Best of Italy
Tour Description
Day 1: Rome
The enduring phrase ‘la dolce vita’ – or the good life – truly captures the essence of Italy. Spend 14 days discovering the heart of all things Italian on a culturally rich adventure from the piazzas of Rome to the canals of Venice. Tour the Tuscan countryside on a leisurely cycle along Lucca’s Serchio River, peer into Pisa and marvel at its Leaning Tower, take to the trails of the Cinque Terre for some stunning coastal views, and walk the Portofino Peninsula to be one with its glamourous residents. With time spent wine tasting in rural villages, ferry catching along Lake Como and relaxing among the vibrant centres of Milan and Venice, you’ll soon understand why Italy remains in the hearts of all who visit.
Itinerary
Day 1: Rome
Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Crowded with ancient ruins and religious monuments, Rome still pulses to the beat of modern life and is packed with designer shops, restaurants, cafes and exciting nightlife. If you arrive early, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. Maybe save the unmissable sights for later and today do as the Romans do – sip an espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes and sample the many flavours of gelato that colour the city. For those captivated by the ‘Eternal City’, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit to Rome. Keep in mind that there will be an important welcome meeting, usually at around 6pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers.
Day 2: Rome / Florence
Enjoy some free time in Rome or, if you wish, your group leader will be available for an orientation walk, taking in some of the best-known sights of Rome like the Spanish steps, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. 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 breath-taking panorama over parts of the city. If there’s time, visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. In the afternoon you’ll travel by train from Rome to Florence – Italy’s outdoor museum (approximately 2 hours). Florence, the cultural heart of Tuscany, bursts with religious treasures and Renaissance masterpieces. It’s been said that during the second millennium, a third of Europe’s most important artists lived in Florence. The minds and talents of the Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all flourished here. After checking in to your hotel, join your tour leader for an orientation walk of Florence, then the rest of your evening is free to explore the city of the Renaissance. Food is also a major part of the city’s identity, so why explore some of the Tuscan delicacies on offer with your travel pals.
Day 3: Florence
Today is a free day for you to explore all that Florence has to offer. It’s impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, so take your time to work out a plan. The principal sights are easily discovered on foot – the Pitti Palace, Ponte Vecchio, Arno riverside, the many statues and monuments of the Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, 13th-century, the Baptistry and the Belltower, and the Santa Croce Church. Otherwise, take a visit to the Uffizi – one of the world’s oldest art galleries and a work of art in itself. If you’re wanting to see Michelangelo’s iconic statue of David, head to the Galleria dell’Accademia. In the evening, perhaps climb the steep stairs uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo a renowned sunset view across the rooftops of Florence. Afterwards, join the locals in taking a passeggiata – a leisurely socialising stroll – perhaps between Piazza Beccaria and Piazza della Repubblica. That is, if you aren’t enjoying a Tuscan meal instead.
Day 4: Florence / Lucca
No doubt there’ll be more to see in Florence this morning, then this afternoon, take a train to Lucca (approximately 2 hours). Lucca is one of Tuscany’s real hidden gems, with centuries-old buildings, beautiful churches, charming piazzas and narrow streets within its ancient city ramparts. You’ll be captivated by this charming and medieval town. You’ll be staying in the city centre which allows easy access to all the sights, restaurants and bars – all an easy stroll from the hotel’s front door. Make sure you join the traditional evening pastime of many locals and take a stroll along the top of the famous city walls that surround the perimeter of the old city.
Day 5: Pisa / Lucca
Set off on a cycling tour following the scenic Serchio River through the Tuscan countryside (4 kilometres round the walls that are now a tree-lined avenue, and 14 kilometres by the river, approximately 3-4 hours). Your base in Lucca provides you with the perfect opportunity for a later outing to the nearby city of Pisa (approximately 30 minutes by local train). Here there’ll be ample time for you to visit the world-famous Leaning Tower, as well as the nearby Duomo in Piazza dei Miracoli and the Pisa Baptistry. The Leaning Tower was built in the 12th century, but its foundation was on shifting sand and clay, meaning that it now leans at an angle of four degrees, after restoration and stabilising work. Continue to wander the streets past high-end boutiques and speciality book and antiques stores, perhaps stopping to enjoy an aperitif. Afterwards, head back to Lucca. An ideal way to end the day is to head to a local bar for a refreshing Prosecco and a delicious focaccia with finocchiona salami and pecorino cheese, best enjoyed in the shadow of the Palazzo Pretorio.
