Ultimate Italy (Standard, 22 Days, Air Price Rome To Catania)
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Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 22-day journey through Italy, where history, culture, and culinary delights await at every turn. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice, and the sun-kissed shores of Sicily, this multi-day tour offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Discover the Renaissance wonders of Florence, the medieval charm of Siena, and the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Savor authentic Italian cuisine, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of cities like Naples and Milan. With guided tours, optional excursions, and free time to explore, this tour promises an enriching adventure through Italy's most iconic destinations. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a lover of art and architecture, this tour has something for everyone. Join us for an Italian escapade that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Included
6 Dinner (D)
21 Breakfast (B)
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: 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.
21 nights in Hotels
Expert Trip Manager, Driver Team, Local Guides
1 Internal flight included
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.
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.
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.
Vatican: See this religious state and home to the Pope, IRL. Take a guided tour around Renaissance masterpieces and see the famous ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
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.
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Rome
- Rome - Arrival day
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- MAXXI - National Museum of 21st Century Art
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Welcome to the Eternal City! As you step into Rome, you'll be greeted by a city that breathes history and elegance. Meet your fellow travelers and tour crew at 4 PM, and then indulge in a delightful Italian feast. As the sun sets, embark on an orientation tour of Rome, where you'll get a glimpse of the city's iconic landmarks and vibrant streets.
Day 2 – Day 2: Siena and Florence
- Rome
- Siena
- Florence
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- Pinacoteca Nazionale
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Start your day with a journey to Siena, a city renowned for its medieval charm and UNESCO World Heritage status. Enjoy a leisurely lunch amidst its historical beauty before continuing to Florence. Known as a culinary haven, Florence welcomes you with an exquisite feast. As night falls, rest and dream of the Renaissance wonders awaiting you.
Day 3 – Day 3: Florence
- Florence
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- Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano
- Giotto's Bell Tower
- Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
- piazza della Signoria
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Florence, often dubbed a 'walking museum,' invites you to explore its Renaissance treasures on foot. With a local guide, marvel at Giotto's Bell Tower, Basilica Santa Croce, and the bustling Piazza della Signoria. The Duomo stands as a testament to architectural brilliance. As evening descends, savor a Tuscan Risotto Evening, complete with Chianti wine and a mystery dessert.
Day 4 – Day 4: Lucca and Pisa
- Florence
- Lucca
- Pisa
- Santa Margherita Ligure
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- Leaning Tower of Pisa
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Bid farewell to Florence and journey to Lucca, a city of charming piazzas and Renaissance architecture. Enjoy a leisurely lunch or opt for a wine tasting at a local vineyard. Next, visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa for that quintessential photo opportunity. As the day ends, arrive at the enchanting Italian Riviera, ready to fall in love with its beauty.
Day 5 – Day 5: Cinque Terre
Day 5: Cinque Terre
- Cinque Terre National Park
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Discover the breathtaking beauty of Cinque Terre, a collection of five unique towns perched along dramatic cliffs. With an unlimited hike and train ticket, explore the pastel-colored buildings and stunning landscapes at your own pace. Whether you choose to hike or take the train, the charm of Cinque Terre will captivate your heart.
Day 6 – Day 6: Lake Como and Milan
- Como
- Milan
- Lecco
- More
- Lake Como Adventure Park
- Arengario
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Experience the allure of Lake Como, with its picturesque villages and lush gardens. Opt for a cruise to Bellagio, the jewel of the lake. Later, arrive in Milan, a city of sophistication and style. Enjoy a free evening to explore the local nightlife and savor Milanese delicacies, guided by your Trip Manager's recommendations.
Day 7 – Day 7: Verona and Treviso
- Milan
- Verona
- Venice
- Treviso
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- Castle of Malcesine
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Step into the romantic city of Verona, where Shakespeare's tales come to life. Visit Juliet's Balcony and soak in the city's rich history and art. Continue to Treviso, a charming town known for its canals and culinary delights. Spend a free evening exploring the birthplace of tiramisu and savoring local flavors.
Day 8 – Day 8: Venice
- Venice
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- Venetian Arsenal
- Burano
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Explore the enchanting city of Venice, where history and romance intertwine. Board a private boat to the city's heart, and enjoy a gondola ride or wander through the maze-like streets. Consider a cruise to Burano, a UNESCO-listed island, and indulge in a seafood feast. Venice's magic will leave you spellbound.
Day 9 – Day 9: Bologna and Rome
- Venice
- Bologna
- Rome
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- Porta Paola
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Depart Venice and make a stop in Bologna, a city famed for its culinary delights. Savor the flavors of prosciutto and bolognese sauce, and explore the UNESCO-listed porticoes. Return to Rome for a free evening to discover the city's gastronomic treasures, paired perfectly with Italian wine.
