Best of Italy
Experience Overview
The enduring phrase ‘la dolce vita’ (the good life) truly captures the essence of Italy. On this trip, you’ll send 14 days discovering the heart of all things Italian on a culturally rich adventure from the piazzas of Rome to the canals of Venice. Tour the Tuscan countryside on a leisurely cycle along Lucca’s Serchio River, peer into Pisa, take to the trails of the Cinque Terre for some stunning coastal views and walk the Portofino Peninsula with its glamourous residents. With time spent wine tasting in rural villages, ferry catching along Lake Como and relaxing in centres of Milan and Venice, you’ll soon understand why Italy remains in the hearts of all who visit.
Highlights
- Take to the Tuscan countryside and cycle along the Serchio River in Lucca, working up an appetite for the region’s delicious local food and renowned wines.
- Spend a free day exploring the beautiful villages, estates and gardens dotted around Lake Como, crisscrossing the lake by ferry. Then, consider exploring the grounds of Bellagio's grand Villa Melzi.
- Head out with your local leader to a rural village in the heart of Piedmonte to sample world-class local wines from unique grapes grown only in this region – salute!
- Test yourself on the hilly trails of the Cinque Terre, stopping by the pastel coloured villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola and Vernazza. If you get tired, just jump on the train for the rest of your day!
- Explore Italy’s iconic Rome, Florence and Venice – all havens of renaissance architecture and historic sights. With plenty of time to discover at your own pace, you have the power to decide what you’d like to see.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3259
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train,Private vehicle,Bicycle,Boat,Public bus,Metro
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMSV
Starts: Rome, Italy
Finishes: Venice, Italy
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9),Accommodation: Hotel (13 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,685 ($406 /day)
Itinerary
Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Crowded with ancient ruins and religious monuments, Rome is the perfect spot to kick off your adventure. Packed with designer shops, restaurants, cafes and nightlife spots, it’s recommended that you arrive a few days early to see everything and experience the culture of this fantastic city. Maybe sip an espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes and throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit to Rome. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. After, why not head out for dinner with your group and get to know each other over your favourite carb?
Optional Activities:
- Rome - Christian Catacombs (10 EUR)
- Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo (19 EUR)
- Rome - Galleria Borghese (17 EUR)
- Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House (6 EUR)
- Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator (10 EUR)
- Vatican City - Vatican Museum (25 EUR)
- Rome - Pantheon (5 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you have a free morning to soak up the sights and sounds of Rome. There will be an optional leader-led orientation walk, taking in some of the best-known sights of Rome like the Spanish steps, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum if you’ve only just arrived. Why not then head to Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica – entry to the Basilica is free, but there's a small charge to climb the dome for a breath-taking panorama over parts of the city. Later, you'll travel by train to Florence – the cultural heart of Tuscany, bursting with religious treasures and Renaissance masterpieces. It's been said that during the second millennium, a third of Europe's most important artists lived in Florence. The minds and talents of the Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all flourished here. After checking in to your hotel, join your leader for an orientation walk of Florence, then the rest of your evening is free to explore at your own pace. Food is also a major part of the city's identity, so why explore some of the Tuscan delicacies on offer with your group.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day for you to explore all that Florence has to offer. It's impossible to see everything, so take your time to work out a plan. The principal sights are easily discovered on foot – the Pitti Palace, Ponte Vecchio, Arno riverside, the many statues and monuments of the Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, 13th-century, the Baptistry and the Belltower, and the Santa Croce Church. Maybe visit the Uffizi – one of the world's oldest art galleries. If you want to see Michelangelo's iconic statue of David, head to the Galleria dell'Accademia. Tonight, maybe climb the steep stairs to Piazzale Michelangelo for a sunset view across the rooftops of Florence. After, join the locals in taking a passeggiata – a leisurely social stroll – between Piazza Beccaria and Piazza della Repubblica.
Optional Activities:
- Florence - Foodies Walk Urban Adventure (79 EUR)
- Florence - Brunelleschi 3 Days pass - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome (30 EUR)
- Florence - Accademia (20 EUR)
- Florence - Uffizi Gallery (29 EUR)
- Florence - Bargello Museum (16 EUR)
- Florence: Hidden Gems and Aperitivo (77 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Soak up a leisurely morning in Florence, then take the train to Lucca – one of Tuscany's real hidden gems, with centuries-old buildings, beautiful churches, wide piazzas and narrow streets within the ancient city ramparts. You’ll be staying in the city centre which allows easy access to all the sights, restaurants and bars – all an easy stroll from the hotel's front door. Tonight, you might like to join the tradition of many locals and take a stroll along the top of the city walls that surround the perimeter of the old city.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Set off on a cycling tour this morning, following the scenic Serchio River through the Tuscan countryside. Then, you’ll catch the train to Pisa and visit the world-famous Leaning Tower, as well as the nearby Duomo in Piazza dei Miracoli and the Pisa Baptistry. The Leaning 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 four degrees, after restoration and stabilising work. Continue to wander the streets past high-end boutiques and speciality book and antiques stores, perhaps stopping to enjoy an aperitif. After, head back to Lucca and maybe head to a local bar for a Prosecco (or two) and a fresh focaccia with finocchiona salami and pecorino cheese, best enjoyed in the shadow of the Palazzo Pretorio.
Included Activities:
- Lucca - Bicycle Tour
- Pisa - Half Day Trip to Pisa
Optional Activities:
- Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa (27 EUR)
- Pisa - 5 Monuments Combo Ticket (11 EUR)
- Lucca - Cathedral of San Martino & Ilaria del Carretto Tomb (3 EUR)
- Lucca - Guinigi Tower Climb (8 EUR)
- Lucca - National Gallery Villa Guinigi (5 EUR)
- Lucca - Day Trip to Barga (by public bus) (9 EUR)
- Lucca - Palazzo Pfanner House & Gardens (7 EUR)
- Lucca - Cathedral Museum (4 EUR)
- Lucca - Puccini concert (20 EUR)
- Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa (20 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by train to La Spezia – the gateway to the gorgeous Italian Riviera. A medieval port town whose name is derived from its historic importance in the spice trade, La Spezia is your base for exploring the nearby stretch of coast known as the Cinque Terre. The name comes from the five tiny villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, whose position, wedged into a series of coves between cliffs, makes it one of the highlights in the country. After lunch, explore the city or perhaps head out by ferry or bus to the pretty seaside town of Portovenere, known for its colourful houses straddling the waterfront. Return to La Spezia and walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione to the gardens along the harbour. Otherwise, opt to take another ferry to Lerici – another small village across the Bay of Poets dominated by its castle – for a waterside dinner.
Optional Activities:
- La Spezia - Mountain E-bike hire (75 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, venture out to explore the gorgeous Cinque Terre hiking trails. The footpaths that run between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region, and take you through olive groves and vineyards. If you're feeling energetic, walking parts of the path (up to 12 km or approximately 5 hours) will give you the best taste of the villages and countryside, though will require a good level of fitness. Some sections of path can be difficult, as there are challenging uphill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges. It's also possible to take the train between any of the villages or back to your base in La Spezia whenever you want. Stop off for lunch at one of the towns and relax in the vibrant atmosphere.
Included Activities:
- Cinque Terre - Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass
Optional Activities:
- Cinque Terre - Via dell’Amore trail (10 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by train to Santa Margherita on the Peninsula of Portofino. Store your luggage and set off on a hike, finishing in Portofino. Start by wandering down to the Santa Margherita waterfront, past small fishing boats in the marina, enjoying the views back to town. Continue along the road, passing beach clubs, private villas and hotels that command the skyline, where the hills of the Italian Riviera meet the Bay of Tigullio. Spot locals sunbaking in the coves, then cross through some undulating forested terrain. Descend to the port of Portofino, then continue to the viewpoints surrounding the town. From here, maybe people-watch along the harbour or stop at a focacceria to try the typical Ligurian bread. After, soak up the coastal scenery with a boat ride back to Santa Margherita (weather permitting). Continue by train to Asti, where a mouth-watering culinary scene thrives.
Included Activities:
- Portofino Peninsula - Walk and Boat Ride
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take a private vehicle to the green hills of the nearby rural village of Castagnole Monferrato, where you’ll visit the home of a local winemaking family to sample their vintages. The Ruche grape variety is unique to this region of Italy – it's grown in just seven small villages in the province of Asti and produces a ruby-red, intense and aromatic wine. You may even like to treat yourself to a home-cooked lunch in the village, before returning to Asti. This town was one of the most important in medieval times, sitting on trade routes between Turin, Milan, and Genoa. Today, it’s best known as the home of some of the finest and most sought after wines in Europe. It's also the best place to find ‘tartufo’ (truffles). You may be lucky enough to be here on a market day, when the Piazza del Palio hosts the region’s largest open-air market.
