Ultimate Italy | 2024
Ultimate Italy | 2024
Ultimate Italy | 2024
22 Days Starting in Rome and ending in Palermo
Visiting: Rome, Siena, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Como, Milan, Verona, Venice, Bologna, Naples, Positano, Capri, Amalfi Coast, Catania, Taormina, Syracuse, Noto, Agrigento, Cefalù, Palermo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBUIMA19
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$6236
$5024 (USD)
Operator discount: -$1212
-19%
Tour Overview
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.
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel Genova (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
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 heading on an orientation tour of the city. With our eyes wide and camera roll full, we'll head to the streets for an included Italian feast.
Day 2: Rome To Florence
Location: Rome, Siena, Florence
Accommodation: BB Centro (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 center has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. We'll soak up all of that historic beauty and grab a bite before heading onto Florence...
Florence is one of the foodie capitals of Italy, so we won't waste any time trying the local delicacies with an included feast. Then we'll turn in for the night, dreaming of the Florentine adventures that await us tomorrow.
Day 3: Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: BB Centro (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 Duomo, one of the world's most remarkable architectural feats. Later, we’ll get together for a Tuscan evening of wine from the nearby vineyards. Our hosts have cooked up a feast of antipasto and Italian specialties. Save some room for ‘dolce’ i.e a mystery homemade dessert!
Day 4: Florence To Cinque Terre
Location: Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre
Accommodation: Hotel Le Grazie (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Farewell, Florence. We'll never forget you. But we've got more dreamy Italian hot spots to hit up.
We can't be this way of the world without a sneaky visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be criminal.
Another stopover will let us check out lovely Lucca, with its charming piazzas, Renaissance architecture and historic cafes. Opt for a sample of wines at the local vineyards here. Or it's a perfect spot to grab a bite before we hit the road again.
Welcome to the Italian Riviera! You're going to fall head over heels with this region over the coming days...
Day 5: Cinque Terre
Location: Cinque Terre
Accommodation: Hotel Le Grazie (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 way you choose to get around will be sure to make you fall in love with the dramatic cliff-faces and pastel colored buildings. The food here is pretty special too, why don’t you try a Pesto Making Class in La Spezia where you can make your own pesto from local ingredients and enjoy it later at dinner in a variety of local dishes.
Day 6: Cinque Terre To Milan
Location: Cinque Terre, Como, Milan
Accommodation: BB Hotel Milano Sesto (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 out on the water and take a cruise to beautiful Bellagio.
Welcome to Milan, the sophisticated cityscape that rewards the curious traveler. We have a free night to check out the local nightlife, and eat some of the local delicacies. As always, your Trip Manager will have the top tips on where to go and where to avoid...
Day 7: Milan To Venice
Location: Milan, Verona, Venice
Accommodation: Centro Soggiorno San Servolo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. We'll check out Juliet's balcony, part of a gorgeous 13th century house, as well as the epic Roman Arena. Then it's onto another very romantic city...
Welcome to Venice! Our hearts will swell at the mazy canals and ancient architecture. First up, we’ll check into tonight’s snazzy accommodation – a Contiki Special Stay on the peaceful island of San Servolo, with breathtaking views of the Venice lagoon. Your jaw is sure to drop, but don’t let it stay on the floor for too long! Tonight we'll have the option to go for a progressive food walking tour, to try different bits of cicchetti and local wines - the perfect way to kick-start our adventures here!
Day 8: Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Centro Soggiorno San Servolo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake-up sleeping beauties! Venice is yours for the entirety of this glorious Italian day. We'll be jumping aboard our own private boat and hitting the canals 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. Later, maybe opt to cruise to the UNESCO-listed island of Burano and enjoy a sumptuous seafood dinner.
Day 9: Venice To Rome Via Bologna
Location: Venice, Bologna, Rome
Accommodation: Hotel Genova (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 known far and wide as La Grassa (the Fat One). Come hungry, but make sure you’re not too full to explore the Unesco-listed porticoes either.
With our eyes wide and camera roll full, we'll have a free night for dinner and a chance to discover the finest food Rome has to offer. Washed down with some fine Italian wine? If you say so.
Day 10: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel Genova (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Religious or not, the Vatican's Italian Renaissance church will send shivers down your spine.
Day 11: Rome To Naples
Location: Rome, Naples
Accommodation: Hotel Real Orto Botanico (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we're headed to another richly historical and cultural city, known for it's naturally beautiful sights and excellent cuisine.Â
Welcome to Naples, the rough and ready but oh so charming city which encapsulates everything we love about Italy. The home of pizza, a hub of culture, and a bundle of passionate Italian energy, this is also the site of Mt Vesuvius, the infamous active volcano. Today we have the option to check out the ruins of Pompeii, the fascinating Roman town that was destroyed by Vesuvius and then perfectly preserved in volcanic ash. Another option today is to take a tour, learning about the city, it's history and it's food culture.
