Ultimate Italy (Standard)

22 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Group Tour
We've been visiting Italy for decades, but it's fair to say we've never put together an adventure quite like this. From Rome this one glides through Renaissance Florence and the glitzy Riviera, with cooking classes and historical monuments galore along the way. Then onto Naples and Pompeii, for a feast of pizza and Roman history, before hitting up the incompa...
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What's this trip about?

    We've been visiting Italy for decades, but it's fair to say we've never put together an adventure quite like this. From Rome this one glides through Renaissance Florence and the glitzy Riviera, with cooking classes and historical monuments galore along the way. Then onto Naples and Pompeii, for a feast of pizza and Roman history, before hitting up the incomparable Amalfi coast. After cruising around some dazzling isles and visiting some lemon groves, we'll head back to Rome. But we're not done yet - not even close. Sicily beckons, with its valleys of ancient archaeological wonders, volcanoes to explore, coastal towns to fall in love with and all of the heavenly carbs we can fit in. After a full week on this paradise island, we'll be head-over-heels for absolutely everything Italian. It's called Ultimate Italy for a reason.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeGroup - max of 40 people
Age range18 to 35 years
Flights and transport
Start CityRome
End CityPalermo

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 40

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Start Rome

Welcome to Rome! Once known as the 'capital of the world' this richly historic, passionate and elegant city will steal our hearts as soon as we arrive. We'll meet and greet our Contiki crew at 4pm, before taking to the streets for an included Italian feast. After dinn...

Day 2: Rome to Florence via Siena

Rise and shine, we're headed to another historical heavyweight today... But not before stopping off at Siena for lunch. This place has medieval masterpieces and the historic city centre has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. We'll soak up all of that histo...

Day 3: Florence

Florence is often referred to as a 'walking museum', and today we'll find out why. With a locally guided walking tour, we'll discover Renaissance Florence on foot, swooning at Giotto's Bell Tower, Basilica Santa Croce, and Piazza della Signoria. We'll also see the Duo...

Day 4: Florence to Cinque Terre via Lucca and Pisa

Farewell, Florence. We'll never forget you. But we've got more dreamy Italian hot spots to hit up. Now we get to stopover at lovely Lucca, with its charming piazzas, Renaissance architecture and historic cafes. Opt for wines at the local vineyards outside of Lucca. Or...

Day 5: Cinque Terre

Some people think Cinque Terre is just one place, but it actually translates to the ‘five lands’ and is made up of 5 stunning towns with their own unique identity and traditions. Included in your trip is an unlimited Cinque Terre hike and train ticket, and whichever w...

Day 6: Cinque Terre to Milan via Como

We're hitting the road today to one of the most elegant cities in Europe. But not before experiencing the glitz and glamour of Lake Como, with its attractive villages and gorgeous gardens. The showstopper is the lake itself, of course, and we'll have the option to get...

Day 7: Milan to Venice via Verona

The dreamy destinations just don't stop coming... Welcome to Verona, the heart of Renaissance romance (and the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet). Beautiful architecture, rich history and plenty of jaw-dropping art makes this place a very worthy stopover. W...

Day 8: Venice

Wake-up sleeping beauties! Hop onto our coach because we've got this entire day to explore Venice. We'll be jumping aboard our own private boat and crossing the canal en route to the historical heart of the city. A gondola ride will be up for grabs, or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you.

Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 9: Venice to Rome via Bologna

See ya, Venice. You'll always have a piece of our hearts. Today we're headed back to Rome to explore the city in more depth. But not before making a quick stop in Bologna. Home of prosciutto, mortadella, bolognese sauce and many more tasty Italian delights, Bologna is...

Day 10: Rome

Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city. This is also the day to do a bit of your own exploring, an included dinner tonight will refuel us after a day of sightseeing.

Hotel Marc'Aurelio (or similar)

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Rome to Naples

Today we're headed to another richly historical and cultural city, known for its naturally beautiful sights and excellent cuisine. Here in the ancient city of Pompeii you will have the option to partake in a guided walking tour of the fascinating Roman town that was ...