Day 6: La Spezia
Travel by train to La Spezia (approximately 3 hours) – the gateway to the gorgeous Italian Riviera. A medieval port town whose name is derived from its historic importance in the spice trade, La Spezia is your base for exploring the nearby stunning stretch of coast known as the Cinque Terre. The name comes from the five tiny villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, whose position, wedged into a series of coves between cliffs makes it one of the highlights in the whole of Italy. After lunch, explore the city or perhaps head out by ferry or bus to the pretty seaside town of Portovenere, known for its colourful houses straddling the waterfront. Return to La Spezia and walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione to the gardens along the harbour. Otherwise, opt to take another ferry to Lerici – another small village across the Bay of Poets dominated by its castle – for a waterside dinner.
Day 7: Cinque Terre / La Spezia
This morning, venture out to visit the enchanted Cinque Terre. 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, breath-taking vistas. If you’re feeling energetic, walking parts of the path (up to 12 kilometres, approximately 5 hours) will give you the best taste of the villages and countryside, though will require a good level of fitness. Some sections of path can be difficult, as there are challenging uphill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges. It’s also possible to take the train between any of the villages or back to your base in La Spezia whenever you want. Stop off for lunch at one of the towns and relax in the vibrant atmosphere.
Day 8: Portofino Peninsula / Asti
Travel by train to Santa Margherita on the Peninsula of Portofino (approximately 1 hour). Store your luggage and set off on an energetic 5-7 kilometre walk, finishing in Portofino. Start by wandering down to the Santa Margherita waterfront, past small fishing boats in the marina, enjoying the views back to town. Continue along the road, passing beach clubs, private villas and hotels that command the skyline, where the hills of the Italian Riviera meet the Bay of Tigullio. Spot locals sunbaking in the coves, then cross through some undulating forested terrain. Descend down to the picturesque port of Portofino – the place where the rich and famous come to play. Continue up to the viewpoints surrounding the town, join the glamorous for coffee and people-watching along the harbour, or perhaps stop at a focacceria to try this typical Ligurian bread. Afterwards, enjoy the fabulous coastal scenery with a boat ride back to Santa Margherita (weather permitting). Continue by train to Asti (approximately 2.5 hours) in the Piedmont region, where mouth-watering culinary delights await. Be sure to try a dish flavoured with truffle and indulge in a tipple of Italian wine.
Day 9: Asti
This morning, take a private vehicle to the green hills of the nearby rural village of Castagnole Monferrato, where you’ll visit the home of a local winemaking family to sample their vintages. The Ruche grape variety is unique to this region of Italy – it’s grown in just seven small villages in the province of Asti and produces a ruby-red, intense and aromatic wine. You may even like the option to enjoy a home-cooked lunch in the village, before returning to Asti. The town of Asti, located in the Piedmont region, was one of the most important towns in medieval times, sitting on trade routes between Turin, Milan, and Genoa. Today, it’s best known as the home of some of the finest and most sought after wines in Europe – excellent reds and the sparkling white ‘spumante’. It’s also the best place to find ‘tartufo’, or truffles – a distinctive regional delicacy. You may be lucky enough to be here on a market day, when the Piazza del Palio hosts the region’s largest open-air market.
Day 10: Milan / Lake Como
Travel by train to Milan (approximately 3 hours) – Italy’s second largest city and the capital of Lombardy – for a few hours to explore. In this most fashionable of cities, this is the place for stylish shopping and cafes! Explore the city’s historic centre, visit the Gothic Duomo and walk between its rooftop sculptures, admiring the views and the stunning Gothic terrace. You may like to visit Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece – The Last Supper – if there’s time, so be sure to book tickets well in advance. Alternatively, head to the park of Castello Sforzesco; the perfect destination on a hot day. Later in the afternoon, continue by train and bus to Lake Como (approximately 2 hours) – an area of stunning beauty full of unique and evocative landscapes. Your hotel tonight is on the shore of Lake Como where you’ll be able to experience its true serenity.
