France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail

Intrepid Travel · 23 days
France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail
France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail
France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail
France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail
France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail
France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail
France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail
France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail
France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail
France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail
France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail
France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail
France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail
France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail
France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail
France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail
France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail
France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail
23 Days
From AUD $10790
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating

France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail

France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail

Intrepid Travel · 23 days
Duration

23 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Make tracks to embark on a 23-day adventure encompassing France, Switzerland and Italy.

Highlights

  • Choose a slower-paced European journey on a comfortable rail-only trip – as well as travelling like the locals on domestic trains, you’ll also hop aboard the Gotthard Panorama Express and take the Mount Pilatus Silver Circle tour (which includes an aerial cableway)!
  • Take a scenic hike in Bellinzona to make the most of the incredible views – surrounded by the Swiss Alps, Bellinzona also features not one, not two, but three medieval castles.
  • Watch a cooking demonstration using fresh, locally harvested produce, then sit down to lunch during a visit to The Intrepid Foundation partner, Cooperativa Coraggio, who work to regenerate 22 hectares of unused public land to create local jobs and produce organic food in Italy.
  • 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.
  • Head with your local leader to a quaint rural village in the heart of Piedmonte to sample world-class local wines from unique grapes grown only in this region – salute!

Trip Details

Duration

23 days

Transportation

Train,Metro,Local Bus,Boat,Private Vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Paris, France

Finishes

Venice, France

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer, Rail & Cruises

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Paris
Bonjour! Welcome to France. Your adventure begins in Paris – the City of Lights, known for its romance, delicious cuisine and amazing art scene. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, followed by a leader-led orientation walk to experience the buzz of Paris as night falls. If you arrive early, why not explore the city at your own pace. Maybe grab a traditional baguette, a buttery croissant and some local meats and fruits and have a picnic by the Eiffel Tower. If you’d like to tick off bucket list sites like the Louvre or walking the Champs-Elysees, today is also your best opportunity. After tonight's meeting, you have the option to head out for a welcome dinner with your group to get to know each other better and be introduced to the wonderful local food.

Included Activities:

  • Paris - Orientation Walk
  • Paris - Welcome Meeting

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Lausanne
Today, you have a free morning in Paris. Maybe grab some iconic baked goods and stroll along the River Seine or get to know Montmartre and why this district has attracted artists for generations. After a chance to grab some lunch, you’ll board the train to Lausanne in Switzerland – sitting on the banks of Lake Geneva, this French-speaking city is home to the International Olympic Committee headquarters. When you arrive, walk to your hotel and depending on the group’s interests, maybe head out on an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings. Tonight, you’re free to explore the city after dark – your leader will have some great recommendations for dinner.

Optional Activities:

  • Paris - Hidden Montmartre Urban Adventure (35 EUR)
  • Paris - Palace of Versailles (20 EUR)
  • Paris - Louvre Museum (must be prebooked in advance) (22 EUR)
  • Paris - Arc de Triomphe (16 EUR)
  • Paris - Musee d'Orsay (16 EUR)
  • Paris - Rodin Museum (14 EUR)
  • Paris - Napoleon's Tomb & Les Invalides Army Museum (15 EUR)
  • Paris - Eiffel Tower (from - must be prebooked in advance) (23 EUR)
  • Paris - Da Vinci Code Walking Tour (25 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Lausanne
After breakfast this morning, head to the Lausanne Cathedral – seen as one of the most beautiful gothic art monuments in Europe, this cathedral overlooks the city. After wandering around and heading to the top for some great city views, you’ll head to a bakery to sample a delicious local pastry. Then, you have a free afternoon for lunch and further explorations. Maybe take a boat tour this afternoon on the Leman Lake or visit the Olympic Museum to learn the history of the games. Maybe head to Lavaux Vineyards – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and indulge in a wine tasting. You could also book a chocolate-tasting tour (the Swiss are known for their chocolate)!

