Highlights of Italy in Winter
Highlights of Italy in Winter
Highlights of Italy in Winter
8 Days Starting in Rome and ending in Venice
Visiting: Rome, Florence, Pisa / Florence, Florence / Bologna, Bologna / Venice, Venice
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZLSW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
Low, Low
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$2680 (USD)Tour Overview
Ah, Italia. It seems a little unfair that one country does food, architecture, art, history and the central social square so perfectly. It’s just a shame the rest of the world feels the same way! But while most associate Italy with summer, relatively mild winters make Italy the perfect place to visit during the off season. On this trip, you’ll see all the fabulous spots with far fewer tourists crowding the squares and clogging up the lines. Take in the crumbling ruins of Rome, whimsical Florence and the floating 15th century city of Venice in this diverse tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Welcome to Italy! There’s nowhere quite like Rome, a city where designer shops, restaurants and cafes are slotted among ancient ruins and religious monuments. After tonight's welcome meeting why not head out for your first taste of Italy during an optional dinner.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Remember, the best attitude to embrace the chaos of this city is ‘when in Rome’! Join your leader on an orientation walk around the city and witness iconic sights such as the Colosseum and Arch of Constantine, the Forum (centre of ancient Rome), the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Via Dei Condotti and Piazza Venezia. Your afternoon is free to explore further. Perhaps recharge with a slice of pizza and a strong espresso at the Piazza Navona or throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain and make a wish to return to the 'Eternal City'. 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 panorama over the city. History buffs will enjoy a jaunt through the ancient halls of the Pantheon. Choose whether to have dinner with the group or find a spot on your own – there are plenty to choose from.
Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning depart the eternal city and catch a train to Florence. On arrival, check into the hotel and go for a brief walk around the immediate 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 perhaps explore some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany. Regional specialities are noted for their simplicity and fine flavour, and the use of high-quality olive oil, cannellini beans and fresh herbs. Meat lovers should try the bistecca alla fiorentina, a huge T-bone steak that's usually shared between two people, or ribollita, a thick delicious vegetable soup with bread, beans and greens. Panforte is the signature sweet treat.
Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Pisa / Florence
Location: Pisa / Florence
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Set out to the nearby city of Pisa (approximately 30 minutes by local train). A short orientation walk will help you to get your bearings in this easily navigable and small city. Then there'll be ample time for you to visit the quirky world-famous Leaning Tower, as well as the Duomo (Piazza dei Miracoli, once the largest in Europe) and Pisa Baptistry (please note that 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 speciality book and antiques stores, and perhaps enjoy an aperitif. Back in Florence take your time and be captivated by the culture-rich atmosphere, from family-run vineyards on the outskirts of the city to the Duomo’s magnificent marble facade. Maybe start with a visit the Galleria dell'Accademia where you can see Michelangelo's famous statue of David. Stop by the Uffizi, one of the world's oldest art galleries, or walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo, which is set on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, to take in beautiful views of the city – a lovely way to while away the afternoon.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Florence / Bologna
Location: Florence / Bologna
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Enjoy a final free morning in Florence before jumping on an afternoon 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 city during an orientation walk. Later, learn the fine art of Italian cooking with an evening class, crafting that king of comfort food – pasta. Of course, this being Italy, the class ends with the chance to stuff yourself silly with your carb creations.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Bologna / Venice
Location: Bologna / Venice
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Enjoy a free morning in Bologna, perhaps ambling through one of the many porticoes – a network of sheltered walkways that lead all over the city, perfect for winter when rain is a possibility. In the afternoon, get the train to the watery wonderland that is 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. 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.
Day 7: Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Hotel
Explore Venice with your tastebuds today on a cicchetti tasting tour. Cicchetti are small snacks that are served in most drinking establishments and cafes, and are a delightful surprise to many thirsty travellers. On this two-and-a-half-hour tour, you’ll snack and sip your way through the bars and taverns. Then, board a traghetto (public gondola) and see the city from the water, as was intended. In the evening, why not visit busy San Marco square and listen to the sounds of orchestras and the rush of canals.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 8: Venice
Location: Venice
Your adventure comes to an end on the final morning. There are no activities planned for today and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time before check-out. As there is so much to see in Venice we recommend you to stay a little longer. We are happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Please speak to your booking agent at the time of booking.
Optional Activities:
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What's Included
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Venice - Traghetto Boat Ride
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Meals
5 breakfasts, 1 dinners
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Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
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Pisa - Half Day Trip to Pisa
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Bologna - Pasta Making Class including Dinner
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Venice - Cicchetti Tour & Tasting
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Venice - San Giorgio Bell Tower
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Transport
Train, Public bus, Metro
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Bologna - Pasta class
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Venice - Cicchetti tour
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties 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 or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- 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.
- TWIN SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller 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.
- 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.
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.
Included Activities
- Pisa - Half Day Trip to Pisa
- Bologna - Pasta Making Class including Dinner
- Venice - Cicchetti Tour & Tasting
- Venice - San Giorgio Bell Tower
- Venice - Traghetto Boat Ride
Important Information
- 1. This trip takes place during the colder winter months. While this allows you to experience the highlights of Italy without the crowds it is important to bear in mind that winters in Europe are usually quite cold and possibly snowy. Temperatures can drop to freezing or below, and snowfalls are common, especially at higher altitudes. If temperatures are above freezing there is a likelihood of rainy days during this time of year. You will need to be prepared to travel in varying temperatures, rain and snow.
- 2. A single supplement is bookable for this trip. Availability is limited due to small property we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Check out our Q&As
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, except optional activities
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Is this trip right for you
The primary means of transportation on this trip is by 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. Please note that 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 this information in the 'What to Take' section of the trip notes.
Often there are no lifts or escalators in train stations or in the hotel, so you will have to carry your bags up and down the stairs yourself.
This trip is designed for off-season and takes place in the colder winter months of the year. It is essential that you are aware of the climate in Italy during this time. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Rooms can be rather small, especially compared to American or Australian standards.
On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. -
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
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Dates & Availability
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Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 17, 2026Book 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. -
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