Highlights of Italy | Intrepid Travel AU

Travel from Venice to Rome via Florence and Italy's coast

Discover the sights and delights of Italy on this week long highlights tour. Begin amid the canals of Venice, visit the charming towns of the Cinque Terre, soak up beauty and history in Florence and wind 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 wonderful pocket of Europe.

Start: Venice, Italy
Finish: Rome, Italy
Destination: Italy
Style: Basix
Theme: Explorer

Code: ZMRR
Physical rating
Ages: Min 15
Group size: Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

The floating city of Venice is one place you’ll be happy to get lost in. The city's maze of alleyways, canals and lagoon islands lead to over 130 churches, all with their own distinct character
Feast on mouth-watering seafood along Italy's coast, drink fine wine in Tuscany and indulge in the endless pasta dishes on offer in Rome
Walk along Cinque Terre's rocky coastal pathways, calling into the sleepy pastel villages of Manarola, Riomaggiore and Vernazza
Wander around Rome's famous landmarks including the Colosseum, Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica and much more. This is a city where you'll be able to tick a lot off your bucket list

Is this trip right for you?

The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Trains are a fast way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. They are comfortable and all have toilets, however can sometimes be quite busy. Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'What to Take' section of the trip notes.
Often there are no lifts or escalators in train stations or in the hotel, so you will have to carry your bags up and down the stairs yourself.
Summer temperatures can be very high in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Also, many hotel rooms are not equipped with air-conditioning. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
As accommodation on this trip is multi-share, single travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same sex. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. Also, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Rooms can be rather small, especially compared to American or Australian standards, and in most cases bathroom facilities will be shared rather than en-suite. Please note that a single supplement is not available on this trip.

Gallery

Map of Highlights of Italy including Italy

Take in the breathtaking views over Venice, Italy

Watch the busy waterways of Venice, Italy

Relax and enjoy the views on the boat to Cinque Terre

Sunset over the Duomo in Florence, Italy

Walk through the beautiful streets and laneways of Florence, Italy

Take a walk through the hills surrounding Cinque Terre, Italy

Marvel at the beautiful setting of Cinque Terre, Italy

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2018 to 27 October 2018. View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2019 - 31 December 2019

Day 1: Venice

Welcome to Venice, Italy. 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 sights. If you arrive early why not take a walk around the maze of streets behind San Marco square and begin to understand the complex canal system of Venice. The Grand Canal is a great place to start, as you can stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the endless amounts of boutique shops that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. After tonight's group meeting perhaps enjoy dinner with your fellow travel companions at a local restaurant.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Gondola Ride - EUR80
Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs - EUR19
Guggenheim Museum - EUR15
St Mark's Campanile - EUR8
St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR3
Accademia Gallery - EUR15
Venezia Ca' d'Oro - EUR10
Ca' Rezzonico Museum of Eighteenth Century Art - EUR10
Glass Museum Murano - EUR10
Museum of St Mark's Basilica - EUR5
Scuola Grande di San Rocco - EUR11

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

Your Italian adventure will begin with a welcome meeting at 6pm tonight – check with reception to confirm the time and place. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand. If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). There are no activities planned before the meeting, so if you arrive early there are plenty of things to keep you busy.

Day 2: Venice

Today venture out and explore Venice. There are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. Some of the more popular sights include Doge's Palace, the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs. Take the 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. It's a common way for visitors to see the major canal routes from an immersive perspective. While away your day in the busy San Marco square and be sure to try the local tiramisu and Italian coffee that's on offer. There’s creativity everywhere, overflowing into the canals; see it in the venetian glass in Dorsoduro or down the streets spreading out from Campo Santo Stefano, lined with unique galleries and small boutiques. Visit the Palazzo Ducale, overflowing with paintings by Italian masters, and contrast it with the modern Guggenheim. Simply enjoy getting lost crossing the hundreds of bridges and uncovering your own slice of Venice. In the evening, perhaps join your fellow travellers for a group dinner at a local restaurant. Venice is famous for its specialities of fresh lobster and squid ink spaghetti dishes, so make sure you give one a try.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Urban Adventures - Canal & Aperitivo Experience - EUR113
Urban Adventures - Chicchetti of Venice - EUR80
Urban Adventures - Sweet Taste of Venice - EUR36

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 3: La Spezia

This morning spend the day travelling by train to the once important naval base of La Spezia, now the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre, or ‘Five lands’ in English. The name comes from the five tiny villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – whose position, wedged into a series of coves between sheer cliffs, makes it one of the highlights of the whole of Italy. The journey usually takes between five and seven hours either via Milan or via Florence (depending on the best available connection), and is a very scenic trip through the north of Italy. On arrival in La Spezia there won't be too much time to explore yet, but after checking into your hotel perhaps get your bearings of the area 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.

Accommodation

Hostel (1 night)

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 4: La Spezia / Cinque Terre

Today it is highly recommended to venture out on the footpaths of Cinque Terre (Five Lands), a region of Italy famed for its coastline and pastel villages. The footpaths that run between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region, and take you through olive groves, vineyards and on to idyllic vistas. You can choose to walk just a few sections, which will still unveil a great amount of majestic scenery. Some sections of path can be difficult, as there are challenging uphill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges. Please remember to bring comfortable footwear such as trainers or light hiking shoes. It's also possible to take the train between any of the villages or back to the group's base in La Spezia whenever you want. After working up an appetite, take advantage of the foods of the Liguria region with a pesto class. Focaccia is also a speciality in this area and makes a great start to lunch. Upon return to La Spezia in the evening, there's no better way to recover from your day of walking with more indulgence in delicious Mediterranean food.

