Highlights of Italy in Winter
Experience Overview
While most associate Italy with a piercing, orange-hued summer, the mild winters make the country the perfect place to visit during the off season! On this eight-day trip, you’ll see all the iconic spots with far fewer tourists crowding the squares and clogging up the lines. Take in the crumbling ruins of Rome, the renaissance beauty of Florence and the canals of 15th century Venice and grab your classic photo of the Leaning Tower in Pisa. With the cold mornings and afternoon espressos, you’ll have all the more reason to tuck into all the delicious local cuisine, glasses of vino and cheeky desserts, too – ah Italia!
Highlights
- See all the highlights of Italy without the crowds – this winter adventure celebrates the mild off-season of a tourist favourite, getting you closer to all the spots you want to tick off the list.
- Wander around Rome's famous landmarks including the Colosseum (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica and much more.
- Get lost in the floating city of Venice. The maze of alleyways, canals and lagoon islands lead to over 130 churches, all with their own distinct character.
- Learn to make the king of all comfort foods – pasta, of course – by hand in Bologna. Then, tuck into your creations for dinner with your group and friendly host.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3190
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train,Public bus,Metro
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZLSW
Starts: Rome, Italy
Finishes: Venice, Italy
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (5), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,345 ($418 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1 – Rome
Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in the collossal city of Rome – a capital where modern restaurants and cafes live among ancient ruins and religious monuments. You’ll have a welcome meeting tonight at 65 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, and it’s recommended that you do, maybe take a tour of the Colosseum – one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World – grab dinner in trendy Trastevere and throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, making a wish to return to the 'Eternal City'. After tonight's meeting, why not head out for dinner with your group and indulge in some classic Italian cuisine (maybe with a glass of the local vino).
Optional Activities:
- Vatican City - Vatican Museum (25 EUR)
- Rome - Galleria Borghese (17 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
When in Rome! Join your leader on an orientation walk around the city and spot the iconic sites like the Colosseum and Arch of Constantine, the Forum (centre of ancient Rome), the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, via Condotti and the Spanish Steps. Your afternoon is then free to explore at your own pace. Maybe recharge with a slice of pizza and a strong espresso at the Piazza Navona or head into 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 may also want to walk through the ancient halls of the Pantheon.
Optional Activities:
- Rome - Christian Catacombs (10 EUR)
- Rome - Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (19 EUR)
- Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo (19 EUR)
- Rome - Imperial Fora (16 EUR)
- Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House (6 EUR)
- Rome - Venezia Palace (17 EUR)
- Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator (10 EUR)
- Rome - Pantheon (5 EUR)
- Rome - Galleria Borghese (17 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, depart the Eternal City and catch a train to Florence. When you arrive, check into the hotel and go for a brief walk around the 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 you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to lunch and dinner. Meat lovers should try the bistecca alla fiorentina (a huge T-bone steak that's usually shared between two people) or ribollita (a thick vegetable soup with bread, beans and greens). Panforte is the signature sweet treat, so maybe grab some in the afternoon or after dinner.
Optional Activities:
- Florence - Foodies Walk Urban Adventure (79 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Set out to the nearby city of Pisa. When you arrive, head out on a short orientation walk then visit the world-famous Leaning Tower. Grab your classic pinching-the-tower photo, then visit the Duomo (Piazza dei Miracoli, once the largest in Europe) and Pisa Baptistry (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 specialty book and antique stores, and maybe end the afternoon with an aperitif. Head back to Florence and make the most of your free afternoon to soak up the culturally rich atmosphere. Maybe walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo, set on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, to take in the views of the city.
Included Activities:
- Pisa - Half Day Trip to Pisa
Optional Activities:
- Florence - Medici Chapels (17 EUR)
- Florence - Pitti Palace, Gallery of Modern Art & Palatine Gallery (19 EUR)
- Florence - Accademia (20 EUR)
- Florence - Uffizi Gallery (29 EUR)
- Florence - Palazzo Vecchio (12 EUR)
- Florence - Brunelleschi 3 Days pass - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome (30 EUR)
- Florence - Bargello Museum (16 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, jump on a 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 hub during an orientation walk, then learn the fine art of Italian cooking with an evening cooking class. Here, you’ll be crafting the king of comfort food – pasta, of course! After learning the tricks of the trade, tuck into your creations for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Bologna - Pasta class
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Early this morning, get the train to the postcard-perfect city of 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. Meet back up with your group in the late afternoon for a cicchetti walking tour (small snacks served in most bars and cafes) Snack and sip your way through the bars and taverns, soaking up the local culture in the best way.
Included Activities:
- Venice - Cicchetti tour
- Venice - Leader led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is for exploring Venice and there are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. This morning, you’ll get a taste of both. Take the Vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for the best view of the city and the canals. Then, the rest of the day is free to walk at your own pace. Perhaps grab an espresso and people watch in San Marco Square or discover the incredible artwork at the Palazzo Ducale or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. In the evening, maybe join your fellow travellers for a group dinner at a local restaurant. Venice is famous for its specialities of fresh lobster and squid ink spaghetti dishes – just ask your leader for the best spots!
Included Activities:
- Venice - San Giorgio Bell Tower
- Venice - Vaporetto daily pass
Optional Activities:
- Venice - Scuola Grande di San Rocco (14 EUR)
- Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs (30 EUR)
- Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti (15 EUR)
- Venice - Accademia Gallery (16 EUR)
- Venice - Museum of St Mark's Basilica (5 EUR)
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection (17 EUR)
- Venice - Ca' Rezzonico Museum of Eighteenth Century Art (11 EUR)
- Venice - Glass Museum Murano (11 EUR)
- Venice - Gondola Ride (80 EUR)
- Venice - St Mark's Campanile (12 EUR)
- Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury (5 EUR)
- Venice - Traghetto Ride (2 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end this morning. You're free to depart the accommodation at any time before check-out. As there is so much to see in Venice, it’s recommended that you stay a few extra days. If you need help with booking additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent at the time of booking.