Day 12: Naples to Amalfi Coast via Capri

We're headed to the coast today to check out some of the most glamorous seascapes in Europe. Next up is Capri, with its gorgeous cragged coastline and opulent cafes. Its easy to see why this is such a playground for the rich and famous. An optional Capri cruise will l...

Day 13: Amalfi Coast (Including Positano)

We've got a free day on the Amalfi coast! Lucky us. There are plenty of optionals today to keep us entertained, including a visit to a lemon farm, run by a local family whose ancestors introduced the crop and have been care takers of an age old tradition ever since. H...

Day 14: Amalfi Coast to Rome

We're headed back to Rome today. Back in Rome for more historic spots, foodie shops and photo ops. This evening, you'll have the chance to head out to a local restaurant and make (and eat) your very own pasta.

Hotel Marc'Aurelio (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 15: Rome to Catania

Today we're hopping on a speedy flight to the incomparable isle of Sicily. This colourful cacophony of baroque piazzas and ancient ruins is the perfect place to get acquainted with Sicily. We'll have a chance to check out Catania's UNESCO listed historic core before a...

Day 16: Catania to Taormina

We've got more spectacular Sicilian towns to explore today, as we head from Catania to Taormina. Uniquely perched on the side of a mountain, this elegant resort town is the perfect place to live the good life in Italy. We'll waste no time admiring the gorgeous panoram...

Day 17: Taormina

Today we've got an unmissable optional for you. Sicily’s stupendous stratovolcano Mt Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe. And what better way to experience this majestic monster than on an adrenaline filled ride, as you pass vineyards and orchards spread acro...

Day 18: Taormina to Syracuse via Noto

See ya, Taormina – it's time to visit some historical hotspots. Next stop, Syracuse. We’ll have some free time to check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse. Famed for its rich Roman and Greek history, with ancient amphitheatres and architecture everywhere y...

Day 19: Syracuse to Cefalù via Valley of the Temples

Heading from Syracuse we'll arrive in the Valley of the Temples, the perfect base to explore another ancient wonder... We won't be leaving Italy without a tour of the Valley of the Temples. This mystical valley is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological heri...

Day 20: Cefalù

Cefalu is a real gem, home to Sicily's best beaches and most impressive Arabic architecture. This truly is the island that keeps on giving. Today's all about coastal vibes, soaking up that sun, sea and sand - with plenty of water sports to get involved with. If you're...

Day 21: Cefalù to Palermo

It's time to end on a high, as we make our way towards Sicily's sizzling capital. Palermo is vivacious, colourful and boasts a thriving culinary scene, but it’s also been plagued by organised crime for decades. Today on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® experience, you can join ...

Day 22: End Palermo

Time to head home after one final breakfast together. Hug it out, swap social details - and don't be sad, we'll see each other on the road again soon.

Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,308
Price per day$196
Last Updated: 1/23/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Room (Shared)
Single Room
Availability
13 Apr 2025
04 May 2025
$4,308
$5,605
27 Apr 2025
18 May 2025
$6,029
$7,868
11 May 2025
01 Jun 2025
$4,375
$5,673
18 May 2025
08 Jun 2025
$5,055
$6,525
25 May 2025
15 Jun 2025
$5,055
$6,525
01 Jun 2025
22 Jun 2025
$4,482
$5,779
04 Jun 2025
25 Jun 2025
$4,482
$5,779
08 Jun 2025
29 Jun 2025
$4,482
$5,779
11 Jun 2025
02 Jul 2025
$6,275
$8,114
15 Jun 2025
06 Jul 2025
$4,482
$5,779

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

  • Hotel Marc'Aurelio (or similar)
  • BB Centro (or similar)
  • Hotel Le Grazie (or similar)
  • BB Hotel Milano Sesto (or similar)
  • Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar)
  • Hotel Archimede (or similar)
  • Hotel Vergilius Billia (or similar)
  • Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)
  • Hotel Villa Del Bosco (or similar)
  • Hotel Isabella (or similar)
  • Hotel Panorama (or similar)
  • Hotel La Giara (or similar)
  • Ibis Styles President (or similar)
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 6 Dinner (D)
  • 21 Breakfast (B)
Age Requirements
18 to 35 years
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
contiki-BBUIMA20

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