Included Activities:

  • Lausanne - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

  • Lausanne - Visit to Unesco-listed Lavaux vineyards and wine tasting (including return local trains) (23 CHF)
  • Lausanne - Boat tour on the Leman Lake (38 CHF)
  • Lausanne - Visit to the Olympic Museum (20 CHF)
  • Lausanne - Chocolate tasting tour (29 CHF)
  • Lausanne - Visit to Plateforme 10 museum (15 CHF)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Lucerne
Walk to the station to catch a train from Lausanne to Lucerne. Watch the gorgeous Swiss scenery pass you by from the comfort of your carriage and arrive in time for lunch. Lucerne is known for its medieval architecture, colourful Old Town and views of snowcapped mountains and it’s a bit of a foodie’s paradise so you’ll have plenty of great options. After, take a walk on the Museggmauer Walls surrounding Lucerne with your local leader. Dominating the skyline, the Musegg Wall and the nine Musegg Towers formed part of the town’s fortifications, and today, walking along the ramparts is a popular activity for locals and visitors. Stop for a drink at the Hinter Misegg farm – an organic farm right in the heart of the city. Look out for the resident alpacas, Highland cattle, mini pigs, hens and goats, then enjoy a free evening. Maybe rent a paddle boat on the lake or hop on the Cityboat, one of the most popular ways to see the city.

Included Activities:

  • Lucerne - Walk on the Museggmauer Walls

Optional Activities:

  • Lucerne - Swiss Museum of Transport (62 CHF)
  • Lucerne - Fondue lunch or dinner (27 CHF)
  • Lucerne - Boat tour on the lake (30 CHF)
  • Lucerne - Paddle boat on the lake (40 CHF)
  • Lucerne - Gletschergarten Luzern Museum (22 CHF)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Lucerne Mount Pilatus
Today, you’re in for a treat as your group heads to Lucerne’s Mount Pilatus for the 3-hour Silver Tour. One of the best ways to see the surrounding peaks, your tour takes you on a journey by railway, cogwheel railway, aerial cableway and panorama gondola for incredible views of Mount Pilatus and the Swiss Alps. Departing from the main railway station in Lucerne, the central railway train will take you along the shores of Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad. There, you’ll hop on the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, riding all the way up to the summit of the mountain. Here, you can find fine dining options, hiking options, a concert space and amazing panoramic views of the Alps and the Alpine massif. You’ll then take the aerial cableway and gondolas on the ‘Dragon Ride’ to the valley. After an incredible morning, you have a free afternoon to take up any optional activities you didn’t get a chance to complete yesterday.

Included Activities:

  • Lucerne - Mount Pilatus Silver Circle Tour

Optional Activities:

  • Lucerne - Swiss Museum of Transport (62 CHF)
  • Lucerne - Guided tour of the Sonnenberg Bunker (350 CHF)
  • Lucerne - Boat tour on the lake (30 CHF)
  • Lucerne - Paddle boat on the lake (40 CHF)
  • Lucerne - Gletschergarten Luzern Museum (22 CHF)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Ticino Region Gotthard Panorama Express
Enjoy a leisurely morning before leaving Lucerne and making your way to Ticino Region on the Gotthard Panorama Express. You will first take a regional train (approx. 30 min) to Arth-Goldau before boarding this scenic train offering more than just transit from one place to another. Travelling from central to southern Switzerland, you'll pass mountain vistas, blue lakes, sleepy villages and rolling hills. When you arrive in Bellinzona in the late afternoon, take a quick orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings, then your evening is free. Known for its three imposing medieval castles and surrounding views of the Alps, the atmosphere is perfect for a self-paced walking tour. If you’re looking for a cosy spot for dinner, just ask your expert leader for the best recommendations.

