Essential Italy
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Discover Tuscany and the Mediterranean coast on this bucket-list exploration of Italy
Eat your weight in pasta, spend afternoons lazing in the sun, explore the best local hotspots and see one of the Seven Wonders of the World on this 10-day adventure through Italy’s essentials. From Venice to Rome, you’ll be ticking off bucket list sites, forging friendships and making memories. Beach hop around lakes and the sea, sample Tuscan wine, eat your favourite foods in the cities they were born in and soak in more art, history and culture than you can handle. When your bellies, brains and bags are full at the end of this whirlwind Italian experience, say arrivederci to your new travel besties and the trip of a lifetime.
4.4
22 reviewsStart: Venice, Italy
End: Rome, Italy
- Duration
- 10 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Ages
- Min 18 - Max 35
- 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.
- 18 to 35s
- 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
This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds
Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences
Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time
Connect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience
Why you'll love this trip
- Hike or train between the colourful towns of Cinque Terre – walk one of the trails with your leader, alongside gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea, then explore at your own pace, maybe hanging out at one of the many scenic beaches or hiking through the hills.
- Sip an aperitivo at sunset in Piazzale Michelangelo, overlooking Florence as night falls – after a full free day to explore the art and culture (and wine) of this amazing city, this might just be your new favourite place!
- Recite Shakespeare as you gaze up at Juliet’s balcony in Verona, then take a half day trip to Pisa to see the famous leaning tower – this trip will tick all the iconic sights off your list.
- Eat your way through Italy, stopping in at some of the country’s finest food destinations. Whether it’s a real spaghetti carbonara in Rome, a traditional pesto-making demonstration in Cinque Terre or wine windows in Florence, your tastebuds are front and center.
- Soak up Italian history in some of Italy’s most storied cities. Explore ancient Roman architecture of the Colosseum or wander through 16th century strongholds – on this trip, there’s a little something for the history buff in all of us.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Ciao! Welcome to Venice. Your Italian adventure starts in this city on the sea – famous for its winding canals, almost 400 bridges and gondoliers punting their way through the narrow waterways. Meet up with your group at a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe wander the labyrinth of streets and passages from your accommodation – you'll be staying right in the heart of Venice, meaning exploring from your base couldn't be easier! Find the Bridge of Sighs for a pic, window shop by the Ponte di Rialto and browse the famous flooding bookshop Libreria Acqua Alta (the self-proclaimed ‘most beautiful bookshop in the world’). Or, you can jump in a gondola and be swept away by the romance of it all. Tonight, why not get the group together for dinner at Orient Experience – this restaurant provides employment, support and advocacy to Venice’s migrant and refugee community with a menu inspired by the journeys they took to get to Europe.
- Hotel (multi-share) (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Venice - Glass Museum Murano - EUR11
- Venice - Ca' Rezzonico Museum of Eighteenth Century Art - EUR11
- Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti - EUR15
- Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
- Venice - Scuola Grande di San Rocco - EUR14
- Venice - Museum of St Mark's Basilica - EUR5
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection - EUR17
- Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
- Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
- Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
- Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
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.
Space is at a premium in Venice, and your simple hotel is no exception. Rooms are small and multi-share, but the location more than makes up for it – right in the heart of Venice Island!
If you are interested in visiting Doge's Palace, we strongly suggest planning your visit before the welcome meeting. You can pre-book your tickets at https://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/home/
Say farewell to Venice this morning as you leave the canals behind and make your way to Verona – the city that played backdrop to the most famous love story ever told. An orientation walk with your leader will take you around the city and into the courtyard where you can gaze up at Juliet’s balcony (keep an eye out for Romeo lurking around the place). You’ll also go past Arena di Verona – a Roman amphitheatre that still plays host to live performances. Built in AD30 the theatre is one of the best-preserved ancient structures of its kind and is even older than the Colosseum! See if you can find some Sfogliatine di Villafranca (a much-loved crumbly puff pastry dessert invented in Verona). After an afternoon of exploring, jump back on the train and head to Lake Garda. Tonight, find a lakeside restaurant for dinner with your new travel buddies.
- Hotel (multi-share) (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Verona - Orientation walk & Juliet's Balcony
- Peschiera del Garda – Orientation walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Wake up today in the lakeside region of Lake Garda. On the banks of the largest lake in Italy, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure. As one of the most beautiful small towns on the lake, Peschiera del Garda packs a punch, with plenty to see. Wander along the canals and rivers and make your way down to the lakefront where you can take a dip in the turquoise waters or grab some lunch at one of the many restaurants. At the UNESCO World Heritage Site Peschiera del Garda fortress, you can learn how the Republic of Venice defended itself between the 16th and 17th centuries. Tonight, why not grab your group and watch the sunset over the water while sipping on an Aperol spritz or a negroni (or two!).