Accommodation

Hostel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Levanto Pesto Making Class - EUR15
Cinque Terre Day Trip - EUR16
Cinque Terre Cruise - EUR30
Urban Adventures - Cinque Terre Hike & Bite - EUR139
Urban Adventures - Tasting Cinque Terre - EUR89
Urban Adventures - Cinque Terre This is Aperitivo - EUR79

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Due to recent landslides in the area it is currently not possible to walk the Via dell'Amore and the coastal section between Manarola and Corniglia. There are alternative inland routes, however these are of a higher physical rating and involve steep ups and downs. It is possible to take the train or a bus for these sections. Due to safety reasons some sections of any path can be closed at short notice.

Day 5: Florence

Depart Cinque Terre today and catch a train to Florence (approximately 3.5 hours). On arrival, check into the hotel 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, so perhaps explore some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany. Regional specialities are noted for their simplicity and fine flavour, and the use of high-quality olive oil, cannellini beans and fresh herbs. Meat lovers should try the bistecca alla fiorentina, a huge T-bone steak that's usually shared between two people, or ribollita, a thick delicious vegetable soup with bread, beans and greens. Panforte is the signature sweet treat.

Accommodation

Hostel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Urban Adventures - Florence Foodies Walk - EUR67
Urban Adventures - Florence Markets & Delis - EUR58
Urban Adventures - Aperitivo Time! Florence Wine Tour - EUR77

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 6: Florence

Head out into the centre of Florence. It's impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, however, so take your time and enjoy it. Be captivated by the culture-rich atmosphere of Florence, from family-run vineyards on the outskirts of the city to the Duomo’s magnificent marble facade. Maybe start with a visit the Galleria dell'Accademia where you can see Michelangelo's famous statue of David. Stop by the Uffizi, one of the world's oldest art galleries, or 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 – a lovely way to while away the day. There are plenty of sights to see during your time in Florence.

Accommodation

Hostel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Pitti Palace - Gallery of Modern Art and Palatine Gallery - EUR8
Siena bus ticket - EUR24
Florence Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome - EUR15
Palazzo Vecchio - EUR10
Accademia - EUR16
Uffizi Gallery - EUR24
Pitti Palace (Boboli Gardens, Museo Argenti, Costume Gallery, Porcellain Museum) - EUR12
Baptistry - EUR10
Museum Bargello - EUR12
Medici Chapels - EUR15

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

The individual Florentine State Museums have slightly different opening times and closing days between them but the website firenzemusei.it has everything you need to know about all of them, including the option to purchase tickets. We suggest that you pre-book your visit to the Uffizi, as this museum experiences enormous queues (up to 5 hours) all year round. Make your reservations for these museums for any time today.

Day 7: Rome

In the morning, take the train to Rome (approximately 2 hours), and remember that while here, the best attitude is ‘when in Rome’! Join your leader on an orientation walk around the city, where you see some of the iconic sights such as the Colosseum and Arch of Constantine, the Forum (centre of ancient Rome), the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Via Dei Condotti and Piazza Venezia. Recharge with a slice of pizza and a strong espresso at the Piazza Navona or throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain and make a wish to return to the 'Eternal City'. No visit would be complete without a trip to Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica. Entry to the Basilica is free and there's a small charge to climb the dome for a panorama over the city. Art-lovers should visit the Sistine Chapel to admire the timeless work of Michelangelo, while history buffs will enjoy a jaunt through the ancient halls of the Pantheon. Rome is packed full of restaurants and trattorias that cater to every taste and budget. Local specialities tend to be quite heavy, and include pastas such as carbonara (egg, cheese and bacon) and amatriciana (tomato, bacon and chilli). Eating in trattorias will give you a chance to sample some Italian wines, with house choices usually very good and affordable. Head out in the evening with the group for a final farewell gastronomic fling.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR10
Christian Catacombs - EUR8
Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill - EUR16
Imperial Fora - EUR9
Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR5
Vatican Museum - EUR16
Pantheon - EUR2
St Peter's Dome climb - EUR6
St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR8
Venezia Palace - EUR5
Galleria Borghese - EUR15

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Check the Vatican website (vatican.va) for updated information on when you can visit. Tickets for the Vatican Museum can and should be booked online at: biglietteriamusei.vatican.va. The Vatican Museum is closed on some days, including most Sundays. On the last Sunday of the month, it's open and free (but expect large crowds). Tickets for Galleria Borghese can also be booked online at galleriaborghese.it. In order to allow enough time in the museum and to avoid the crowds it is recommended to start the museum visit as doors open. Please note that pre-booked tickets are not required if you just want to visit St Peter's Basilica and its dome.

Day 8: Rome

Your adventures comes to an end on the final morning. There are no activities planned for today and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time. As there is so much to see in Rome we recommend you to stay a little longer. We are happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Please speak to your agent at the time of booking.

Optional Activities

Urban Adventures - Roman Dolce Vita - EUR65
Urban Adventures - Trastevere: Trends and Tradition - EUR56
Urban Adventures - Ancient Rome: Archaeological Discovery Tour - EUR110

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

If you have some more time in Rome why not check out the day trips offered by Urban Adventures. Check out urbanadventures.com for more information.

Inclusions

Meals

4 breakfasts

Transport

Train

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Hostel (3 nights)

Meals

4 breakfasts

Transport

Train

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Hostel (3 nights)

Dates & availability

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Essential trip information

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