Best of Italy

Intrepid Travel · 14 days

4.4

20 Reviews

View Map

Duration

14 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

The enduring phrase ‘la dolce vita’ (the good life) truly captures the essence of Italy. On this trip, you’ll spend 14 days discovering the heart of all things Italian on a culturally rich adventure from the piazzas of Rome to the canals of Venice.

Highlights

Take to the Tuscan countryside and cycle along the Serchio River in Lucca, working up an appetite for the region’s delicious local food and renowned wines.
Spend a free day exploring the beautiful villages, estates and gardens dotted around Lake Como, crisscrossing the lake by ferry. Then, consider exploring the grounds of Bellagio's grand Villa Melzi.
Head out with your local leader to a rural village in the heart of Piedmonte to sample world-class local wines from unique grapes grown only in this region – salute!
Test yourself on the hilly trails of the Cinque Terre, stopping by the pastel coloured villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola and Vernazza. If you get tired, just jump on the train for the rest of your day!
Explore Italy’s iconic Rome, Florence and Venice – all havens of renaissance architecture and historic sights. With plenty of time to discover at your own pace, you can decide what you’d like to see.

Trip Details

Duration

14 days

Transportation

Train,Private vehicle,Bicycle,Boat,Public bus,Metro

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Rome, Italy

Finishes

Venice, Italy

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer, Rail & Cruises

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Rome

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Crowded with ancient ruins and religious monuments, Rome is the perfect spot to kick off your trip. Your adventure starts in Rome with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Packed with designer shops, restaurants, cafes and nightlife spots, it’s recommended that you arrive a few days early to see everything and experience the culture of this fantastic city. Maybe sip an espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes and throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit to Rome. After, why not head out for dinner with your group and get to know each other over your favourite carb?

Optional Activities:

Rome - Christian Catacombs (10 EUR)
Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo (19 EUR)
Rome - Galleria Borghese (17 EUR)
Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House (6 EUR)
Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator (10 EUR)
Vatican City - Vatican Museum (25 EUR)
Rome - Pantheon (5 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Florence

Today you have a free morning to soak up the sights and sounds of Rome. There will be an optional leader-led orientation walk, taking in some of the best-known sights of Rome like the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum if you’ve only just arrived. Then, maybe head to Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica. Later, you'll travel by train to Florence – the cultural heart of Tuscany, bursting with religious treasures and Renaissance masterpieces. It's been said that during the second millennium, a third of Europe's most important artists lived in Florence. The minds and talents of the Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all flourished here. After checking in to your hotel, join your leader for an orientation walk of Florence, then the rest of your evening is free to explore at your own pace. Food is also a major part of the city's identity, so why not explore some of the Tuscan delicacies on offer with your group.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Florence

Today is a free day for you to explore all that Florence has to offer. The principal sights are easily discovered on foot like the Pitti Palace, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and the Santa Croce Church. Maybe visit the Uffizi, one of the world's oldest art galleries, or discover Michelangelo's iconic statue of David at the Galleria dell'Accademia. Later, maybe climb the stairs to Piazzale Michelangelo for a sunset view across the rooftops of Florence. Tonight, join the locals in taking a passeggiata (a leisurely social stroll) between Piazza Beccaria and Piazza della Repubblica.

Optional Activities:

Florence - Foodies Walk Urban Adventure (79 EUR)
Florence - Brunelleschi 3 Days pass - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome (30 EUR)
Florence - Accademia (20 EUR)
Florence - Uffizi Gallery (29 EUR)
Florence - Bargello Museum (16 EUR)
Florence: Hidden Gems and Aperitivo (77 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Lucca

After a leisurely morning, board the train to Lucca – one of Tuscany's real hidden gems, with centuries-old buildings, beautiful churches, wide piazzas and narrow streets within the ancient city ramparts. You’ll be staying in the city centre which allows easy access to all the sights, restaurants and bars – all an easy stroll from the hotel's front door. Tonight, you might like to join the tradition of many locals and take a stroll along the top of the city walls that surround the perimeter of the old city.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Pisa