- Hotel (multi-share) (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Peschiera del Garda – Gardaland Park - EUR50
Leaving the banks of Lake Garda this morning, you’ll make your way to the beautiful city of Parma. As a food lovers paradise, get ready to sample all the traditional delicacies Parma has on offer. When you arrive, your leader will take you around the city on an orientation walk, before leaving you to explore at your own pace. Wander the colourful streets of this gem in the heart of northern Italy, famously the birthplace of Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano. Once you’ve eaten all the cured hams and aged cheeses you can handle (although can you ever really get enough?), maybe check out some incredible art history and the intricately frescoed ceilings in the Duomo di Parma, or head about an hour out and visit the largest labyrinth in the world – Labirinto di Franco Maria Ricci.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Parma – Orientation Walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Today, you’ll head to La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre, nestled in the hills of northern Italy and on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Today is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a day at the beach, soak up some sun and eat all the seafood you can stomach. You can also jump on the bus and take a day trip out to the unofficial ‘sixth town’ of Cinque Terre, Portovenere. On the tip of a peninsula, this small finishing town is surrounded by ocean. Full of history, maybe walk out to the 12th century Doira Castle or find literary inspiration at the Grotta di Lord Byron – a popular swimming cove that inspired the author it’s named after. Today is all about enjoying the Mediterranean coast, so make it your own! Don’t forget to check in with your leader to find the best places that only the locals know.
- Guesthouse (multi-share) (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Welcome to Cinque Terre! One of the most beautiful coastal stretches in Italy. Historically, long walking trails were the only way to travel between the villages, which means that other than the incredible views, you’ll also have some hiking opportunities. Today, your leader will take you on a hike through some of these tracks, with the Mediterranean Sea in sight the whole time. Walking past terraced farms and through coastal forests, this is the perfect way to discover this part of Italy. After your hike, the rest of the day is yours. Maybe make your way down to a beach club and soak in the sun, or join a traditional pesto making demonstration for some tricks you can take home. Alternatively, hop on a boat and take a cruise around the coast to see the rolling hills from a different perspective.
- Guesthouse (multi-share) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Cinque Terre – Leader-led Hike
- Cinque Terre – Day Pass
- Cinque Terre - Coastal Cruise - EUR41
- Cinque Terre - 'Il Laboratorio del Pesto' Making & Demonstration - EUR25
- Cinque Terre - Via dell’Amore trail - EUR10
For safety reasons, 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
Say arrivederci to Cinque Terre this morning and make your way to Pisa. When you arrive, head over to the Piazza del Duomo where you’ll find the Battistero di San Giovanni, Cattedrale di Pisa and of course the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Join the crowds and get your very own picture holding up the tower or challenge your group to come up with the most original photo. You’ve got free time for the next few hours, so why not ask your leader for the best places to sample some salami, a few cheeses or where to get the best glass of Tuscan wine? Maybe try some Cecina Toscana (traditional flatbread) too. Leave Pisa mid-afternoon, and head for Florence, where your leader will take you on an orientation walk around the city. Ask them to point out any hot spots for dinner and drinks tonight, and where you can jump on an optional food tour or experience happy hour the Italian way (second aperitivo, anyone?).
- Hostel (multi-share) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Pisa - Half Day Trip
- Florence – Orientation Walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
To book an Urban Adventure in Florence go to https://www.urbanadventures.com/en/florence or speak to your booking agent.
Today you have a full day to explore one of the most beautiful cities in Italy – Florence. Home to the great Michelangelo, why not visit the Accademia Gallery and see David himself, or visit his replica and other Rennaissance sculptures in the Piazza della Signoria. If you’re feeling up for a bit of a challenge, walk the 463 steps to the top of the Duomo and get one of the best 360 views of Florence. Hunt through the streets and see how many wine windows you can find (there are over 180!), taking full advantage of the quirky little holes in the wall that were originally put in so Florentines could still enjoy a glass of vino during times of plague. Tonight, come together as a group and enjoy a sunset aperitivo in Piazzale Michelangelo before heading out for the night.
- Hostel (multi-share) (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Florence - Sunset Aperitivo in Piazzale Michelangelo
- Florence - Bargello Museum - EUR16
- Florence - Medici Chapels - EUR17
- Florence - Uffizi Gallery - EUR29
- 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 - Pitti Palace, Gallery of Modern Art & Palatine Gallery - EUR19
- Florence - Giotto 3 days pass - Giotto Bell Tower, Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, and Santa Reparata - EUR20
- Florence - Ghiberti 3 days pass - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo and Santa Reparata - EUR15
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.
