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The best of Italy, wrapped up as neatly as ravioli.

Fall in love with Italy on this week-long highlights adventure of a European favourite. Begin by exploring the canal-framed maze of Venice, then take in the beautiful, charming towns of the Cinque Terre coastline. Experience the beauty and arts culture in Florence, marvel in the rich history and grandeur of the Vatican City, and finish with a pizza in the piazzas of Rome. With plenty of free time to do your own thing, there's no better way to see this epic pocket of Europe. If this is your first or just your most recent visit to Italy, be sure to experience the best of the city, coast and countryside at a pace that you decide.

This trip is for 18 to 29-year-olds

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Venice, Italy
Finish
Rome, Italy
Destinations
Italy, Vatican
Style
Basix
Theme
18 to 29s
Code
ZMYI
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18, Max 29
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

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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.

  • Never go hungry (or thirsty) with mouth-watering seafood along Italy's coast, fine wine in Tuscany and endless pasta dishes on offer in Rome.

  • Walk along Cinque Terre's rocky coastal walks, stopping by the cliff-hanging pastel villages of Manarola, Riomaggiore and Vernazza.

  • Discover the country within a city at the Vatican with a leader-led tour of St Peter’s Basilica, steeped in rich history and adorned with religious icons and unforgettable artwork.

  • Wander around Rome at your own pace and past famous landmarks including the Colosseum, the Spanish steps and the Trevi Fountain.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Less time spent travelling; more time to explore each destination. 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.

  • Some of the best scenery is found on the Cinque Terre walks, which can be quite steep and long at times. While this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to take part in all activities.

  • Europe is steeped in majestic old buildings, and often there are no lifts or escalators, particularly in some train stations or hotels. You may have to carry your bags up and down stairs, but the trek will be worth it.

  • Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be very high in Italy (over 40°C), which can make things uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water.

  • As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, solo travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. Please note that a single supplement is not available on this trip. For couples, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. Space is at a premium in Europe and your hotels are no exception. For example, your hotel in Venice has quite small rooms, but the location makes up for that - right in the heart of Venice Island. Also, in many cases, bathroom facilities will be shared rather than a private ensuite.

Map of One Week in Italy including Italy and Holy See (vatican City State)
italy_rome_river_traveller
italy_venice_gondola_tourist

Itinerary
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Welcome to the waterside wonderland of Venice, Italy, which is literally sinking under the weight of its iconic sights. Packed full of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals and churches, this city is a traveller's dream that's been practically unchanged for 600 years. Your Italian adventure will begin with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not take a stroll through the maze of streets behind Piazza San Marco and head to the Grand Canal. Here, you can see the famous Rialto Bridge and browse the endless amount of markets and shops selling Venetian masks, handmade Murano glassware and many other trinkets. After meeting your group tonight, perhaps enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers at a local restaurant – your leader will know where to go.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
  • Venice - Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs - EUR25
  • Venice - Guggenheim Museum - EUR15
  • Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR8
  • Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
  • Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
  • Venice - Venezia Ca' d'Oro - EUR14
  • Venice - Ca' Rezzonico Museum of Eighteenth Century Art - EUR10
  • Venice - Glass Museum Murano - EUR10
  • Venice - Museum of St Mark's Basilica - EUR5
  • Venice - Scuola Grande di San Rocco - EUR11
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. 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).

Today is free to go out and explore the splendour of Venice. Your group leader will orientate you to the lay of the land in Venice, which includes a traghetto (public transport gondola) to cross the famous Grand Canal. Once you have your bearings, walk the stone laneways to Doge's Palace, the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs. Otherwise, wind through the narrow canals on a Venetian gondola – it’s worth the ticket. Also, you could take a vaporetto (water bus) to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for the best view of Venice. It's no problem if your legs get tired – pull up a seat at one of the piazzas and tuck into an Italian coffee or a local tiramisu, and enjoy watching visitors and locals soak in the magic of the city. For something a bit more artsy, visit the Palazzo Ducale to see paintings by the Italian masters then head to the modern Peggy Guggenheim Collection. You’re on Italian time now, so relax into the evening with an aperol spritz, and go in search for Venice’s seafood spaghetti specialities, like fresh lobster or squid ink, to get your pasta fix.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Traghetto Ride
Optional Activities
  • Urban Adventures - Canal & Aperitivo Experience - EUR113
  • Venice - Chicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice Urban Adventure - EUR90
  • Venice - The Sweet Taste of Venice Urban Adventure - EUR94
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Spend the day travelling by train to the town of La Spezia: the gateway to the stunning Cinque Terre region (approximately 5-7 hours, depending on train connections). The journey is a beautifully scenic trip through Italy's north. The name Cinque Terre comes from the five tiny villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – whose position, wedged into a series of coves between sheer cliffs, makes this one of the highlights of the whole of Italy. There won't be too much time to explore the towns on arrival, but once you've checked in, you may like to take a walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione and to the waterside gardens. Keep an eye out for a buzzing restaurant on the harbour – you’re sure to be hungry.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today it's time to get out and explore the walking tracks of Cinque Terre, a region of Italy famed for its rocky 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 spectacular views of the towns below hugging the cliffs. Included today is the 'Cinque Terre Card' to get you into the national park and provide train travel between towns and, depending on the group’s agreed fitness level, your leader will take you on a scenic hike. How far, and how many sections to walk is up to you, and it's possible to take the train between any of the villages or back to the base in La Spezia whenever you'd like. If food is more your thing, take advantage of the culinary-rich Liguria region with an optional pesto making class, or perhaps just load up on focaccia, another local speciality. Return to La Spezia in the evening and feel free to keep the food exploration going – there's no better way to recover from a day of walking than indulging in more Mediterranean delights.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cinque Terre - Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass
Optional Activities
  • Cinque Terre - 'Il Laboratorio del Pesto' Making & Demonstration - EUR15
  • Cinque Terre - Coastal 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.

