Highlights of Italy in Winter
Tour Description
Day 1: Rome
While most associate Italy with a piercing, orange-hued summer, the mild winters make the country the perfect place to visit during the off season! On this eight-day trip, you’ll see all the iconic spots with far fewer tourists crowding the squares and clogging up the lines. Take in the crumbling ruins of Rome, the renaissance beauty of Florence and the canals of 15th century Venice and grab your classic photo of the Leaning Tower in Pisa. With the cold mornings and afternoon espressos, you’ll have all the more reason to tuck into all the delicious local cuisine, glasses of vino and cheeky desserts, too – ah Italia!
Itinerary
Day 1: Rome
Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in the collossal city of Rome – a capital where modern restaurants and cafes live among ancient ruins and religious monuments. You’ll have a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, and it’s recommended that you do, maybe take a tour of the Colosseum – one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World – grab dinner in trendy Trastevere and throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, making a wish to return to the ‘Eternal City’. After tonight’s meeting, why not head out for dinner with your group and indulge in some classic Italian cuisine (maybe with a glass of the local vino).
Day 2: Rome
When in Rome! Join your leader on an orientation walk around the city and spot the iconic sites like the Colosseum and Arch of Constantine, the Forum (centre of ancient Rome), the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, via Condotti and the Spanish Steps. Your afternoon is then free to explore at your own pace. Maybe recharge with a slice of pizza and a strong espresso at the Piazza Navona or head into 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. History buffs may also want to walk through the ancient halls of the Pantheon.
Day 3: Florence
This morning, depart the Eternal City and catch a train to Florence. When you arrive, check into the hotel and go for a brief walk around the 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 you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to lunch and dinner. Meat lovers should try the bistecca alla fiorentina (a huge T-bone steak that’s usually shared between two people) or ribollita (a thick vegetable soup with bread, beans and greens). Panforte is the signature sweet treat, so maybe grab some in the afternoon or after dinner.
Day 4: Pisa / Florence
Set out to the nearby city of Pisa. When you arrive, head out on a short orientation walk then visit the world-famous Leaning Tower. Grab your classic pinching-the-tower photo, then visit the Duomo (Piazza dei Miracoli, once the largest in Europe) and Pisa Baptistry (it’s not always possible to climb the tower). The 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 4 degrees (after restoration and stabilising work). Wander the narrow streets, which feature everything from high-end boutiques to specialty book and antique stores, and maybe end the afternoon with an aperitif. Head back to Florence and make the most of your free afternoon to soak up the culturally rich atmosphere. Maybe walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo, set on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, to take in the views of the city.
Day 5: Florence / Bologna
This morning, jump on a train to Bologna. Often neglected by travellers, Bologna is a charming city filled with medieval and Renaissance buildings and art. Get acquainted with this orange-hued hub during an orientation walk, then learn the fine art of Italian cooking with an evening cooking class. Here, you’ll be crafting the king of comfort food – pasta, of course! After learning the tricks of the trade, tuck into your creations for dinner.
Day 6: Bologna / Venice
Early this morning, get the train to the postcard-perfect city of Venice. Full of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas that remain practically unchanged since the 15th century, Venice is just as beautiful as you’ve always imagined. An orientation walk will help you to get the hang of the maze of the complex canal system, then you can set out on your own. Meet back up with your group in the late afternoon for a cicchetti walking tour (small snacks served in most bars and cafes) Snack and sip your way through the bars and taverns, soaking up the local culture in the best way.
Day 7: Venice
Today is for exploring Venice and there are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. This morning, you’ll get a taste of both. Take the Vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for the best view of the city and the canals. Then, the rest of the day is free to walk at your own pace. Perhaps grab an espresso and people watch in San Marco Square or discover the incredible artwork at the Palazzo Ducale or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. In the evening, maybe 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 – just ask your leader for the best spots!
Day 8: Venice
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end this morning. You’re free to depart the accommodation at any time before check-out. As there is so much to see in Venice, it’s recommended that you stay a few extra days. If you need help with booking additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent at the time of booking.
Departure Dates
| Start Date | End Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2025 | Nov 8, 2025 | $3,852.00 | |
| Nov 8, 2025 | Nov 15, 2025 | $3,914.25 | |
| Nov 29, 2025 | Dec 6, 2025 | $3,116.25 | |
| Dec 6, 2025 | Dec 13, 2025 | $4,120.00 | |
| Jan 10, 2026 | Jan 17, 2026 | $4,460.00 | |
| Feb 7, 2026 | Feb 14, 2026 | $4,175.00 | |
| Mar 21, 2026 | Mar 28, 2026 | $4,090.00 | |
| Apr 11, 2026 | Apr 18, 2026 | $4,965.00 | |
| May 2, 2026 | May 9, 2026 | $4,965.00 | |
| May 23, 2026 | May 30, 2026 | $4,965.00 | |
| Jun 6, 2026 | Jun 13, 2026 | $4,965.00 | |
| Jun 20, 2026 | Jun 27, 2026 | $4,965.00 | |
| Jul 4, 2026 | Jul 11, 2026 | $4,965.00 | |
| Jul 25, 2026 | Aug 1, 2026 | $4,965.00 | |
| Aug 8, 2026 | Aug 15, 2026 | $4,965.00 | |
| Aug 22, 2026 | Aug 29, 2026 | $4,965.00 | |
| Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 19, 2026 | $4,965.00 | |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 | $4,965.00 | |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 17, 2026 | $4,965.00 | |
| Oct 31, 2026 | Nov 7, 2026 | $4,965.00 | |
| Nov 14, 2026 | Nov 21, 2026 | $4,395.00 | |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 5, 2026 | $4,395.00 | |
| Dec 5, 2026 | Dec 12, 2026 | $4,395.00 | |
| Dec 12, 2026 | Dec 19, 2026 | $4,395.00 | |
| Jan 9, 2027 | Jan 16, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Jan 16, 2027 | Jan 23, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Jan 23, 2027 | Jan 30, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Feb 6, 2027 | Feb 13, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Feb 20, 2027 | Feb 27, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Mar 6, 2027 | Mar 13, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Mar 20, 2027 | Mar 27, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Apr 10, 2027 | Apr 17, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| May 1, 2027 | May 8, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| May 22, 2027 | May 29, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Jun 5, 2027 | Jun 12, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Jun 19, 2027 | Jun 26, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Jul 3, 2027 | Jul 10, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Jul 24, 2027 | Jul 31, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Aug 7, 2027 | Aug 14, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Aug 21, 2027 | Aug 28, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Sep 11, 2027 | Sep 18, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Sep 25, 2027 | Oct 2, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Oct 9, 2027 | Oct 16, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Oct 30, 2027 | Nov 6, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Nov 6, 2027 | Nov 13, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Nov 10, 2027 | Nov 17, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Nov 13, 2027 | Nov 20, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Nov 20, 2027 | Nov 27, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Nov 27, 2027 | Dec 4, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Dec 4, 2027 | Dec 11, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Dec 8, 2027 | Dec 15, 2027 | $4,615.00 | |
| Dec 11, 2027 | Dec 18, 2027 | $4,615.00 |