14-Day Best of Italy Tour: Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, and More
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 14-day journey through Italy's most iconic cities and hidden gems. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice, you'll experience the very best of Italy. Discover the Renaissance masterpieces in Florence, the medieval charm of Lucca, and the stunning Italian Riviera. Savor the exquisite wines of Asti, the fashion-forward vibe of Milan, and the serene beauty of Lake Como. This tour is a perfect blend of guided activities and free time to explore at your own pace, ensuring an unforgettable Italian adventure.
Included
9 breakfasts
vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher
All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Lucca - Bicycle Tour
Pisa - Half Day Trip to Pisa
Cinque Terre - Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass
Portofino Peninsula - Walk and Boat Ride
Asti - Village Winery Visit & Wine Tasting
Milan - Duomo Rooftop Visit
Milan - Half Day Trip
Lake Como - Ferry Pass
Venice - Traghetto Ride
Venice - Ciccheti Stop
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.
Hotel (13 nights)
hotel: 13 night(s);
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.
TRAINS:
The main mode of transportation on this trip is by train. Italian long-distance and inter-regional trains are comfortable and often decked out with air-conditioning. Toilets are always available. Some of the trains have snack bars (or vending machines) and power points next to the seats but that cannot be guaranteed on every journey. Regional and metropolitan trains are usually a bit more basic and can be quite busy, but this just adds to the experience. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long (and short) distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre of your next destination.
Train , Private vehicle , Bicycle , Boat , Public bus , Metro
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Rome
- Rome - Arrival day
- More
- Trevi Fountain
- More
Welcome to Italy's vibrant capital, Rome! Dive into the city's lively atmosphere, where ancient history meets modern charm. Spend your day sipping espresso at quaint cafes and indulging in colorful gelato. As you wander, toss a coin into the iconic Trevi Fountain, ensuring your return to this captivating city. In the evening, gather for a welcome meeting to connect with your fellow travelers and group leader, setting the stage for the adventures ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Rome to Florence
- Rome
- Florence
- More
- St. Clement Basilica
- Roman Forum
- Palatine Hill
- Spanish Steps
- Colosseum
- More
Begin your day exploring Rome's iconic landmarks, from the Spanish Steps to the awe-inspiring Colosseum and Roman Forum. No Roman adventure is complete without a visit to Vatican City, where you can marvel at St Peter's Basilica. In the afternoon, board a train to Florence, the heart of Tuscany, renowned for its Renaissance art and architecture. After checking into your hotel, join an orientation walk to get acquainted with this cultural gem. The evening is yours to savor Florence's culinary delights.
Day 3 – Day 3: Florence
- Florence
- More
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Palazzo Pitti
- Uffizi Gallery
- Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
- piazza della Signoria
- Galleria Continua
- piazzale Michelangelo
- Ponte Vecchio
- More
Today, immerse yourself in the artistic and architectural wonders of Florence. Explore the Pitti Palace, cross the historic Ponte Vecchio, and admire the statues of Piazza della Signoria. Visit the Uffizi Gallery to witness masterpieces or see Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell'Accademia. As evening falls, climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for a breathtaking sunset view over the city. Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll or a delightful Tuscan meal.
Day 4 – Day 4: Florence to Lucca
- Florence
- Lucca
- More
Spend your morning soaking in the remaining sights of Florence before embarking on a train journey to Lucca. This hidden gem of Tuscany is a treasure trove of medieval architecture, charming piazzas, and narrow streets. Your accommodation in the city center offers easy access to Lucca's attractions. In the evening, join the locals for a leisurely stroll along the ancient city walls, a perfect way to end your day.
Day 5 – Day 5: Lucca and Pisa
- Pisa
- Lucca
- More
- Porta San Pietro
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- More
Embark on a scenic cycling tour along the Serchio River, taking in the picturesque Tuscan countryside. Later, hop on a train to Pisa, where you'll have ample time to marvel at the world-famous Leaning Tower and explore the Piazza dei Miracoli. Wander through the charming streets, perhaps indulging in some local delicacies, before returning to Lucca for a relaxing evening with a refreshing Prosecco and delicious local fare.