Day 12: Naples To Amalfi Coast
Location: Naples, Positano, Capri, Amalfi Coast
Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We're headed to the coast today to check out some of the most glamorous seascapes in Europe.
We'll visit two spectacular Amalfi jewels today. Dramatic cliffs and idyllic buildings await us in picturesque Positano.
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 let us check out plenty of swim stops to beat the heat.
We'll settle on the Amalfi Coast after a day of postcard pretty sun bleached buildings and sparkling sea.
Day 13: Amalfi Coast
Location: Amalfi Coast
Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We've got a free day on the Amalfi coast today. Lucky us. We've got plenty of optionals, including two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences. First up, we'll visit a lemon farm to learn how these huge, sunshine-colored fruits are harvested and turned into limoncello. Next, we're off for a Tastes of Amalfi dinner on an eco-sustainable farm, washed down with... you guessed it... lemon liqueur.
Day 14: Amalfi Coast To Rome
Location: Amalfi Coast, Rome
Accommodation: Hotel Genova (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We're headed back to Rome today. Time for the Colosseum?
Back in Rome, you don't want to miss our optional Emperors & Gladiators tour, where you'll skip the queues, enter the jaw-dropping Colosseum through the exclusive Emperor's gate and learn all about this paragon of Roman history. Afterwards, you'll have the chance to head out to a local restaurant and make (and eat) your very own pasta.
Day 15: Rome To Catania
Location: Rome, Catania
Accommodation: Mercure Catania Excelsior (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we're hopping on a speedy flight to the incomparable isle of Sicily.
This colorful 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 an included dinner in a local restaurant. Is Sicilian cuisine the best in the world? It has to be up there...
Day 16: Catania To Taormina
Location: Catania, Taormina
Accommodation: Hotel Isabella (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 panoramas, as we take the cable car that connects the town's historic center with its awesome beaches. After sunning ourselves for a bit, why not opt for a cooking class with some local masterchefs, learning how to whip up local delicacies like Arancini & Cannoli? It's the perfect way to impress everyone when you get back home.
Day 17: Taormina
Location: Taormina
Accommodation: Hotel Isabella (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 across the fertile slopes? You won’t find views quite like this anywhere in Europe. Whether or not you opt for the tour, you'll have a free afternoon to explore Taormina - lazing on the beach, checking out the Roman theater or sitting and drinking a spritz as life lazily moves by. It's a hard life.
Day 18: Taormina To Syracuse Via Noto
Location: Taormina, Syracuse, Noto, Syracuse
Accommodation: Le Residenze Archimede (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 you look, this place was even mentioned in the Bible (how's that for history creds?).
Our next outing is to Noto, home to some of Sicily’s most impressive historic architecture. We’ll check out the Corso Vittoria Emanuele and other legendary landmarks, and then it’s off to an organic farm for a Tastes of Sicily experience – the freshest Sicilian ingredients, brought to us direct from farm to table. Just what the doctor ordered!
And after a long day, it’s time to hit the hay. ’Til tomorrow, friends.
Day 19: Syracuse To Cefalu Via Agrigento
Location: Syracuse, Agrigento, Cefalù
Accommodation: Hotel La Giara (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Heading from Syracuse we'll arrive in Agrigento, the perfect base to explore another ancient wonder...
From Agrigento we have an included tour of the Valley of the Temples. This mystical valley is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological heritage. As we wander the valley, in the shadow of blooming almond trees, we'll discover ancient temples, sanctuaries and a necropolis. It’s a spectacular testament to Sicily’s ancient history (and natural beauty).
Arriving in Cefalu we'll enjoy another included dinner of Sicilian delicacies. What a day - and we're not done yet.
Day 20: Cefalu
Location: Cefalù
Accommodation: Hotel La Giara (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 feeling a little more zen, why not opt for the coastal cruise and soak up some scenery instead? Later on we'll stroll the winding cobbled streets and watch fishermen taking stock of the day's bounties, before exploring the town's foodie and nightlife scene. Ah, Sicily - sigh.
Day 21: Cefalu To Palermo
Location: Cefalù, Palermo
Accommodation: Ibis Styles President (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's time to end on a high, as we make our way towards Sicily's sizzling capital.
Palermo is vivacious, colorful 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 a walking tour through the historic center, learning about the history of the Mafia in Palermo and how the civil antiMafia movement was formed. We'll round things off with a farewell dinner at Al Fresco, AKA the 'bistro of second chances'.
Day 22: End Palermo
Location: Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Dates & Availability
Sunday - Sunday
Jun 09, 2024 - Jun 30, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Jul 28, 2024 - Aug 18, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Aug 25, 2024 - Sep 15, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 04, 2024 - Sep 25, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Apr 27, 2025 - May 18, 2025Sunday - Sunday
May 25, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jun 11, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 09, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 24, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 10, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions