Experience Overview
Take a trip to Italy, from the canals of Venice to the cobblestone streets of Rome. On this ten-day trip, you’ll explore historic sites and picturesque villages through some of the most incredible places in Europe’s treasure trove. Start in the canal-laden Venice and feel like you’ve stepped right into a postcard as you walk the streets on a cicchetti crawl, then visit the gorgeous Cinque Terre for hikes, photos and a pesto-making class. Soak in the coastal colours and then head to Pisa, home to that tilted tower. Explore Florence’s art, history and rich culture with loads of free time and then go on to discover the rolling green hills of Umbria. Sample wine, delicious food and great company and then move on to mighty Rome.
Highlights
- Take a day trip to Perugia’s ancient town – Spello. Walk among the decorated facades, winding laneways and cobbled streets and then sample the local wine and regional delicacies at a local enoteca for lunch.
- See some iconic sites like the canals of Venice, the Duomo’s gorgeous exterior in Florence and the endless sights in Rome. Find out why these cities are loved by so many and enjoy plenty of free time to make your own discoveries.
- Eat your way through this foodie’s paradise with a cicchetti (small bites) tour in Venice, a pesto-making class in Cinque Terre and a local leader to point out all the best spots for espresso, gelato, wine and pasta.
- A series of walking paths connect the pastel villages of Monterosso, Corniglia and Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre. Explore this amazing region on foot with a group hike (and make sure you bring your camera).
- Support the local community with a farewell dinner in Trastevere – a gorgeous area in Rome popular for its summer dining and aperitif culture – at a local cooperative that employs people living with disabilities and provides hospitality training.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Cooperativa Coraggio. Donations help them regenerate 22 hectares of unused public land to create local jobs and produce organic food in Italy. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3198
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Train,Public bus,Ferry,Metro,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: ZMKF
Starts: Venice, Italy
Finishes: Rome, Italy
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Lunch (1), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Hotel (9 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 4603 (CAD 460 /day)
Itinerary
Ciao! Welcome to Venice. This watery wonderland of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years – is literally sinking under the weight of its iconic sites. There are no activities planned before tonight's welcome meeting at 6 pm, so if you arrive early, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. Take a walk around the maze of streets behind San Marco Square and start to understand the complex canal system of Venice. The Grand Canal is a great place to start, as you can stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the endless boutique shops selling Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. Tonight, discover the most moreish Venetian bites on a cicchetti crawl through the city's fabulous bacari (wine bars).
Included Activities:
- Venice - Cicchetti tour
Optional Activities:
- Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs (30 EUR)
- Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury (5 EUR)
- Venice - Accademia Gallery (16 EUR)
- Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti (15 EUR)
- Venice - Gondola Ride (80 EUR)
- Venice - St Mark's Campanile (12 EUR)
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection (17 EUR)
- Venice - Museum of St Mark's Basilica (5 EUR)
- Venice - Glass Museum Murano (11 EUR)
- Venice - Ca' Rezzonico Museum of Eighteenth Century Art (11 EUR)
- Venice - Scuola Grande di San Rocco (14 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, venture out and explore Venice. There are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. This morning, get a taste of both as your leader helps you get oriented in this intricate city. Take the Vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for the best view of Venice. Your afternoon is free to take a trip in a Venetian gondola, enjoy an espresso and people watch in San Marco square, or discover the incredible artwork at the Palazzo Ducale or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection – the choice is yours. 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, so make sure you give one a try.
Included Activities:
- Venice - San Giorgio Bell Tower
- Venice - Traghetto Ride
- Venice - Vaporetto daily pass
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend the day travelling by train to the once important naval base of La Spezia, now the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre (Five Lands). The name comes from the five tiny villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Venranzza, Monterosso – whose position, wedged into a series of coves between sheer cliffs, makes it one of the highlights of the whole of Italy. The journey is a very scenic trip through the north of Italy. When you arrive in La Spezia there won't be too much time to explore yet, but after checking into your hotel, you can get your bearings with a short walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione to the gardens along the harbour or head out for dinner with the group.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, venture out on the footpaths of the Cinque Terre for a leader-led hike. The footpaths between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region and take you through olive groves, vineyards and idyllic vistas. You can walk just a few sections, which will still unveil a great amount of majestic scenery. Some path sections can be difficult, with challenging uphill stretches, narrow sections, steep cliffs and foot bridges. Please remember to bring comfortable footwear such as trainers or light hiking shoes. It's also possible to take the train between the villages or back to the group's base whenever you want. After working up an appetite, take advantage of the foods of the Liguria region with a pesto-making demonstration and the chance to create your own pesto. Of course, you’ll try your creation with a glass of wine afterwards. The rest of the day is free. In the evening, there's no better way to recover from your day of walking than with more indulgence in delicious Mediterranean food.