Included Activities:
- Asti - Village Winery Visit & Wine Tasting
Optional Activities:
- Asti - Bike Hire (3 EUR)
- Asti - Archaeological Museum (10 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by train to Milan – Italy's second largest city – for a few hours of exploring. In this city known for fashion, this is the place for any upmarket shopping you wish to do. Explore the city's historic centre, visit the Gothic Duomo and walk between its rooftop sculptures, admiring the views and the Gothic terrace. Maybe head to see Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper (but be sure to book tickets well in advance) or head to the park of Castello Sforzesco. Later in the afternoon, continue by train and bus to Lake Como – an area of natural beauty, full of unique landscapes. Your hotel tonight is on the shores of Lake Como, where you can soak up the serenity.
Included Activities:
- Milan - Duomo Rooftop Visit
- Milan - Half Day Trip
Optional Activities:
- Milan - Castello Sforzesco - Free
- Milan - La Scala Museum (13 EUR)
- Milan - Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' - from (29 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, explore the village of Bellagio. Maybe walk through the countryside and discover the estate of the Villa Melzi – this grand white villa sits just back from the water and its surrounding estate is filled with rare and exotic plant life. The rest of the day is free to take the ferry between the various parts of this area of Lake Como, like Varenna, Cadenabbia, or the beautiful Villa del Balbianello, which film fans may recognise from franchises like James Bond and Star Wars. Villa Carlotta is another waterfront villa open to the public. It holds a range of artwork and is surrounded by acres of manicured Italian gardens. Just past Cadenabbia is Tremezzo, where you can find delicious food or an aperitif. Simply strolling and admiring the beautiful views whichever way you turn is an ideal way to spend the day.
Included Activities:
- Lake Como - Ferry Pass
Optional Activities:
- Lake Como - Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo (12 EUR)
- Lake Como - Villa Melzi Gardens in Bellagio (10 EUR)
- Lake Como - Vezio Castle in Varenna (6 EUR)
- Villa del Balbianello (13 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave the lakes district behind and take your private vehicle to Milan, then catch a train to Venice – the grand city of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas, practically unchanged for 600 years. Venice is built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. There are plenty of things to keep you busy when you arrive. Join your leader for a walk around the maze of streets behind Piazza San Marco and begin to understand the complex canal system. Your leader will introduce you to the local way of crossing the canal, by traghetto, then the rest of the day is free. The Grand Canal is a great place to start, as you can stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the boutique shops that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. For dinner, perhaps seek out Venice's distinctive culinary heritage, which goes back to ancient times and features rich risottos, saline baccala (salted cod) and creamy polenta.
Included Activities:
- Venice - Traghetto Ride
- Venice - Leader led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Venture out and explore Venice today at your own pace. There are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. Take in the famous sights – the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, Doge's Palace, Piazza San Marco with its golden Basilica, and of course, the evocative Bridge of Sighs. You could take a vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for the best view of Venice. No trip here would be complete without a journey down the Grand Canal in a Venetian gondola, so maybe treat yourself to a cruise through the waterways and tick this iconic experience off your bucket list. Visit the Palazzo Ducale, overflowing with paintings by Italian masters, and contrast it with the modern Guggenheim. In the evening, join your leader for a cicchetti stop as a real Venetian, then continue for a celebratory dinner of Venetian specialities, like fresh lobster and squid ink spaghetti.
Included Activities:
- Venice - Ciccheti Stop
Optional Activities:
- Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury (5 EUR)
- Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti (15 EUR)
- Venice - Accademia Gallery (16 EUR)
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection (17 EUR)
- Venice - St Mark's Campanile (12 EUR)
- Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs (30 EUR)
- Venice - Gondola Ride (80 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! As there is so much to see in Venice, you may want to consider extending your stay. There’s a range of Urban Adventures to embark on in Venice, including Cicchetti & Wine Tour, which takes you around the lanes and canals in search of the best of Venetian culture and wine. If you would like to spend more time in Venice, just get in touch with your booking agent.