Leave the Cinque Terre and catch a train to Florence (approximately 3.5 hours). On arrival, check into the hostel and take 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 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, and food is a major part of the city's identity, so get stuck into some of the regional specialities. Meat lovers should try the bistecca alla fiorentina, a large sliced 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, and trust us, it's oh so sweet.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Florence - Foodies Walk Urban Adventure - EUR67
  • Urban Adventures - Florence Markets & Delis - EUR58
  • Florence - Aperitivo Time! Urban Adventure - EUR77
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Head out into the centre of Florence. It's impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, so take your time, enjoy it and discover the city's culture-rich atmosphere, from family-run vineyards on the outskirts, to the Duomo’s magnificent marble facade. If you are up for it you could visit the local market, potentially culminating in a picnic of traditional Florentine and Tuscan treats. You could then visit the Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's famous statue of David, or marvel in the spectacle of the Uffizi: one of the world's oldest art galleries. For sweeping views of the city, walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo, which is set on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River. On your way down, head toward the Ponte Vecchio and stop by a trattoria to fill up with Florence's renowned food and wine. After all, you are in the thriving centre of Tuscany.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Florence - Pitti Palace, Gallery of Modern Art & Palatine Gallery - EUR8
  • Siena - Day Trip to Siena by Public Bus - EUR24
  • Florence - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome - EUR15
  • Florence - Palazzo Vecchio - EUR10
  • Florence - Accademia - EUR16
  • Florence - Uffizi Gallery - EUR24
  • Florence - Pitti Palace (Boboli Gardens, Museo Argenti, Costume Gallery, Porcellain Museum) - EUR12
  • Florence - Baptistry - EUR10
  • Florence - Bargello Museum - EUR12
  • Florence - 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 your museums of choice, as these places experience enormous queues for walk-up tickets (up to 5 hours) all year round.

Take the train to Rome (approximately 2 hours) and remember, when in Rome – well, you tell us. Join your group on a visit to the Vatican, catching the metro from the main Termini station, and enjoying a leader-led visit to the magnificent St Peter’s Basilica. The country within a city is the home of the Catholic Church and the basilica attracts thousands of visitors for its grand scale, famous iconography and huge forecourt. Afterwards, spend time walking up to the Gianicolo lookout with your group, and witness a panoramic snapshot of the nation’s capital. Later, perhaps head to the Trevi Fountain to see its extravagance under lights, and while you’re walking, maybe grab a gelato – you’re only in Rome once! Make sure you don't miss out on seeing the other iconic Roman sights such as the Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, the Forum, the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Vatican City & St Peter's Basilica
Optional Activities
  • Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR10
  • Rome - Christian Catacombs - EUR8
  • Rome - Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill - EUR16
  • Rome - Imperial Fora - EUR9
  • Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR5
  • Vatican City - Vatican Museum - EUR16
  • Rome - Pantheon - EUR2
  • Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb - EUR6
  • Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR8
  • Rome - Venezia Palace - EUR5
  • Rome - Galleria Borghese - EUR15
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that the leader-led walking tour of the Vatican does not include a visit to the Vatican museum. Check the Vatican website (vatican.va) for updated information on when you can visit the museum. Tickets for the Vatican Museum can and should be booked online at biglietteriamusei.vatican.va to ensure you don’t have to wait hours in line. The Vatican Museum is closed on some days, including most Sundays. On the last Sunday of the month, however, it's open and free to enter (but expect huge crowds).

There are no activities planned for today and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time. If you have some more time in Rome, why not head back to the Vatican museum, or check out the day trips offered by Urban Adventures, like the Tasting La Dolce Vita tour, exploring the city’s most iconic monuments, piazzas, fountains and movie locations, with some (well-deserved) food stops on the way. Check out urbanadventures.com/destination/Rome-tours for more information.
Optional Activities
  • Urban Adventures - Tasting La Dolce Vita - EUR90
  • Urban Adventures - Wine Tasting with Sommelier - EUR95
  • Rome - Pantheon One Hour Guided Tour Urban Adventure - EUR35
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
As there is so much to see in Rome we recommend you stay a little longer. We are happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Meals

4 breakfasts

Transport

Train

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Hostel (4 nights)

Included activities

  • Traghetto Ride
  • Cinque Terre - Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass
  • Vatican City & St Peter's Basilica

Dates & availability

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Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is not available on this trip.

Essential trip information

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