Included Activities:
- Cinque Terre - 'Il Laboratorio del Pesto' Making & Demonstration
- Cinque Terre - Cinque Terre Pass and leader-led hike
Optional Activities:
- Cinque Terre - Via dell’Amore trail (10 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Cinque Terre today and catch a train to Pisa. Divided in two by the River Arno, the heart of Pisa is the Santa Maria quarter on the north bank. You can choose to visit the world-famous Leaning Tower, as well as the Duomo (Piazza dei Miracoli, once the largest in Europe) and Pisa Baptistry, or explore the charming town, maybe enjoying lunch and an aperitif in a backstreet restaurant. Return to the station in the afternoon and take the train to Florence. After checking in to your hotel in Florence, the rest of your evening is free to explore the city of the Renaissance.
Included Activities:
- Pisa - Half Day Trip to Pisa
Optional Activities:
- Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa (27 EUR)
- Pisa - 5 Monuments Combo Ticket (10 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is free for you to explore all that Florence has to offer. It's impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, 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, Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral, the Baptistry and the Belltower, and the Santa Croce Church. Otherwise, you can visit the Uffizi – one of the world's oldest art galleries and a work of art in itself. If you want to see Michelangelo's iconic statue of David, head to the Galleria dell’ Accademia. In the evening, climb the steep stairs uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo for a renowned sunset view across the rooftops of Florence before an included dinner of Tuscan specialties at a local restaurant.
Included Activities:
- Florence - Piazzale Michelangelo
Optional Activities:
- Florence - Palazzo Vecchio (12 EUR)
- Florence - Bargello Museum (16 EUR)
- Florence - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome (30 EUR)
- Florence - Pitti Palace (Boboli Gardens, Museo Argenti, Costume Gallery, Porcellain Museum) (15 EUR)
- Florence - Medici Chapels (17 EUR)
- Florence - Uffizi Gallery (24 EUR)
- Florence - Accademia (17 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After a free morning in Florence, travel by train to Perugia. The once-Roman settlement of Perugia sits atop a rocky hill with views over the rolling green hills of the Umbria region and is now a university town with one of Italy's largest schools. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk of the city’s rambling maze of medieval streets. In your spare time, and for an insight into local history, perhaps visit the National Gallery of Umbria – an impressive collection of Umbrian art housed in the Palazzo dei Priori (a grand stone building from the 13th century). Your evening is then free, with the city's population of students filling the streets with nightlife. Pause for a glass of prosecco along Corso Vannucci, the city’s main street, as you take a very Italian passeggiata.
Included Activities:
- Perugia - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- Perugia - National Archaeological Museum of Umbria (7 EUR)
- Perugia - National Gallery of Umbria (8 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today take a train to the nearby medieval town of Spello, a Roman town that straddles a thin ridge at the base of Mount Subasio – the mountain where St Francis was said to have talked to the animals. It’s a place known for its wine and rural charm. Two of the local churches feature frescoes by famed Renaissance painter Pinturicchio, who later lent his hand to works in the Vatican and Siena’s cathedral. Sample the local wine and regional delicacies here when you lunch at a local enoteca. Tartufo and porcini make up the base of many pasta and risotto dishes, while whole stuffed pig with rosemary is a signature dish of the region. Back in Perugia the rest of your evening is free. It’ll be very hard not to spend the whole time indulging in the region’s fabulous food.
Included Activities:
- Spello - Enoteca Wine Tasting & Lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take the train to Rome and remember that while here, the best attitude is ‘when in Rome’! Join your leader on an orientation walk around the city, where you will pass by some of the iconic sights such as the Colosseum (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) and Arch of Constantine, the Forum, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. No visit would be complete without a trip to 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. Head out to the Trastevere region tonight with your group for a final farewell dinner – this artsy part of the city is always a great spot for dinner, drinks and wandering around the winding lanes in the evening. Your local restaurant for tonight – Trattoria De Gli Amici – is run by a social cooperative promoted by the community of Sant ‘Egidio – they train and employ people living with disabilities, supported by management and locals.
Included Activities:
- Rome - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- Rome - Pantheon (5 EUR)
- Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator (10 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned today, and your trip will come to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Rome (and it’s recommended that you do), just speak to your booking agent.
