUD $ 6,760-
04-10-202713-10-2027AUD $ 6,760-
11-10-202720-10-2027AUD $ 6,560-
25-10-202703-11-2027AUD $ 6,560-
01-11-202710-11-2027AUD $ 6,560-

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

Transport

Train, Public bus, Ferry, Metro, Taxi

Map