Highlights of Italy
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Wander through the iconic spots of Italia, from winding canals to clifftop villages
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 (but if you have more time, why not extend your adventure?). 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.
4.9
141 reviewsStart: Venice, Italy
End: Rome, Italy
- Duration
- 8 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Basix
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer, Rail
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Explore rocky coastal pathways and pastel-coloured villages with a Cinque Terre day pass, which allows you to hike at your own pace and use the coast's public transport.
- Get lost in the floating city of Venice and wander the city's maze of alleyways, canals and lagoon islands, and choose whether to opt in for an optional gondola ride.
- Discover the landmarks of Rome with your handy local leader and wander around the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, 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.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
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.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
- Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection - EUR17
- Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
- Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
- Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti - EUR15
- Venice - Ca' Rezzonico Museum of Eighteenth Century Art - EUR11
- Venice - Glass Museum Murano - EUR11
- Venice - Museum of St Mark's Basilica - EUR5
- Venice - Scuola Grande di San Rocco - EUR14
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.
Due to the popularity of some activities in Venice, you should book in advance if you wish to visit. St Mark's Basilica and Bell Tower can be booked at: http://www.basilicasanmarco.it/?lang=en
If you are interested in visiting Doge's Palace, we strongly suggest planning your visit today if you have extended your time in Venice or tomorrow after 2 pm. You can pre-book your tickets at https://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/home
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. Your leader will show you where to get the best cicchetti today (a tasty local snack that Venice is famous for). 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. Ore, fulfil a bucket list favourite and take a journey down the Grand Canal in a Venetian gondola if you haven’t already.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Venice - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Venice – San Marco Square
- Venice - Cicchetti Snack Stop
- Venice - Chicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice Urban Adventure - EUR112
- Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
- Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
- Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
- Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
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 head out for dinner with the group.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
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, and 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 the group's base in La Spezia whenever you want. After working up an appetite, maybe take advantage of an optional pesto class. Focaccia is also a speciality in this area and makes a great start to lunch, if you’d prefer.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Cinque Terre - Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass
- Cinque Terre - 'Il Laboratorio del Pesto' Making & Demonstration - EUR25
- Cinque Terre - Coastal Cruise - EUR41
- Cinque Terre - Via dell’Amore trail - EUR10
Please remember to bring comfortable footwear such as trainers or light hiking shoes. Due to safety reasons some sections of any path can be closed at short notice. If you are interested in walking the Via dell’Amore trail, we strongly suggest planning your visit for today after 2 pm, booking is required up to 72 hours prior at https://www.viadellamore.info/en
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).
- Hostel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Florence - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Florence - Foodies Walk Urban Adventure - EUR79
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
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 on offer during your time here, so be sure to grill your leader for the details on each so you can get a sense of what interests you.
- Hostel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Siena - Day Trip to Siena by Public Bus - EUR24
- Florence - Brunelleschi 3 Days pass - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome - EUR30
- Florence - Palazzo Vecchio - EUR12
- Florence - Accademia - EUR20
- Florence - Uffizi Gallery - EUR29
- Florence - Pitti Palace (Boboli Gardens, Museo Argenti, Costume Gallery, Porcellain Museum) - EUR22
- Florence - Bargello Museum - EUR16
- Florence - Medici Chapels - EUR17
The individual Florentine State Museums each have different opening days and hours. If you are interested in visiting the Galleria Uffizi and Galleria dell'Accademia, we strongly suggest planning your visit for today and pre booking your tickets at https://firenzemusei.it/ to avoid long queues.
Take the morning train to Rome and join your leader on an orientation walk around the city to see icons such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. 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.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Rome – Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Rome – Trevi Fountain
- Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR19
- Rome - Christian Catacombs - EUR10
- Rome - Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill - EUR19
- Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR6
- Vatican City - Vatican Museum - EUR25
- Rome - Pantheon - EUR5
- Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR10
- Rome - Venezia Palace - EUR17
- Rome - Galleria Borghese - EUR17
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
There are strictly enforced dress codes that apply to those wishing to enter the churches of the Vatican City. Men must wear long trousers and cover their shoulders. Women must cover their shoulders and knees. Check the Vatican website for updated information on when you can visit. 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). Pre-booked tickets are not required if you just want to visit St Peter's Basilica and the dome. If you are interested in visiting the Vatican Museum, we strongly suggest planning your visit for today after 2 pm or tomorrow if you have extended your time in Rome.
