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Highlights of Italy

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Highlights of Italy

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Description

How long does it take to fall in love? In a country where history spills from world-class museums and tiny osterias serve up life-changing pasta recipes, eight days might just be enough. On this trip, you’ll begin winding your way through the canals of Venice, hiking through the scenic Cinque Terre, soaking up beauty and history of Florence and finishing up in the piazzas of Rome. With plenty of free time for independent exploration and the freedom to discover Italy’s history and culture at your own pace, there’s no better way to see this popular pocket of Europe.

Trip Name
Highlights of Italy
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
18
Highlights
  • Explore rocky coastal pathways and pastel-coloured villages with your included Cinque Terre day pass. This makes it easy to hike at your own pace and use the coast’s public transport when you feel like it.
  • Get lost in the floating city of Venice and wander the city's maze of alleyways, canals and lagoon islands. You also have the option to take an iconic gondola ride.
  • Stroll through Rome with your local leader, then use your included metro ticket to explore at your own pace. Maybe you’ll set off to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, or the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
  • Spend two days in Florence – a city known for its beauty and rustic Tuscan cuisine – and choose to discover the city’s culinary traditions on optional food excursions.
  • Make travel a breeze with a European trip that includes train travel. Enjoy extra time to sit back, relax, play games with your fellow travellers or watch the changing scenery roll by.