Set off on a cycling tour this morning, following the scenic Serchio River through the Tuscan countryside. Then, you’ll catch the train to Pisa and visit the world-famous Leaning Tower, as well as the nearby Duomo in Piazza dei Miracoli and the Pisa Baptistry. The Leaning 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 four degrees, after restoration and stabilising work. Then, continue to wander the streets past high-end boutiques, speciality book and antiques stores. After, head back to Lucca, where the rest of the night is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe head to a local bar for a Prosecco (or two) and a fresh focaccia with finocchiona salami and pecorino cheese – best enjoyed in the shadow of the Palazzo Pretorio.

Included Activities:

Lucca - Bicycle Tour
Pisa - Half Day Trip to Pisa

Optional Activities:

Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa (27 EUR)
Pisa - 5 Monuments Combo Ticket (11 EUR)
Lucca - Cathedral of San Martino & Ilaria del Carretto Tomb (3 EUR)
Lucca - Guinigi Tower Climb (8 EUR)
Lucca - National Gallery Villa Guinigi (5 EUR)
Lucca - Day Trip to Barga (by public bus) (9 EUR)
Lucca - Palazzo Pfanner House & Gardens (7 EUR)
Lucca - Cathedral Museum (4 EUR)
Lucca - Puccini concert (20 EUR)
Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa (20 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Cinque Terre

Travel by train to La Spezia – the gateway to the gorgeous Italian Riviera. A medieval port town whose name is derived from its historic importance in the spice trade, La Spezia is your base for exploring the nearby stretch of coast known as the Cinque Terre. The name comes from the five tiny villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, whose position, wedged into a series of coves between cliffs, makes it one of the highlights in the country. After lunch, you have free time to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe head out by ferry or bus to the pretty seaside town of Portovenere, walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione to the gardens along the harbour in La Spezia or visit Lerici – a small village across the Bay of Poets dominated by its castle – for a waterside dinner.

Optional Activities:

La Spezia - Mountain E-bike hire (75 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Cinque Terre

This morning, venture out through olive groves and vineyards on the Cinque Terre Trails. This path runs between the villages that were once the only way to travel through the region. After your hike this morning, maybe continue along the walking through the countryside, passing narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges or take a train to a nearby town. After, find a place for lunch in one of the towns and relax in the vibrant atmosphere before heading back to base in La Spezia later today.

Included Activities:

Cinque Terre - Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass

Optional Activities:

Cinque Terre - Via dell’Amore trail (10 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Portofino to Asti

Start your day with a scenic train ride from La Spezia to the coastal town of Rapallo. Once you arrive, drop off your luggage and make your way to the harbor to catch a ferry to Portofino. Here, take your time exploring its colorful streets, boutiques, and waterfront cafes. If you're up for a bit of a climb, maybe follow the winding path that leads up to the Portofino Lighthouse at Punta del Capo for panoramic views over the Ligurian Sea. Later, unwind on a relaxing train ride to Asti—where a thriving food scene awaits, perfect for ending the day with a memorable meal.

Included Activities:

Portofino Peninsula - Walk and Boat Ride

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Asti

This morning, travel to the nearby rural village of Castagnole Monferrato, where you’ll visit the home of a local winemaking family to sample their vintages. The Ruche grape variety is unique to this region of Italy – it's grown in just seven small villages in the province of Asti and produces a ruby-red, intense and aromatic wine. Have some lunch, then return to Asti. This town was one of the most important in medieval times, sitting on trade routes between Turin, Milan, and Genoa. Today, it’s best known as the home of some of the finest and most sought-after wines in Europe. It's also the best place to find ‘tartufo’ (truffles). You may be lucky enough to be here on a market day, when the Piazza del Palio hosts the region’s largest open-air market.

