Ultimate Italy
Experience 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 ancient 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.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 21 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- London: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
- Rome: Can arrangements be made for travellers with accessibility needs? If you require arrangements to be made for your accessibility needs, please inform your Trip Manager as soon as possible. We try our best to contact all accommodations and secure ground floor rooms for easy wheelchair access.Please remember that Italy can be physically challenging to get around. Coaches can’t access historical centers, and there will be lots of walking (on roads that are often uneven and cobbled). Travellers with accessibility needs will find this trip challenging.
- Madrid: Do the included meals have a set menu? Yep. Usually, we arrange a buffet for all your included meals. If you’d like a vegetarian option, please inform your Trip Manager beforehand, and they’ll sort it out for you.
- Rome: When would be the best time to book tickets for museums and other attractions? This would depend on the museums & attractions you’re planning to visit. If you’d like to know the exact timings, please contact our 24x7 Helpline to access your day-to-day itineraries to check when you’ll have free time in each city.
- Madrid: I need to refrigerate my medication. Can I do that on the coach? Of course! Just inform your Trip Manager if you need refrigeration on the coach. Please remember that the fridge is turned off overnight, so you’ll have to take your medication with you into your accommodation. We recommend that you bring a cooler bag with you as a backup. It’s your responsibility to store your medication with care.
Included Experience
- Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!
- Rome: Kick back with your Contiki crew and feast on some yummy Italian cuisine - served at a local restaurant working to train and provide jobs for members of the community with disabilities.
- Siena: This medieval Tuscan city is packed with charming photo ops. From the Duomo to Piazza del Campo.
- Florence: See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence.
- Pisa: Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up’ as you pose for that classic Insta snap.
- Lucca: Ramble around the cobbled streets of this Renaissance walled city in Tuscany. It’s an Insta post waiting to happen!
- Cinque Terre National Park: We’ll take care of your rail pass, so you can just zip around the iconic clifftop villages and focus on the Insta stories. Wanna hike around too? You're welcome to explore on foot along the way.
- Verona: Ah! The sight of this famous balcony will turn even the most hardened cynic into a romantic soul.
- Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
- Rome: Wander through the ruins of the ancient Roman Empire's political heart, while our Local Guide peels back the layers of history & reconstructs the past. From the assassinations at the Forum to the bloody battles in the Colosseum, learn how the roots of Western culture started here.
- Amalfi Coast: Definitely one for the bucket list. Your chance to view one of Europe’s active volcanoes from a distance.
- Capri: Chill on the beaches of this Mediterranean jewel. Explore the famous boutiques then stop off for a Spritz in the sun.
- Amalfi Coast: Live your best life like a local (on a ferry!) as you glide through azure seas, past cliffs filled with rainbow-coloured buildings.
- Positano: Ramble through the wisteria-lined streets and past sun-bleached houses as you live La Dolce Vita. Don’t forget an iconic selfie with the village backdrop.
- Catania: Stroll around the ancient Sicilian port at the foot of Mount Etna. See the Piazza Stesicoro and the Baroque and Renaissance buildings of Via dei Crociferi.
- Catania: Time to take to the sky. Catania, here we come!
- Taormina: Greek and Roman ruins. Sun-drenched beaches. Epic Italian food. There’s so much to do in this seaside town, you’ll never want to leave.
- Noto: Float around this opulent Sicilian city, taking in the Baroque architecture and panoramic views as you go.
- Agrigento: Explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO-listed site featuring some of the world's most treasured Greek art and architecture.
Trip Details
Product Code: 17477
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Contiki (CA)
Supplier Code: 408.1994B
Starts: Rome, Italy
Finishes: Palermo, Italy
Duration: 22 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,832 ($265 /day)
Itinerary
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, before taking to the streets for an included Italian feast. After dinner we'll head on an orientation tour of the city ticking off all the sights in Rome.
Accommodation: Hotel Archimede (or similar)
Meals: 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 centre 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.
Accommodation: BB Centro (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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 Risotto Evening indulging in wine from the nearby vineyards. Watch a risotto demonstration whilst our hosts have cooked up a feast of antipasto and Italian specialties. Save some room for ‘dolce’ i.e a mystery homemade dessert!