Day 11: Lake Como
This morning, explore the pretty village of Bellagio. Here you can enjoy a walk through the countryside and discover the estate of the Villa Melzi. This grand white villa sits just back from the water and its surrounding estate is filled with rare and exotic plant life. The rest of the day is free to take the ferry between the various parts of this area of Lake Como, like Varenna, Cadenabbia, or the beautiful Villa del Balbianello, which film fans may recognise from films franchises like James Bond and Star Wars. Villa Carlotta is another waterfront villa open to the public. It holds a range of artwork and is surrounded by acres of manicured Italian gardens. Just past Cadenabbia is Tremezzo, where you can find delicious food or an aperitif – sitting dockside, lakeside, or out on a veranda. Simply strolling and admiring the beautiful views whichever way you turn is an ideal way to spend the day. With some fine Italian food tonight, of course.
Day 12: Venice
Leave the lakes district behind and take your private vehicle to Milan and catch a train heading to Venice (approximately 3 hours) This grand city of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years. Venice is built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. There are plenty of things to keep you busy when you arrive. Join your leader and take a walk around the maze of streets behind Piazza San Marco and begin to understand the complex canal system of Venice. Your leader will introduce you to the local way of crossing the canal, by traghetto. It only takes a minute or so, but it is a quintessential experience to have in Venice. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. 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. For dinner, perhaps seek out Venice’s distinctive culinary heritage, which goes back to ancient times and features rich risottos, saline baccala (salted cod) and creamy polenta.
Day 13: Venice
Venture out and explore Venice today at your own pace. There are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. Take in the famous sights – the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace, Piazza San Marco with its golden Basilica, and of course, the evocative Bridge of Sighs. You could take a 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. See Venetian creativity and artisan wares in the glass in Dorsoduro or down the streets spreading out from the Campo Santo Stefano. Visit the Palazzo Ducale, overflowing with paintings by Italian masters, and contrast it with the modern Guggenheim. In the evening, join your tour leader for a cicchetti stop as a real Venetian, then continue for a celebratory dinner of Venetian specialities, such as fresh lobster and squid ink spaghetti.
Day 14: Venice
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! As there is so much to see in Venice, you may want to consider extending your stay. There’s a range of Urban Adventures to embark on in Venice, including Cicchetti & Wine Tour, which takes you around the lanes and canals in search of the best of Venetian culture and wine. See urbanadventures.com/destination/Venice-tours for more information. If you would like to spend more time in Venice, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Departure Dates
| Start Date | End Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2024 | Sep 15, 2024 | $7,714.00 | |
| Sep 5, 2024 | Sep 18, 2024 | $7,854.00 | |
| Sep 7, 2024 | Sep 20, 2024 | $7,369.00 | |
| Sep 9, 2024 | Sep 22, 2024 | $7,579.00 | |
| Sep 12, 2024 | Sep 25, 2024 | $7,854.00 | |
| Sep 16, 2024 | Sep 29, 2024 | $7,579.00 | |
| Sep 19, 2024 | Oct 2, 2024 | $6,934.00 | |
| Sep 21, 2024 | Oct 4, 2024 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 23, 2024 | Oct 6, 2024 | $6,506.00 | |
| Sep 26, 2024 | Oct 9, 2024 | $7,579.00 | |
| Sep 28, 2024 | Oct 11, 2024 | $7,259.00 | |
| Sep 30, 2024 | Oct 13, 2024 | $6,411.00 | |
| Oct 3, 2024 | Oct 16, 2024 | $7,554.00 | |
| Oct 5, 2024 | Oct 18, 2024 | $7,554.00 | |
| Oct 7, 2024 | Oct 20, 2024 | $7,554.00 | |
| Oct 10, 2024 | Oct 23, 2024 | $7,259.00 | |
| Oct 14, 2024 | Oct 27, 2024 | $7,259.00 | |
| Apr 3, 2025 | Apr 16, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Apr 5, 2025 | Apr 18, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Apr 7, 2025 | Apr 20, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Apr 14, 2025 | Apr 27, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Apr 24, 2025 | May 7, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Apr 28, 2025 | May 11, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 1, 2025 | May 14, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 3, 2025 | May 16, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 5, 2025 | May 18, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 10, 2025 | May 23, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 12, 2025 | May 25, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 17, 2025 | May 30, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 19, 2025 | Jun 1, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 24, 2025 | Jun 6, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 26, 2025 | Jun 8, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 31, 2025 | Jun 13, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jun 2, 2025 | Jun 15, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jun 5, 2025 | Jun 18, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jun 9, 2025 | Jun 22, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jun 16, 2025 | Jun 29, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jun 23, 2025 | Jul 6, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jun 26, 2025 | Jul 9, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jun 30, 2025 | Jul 13, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jul 3, 2025 | Jul 16, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jul 7, 2025 | Jul 20, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jul 14, 2025 | Jul 27, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jul 17, 2025 | Jul 30, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jul 21, 2025 | Aug 3, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jul 28, 2025 | Aug 10, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 2, 2025 | Aug 15, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 