Similar Tours
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
Vanessa - Traveled, October 2023
The trip was fantastic. Matteo is the best your guide ever and if you get him you are so lucky :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/07/2023
Cathy - Traveled, March 2023
We researched a lot of tours before booking and couldn’t have been happier with choosing intrepid. The people make all the difference. Out leaders were amazing and I like that intrepid tries to use local hotels that are environmentally friendly
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/19/2023
Marieke - Traveled, March 2023
Intrepid provide a wealth of opportunities and experiences through well informed and enthusiastic tour managers. The trips blend guided and organised activities with plenty of time to self explore.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2023
Bridget - Traveled, March 2023
Small group was perfect. Group leader extremely knowledgeable, safe, and made the experience fun. I will definitely book another trip with Intrepid!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2024
Natasha - Traveled, January 2024
This tour absolutely maximised the opportunity of less crowds for a very special experience in some of the finest Italian destinations. With a knowledgeable and innovative guide the experience was special indeed
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/12/2024
Katie - Traveled, December 2023
This trip was an incredible way to see the main areas of Italy in a relatively short period of time. Our tour leader, Matteo, was phenomenal - he made sure the entire trip ran smoothly and kept a transparent and optimistic attitude throughout everything!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2023
Alexei - Traveled, November 2023
Would absolutely recommend this holiday. Wear walking shoes and dress for chilly wind and occasional rain.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/02/2023
Ricky - Traveled, November 2023
The Winter in Italy trip far exceeded our expectations. This was a trip my wife and I have wanted to do for 43 years. Once we retired and my wife was harshly diagnosed with ALS we knew that it was time to go. The trip could not have been better for us as far as having all of our needs taken care of and all of our questions answered. We are so glad we booked with Intrepid, had Magic as a guide and did the trip. Thanks for your attention to details and making us feel like seasoned travelers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/05/2023
Roz - Traveled, October 2023
I’m a solo traveller, so please don’t be afraid, the tour group embraces all. Definitely try to think about booking the really busy tourist attractions in advance. Failing that skip the line tours are an easy way to get a ticket, but more expensive. However having the guide is quite invaluable and informative. I also recommend extra days at beginning and end.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/08/2023
Jillian - Traveled, February 2023
This was an amazing trip! It provided a great overview of several regions, each with its own culture to experience. Really enjoyed the activities and our tour leader was exceptional in his knowledge and passion.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/19/2023
Rachel - Traveled, February 2023
This trip was incredible and our tour leader was fantastic! I highly recommend booking an extra night in Rome, and an extra night in Venice. The trip gives just enough time to see most of the highlights in each city, but you won't have much time to rest. If you want to slow down the pace, you need an extra day or two at the beginning and at the end.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/20/2023
Paul - Traveled, January 2023
Good trip that was well organised and delivered on exactly what was promised. If you were motivated to make arrangements yourself and didn't want to meet and travel with others (this can be fun) then you could do better eg lower cost or better quality accommodation and activities etc. for same money.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/28/2023
Chloe - Traveled, January 2023
This intrepid trip was honestly amazing. I learnt so much and met so many amazing people. My tour guide Magda was incredible and so helpful during the trip. I must say though, the experience does greatly rely on the people in the group and their willingness to bond with one another.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/21/2023
Melanie - Traveled, December 2023
Intrepid travel 'winter in Italy tour' was one of the best yet in our Intrepid experiences. This backed onto a three day Istanbul trip and an intrepid Christmas market tour through Germany Hungary and Austria...all excellent. The Comfort Level is the best for us
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/26/2022
Francisco - Traveled, November 2022
As a solo traveler, I really recommend IntrepidTravel because of the high level of knowledge and professional that their tour leaders have. Also, the itinerary is perfectly balanced, so you get to visit, taste, learn & explore all main things on each city. Plus, it gives you free time so you won’t miss anything.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2022
Allison - Traveled, March 2022
This was an excellent overview of the history, architecture, food, and culture of Italy. Our Trip Leader, Andrea, was professional, engaging, knowledgeable, and attentive. He clearly loves Italy and now I do too. My personal highlights included the pasta class in Bologna (so fun!), beautiful early spring weather, and gorgeous sunset views.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2022
Gracie - Traveled, March 2023
I thought I wasn't a group tour person, but this trip proved me wrong. The balance between group activities and unstructured time was perfect and it was great to have logistics all handled so I could focus on simply enjoying the trip. I got much more out of my time in Italy because of the Trip Leader's capacity to share the history and culture of each place we visited in interesting and fun ways.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2022
Elizabeth - Traveled, January 2022
Winter in Italy was a perfect time to go to avoid crowds and heat. Intrepid trips are the perfect balance between informative guided tour and personal free time. They keep the numbers small so you get individual attention and you really get to know the other travellers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/25/2022
Shy-lee - Traveled, January 2023
What an amazing trip! As a first-time female solo traveler in Europe, especially during covid times, I had many concerns about traveling abroad. Even before arriving, the Intrepid team helped me make sure I got the necessary documentation and testing to ensure smooth travels. Once in Italy, every destination had so much charm! The hotels were comfortable, the food was INCREDIBLE, and our tour guide was great. Every detail was well thought out while giving us enough time to explore on our own. There was a lot of walking on this trip, but that's the best way to take it all in.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2022
Eric - Traveled, December 2021
This trip was really fun. Our tour guide was really fun and knew a lot about the destination. He even went out of his way to help a fellow traveller get a COVID test. This is my second trip with Intrepid and I would highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2021
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