If you are interested in visiting the Colosseum, we strongly suggest planning your visit for today after 2 pm or tomorrow if you have extended your time in Rome. You can pre-book your tickets at https://colosseo.it/en/opening-times-and-tickets/
Your adventures come to an end today. There are no activities planned and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time after check-out. 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 at the time of booking.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
- Venice - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Venice – San Marco Square
- Venice - Cicchetti Snack Stop
- Cinque Terre - Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass
- Florence - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Rome – Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Rome – Trevi Fountain
- Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
- Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection - EUR17
- Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
- Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
- Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti - EUR15
- Venice - Ca' Rezzonico Museum of Eighteenth Century Art - EUR11
- Venice - Glass Museum Murano - EUR11
- Venice - Museum of St Mark's Basilica - EUR5
- Venice - Scuola Grande di San Rocco - EUR14
- Venice - Chicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice Urban Adventure - EUR112
- Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
- Cinque Terre - 'Il Laboratorio del Pesto' Making & Demonstration - EUR25
- Cinque Terre - Coastal Cruise - EUR41
- Cinque Terre - Via dell’Amore trail - EUR10
- Florence - Foodies Walk Urban Adventure - EUR79
- Siena - Day Trip to Siena by Public Bus - EUR24
- Florence - Brunelleschi 3 Days pass - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome - EUR30
- Florence - Palazzo Vecchio - EUR12
- Florence - Accademia - EUR20
- Florence - Uffizi Gallery - EUR29
- Florence - Pitti Palace (Boboli Gardens, Museo Argenti, Costume Gallery, Porcellain Museum) - EUR22
- Florence - Bargello Museum - EUR16
- Florence - Medici Chapels - EUR17
- Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR19
- Rome - Christian Catacombs - EUR10
- Rome - Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill - EUR19
- Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR6
- Vatican City - Vatican Museum - EUR25
- Rome - Pantheon - EUR5
- Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR10
- Rome - Venezia Palace - EUR17
- Rome - Galleria Borghese - EUR17
This trip generates 17 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- Please keep your luggage as small and light as possible. You'll be travelling on public transport where storage space is limited. You'll need to be able to lift your luggage into storage racks, walk across cobblestone streets with it and carry it up and down stairs.
- This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary includes a mix of activities and free time, during which your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget for the money spent on optional activities you want to partake in.
- 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! Space is at a premium in Europe, and your hotel is no exception. For those travelling as a duo, European hotels often don't have double beds but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. In some cases, bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite.
- Summer temperatures in Italy can reach over 40°C. To combat the heat, it’s important to use sun protection, wear layers, and drink plenty of water. Please keep in mind that many European hotel rooms are not equipped with air conditioning, and consider the time of year you wish to travel.
- The primary means of transportation on this trip is 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 busy.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
FACILITIES
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Hotel San Geremia
Campo San Geremia 290/a Cannaregio,
Venice
30121
ITALY
Phone: +39 041716245
Description
The official name for the property is 'Hotel San Geremia & Alloggi Gerotto Calderan' due to an unusual set up where several guesthouses are located in the same vicinity. Reception is located in Hotel San Geremia (in building 290 with the orange banner), but you'll be allocated your rooms in Alloggi Gerotto Calderan, which has a number of renovated rooms. Rooms here are compact and in Venetian style and Wi-Fi is available. The hotel looks out over quaint San Geremia Square.
Instructions
If you have pre booked an arrival transfer, your transfer driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall holding a board with the Intrepid Logo or your name.
Please note that the transfer will drop you at Piazzale Roma from where you will have to make your way to the hotel on foot, as traffic can't enter the narrow alleys of the lagoon. From Piazzale Roma walk across the big bridge over the Canale Grande and continue straight past Santa Lucia train station to your left. Continue straight along Lista Di Spagna which runs parallel with the north side of the canal. Walk about 300 metres (5 minutes) down this street until you reach Campo San Geremia. The receptions for Hotel San Geremia & Alloggi Gerotto Calderan are based in the same location. Check in at Hotel San Geremia and you will be allocated a room in Alloggi Gerotto Calderan. Hotel San Geremia is located 10 minutes away from Santa Lucia Train Station.
In case of flight cancellations, changes or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +39 333 41 12 840 or +39 351 68 60 687.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A single supplement is not available on this trip.
2. Venice will implement a visitor’s fee for all travellers visiting the city between 18 April 2025 and 27 July 2025 This fee is not payable by Intrepid customers; however, you will need to apply for an exemption before arrival at https://cda.comune.venezia.it/en/richiestaEsenzione. For further information, please see the “Passports, visas and entry requirements,” section of your Essential Trip Information.
3. If you have prebooked arrival transfer with us, please read Joining Point Instructions in Essential Trip Information document for exact details. Your transfer may include a water taxi, or a car taxi, and you may be required to walk for a short distance from the end point of the transfer route to your hotel.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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