9, 2025 | Aug 22, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 16, 2025 | Aug 29, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 18, 2025 | Aug 31, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 23, 2025 | Sep 5, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 25, 2025 | Sep 7, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 28, 2025 | Sep 10, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 30, 2025 | Sep 12, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 1, 2025 | Sep 14, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 4, 2025 | Sep 17, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 6, 2025 | Sep 19, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 8, 2025 | Sep 21, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 11, 2025 | Sep 24, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 13, 2025 | Sep 26, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 15, 2025 | Sep 28, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 18, 2025 | Oct 1, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 20, 2025 | Oct 3, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 22, 2025 | Oct 5, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 25, 2025 | Oct 8, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 27, 2025 | Oct 10, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 29, 2025 | Oct 12, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Oct 2, 2025 | Oct 15, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Oct 4, 2025 | Oct 17, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Oct 6, 2025 | Oct 19, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Oct 9, 2025 | Oct 22, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Oct 16, 2025 | Oct 29, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Oct 20, 2025 | Nov 2, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Oct 30, 2025 | Nov 12, 2025 | $6,734.00 | |
| Apr 2, 2026 | Apr 15, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Apr 4, 2026 | Apr 17, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Apr 6, 2026 | Apr 19, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Apr 13, 2026 | Apr 26, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Apr 23, 2026 | May 6, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Apr 27, 2026 | May 10, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Apr 30, 2026 | May 13, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 2, 2026 | May 15, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 4, 2026 | May 17, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 9, 2026 | May 22, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 11, 2026 | May 24, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 16, 2026 | May 29, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 18, 2026 | May 31, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 23, 2026 | Jun 5, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 25, 2026 | Jun 7, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| May 30, 2026 | Jun 12, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jun 1, 2026 | Jun 14, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jun 4, 2026 | Jun 17, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jun 8, 2026 | Jun 21, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jun 11, 2026 | Jun 24, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jun 15, 2026 | Jun 28, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jun 22, 2026 | Jul 5, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jun 25, 2026 | Jul 8, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jun 29, 2026 | Jul 12, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jul 2, 2026 | Jul 15, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jul 6, 2026 | Jul 19, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jul 13, 2026 | Jul 26, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jul 16, 2026 | Jul 29, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jul 20, 2026 | Aug 2, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jul 23, 2026 | Aug 5, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jul 27, 2026 | Aug 9, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Jul 30, 2026 | Aug 12, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 1, 2026 | Aug 14, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 3, 2026 | Aug 16, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 8, 2026 | Aug 21, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 15, 2026 | Aug 28, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 17, 2026 | Aug 30, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 20, 2026 | Sep 2, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 22, 2026 | Sep 4, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 24, 2026 | Sep 6, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 27, 2026 | Sep 9, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 29, 2026 | Sep 11, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Aug 31, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 3, 2026 | Sep 16, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 5, 2026 | Sep 18, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 7, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 10, 2026 | Sep 23, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 25, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 14, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 17, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 19, 2026 | Oct 2, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 21, 2026 | Oct 4, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 24, 2026 | Oct 7, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Oct 9, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Sep 28, 2026 | Oct 11, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 14, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 16, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Oct 5, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Oct 8, 2026 | Oct 21, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 28, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Oct 19, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Oct 22, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 | $6,734.00 | |
| Oct 29, 2026 | Nov 11, 2026 | $6,734.00 |