Included Activities:

  • Bellinzona - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

  • Lucerne - Swiss Museum of Transport (62 CHF)
  • Lucerne - Boat tour on the lake (30 CHF)
  • Lucerne - Paddle boat on the lake (40 CHF)
  • Lucerne - Gletschergarten Luzern Museum (22 CHF)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Ticino Region
Take another excursion up into the mountains today. Take a bus to the starting point of an easy hike, then head out on the trail for some unbeatable views of the Alps and a bird’s eye view of the city. Take some time to wander around, then head back to the city. Your afternoon is free, so you might like to visit the Castle of Bellinzona or The Municipal Museum of Villa dei Cedri – this suburban villa features gardens, historical architecture and regional art from the 19th century to present day works.

Included Activities:

  • Bellinzona - Leader led hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Rome
Travel to ‘The Eternal City’ of Rome. Leaving Switzerland behind, board a morning train to Milan, where you’ll then change for the capital of Italy. Today’s a bit of a travel day, so take the opportunity to get to know your group a little better or grab a window seat and watch the scenery change from the mountains of Switzerland to the oranges and terracotta hues of Italy. When you arrive in Rome, you’ll head out with your leader for an orientation walk of the city. Home to popular sites like the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – there is no shortage of things to see and do in Rome. With your free afternoon and evening, you might like to take a tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, visit the Pantheon, tour Vatican City or walk through the trendy areas within Trastevere in search of the best pasta, sandwich, gelato, homemade pizza or glass of vino.

Included Activities:

  • Rome - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

  • Vatican City - Vatican Museum (25 EUR)
  • Rome - Pantheon One Hour Guided Tour Urban Adventure (35 EUR)
  • Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo (19 EUR)
  • Rome - Christian Catacombs (10 EUR)
  • Rome - Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (19 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Rome
Wake up to the exciting buzz of Rome and head out to visit an Intrepid Foundation partner – Cooperativa Coraggio. Set in the serene countryside, this organisation addresses the various social and environmental needs of Italian communities by regenerating unused public lands with organic, sustainable agriculture. Learn what they do here and watch a short cooking demonstration using fresh, locally harvested products that you’ll then sit down and enjoy for lunch. Return to Rome, where your last evening is free to visit the Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti, Piazza Venezia, St Peter's Basilica or anywhere you didn’t get a chance to see yesterday. Don’t forget to do as the Romans do and sip an espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes! Tonight, why not head out for a final dinner with your group and toast to your adventures with a glass of wine?

Included Activities:

  • Rome - Cooperativa Coraggio (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit

Optional Activities:

  • Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator (10 EUR)
  • Rome - Pantheon (5 EUR)
  • Rome - Galleria Borghese (17 EUR)
  • Rome - Venezia Palace (17 EUR)
  • Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House (6 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Rome
Enjoy a free day in the bustling Rome until your 6pm group meeting.

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)
11
Day 11: Rome / 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. Why not then head to Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica – entry to the Basilica is free, but there's a small charge to climb the dome for a breath-taking panorama over parts of the city. 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 explore some of the Tuscan delicacies on offer with your group.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Florence
Today is a free day for you to explore all that Florence has to offer. It's impossible to see everything, 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, 13th-century, the Baptistry and the Belltower, and the Santa Croce Church. Maybe visit the Uffizi – one of the world's oldest art galleries. If you want to see Michelangelo's iconic statue of David, head to the Galleria dell'Accademia. Tonight, maybe climb the steep stairs to Piazzale Michelangelo for a sunset view across the rooftops of Florence. After, 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)
13
Day 13: Florence / Lucca
Soak up a leisurely morning in Florence, then take 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)
14
Day 14: Pisa / Lucca
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. Continue to wander the streets past high-end boutiques and speciality book and antiques stores, perhaps stopping to enjoy an aperitif. After, head back to Lucca and 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)
15
Day 15: La Spezia
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, explore the city or perhaps head out by ferry or bus to the pretty seaside town of Portovenere, known for its colourful houses straddling the waterfront. Return to La Spezia and walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione to the gardens along the harbour. Otherwise, opt to take another ferry to Lerici – another 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)
16
Day 16: Cinque Terre / La Spezia
This morning, venture out to explore the gorgeous Cinque Terre hiking trails. The footpaths that run between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region, and take you through olive groves and vineyards. If you're feeling energetic, walking parts of the path (up to 12 km or approximately 5 hours) will give you the best taste of the villages and countryside, though will require a good level of fitness. Some sections of path can be difficult, as there are challenging uphill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges. It's also possible to take the train between any of the villages or back to your base in La Spezia whenever you want. Stop off for lunch at one of the towns and relax in the vibrant atmosphere.

