Best of Italy tour

Hello! We're thrilled to welcome you to the eternal city of Venice, a spectacle of bridges, towers, plazas, canals, churches, and gondolas that has stood the test of time for over six centuries. However, it's slowly yielding to the allure of its renowned attractions. Your adventure begins with a welcome meet-up at 6 pm. If you're early, we recommend you initiate your journey with the Grand Canal. Enjoy a relaxed stroll across the Rialto Bridge and immerse yourself in the numerous boutique stores selling Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. After our group discussion tonight, you may want to join an optional dinner at a local restaurant with your fellow explorers. Venice is ready for you!

Today, we'll embark on a guided stroll through the city, soaking in the stunning blend of Classical, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles that frame the iconic San Marco Square. We'll guide you to the best spots for cicchetti, a delicious local delicacy that Venice is renowned for. Come lunchtime, you might want to immerse yourself in the vibrant social scene at a local bácaro, or perhaps enjoy a leisurely meal at a canal-side restaurant, watching the world pass by. Afterward, you're free to discover Venice at your leisure. Remember, there are only two ways to navigate this city – by foot or by boat. You might want to hop on the Vaporetto (water bus) to the island of San Giorgio and ascend the bell tower for a breathtaking view of the city. Or, if it's on your bucket list, why not experience a ride down the Grand Canal in a traditional Venetian gondola? The choice is yours.

Embark on a morning journey by train, traversing the picturesque northern landscapes of Italy, to reach the historically significant naval base of La Spezia, a journey of approximately 6–7 hours. La Spezia primarily serves as the entrance to the stunning Cinque Terre, or 'Five Lands'. This name originates from the five quaint villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – nestled in coves between towering cliffs. Upon reaching La Spezia, there might not be ample time for exploration (that's what the following day is for), but after settling into your hotel, you could familiarize yourself with the surroundings with a brief stroll around the pedestrian-friendly Via del Prione, or join the group for a delightful dinner.

Today, we'll immerse ourselves in the charm of Cinque Terre, exploring its meandering trails and quaint, pastel-hued villages with our included Cinque Terre Pass. We'll guide you through two of the five villages, while the pass provides 24-hour access to the area's paths and trains. We recommend consulting with us to choose the right walking section, as some paths can be challenging with uphill stretches, narrow trails, steep cliffs, and foot bridges. If you prefer, you can always hop on a train to any of the villages or return to our base in La Spezia at your leisure. After a day of exploration, you might want to join an optional pesto class. Don't forget to try the local specialty, Focaccia, which makes a perfect start to lunch.

Today, we set off from La Spezia, boarding a train to the magnificent city of Florence, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, we'll settle into our hostel and take a short stroll around the neighborhood to familiarize ourselves with our surroundings. Florence, a city brimming with cultural richness and beauty, is often referred to as the pulsating heart of Tuscany. It was home to the Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello, and Michelangelo during their creative peaks. The city's identity is deeply intertwined with its food culture, reflected in the optional activities we offer. Consider embarking on a Florence Foodies Walk with Urban Adventures to delve into the city’s culinary history and sample local delicacies. For meat lovers, we recommend trying the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a substantial T-bone steak served with traditional sides.

Immerse yourself in the splendor of Florence for another day. With so much to explore in this Renaissance gem, we recommend taking it easy and selecting a few attractions that truly pique your interest. Perhaps kick off your day with a trip to the Galleria dell'Accademia to marvel at Michelangelo's renowned David statue, or consider a visit to the Uffizi, one of the globe's oldest art galleries. For those with a penchant for physical activity, a stroll up to Piazzale Michelangelo, nestled on a hill on the Arno River's southern bank, offers breathtaking city views – a delightful way to spend your day. We have a host of optional activities available during your stay, so don't hesitate to ask us for more details to find what suits your interests.

Embark on a morning journey to Rome, a ride that lasts roughly 2 hours. Upon arrival, we'll guide you through a tour around the city, showcasing landmarks such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. After a morning filled with exploration, it's likely time for a well-deserved lunch. Why not savor a slice of authentic pizza and a robust espresso at the Piazza Navona? The afternoon is yours to spend as you please, with a plethora of options at your disposal. Consider a visit to the Vatican to marvel at St Peter's Basilica. Art enthusiasts might appreciate the Sistine Chapel's timeless masterpieces by Michelangelo, while history aficionados could explore the ancient corridors of the Pantheon. As evening approaches, Rome offers a variety of trattorias to suit all tastes and budgets. Perhaps join the group for a communal dinner. Today's visited location: Rome.

Today marks the conclusion of your exciting journey. There are no scheduled activities, and you're welcome to leave the lodging anytime post check-out. Given Rome's abundant attractions, we suggest extending your stay to fully experience the city. We're more than willing to arrange extra accommodation for you, subject to availability. Please discuss this with an agent when booking.