Ultimate Italy
14 days
From
$ 3199
Duration14 days
From the villages of the Cinque Terre to Tuscany's medieval splendour, this is an adventure for those looking to indulge in all of Italy’s delights. Walk through grand piazzas and winding lanes, stroll the canals of Venice, and float past villas on Lake Como. Marvel at the ancient grandeur of Rome and the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence. Your expert local CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will take care of the details so you can travel at a leisurely pace and appreciate the scenery, whether it’s sipping vino in Tuscany or sampling local delicacies within the walls of charming Montepulciano. Experience the best of Italy in this all-encompassing tour.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 14 daysService level: Standard
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Rome
There are no planned activities until tonight's welcome meeting.
Arrive at any time.
We recommend booking pre-tour accommodation to fully explore this magnificent city. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Rome before Day 1 of this itinerary.
Please note that if Vatican City is on your must-see list, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online several weeks prior to your trip. Advance tickets can be reserved online through sites like https://www.weekendinitaly.com/en/rome. Same-day entrance to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel) cannot be guaranteed without advance tickets.
We also recommend pre-booking your ticket to the Colosseum to guarantee entrance and avoid long queues.
Please note that if Vatican City is on your must-see list, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online several weeks prior to your trip. Advance tickets can be reserved online through sites like https://www.weekendinitaly.com/en/rome. Same-day entrance to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel) cannot be guaranteed without advance tickets.
We also recommend pre-booking your ticket to the Colosseum to guarantee entrance and avoid long queues.
Day 2: Rome
While you're here, why not opt to rent a Vespa for the day? Live "la dolce vita" and opt to pre-book the Rome Vintage Vespa Tour on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Enjoy a G Adventures supported migrant led walk of Rome before enjoying a free day to explore a myriad of options. Opt to tour Vatican City, cross the river to charming Trastevere, eat some gelato in Piazza Navona, or swing by the Colosseum and Forum.
Meals: B
Day 3: Rome/Montepulciano
Montepulciano is famous for producing delectable local pork, cheese, "Pici" pasta, and honey. It is also major wine producing area. Take in the stunning vistas, wander cobbled lanes, or opt to sample the local delicacies in small, family-run establishments.
Travel to Montepulciano in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Explore the medieval and renaissance hill town with an orientation walk.
Meals: B
Day 4: Montepulciano
Opt to travel further afield to the thermal springs of Bagni San Filippo.
Spend the day in the Italian countryside. The famous wine-producing region is the perfect place for an optional vineyard tour and wine tasting, or a bike ride in the rolling hills.
Meals: B
Day 5: Montepulciano/Florence
Continue to the inimitable Firenze. Walk through the city catching a glimpse of the Duomo, Piazza Indipendenza, Piazza della Signoria, and the Ponte Vecchio. Continue to Piazzale Michelangelo for the most famous and photographed vista of the city.
Opt to visit the local leather markets and souvenir stalls set up all over the city.
Opt to visit the local leather markets and souvenir stalls set up all over the city.
Continue on to Florence. Enjoy an evening walk to Piazzale Michelangelo for a fantastic panoramic view of the city.
Meals: B
Day 6: Florence
The day is yours to explore. Check out the Mercato Centrale or any number of cafés and trattorias. If you came to shop, start at one end of the city and just keep going. There's beautiful architecture, famous museums, Renaissance art pieces, and charming cobblestone streets everywhere. If you wish to go further afield, take a wine tasting bike tour up to Fiesole and the vineyards of Chianti.
For a truly local experience, indulge your inner gastronome on a culinary tour of the city. Opt to pre-book the "Florence Food Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
For a truly local experience, indulge your inner gastronome on a culinary tour of the city. Opt to pre-book the "Florence Food Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
With a free day, the choices are endless. Opt to visit the Duomo, David, the Uffizi Gallery, medieval Ponte Vecchio, or the Medici Chapels.
If you wish to visit popular museums like the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries, we strongly advise reserving tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line for a long time (especially during the high season from May-September, where this can take several hours). Advance tickets can be reserved online through sites like https://www.weekendinitaly.com/en/florence.
Meals: B
Day 7: Florence
Enjoy a day trip to vibrant Siena. After an orientation walk around this medieval city, opt to visit Torre del Mangia, Battistero, il Campo, or the Duomo or to take a "passeggiata" and meet the Sienese locals. Return to Florence at the end of the day.
Meals: B
Day 8: Florence/Cinque Terre
Head by train to Pisa and stop for a visit at the Field of Miracles to see the famous leaning tower (entrance fee not included). Later, head on to the coastal paradise of Cinque Terre.
Visit Pisa en route to the coast. Settle into the colourful, charming town in the Cinque Terre.
Meals: B
Day 9: Cinque Terre
The national park pass and daily unlimited train ticket is included. Opt to follow your CEO along centuries-old footpaths and mule tracks leading through olive groves, vineyards, and orchards on a full day hike, or hop on and off the train, experiencing each town on your own. Choose to rest in each of the 5 villages, sampling delicacies in each place, such as local pesto, espresso, or delicious gelato.
Walk the coastal path between Riomaggiore and Monterosso or opt to take the train. Visit charming, colourful towns along the way.
Please note that some popular hiking paths along the Cinque Terre have been temporarily closed due to water erosion and damage caused by landslides in 2016. Your CEO will guide you on the best, most accessible path for today's hike.
Meals: B
Day 10: Cinque Terre/Lake Como
Set out from Cinque Terre on a train journey with a few changes en route, passing through Milan and on to elegant Varenna, located on the shores of Lake Como. On the border with Switzerland, enjoy the spectacular backdrop of the snowy-peaked Alps.
Travel to Lake Como, a perfectly picturesque region laden with villas and lush gardens. Arrive in the late afternoon and start exploring the town.
Meals: B
Day 11: Lake Como
Set out by boat to explore the lake and its many elegant villas and towns, such as Bellagio with its shops, restaurants, and fine residences. In the afternoon, there is plenty of free time for soaking up the elegant atmosphere in one of the lakeside cafés or restaurants. Take some time for shopping — some of the finest Italian designers are to be found in Como's chic boutiques.
Spend the day on Lake Como with a day pass for the Lake Como boat. Visit multiple towns along the shores. Opt to take the funicular to Brunate for a fantastic view over the area.
Meals: B
Day 12: Lake Como/Venice
Travel east to captivating Venice, the unique "city of canals," full of magnificent monuments.
There will be plenty of time to wander the narrow cobblestone streets and wide piazzas, crossing hundreds of tiny bridges and, of course, getting lost in Venice's labyrinth.
There will be plenty of time to wander the narrow cobblestone streets and wide piazzas, crossing hundreds of tiny bridges and, of course, getting lost in Venice's labyrinth.
Travel to Venice, the "city of canals," and enjoy an orientation walk over bridges and canals and view Piazza San Marco.
Meals: B
Day 13: Venice
Spend the day getting lost in Venice. Opt for a vaporetto (water taxi) ride to the islands of Murano and Burano, take a gondola under the Ponte Rialto (Bridge of Lovers), explore the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, or get lost in the twisting maze of the city.
Meals: B
Day 14: Venice
We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this beautiful city has to offer.
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Migrantour Rome, Rome Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Rome Your Discover Moment: Florence Your Discover Moment: Venice
- Orientation walk of Montepulciano (Tuscany)
- Day trip to Siena
- Piazzale Michelangelo evening visit (Florence)
- Pisa visit (half-day)
- Cinque Terre park fee, unlimited train ticket and CEO-led hike
- Lake Como boat day pass
- Venice orientation walk
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Public bus, Train, Boat, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (13 nts)