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 Venice. This waterside wonderland of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years – is literally sinking under the weight of its iconic sights. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe head out and explore at your own pace – the Grand Canal is a great place to start, as you can stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the endless boutiques that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. After tonight’s meeting, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travel companions at a local restaurant.
Day 2 - Venice
This morning, head out for an orientation walk of the city, exploring the Classical, Gothic and Baroque styles of architecture that surround San Marco Square. For lunch, maybe get involved in the lively social scene at a local bacaro or simply watch the world go by at a restaurant on the edge of the canals. Then, you’re free to explore Venice at your own pace. There are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. Maybe take the Vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for views over the city. Or fulfil a bucket list favourite and take a journey down the Grand Canal in a Venetian gondola, if you haven’t already. Along the way, you might like to fuel up with a light bite of cicchetti (a tasty local snack).
Day 3 - Cinque Terre
Board a morning train through the scenic north of Italy to the once important naval base of La Spezia – known mainly as the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre (Five Lands). The name comes from the five tiny villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – positioned on a series of coves between sheer cliffs. When you arrive in La Spezia, there won’t be much time to explore (that’s what tomorrow is for), but after checking into your hotel, you can take a short walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione. Or, simply head out for dinner with your group.
Day 4 - Cinque Terre
Spend today exploring winding footpaths and pastel villages with your included Cinque Terre Pass. Your leader will walk you to two of the five villages – the pass gives you access to the paths and trains of the area for 24 hours. Please consult your leader on which walking section is right for you, as some have challenging uphill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges. Alternatively, take the train between any of the villages, or back to La Spezia whenever you want. After working up an appetite, maybe take advantage of an optional pesto-making class. Focaccia is also a speciality in this area and makes a great start to lunch.
Day 5 - Florence
Depart La Spezia today and catch a train to Florence. When you arrive, check into the hostel and go for a brief walk around the immediate 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. The Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all lived in Florence at the height of their creative reign. Food is a major part of the city’s identity and the optional activities on offer reflect this. Maybe explore the city’s culinary history (and taste some local treats) on a Florence Foodies Walk with Urban Adventures. Carnivores might be drawn to try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina (the Florentine Beef Steak, essentially a huge T-bone steak that comes with classic sides).
Day 6 - Florence
Enjoy another day in beautiful Florence. It’s impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, so the best idea is to relax and pick a few things you really want to do. Maybe start with a visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia, where you can see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David, or perhaps stop by the Uffizi – one of the world’s oldest art galleries. Active types might want to walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo, which is set on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, to take in beautiful views of the city. There are plenty of optional activities available during your time here, so be sure to grill your leader for the details on each – something is sure to pique your interest!
Day 7 - Rome
Take the morning train to Rome and join your leader on an orientation walk around the city. After all that walking, it’s probably time for lunch. Maybe grab a slice of the good stuff and a strong espresso at the Piazza Navona. You can spend your afternoon how you wish – and there are plenty of heavy hitters to choose from. Maybe enter the Vatican and check out St Peter's Basilica. Within the Vatican, art lovers could visit the Sistine Chapel to admire the timeless work of Michelangelo, while history buffs may enjoy a walk through the ancient halls of the Pantheon. Rome is packed full of trattorias that cater to every taste and budget, so this evening, maybe link up with the group for dinner.
Day 8 - Rome
Your adventures come to an end today. There are no activities planned and you’re free to depart any time after checkout. As there is so much to see in Rome, it’s recommended that you stay a little longer to soak it up. If you need help booking additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 2,995-
22-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 2,396-
05-09-202612-09-2026AUD $ 3,078-
09-09-202616-09-2026AUD $ 2,592-
12-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 2,600-
16-09-202623-09-2026AUD $ 2,801-
19-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 3,240-
26-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 3,190-
30-09-202607-10-2026AUD $ 3,195-
03-10-202610-10-2026AUD $ 3,195-
10-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 3,195-
24-10-202631-10-2026AUD $ 3,040-
07-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 2,690-
17-04-202724-04-2027AUD $ 2,495-
24-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 2,495-
01-05-202708-05-2027AUD $ 2,495-
12-05-202719-05-2027AUD $ 2,570-
15-05-202722-05-2027AUD $ 2,570-
22-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 2,570-
29-05-202705-06-2027AUD $ 2,570-
02-06-202709-06-2027AUD $ 2,570-
05-06-202712-06-2027AUD $ 2,570-
16-06-202723-06-2027AUD $ 2,570-
19-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 2,495-
26-06-202703-07-2027AUD $ 2,495-
03-07-202710-07-2027AUD $ 2,495-
10-07-202717-07-2027AUD $ 2,495-
17-07-202724-07-2027AUD $ 2,495-
31-07-202707-08-2027AUD $ 2,495-
07-08-202714-08-2027AUD $ 2,495-
11-08-202718-08-2027AUD $ 2,495-
14-08-202721-08-2027AUD $ 2,495-
21-08-202728-08-2027AUD $ 2,495-
28-08-202704-09-2027AUD $ 2,495-
04-09-202711-09-2027AUD $ 2,570-
08-09-202715-09-2027AUD $ 2,570-
11-09-202718-09-2027AUD $ 2,570-
15-09-202722-09-2027AUD $ 2,570-
18-09-202725-09-2027AUD $ 2,570-
25-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 2,570-
29-09-202706-10-2027AUD $ 2,570-
02-10-202709-10-2027AUD $ 2,495-
09-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 2,495-
16-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 2,495-
23-10-202730-10-2027AUD $ 2,495-
30-10-202706-11-2027AUD $ 2,495-
06-11-202713-11-2027AUD $ 2,495-
01-04-202808-04-2028AUD $ 2,620-
15-04-202822-04-2028AUD $ 2,620-
22-04-202829-04-2028AUD $ 2,620-
29-04-202806-05-2028AUD $ 2,620-
10-05-202817-05-2028AUD $ 2,700-
13-05-202820-05-2028AUD $ 2,700-
20-05-202827-05-2028AUD $ 2,700-
27-05-202803-06-2028AUD $ 2,700-
31-05-202807-06-2028AUD $ 2,700-
03-06-202810-06-2028AUD $ 2,700-
14-06-202821-06-2028AUD $ 2,700-
17-06-202824-06-2028AUD $ 2,700-
24-06-202801-07-2028AUD $ 2,620-
01-07-202808-07-2028AUD $ 2,620-
08-07-202815-07-2028AUD $ 2,620-
15-07-202822-07-2028AUD $ 2,620-
29-07-202805-08-2028AUD $ 2,620-
05-08-202812-08-2028AUD $ 2,620-
09-08-202816-08-2028AUD $ 2,620-
12-08-202819-08-2028AUD $ 2,620-
19-08-202826-08-2028AUD $ 2,620-
26-08-202802-09-2028AUD $ 2,620-
02-09-202809-09-2028AUD $ 2,700-
06-09-202813-09-2028AUD $ 2,700-
09-09-202816-09-2028AUD $ 2,700-
13-09-202820-09-2028AUD $ 2,700-
16-09-202823-09-2028AUD $ 2,700-
23-09-202830-09-2028AUD $ 2,700-
27-09-202804-10-2028AUD $ 2,700-
30-09-202807-10-2028AUD $ 2,700-
07-10-202814-10-2028AUD $ 2,620-
14-10-202821-10-2028AUD $ 2,620-
21-10-202828-10-2028AUD $ 2,620-
28-10-202804-11-2028AUD $ 2,620-
04-11-202811-11-2028AUD $ 2,620-

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Hostel (2 nights)

Transport

Train

Map

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