To book an Urban Adventure in Florence go to https://www.urbanadventures.com/en/florence or speak to your booking agent.
Your time in Firenze has come to an end. Today, you’ll be heading to the illustrious capital city – Rome. Walking in the footsteps of emperors, conquerors, gladiators and philosophers, the streets of Rome are steeped in history. Follow your leader on an orientation walk and get the lay of the land before heading off to explore. The Roman Colosseum (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) is a must-see for most, whether you admire the architectural marvel from the outside or immerse yourself in the history from the inside. If you’re looking for more ancient Roman architecture, check out the Forum (now home to a colony of cats). You can also talk to your leader about heading out to Vatican City where you can climb St Peter’s Dome or visit the Vatican Museum and check out Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Tonight, your leader can help you find the best place for dinner to toast to the end of your adventure.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Rome - Orientation Walk
- Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR10
- Vatican City - Vatican Museum - EUR25
- Rome - Pantheon - EUR5
- Rome - Christian Catacombs - EUR10
- Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR6
- Rome - Venezia Palace - EUR17
- Rome - Galleria Borghese - EUR17
- Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR19
- Rome - Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill - EUR19
Today's travel time will be approximately 2 hours.
If you are interested in visiting the Colosseum, we strongly suggest planning your visit for today after 2pm 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 trip comes to an end this morning and it’s time to say goodbye to your group. As there is so much to see in Rome, it’s recommended that you stay a little longer and book a few more days – just speak to your booking agent.
- Breakfast
There are strictly enforced dress codes that apply to those wishing to enter the churches of the Vatican City. Men must wear long trousers (no shorts) and cover their shoulders and women must cover from shoulder to below the knee. 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). Please note that 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. You can pre-book your tickets at https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html
Inclusions and activities
4 breakfasts
Train
Hotel (multi-share) (3 nights), Hotel (2 nights), Hostel (multi-share) (2 nights), Guesthouse (multi-share) (2 nights)
- Verona - Orientation walk & Juliet's Balcony
- Peschiera del Garda – Orientation walk
- Parma – Orientation Walk
- Cinque Terre – Leader-led Hike
- Cinque Terre – Day Pass
- Pisa - Half Day Trip
- Florence – Orientation Walk
- Florence - Sunset Aperitivo in Piazzale Michelangelo
- Rome - Orientation Walk
- Venice - Glass Museum Murano - EUR11
- Venice - Ca' Rezzonico Museum of Eighteenth Century Art - EUR11
- Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti - EUR15
- Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
- Venice - Scuola Grande di San Rocco - EUR14
- Venice - Museum of St Mark's Basilica - EUR5
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection - EUR17
- Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
- Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
- Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
- Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
- Peschiera del Garda – Gardaland Park - EUR50
- Cinque Terre - Coastal Cruise - EUR41
- Cinque Terre - 'Il Laboratorio del Pesto' Making & Demonstration - EUR25
- Cinque Terre - Via dell’Amore trail - EUR10
- Florence - Bargello Museum - EUR16
- Florence - Medici Chapels - EUR17
- Florence - Uffizi Gallery - EUR29
- 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 - Pitti Palace, Gallery of Modern Art & Palatine Gallery - EUR19
- Florence - Giotto 3 days pass - Giotto Bell Tower, Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, and Santa Reparata - EUR20
- Florence - Ghiberti 3 days pass - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo and Santa Reparata - EUR15
- Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR10
- Vatican City - Vatican Museum - EUR25
- Rome - Pantheon - EUR5
- Rome - Christian Catacombs - EUR10
- Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR6
- Rome - Venezia Palace - EUR17
- Rome - Galleria Borghese - EUR17
- Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR19
- Rome - Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill - EUR19
This trip generates 15 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
- As accommodation on this trip is twin and multi-share, solo travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender, an excellent opportunity to get to know other like-minded people. Travellers on the same booking may be split between rooms when multi-share is used due to the single gender dormitories.
- Summer temperatures reach over 40°C in Italy during summer. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, 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 the 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. 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 specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential trip information’ section.
- This trip is part of a longer itinerary. You might be joining travellers who have already spent some time together. If you have more time to explore, you might like to check out Epic Europe: Central and Italy.
We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid 18 to 35s style of travel. Our first accommodation choice is always as close to the main attraction of the destination as possible, however, sometimes we are not in the right centre of action, which means you may need to hop on public transport to get to the city centre. Service and accommodation in Europe may be different to the standards you are used to. Your accommodation will not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning and rooms can be small.
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.
ROOMING ALLOCATION
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with other travellers of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for your arrival, especially if you're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means you won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, you can store your luggage and go exploring.
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.
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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