Day 6 – Day 6: Lucca to La Spezia
- La Spezia
- Lucca
- More
- Museo del Sigillo
- Pozzale Beach
- Cinque Terre National Park
- More
Travel to La Spezia, your gateway to the stunning Italian Riviera. Discover the medieval charm of this port town, then set out to explore the breathtaking Cinque Terre, a series of five picturesque villages nestled between cliffs. In the afternoon, consider a ferry ride to the colorful town of Portovenere or stroll along Via del Prione. As the day winds down, enjoy a waterside dinner in Lerici, soaking in the serene coastal ambiance.
Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring Cinque Terre
- La Spezia
- More
- Cinque Terre National Park
- More
Embark on a journey through the enchanting Cinque Terre, where footpaths weave through olive groves and vineyards, offering breathtaking vistas. Whether you choose to hike the trails or take the train between villages, you'll be captivated by the region's natural beauty. Pause for a leisurely lunch in one of the charming towns, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere before returning to La Spezia for a relaxing evening.
Day 8 – Day 8: Santa Margherita to Asti
- Portofino
- La Spezia
- More
- porto antico
- Santa Maria di Castello
- More
Travel to Santa Margherita and embark on a scenic walk to the glamorous town of Portofino, where the Italian Riviera meets the Bay of Tigullio. Enjoy the stunning coastal views, then take a boat ride back to Santa Margherita. Continue your journey to Asti, nestled in the Piedmont region, renowned for its culinary delights. Indulge in dishes flavored with truffle and savor a glass of exquisite Italian wine, immersing yourself in the region's rich gastronomic heritage.
Day 9 – Day 9: Asti and Castagnole Monferrato
Day 9: Asti and Castagnole Monferrato
- Palazzo Monferrato
- More
Venture into the picturesque hills of Castagnole Monferrato to visit a local winemaking family and sample their unique Ruche wines. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch in the village before returning to Asti, a town steeped in medieval history and renowned for its exceptional wines and truffles. Explore the town's vibrant market, where you can discover regional delicacies and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Day 10 – Day 10: Asti to Lake Como via Milan
- Milan
- Como
- Lecco
- More
- Duomo di Milano
- Castello Baradello
- More
Journey to Milan, Italy's fashion capital, where you can explore the historic center and visit the magnificent Duomo. Stroll through the city's stylish streets or relax in the serene park of Castello Sforzesco. In the afternoon, continue to the stunning Lake Como, where your hotel offers breathtaking views of the tranquil waters. Unwind and soak in the serene beauty of this enchanting region.
Day 11 – Day 11: Lake Como and Bellagio
- Como
- Lecco
- More
- Arengario
- Villa del Balbianello
- Villa Carlotta
- More
Explore the charming village of Bellagio, where you can wander through the countryside and visit the elegant Villa Melzi. Spend the day ferrying between the picturesque towns of Lake Como, discovering the stunning Villa del Balbianello and the art-filled Villa Carlotta. Enjoy a leisurely meal by the lake, savoring the breathtaking views and the region's culinary delights.
Day 12 – Day 12: Lake Como to Venice
- Venice
- Lecco
- More
- Rialto Bridge
- Piazza Manzoni
- More
Depart the serene lakeside and travel to Venice, a city of timeless beauty and intricate canals. Upon arrival, join your leader for a walk through the labyrinthine streets behind Piazza San Marco, gaining insight into the city's unique canal system. Experience a traditional traghetto ride across the canal, then spend the rest of the day exploring Venice's enchanting sights, from the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge. In the evening, indulge in Venice's rich culinary heritage with a delightful dinner.
Day 13 – Day 13: Discovering Venice
- Venice
- More
- Doge's Palace
- Bridge of Sighs
- Piazza Manzoni
- More
Spend your day exploring Venice at your own pace, navigating the city's enchanting canals and historic landmarks. Visit the Grand Canal, cross the Rialto Bridge, and admire the opulence of Doge's Palace. Take a vaporetto to San Giorgio for panoramic views or enjoy a gondola ride through the city's waterways. In the evening, join your tour leader for a cicchetti stop, savoring Venetian specialties and celebrating your journey with a memorable dinner.
Day 14 – Day 14: Departure from Venice
- Venice - Departure day
- More
As your Italian adventure comes to a close, enjoy a leisurely morning in Venice. With no scheduled activities, you have the freedom to explore more of this captivating city or embark on an Urban Adventure tour. Whether you choose to extend your stay or bid farewell to Venice, the memories of your journey through Italy's iconic landscapes and rich cultural heritage will linger long after you depart.
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