Optional Activities:
- Rome - Christian Catacombs (10 EUR)
- Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House (6 EUR)
- Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo (14 EUR)
- Vatican City - Vatican Museum (22 EUR)
- Rome - Venezia Palace (17 EUR)
- Rome - Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (19 EUR)
- Rome - Galleria Borghese (16 EUR)
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
Pietro - Traveled, October 2023
It was very informative. We felt very safe during our travels. Accommodations were nice. Everything went well! Would definitely book again. Especially if Michela Cioppa is leading the group. She made the trip very unique and family style. Overall great trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2023
Michelle - Traveled, October 2023
I’m usually a solo traveler (or travel with a small group of friends) but wanted to visit multiple places in Italy so thought it’d be convenient to join a tour. I picked this one because it struck a balance between planned group activities and unplanned time so that I could go explore on my own. Before the trip I planned to skip half of the group activities and spend most of the time on my own. But honestly? I had so much fun with the group! Michela is a FANTASTIC guide and I would follow her anywhere around the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2023
Billie Jean - Traveled, October 2023
Our trip was wonderful and Magda our tour guide helped make it wonderful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Greg - Traveled, October 2023
The trip was a wonderful look at Italy and all it has in regards to beauty and history. Our tour guide, Magda, was amazing and helped make the trip a wonderful experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Christine - Traveled, September 2023
The Italy experience was wonderful.It all comes found to your guide.If you have Tiziana Romano you are in very capable hands.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2023
Jessica - Traveled, September 2023
We had an incredible time on our tour of Italy. Having a tour leader like Tiziana made everything so much easier and allowed us to relax. We would definitely recommend a tour like this if you want to see local sites and experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2023
Catherine ( Cate) - Traveled, September 2023
For those seeking a fantastic introduction to Italy I would highly recommend Intrepid Italy Experience - you will enjoy great experiences travelling from Venice to Rome & our Intrepid tour leader Tiziana Romano was fantastic
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
Courtney - Traveled, August 2023
This tour was so great! Our guide was absolutely brilliant, the locations and activities were highly entertaining and enjoyable. Definitely worth looking into for your Italian holiday!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2023
Anna - Traveled, August 2023
I had a great time on this trip. Our tour leader, Magda, was brilliant and we had an excellent group overall. The locations and activities were all really interesting and fun and I found the free and scheduled time to be well balanced. Great way to see a little bit of Italy for the first time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2023
Joanne - Traveled, August 2023
Our leader had great knowledge, strategic skill& patience. She offered support & understanding in spades and that was all shared so generously! It’s been a great, fun & friendly trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2023
Mark - Traveled, August 2023
Our Intrepid tour was awesome. Magda our tour guide was fantastic. She took all the stress out of the trip. The accomodation was quite good, probably better than I expected. Air con in all of the rooms and quite reasonable breakfast.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
Lopez - Traveled, July 2023
Great trip to visit several Italy places including the great views and monuments
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/26/2023
Peter - Traveled, July 2023
I highly recommend Intrepid for a tour of Italy. Our tour leaders knowledge, interpersonal skills, and friendship was of the highest level. We would not have been able to see as much of Italy and understand what we have seen without them. Thank you for your efforts!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/13/2023
Mahesh - Traveled, June 2023
Reasonable tour, covers most places. However, the accommodation is sub-par
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/06/2023
Amy - Traveled, May 2023
Great Italy experience! First time intrepid customer- had a wonderful trip and would definitely recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2023
Michelle - Traveled, May 2023
This was a fantastic trip, introducing me to parts of Italy that I had no idea existed. Our guide was great. The hotels were less so (don't expect AC at all of them). If you want to do any of the optional activities, check to see if you need to make a reservation before you start the trip. Many of them fill up literally weeks in advance. I would recommend you get a good travel guide book to help you there.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/04/2023
Craig - Traveled, May 2023
An overall outstanding experience. The variety of activities, restaurants and cities provided an excellent exposure to Italy. The mix of organized tours and free time was an excellent balance. Our tour guide taught us the local modes of transport – awesome for when we were on our own.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/29/2023
Joanna - Traveled, May 2023
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/24/2023
Edward - Traveled, May 2023
The Italy Experience was a totally fabulous excursion. Great tours, great food and great wine. Our tour guide was amazing and we made wonderful friendships with our fellow travelers. The trip surely exceeded our expectations. In a word it was FANTASTICO!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2023
Raymond - Traveled, April 2023
The tour lived up to my expectations. It had just the right balance of activities. I have to say that the guide was incredible. I always felt comfortable and safe.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2023
Jodie-Lea - Traveled, April 2023
Intrepid gives you the confidence to travel no matter your age. The leaders teach you every step of the way - the languages, the customs, the do and don’ts. They are there when you need them then leave you to explore on your own, it’s great knowing they are only a call away.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2023
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