Essential Italy
Essential Italy
Essential Italy
10 Days Starting in Venice and ending in Rome
Visiting: Venice, Verona / Lake Garda, Lake Garda, Parma, La Spezia, Cinque Terre / La Spezia, Pisa / Florence, Florence, Rome
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZMYR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Physical rating:
Low, Low
Age range:
18-35 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$2365
$2010 (USD)
Operator discount: -$355
-15%
Tour Overview
Eat your weight in pasta, spend afternoons lazing in the sun, explore some of the best local hotspots and spot 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 items, and maybe even finding that one hidden gem you recommend to friends for years to come. 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Verona / Lake Garda
Location: Verona / Lake Garda
Accommodation: Hostel (multi-share)
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Lake Garda
Location: Lake Garda
Accommodation: Hostel (multi-share)
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!).
Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Parma
Location: Parma
Accommodation: Hostel (multi-share)
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: La Spezia
Location: La Spezia
Accommodation: Guesthouse (multi-share)
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.
Day 6: Cinque Terre / La Spezia
Location: Cinque Terre / La Spezia
Accommodation: Guesthouse (multi-share)
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Pisa / Florence
Location: Pisa / Florence
Accommodation: Hostel (multi-share)
Meals Included: breaksfast
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?).
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Optional Activities:
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Day 8: Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Hostel (multi-share)
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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 9: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 10: Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
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Airport Transfers at Destination
No
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Fully Guided
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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Peschiera del Garda – Orientation walk
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Verona - Orientation walk & Juliet's Balcony
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Parma – Orientation Walk
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Cinque Terre – Leader-led Hike
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Cinque Terre – Day Pass
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Pisa - Half Day Trip
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
Transport
- TRANSPORT IN EUROPE
- Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.
Accommodation
- 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.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- 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.
- FACILITIES
- Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
- We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid 18-35 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 a public transport to get to the city centre. Please note that 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. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges and in particular destinations, rooms may be rather 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. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
- SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
- Please note that on our 18-35 trips in Europe we do not provide a single room supplement option.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- 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.
Important Information
- SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
- A single supplement is not available on this trip.
- As of April 2024, Venice will implement a visitor’s fee for all travellers visiting the city between 25 April and 15 July 2024. 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.
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 18 years old or above
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
LOW - Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.
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Is this trip right for you
It’s bunking season! As accommodation on this trip is 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. A single supplement is unavailable on this trip as space is at a premium in Europe. Travellers on the same booking may be split between rooms 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.
Less time spent travelling, more time to explore each destination! 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 quite 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. -
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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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?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Saturday - Monday
Jun 01, 2024 - Jun 10, 2024Saturday - Monday
Jun 15, 2024 - Jun 24, 2024Saturday - Monday
Jul 27, 2024 - Aug 05, 2024Saturday - Monday
Aug 03, 2024 - Aug 12, 2024Saturday - Monday
Aug 24, 2024 - Sep 02, 2024Saturday - Monday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024Saturday - Monday
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024Saturday - Monday
Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 21, 2024Saturday - Monday
Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025Saturday - Monday
Apr 26, 2025 - May 05, 2025Saturday - Monday
May 10, 2025 - May 19, 2025Saturday - Monday
May 24, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025Saturday - Monday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025Saturday - Monday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 30, 2025Saturday - Monday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025Saturday - Monday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025Saturday - Monday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025Saturday - Monday
Aug 23, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025Saturday - Monday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025Saturday - Monday
Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025Saturday - Monday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025Saturday - Monday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details. -
Terms and Conditions