Accommodation: BB Centro (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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 it's a perfect spot to grab a bite before we hit the road again 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. Welcome to the Italian Riviera! You're going to fall head over heels with this region over the coming days...
Accommodation: Hotel Le Grazie (or similar)
Meals: 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 coloured buildings.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Grazie (or similar)
Meals: 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 for a cruise. Welcome to Milan, the sophisticated cityscape that rewards the curious traveller. 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...
Accommodation: B&B Hotel Milano Sesto Marelli (or similar)
Meals: 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 then it's onto another very romantic city... Welcome to Treviso! Nothing like a free evening to spend the Italian way...Tonight you'll have the option to walk around this idyllic version of Venice (before taking on the real thing tomorrow!). Grab some local food on the way. And maybe even treat yourself to some tiramisu (because this little town is where it was born!). Seriously, it doesn't get more authentic than this.
Accommodation: Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar)
Meals: 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. We'll have a free night for dinner and a chance to dine on a wholesome meal at a 17th-century tavern in Trastevere. All washed down with some fine Italian wine? If you say so.
Accommodation: Hotel Archimede (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city. Take a tour of the famous Colosseum and walk in the footsteps of Emperors and Gladiators with a guide, or snap epic selfies against a background of pink azaleas by the entrance. 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.
Accommodation: Hotel Archimede (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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'll have the option to partake in a guided walking tour of the fascinating ancient Roman town that was destroyed by Vesuvius (and then perfectly preserved in volcanic ash!). Welcome to Naples, the rough & 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. Today we have the option to take a tour, learning about the city, its history and its food culture.
Accommodation: Hotel Vergilius Billia (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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 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.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We've got a free day on the Amalfi coast! Lucky us. Plus, there's an optional 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!). Here we learn how these huge, sunshine coloured fruits are harvested and turned into limoncello. We'll visit one of Amalfi's spectacular jewels today. Dramatic cliffs and idyllic buildings await us in picturesque Positano. You've got the entire evening for yourself. Roam the streets, taste some wine, live the Italian life we've all dreamed of.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
We're headed back to Rome today. Back in Rome for more historic spots, foodie shops and photo ops. Today, you'll have the option to head out to a local restaurant and make (and eat) your very own pasta.
Accommodation: Hotel Archimede (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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 an included dinner in a local restaurant. Can you taste the difference in Sicilian cuisine? It has to be up there...
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Del Bosco (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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 centre 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.
Accommodation: Main Palace Hotel (or similar)
Meals: 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 theatre or sitting and drinking a spritz as life lazily moves by. It's a hard life.
Accommodation: Main Palace Hotel (or similar)
Meals: 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 ancient 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.
Accommodation: Panorama Palace Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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 visiting the Valley of the Temples. This mystical valley is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological heritage. We'll discover ancient temples, sanctuaries and a necropolis. It’s a spectacular testament to Sicily’s ancient history (and natural beauty). Arriving in Cefalù we'll enjoy another included dinner of Sicilian delicacies. What a day - and we're not done yet.
Accommodation: Hotel La Giara (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Hotel La Giara (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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 a walking tour through the historic centre, 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'.