Included Activities:

Asti - Village Winery Visit, Wine Tasting & Lunch

Optional Activities:

Asti - Bike Hire (3 EUR)
Asti - Archaeological Museum (10 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Como to Cadenabbia

Travel by train to Milan, then continue to Bellagio – a village on the coast of Lake Como known for its cobbled lanes, elegant buildings and the Villa Serbelloni Park, an 18th-century terraced garden with lake views. Later in the afternoon, you’ll head out to explore this area of natural beauty and unique landscapes. Your hotel tonight is on the shores of Lake Como, where you can soak up the serenity from your room. Later, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations!

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Cadenabbia

This morning, explore the village of Bellagio. Set off on a short walk through the countryside and discover the estate of the Villa Melzi – this grand white villa sits just back from the water, and its surrounding estate is filled with rare and exotic plant life. The rest of the day is free – maybe take the ferry between the various parts of this area of Lake Como, like Varenna, Cadenabbia or the beautiful Villa del Balbianello, which film fans may recognise from franchises like James Bond and Star Wars. Maybe wander through acres of manicured Italian gardens at Villa Carlotta or visit Cadenabbia is Tremezzo, where you can find delicious food or an aperitif. Simply strolling and admiring the beautiful views whichever way you turn is an ideal way to spend the day.

Included Activities:

Lake Como - Ferry Pass
Lake Como - Villa Melzi Gardens in Bellagio

Optional Activities:

Lake Como - Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo (12 EUR)
Lake Como - Vezio Castle in Varenna (6 EUR)
Villa del Balbianello (13 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Venice

Leave the lakes district behind and take your private vehicle to Milan. From here, catch a train to Venice – the grand city of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas, practically unchanged for 600 years. Venice is built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. There are plenty of things to keep you busy when you arrive. When you arrive, join your local leader for a walk around the maze of streets behind Piazza San Marco and learn about the complex canal system. Your leader will introduce you to the local way of crossing the canal, by traghetto, then the rest of the day is free. The Grand Canal is a great place to start, as you can stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the boutique shops that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. For dinner, maybe seek out Venice's distinctive culinary heritage, which goes back to ancient times and features rich risottos, saline baccala (salted cod) and creamy polenta.

Included Activities:

Venice - Traghetto Ride
Venice - Leader led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Venice

Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the Grand Canal or the Rialto Bridge, discover Doge's Palace or see Piazza San Marco with its golden Basilica. Then, you could take a vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for the best view of Venice. No trip here would be complete without a journey down the Grand Canal in a Venetian gondola, so maybe treat yourself to a cruise through the waterways and tick this iconic experience off your bucket list. Later, maybe wander through the Palazzo Ducale, overflowing with paintings by Italian masters, before joining your leader for a cicchetti stop as a real Venetian. Tonight, join your group for a celebratory dinner of Venetian specialties, like fresh lobster and squid ink spaghetti.

Included Activities:

Venice - Ciccheti Stop

Optional Activities:

Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury (5 EUR)
Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti (15 EUR)
Venice - Accademia Gallery (16 EUR)
Peggy Guggenheim Collection (17 EUR)
Venice - St Mark's Campanile (12 EUR)
Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs (30 EUR)
Venice - Gondola Ride (80 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Venice

As there are no activities planned for today, you can depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in Venice, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Optional Activities:

Venice - Chicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice Urban Adventure (112 EUR)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $5,795

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 14 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 06 Apr 2026

View Map

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

4.0

Judith

Traveled, October 2023

11/01/2023

This tour of Italy was wonderful! Our leader, Lucrezia, did an outstanding job introducing us to each new site we visited and supporting our enjoyment of the included activities. There was a nice balance of structured activities and free time to explore. The itinerary was quite full and at-times fast-paced. We enjoyed the hikes and bike ride very much. All hotels were clean and comfortable and train travel was enjoyable overall. Plan on a lot of walking - which allows you to see so much. Thank you so much for a great travel experience. Judy and Patricia

4.5

Tommy

Traveled, October 2023

11/01/2023

Visited many interesting places, all that we had never seen before, very informative.

Tour Operator

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

Book Now