Optional Activities:
- Venice - Chicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice Urban Adventure (112 EUR)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Judith - Traveled, October 2023
This tour of Italy was wonderful! Our leader, Lucrezia, did an outstanding job introducing us to each new site we visited and supporting our enjoyment of the included activities. There was a nice balance of structured activities and free time to explore. The itinerary was quite full and at-times fast-paced. We enjoyed the hikes and bike ride very much. All hotels were clean and comfortable and train travel was enjoyable overall. Plan on a lot of walking - which allows you to see so much. Thank you so much for a great travel experience. Judy and Patricia
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2023
Tommy - Traveled, October 2023
Visited many interesting places, all that we had never seen before, very informative.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2023
Stephanie - Traveled, October 2023
I am so glad that we traveled with the Best of Italy Tour. It was a whirlwind of extraordinary sights and experiences. I could not have organized the itinerary myself. Having a small group and a knowledgeable leader greatly improved my vacation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2023
Lisa - Traveled, October 2023
This trip was more than expected in every way! There were hidden gems and surprises around every corner that highlighted the experience! Our guide, Graziano, was stellar and fun to learn and explore with! Thank you
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2023
Keran - Traveled, October 2023
The Best of Italy tour we did in October 2023 was beyond my expectations. Our guide, Graziano was fantastic! We didn’t expect all the activities but loved everything we did. Graziano arranged dinners with our group of 11 every night with an aperitif & digestif to finish off. Would recommend this trip to all ages.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/12/2023
Mary - Traveled, October 2023
Intrepid provided a culturally rich experience! I cannot wait for my next tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2023
Sarah - Traveled, October 2023
“Best of Italy” lead by Matteo in October 2023 was the great experience for me to get to know northern Italy well on it’s rich and beautiful history, culture, land and of course food and drink.. Love it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2023
Carl - Traveled, October 2023
Highly informative and fun tour of Italy. A great adventure visiting so many major sites.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2023
JANELLE - Traveled, September 2023
The Best of Italy tour is fantastic. A great mix of structure and free time. It is so helpful to have the transportation and hotels set up, as well as a few other events and then have the freedom to add what you are most interested in. Also, having a guide with the entire tour is extremely helpful to point us in the right direction as well as help with any language barriers that might arise. Our guide was amazing and ensured our ground had an AMAZING time in Italy. I highly recommend this tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Emma - Traveled, September 2023
I would recommend this trip to anyone wanting to experience Italy for the first time. It gives a nice taster of many different regions. The small group was great, and we all became a family together with our tour leader. I would advise to pre book certain activities prior to leaving for the trip, as many book up weeks to months in advance. A smaller bag on wheels is appropriate but keep in mind you do have to carry it up the stairs in many hotels and on and off trains.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2023
Heather - Traveled, September 2023
I'm glad we booked our trip through Intrepid. If you're going to Italy, we highly recommend going with the tour leader V! He's amazing and fun!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2023
Janice - Traveled, September 2023
Our trip to through Northern Italy was nothing short of fantastic. I'm a healthy 74 years old --had great discussions with fellow Intrepid travelers and, if anything, I felt younger when our trip ended. I'll miss the majority of our fellow travelers but there's a real chance we'll keep in touch!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2023
Louise - Traveled, September 2023
What a great tour - very busy and on the move however gives a great taste of northern Italy and those famous cities we've all heard of. Would recommend packing light due to the amount of moving about you do via public transport and expect 2 star accommodation - clean but very simple. Our leader, Emi, was so great and really made the trip extra special. My fourth Intrepid trip and not my last...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2023
Amardeep - Traveled, September 2023
The whole Italian experience was great from the places we visited to the food we ate. Our tour guide Desire was always available to help and provided recommendations on things to do and places to eat. It’s overall an expensive trip considering not a lot of activities are included. But it was all worth it at the end.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2023
Shirley - Traveled, September 2023
Busy Quick paced great itinerary with many stairs, trains and cobblestones. Good shoes are a must! A great trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, September 2023
Best of Italy with our Tour Leader, Micol, was FANTASTIC. In 15 days we have seen so many beautiful places, eaten the most wonderful food and met so many lovely people. We always knew Italy had a lot to offer but touring with Intrepid & Micol as our leader we have the most amazing memories to cherish forever. You won't be disappointed if you take this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Sandra - Traveled, September 2023
With Micol as our tour leader, she made our trip so much more enjoyable and I felt totally safe the whole time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Christine - Traveled, September 2023
Micol, our tour leader, provided us with extensive detail about each region we visited. The food was delicious, visited some amazing sites and leant so much about Italian history and culture. An amazing Italian experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2023
Anna - Traveled, September 2023
I have used several group trips in the years and Intrepid ranks the highest through my experience. The hotel locations were great and our group leader was very knowledgeable, accommodating and an extreme delight to have around. It was a very well organized trip right to the very end and made me feel like a significant member of the group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Ashlea - Traveled, September 2023
This is a fantastic itinerary and we had a great time on tour. The tour leaders are passionate and it is truly amazing to see Italy through their eyes. Only note to future travellers, listen to the trip notes advice to take -<10kg luggage!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
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