Accommodation: Hotel Federico II Central Palace (or similar)
Meals: 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Contiki (CA)
Contiki is a New Zealand-based tour company that caters to 18 to 35-year-olds, offering over 350 different tours in over 75 countries in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.[1] It is a subsidiary of The Travel Corporation. Its tours historically had a reputation for partying;[2][3] however, it also operates wellness trips culturally immersive experiences that focus less on alcohol, which are more popular with Generation Z.[4] The company owns lodging facilities in Europe, including the Chateau De Cruix, a 16th century castle in the Beaujolais wine region, and the Gasthof Schoneck in the Austrian Tyrol. The name "Contiki" comes from the portmanteau 'Con' from the word 'Continent' and 'Tiki'; from the Māori referring to the first man, often symbolised as a pendant known as hei-tiki. It can also be attributed to the New Zealand slang 'Tiki-tour' describing taking a longer route to a destination in order to explore.[5]
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Nikita - Traveled, January 2024
The tour guide was outstanding. He really made the whole trip exciting and fun. His personality and inner active spirit was what help the trip and tour really stand out.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/29/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, March 2024
The trip definitely lets you see the main parts of Italy and takes you to some unknown sections as well .but be prepared to wake up early sometimes and go go .Trip is best suited for under 31 's as most are under that age.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/30/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2024
Capri! The team were easy to contact when needed and the booking process itself is so easy.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/27/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, February 2024
Great Itinerary, great place to explore. I had a an amazing time exploring Italy, saw so many different place and meet people that otherwise I wouldn't met.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/23/2024
Ryan - Traveled, April 2024
Making new friends and seeing the Almafi coast In person
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024
Was fantastic and we got to see so much over 22 days! The Sicily portion was my favourite, with a slightly slower pace and less time on the bus, and more free time for us to explore the area as we liked. Everything was super easy and Contiki customer service was extremely helpful when I’d forgotten to put a reference on my payment!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/29/2024
Ryan - Traveled, September 2024
The trip was amazing, had so much fun with amazing people. I didn't realise how expensive the free time activities were though, ended up costing around $1300NZD extra.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2024
James - Traveled, November 2024
The trip was phenomenal, and you get to see so much of Italy! was an amazing trip manager and one of the top trip managers I’ve had. There’s also some really great and fun add ons to do, as well as some amazing included ones! The included experience into the Vatican and Sistine Chapel was a highlight for me. Would 100% recommend! Excellent customer service and support. Had to cancel one member of our group from the booking and it was super easy and straightforward. Great communication throughout the process.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2024
Florence - I can't describe Y. It had fun atmosphere despite the torrential rain it didn't dampen the city's spirit, Venice - for the Tiramisu and Tormina - for that Italian shopping and dining spree. Make it clear to potential travellers that their are required to have their own data/internet.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, January 2024
Worthy of 11 out of 10. If I could give her a solid 5 stars, I would. She was amazing. GIVE HER A PAY RISE, although she is worthy of so much more. Her love, joy and wisdom for the group and the country itself were AMAZING, selfless, loving and kind and she was also a great leader. She made the trip worthy; Contiki; not so much, in fact- terrible. The itinerary details were very deceiving. You pay to stay in Cinque Terre (one of many real examples) as it's 'sold' to you, not to then be told you're actually staying an hour away and in the middle of NOWHERE. Wasting precious time doing nothing and mostly travelling to and from nothing, instead of spending quality time in the location 'marketed'. I'm sorry for calling them out, but Contiki is about profitability gain, not your travel experience gain. Truth hurts feelings, not back pockets, so I'm sure you will just smile at my review and mute it; however, I'm very grateful I made my trip my own experience. One night in Milan to check out the following morning at 9 am was certainly a hidden catch they don't tell you until you are actually making your way there ( again, another of one of the many examples). Time was incredibly rushed due to 'coach driver' limits or because Contiki demands too much of their trip managers with admin, taking away time for the travellers to actually enjoy where they are, it was contiki's time, not ours. It not only felt like it was about Contiki and not the traveller's experience in Italy, but it was very shown and admitted, actions spoke louder then words and boy did contiki shout. Coach from destination A to point B is perfect; the travel means was easy - be here at this time and this location easy. You will know where you would and wouldn't go back to. The Free Time Add-ons were also very deceiving and expensive. You can easily organise the activities on your own for more than half the price. HOWEVER; if you are doing Contiki because you want to make friends and see it efficiently and not authentically- please then by all means DO IT, you'll love it. Otherwise, you'll have to find out the regrettably deceived way, as I and many others did, that it's not worth the time, finances, and experiences wasted. AMAZING Coach travellers = LEGENDS Contiki = "epic experience" is marketing at its money-making finest. Deceiving, rip-off, and you could tell the people selling it haven't done the trip themselves, lol. I paid for an epic experience of the ultimate parts of Italy, not bus parking fees, 3euro pizza included dinners, time in unsafe areas, the driver's time, the admin of our trip managers time to report to Contiki higher Archies, wasted opportunities in beautiful places and the list goes on. The trip could have been epic if it was a minimum of 30 days, in great places for longer, and it wasn't about the driving time but our time. Friendships made=yes. Memories are a given.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/31/2024
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