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)
17
Day 17: Portofino Peninsula / 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. After arriving in this picturesque seaside village, take your time exploring its colorful streets, boutiques, and waterfront cafés. If you're up for a bit of a climb, follow the winding path that leads up to the Portofino Lighthouse at Punta del Capo. The walk takes about 30–40 minutes each way and offers stunning views along the route—dense Mediterranean vegetation, glimpses of hidden coves, and panoramic overlooks of the Ligurian Sea. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking scenery and a quiet spot to take it all in. Once you're back in the village, catch the ferry to Rapallo, then 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)
18
Day 18: Asti
This morning, take a private vehicle to the green hills of 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. You may even like to treat yourself to a home-cooked lunch in the village, before returning 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

Optional Activities:

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

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
19
Day 19: Milan / Lake Como
Travel by train to Milan – Italy's second largest city – for a few hours of exploring. In this city known for fashion, this is the place for any upmarket shopping you wish to do. Explore the city's historic centre, visit the Gothic Duomo and walk between its rooftop sculptures, admiring the views and the Gothic terrace. Maybe head to see Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper (but be sure to book tickets well in advance) or head to the park of Castello Sforzesco. Later in the afternoon, continue by train and bus to Lake Como – an area of natural beauty, full of unique landscapes. Your hotel tonight is on the shores of Lake Como, where you can soak up the serenity.

Included Activities:

  • Milan - Duomo Rooftop Visit
  • Milan - Half Day Trip

Optional Activities:

  • Milan - Castello Sforzesco - Free
  • Milan - La Scala Museum (13 EUR)
  • Milan - Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' - from (29 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
20
Day 20: Lake Como
This morning, explore the village of Bellagio. Maybe 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 to 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. Villa Carlotta is another waterfront villa open to the public. It holds a range of artwork and is surrounded by acres of manicured Italian gardens. Just past 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

Optional Activities:

  • Lake Como - Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo (12 EUR)
  • Lake Como - Villa Melzi Gardens in Bellagio (10 EUR)
  • Lake Como - Vezio Castle in Varenna (6 EUR)
  • Villa del Balbianello (13 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
21
Day 21: Venice
Leave the lakes district behind and take your private vehicle to Milan, then 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. Join your leader for a walk around the maze of streets behind Piazza San Marco and begin to understand 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, perhaps 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)
22
Day 22: Venice
Venture out and explore Venice today at your own pace. There are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. Take in the famous sights – the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, Doge's Palace, Piazza San Marco with its golden Basilica, and of course, the evocative Bridge of Sighs. 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. Visit the Palazzo Ducale, overflowing with paintings by Italian masters, and contrast it with the modern Guggenheim. In the evening, join your leader for a cicchetti stop as a real Venetian, then continue for a celebratory dinner of Venetian specialities, 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)
23
Day 23: Venice
There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! As there is so much to see in Venice, you may want to consider extending your stay. There’s a range of Urban Adventures to embark on in Venice, including Cicchetti & Wine Tour, which takes you around the lanes and canals in search of the best of Venetian culture and wine. If you would like to spend more time in Venice, just get in touch with your booking agent.

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 $10,790
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 23 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Make tracks to embark on a 23-day adventure encompassing France, Switzerland and Italy.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 21 Jul 2026

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