Day 10 – Day 10: Rome
- Rome
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- Capitoline Museums
- Palatine Hill
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Embrace the ancient wonders of Rome with a day dedicated to exploration. Visit the Vatican Museums and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, where art and history converge. Spend the afternoon discovering Rome's hidden gems, and enjoy an included dinner to recharge after a day of sightseeing.
Day 11 – Day 11: Pompeii and Naples
- Rome
- Naples
- Portici
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- Amphitheatre of Pompeii
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Travel to the ancient city of Pompeii, where history is frozen in time. Opt for a guided tour to uncover the secrets of this Roman town. Continue to Naples, a city bursting with energy and culture. Explore its vibrant streets and indulge in the local cuisine, including the world-famous pizza.
Day 12 – Day 12: Capri and Amalfi Coast
- Naples
- Capri
- Amalfi
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- Amalfi Coast
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Set sail for the glamorous island of Capri, where rugged coastlines and chic cafes await. Opt for a cruise to explore hidden coves and enjoy swim stops in the azure waters. As the day ends, arrive at the stunning Amalfi Coast, where sun-bleached buildings and sparkling seas create a postcard-perfect setting.
Day 13 – Day 13: Amalfi Coast
- Positano
- Amalfi
- More
- Capocastello
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Enjoy a free day on the Amalfi Coast, with options to visit a local lemon farm or explore the picturesque town of Positano. Learn about the art of limoncello making or simply relax and soak in the coastal beauty. The evening is yours to wander the charming streets and savor the Italian lifestyle.
Day 14 – Day 14: Rome
- Amalfi
- Rome
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- Colosseum
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Return to Rome for a day of exploration and discovery. Visit the iconic Colosseum and delve into the city's ancient ruins on a guided tour. In the evening, enjoy a hands-on pasta-making experience at a local restaurant, where you'll create and savor your own Italian masterpiece.
Day 15 – Day 15: Catania
- Rome
- Catania
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- Palazzo Biscari
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Fly to the vibrant island of Sicily and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture. Explore Catania's UNESCO-listed historic core, where baroque piazzas and ancient ruins tell tales of the past. Enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant, where the distinct flavors of Sicilian cuisine will delight your taste buds.
Day 16 – Day 16: Taormina
- Catania
- Taormina
- More
- Porta Catania
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Day 17 – Day 17: Taormina and Mt Etna
- Taormina
- Piedimonte Etneo
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- Mogam
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Embark on an optional adventure to Mt Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. Experience the thrill of exploring its slopes, dotted with vineyards and orchards. Whether you choose the tour or not, enjoy a free afternoon in Taormina, where you can relax on the beach or explore the Roman theatre. The day is yours to savor.
Day 18 – Day 18: Syracuse and Noto
- Taormina
- Noto
- Syracuse
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- Galleria regionale di Palazzo Bellomo di Siracusa
- Church of the Carmel
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Explore the historical treasures of Syracuse, a city steeped in Roman and Greek heritage. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site and marvel at ancient amphitheatres and architecture. Continue to Noto, where impressive baroque architecture awaits. End the day with a Tastes of Sicily experience at an organic farm, savoring the freshest local ingredients.
Day 19 – Day 19: Valley of the Temples and Cefalù
- Syracuse
- Cefalù
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- Valle dei Templi
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Delve into the ancient wonders of the Valley of the Temples, a site rich in historical and archaeological significance. Discover ancient temples and sanctuaries that tell the story of Sicily's past. Arrive in Cefalù for an included dinner of Sicilian delicacies, rounding off a day filled with exploration and discovery.
Day 20 – Day 20: Cefalù
- Cefalù
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- Castello di Cefalù
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Relax and unwind in Cefalù, a town known for its stunning beaches and Arabic architecture. Spend the day soaking up the sun, sea, and sand, or opt for a coastal cruise to admire the scenic beauty. As evening falls, explore the town's vibrant foodie and nightlife scene, capturing the essence of Sicily.
Day 21 – Day 21: Palermo
- Cefalù
- More
- Palermo Cathedral
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Conclude your Sicilian adventure in Palermo, a city bursting with color and culture. Join a walking tour to learn about the history of the Mafia and the civil anti-Mafia movement. End the day with a farewell dinner at Al Fresco, a bistro dedicated to second chances, celebrating the spirit of Palermo.
Day 22 – Day 22: Departure from Palermo
Day 22: Departure from Palermo
As your Italian odyssey comes to an end, enjoy one final breakfast with your fellow travelers. Reflect on the memories made and the friendships forged, and exchange contact details to keep in touch. Until we meet again on another adventure, farewell and safe travels.
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