Highlights of Northern Italy

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Highlights of Northern Italy
Highlights of Northern Italy
Highlights of Northern Italy
Highlights of Northern Italy
Highlights of Northern Italy
Highlights of Northern Italy
Highlights of Northern Italy
Highlights of Northern Italy
Highlights of Northern Italy
Highlights of Northern Italy
Highlights of Northern Italy
Highlights of Northern Italy
Highlights of Northern Italy
Highlights of Northern Italy
Highlights of Northern Italy
Highlights of Northern Italy
8 Days
From AUD $3285
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Highlights of Northern Italy

Highlights of Northern Italy

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Duration

8 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 eight days discovering the heart of all things Italian on a culturally rich adventure from the piazzas of Rome to the canals of Venice.

Highlights

  • Wander around Rome's famous landmarks including the Colosseum (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica and much more.
  • Capture your classic pinching-the-tower photo during your visit to the Leaning Tower. Then, join your local leader on an orientation walk through town where you’ll visit the Duomo (Piazza dei Miracoli, once the largest in Europe) and Pisa Baptistry.
  • Get lost in the floating city of Venice. The maze of alleyways, canals and lagoon islands lead to over 130 churches, all with their own distinct character.
  • Learn to make the king of all comfort foods (pasta, of course) by hand in Bologna. Then, tuck into your creations for dinner with your group and local host.
  • Explore Italy’s iconic cities – 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

8 days

Transportation

Train,Public bus,Metro

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Rome, Italy

Finishes

Venice, Italy

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
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:

  • Vatican City - Vatican Museum (25 EUR)
  • Rome - Galleria Borghese (17 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Rome
This morning, join your local leader on an orientation walk around the city to soak up the sights and sounds of Rome. Visit in some of the best-known landmarks of Rome including the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum (the centre of ancient Rome), Victor Emmanuel Monument and the Pantheon. Your afternoon is then free to explore at your own pace. Maybe recharge with a slice of pizza and a strong espresso at the Piazza Navona or head into Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica.

Optional Activities:

  • Rome - Christian Catacombs (10 EUR)
  • Rome - Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (19 EUR)
  • Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo (19 EUR)
  • Rome - Imperial Fora (16 EUR)
  • Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House (6 EUR)
  • Rome - Venezia Palace (17 EUR)
  • Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator (10 EUR)
  • Rome - Pantheon (5 EUR)
  • Rome - Galleria Borghese (17 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Florence
This morning, depart the Eternal City and catch a train to Florence. When you arrive, check into the hotel and go for a brief walk around the area to get your bearings. Florence is one of the most culturally rich and beautiful cities in Italy, known to many as the beating heart of Tuscany. After checking into 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. Maybe visit the Florentine State Museum or discover historic artworks at the Galleria Uffizi. Food is also a major part of the city's identity - maybe try the bistecca alla fiorentina (a huge T-bone steak that's usually shared between two people) or ribollita (a thick vegetable soup with bread, beans and greens). Panforte is the signature sweet treat, so maybe grab some in the afternoon or after dinner.

Optional Activities:

  • Florence - Foodies Walk Urban Adventure (79 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Pisa to Florence
After breakfast, travel to the nearby city of Pisa. When you arrive, head out on a short orientation walk. Visit the world-famous Leaning Tower. Grab your classic pinching-the-tower photo, then visit the Duomo (Piazza dei Miracoli, once the largest in Europe) and Pisa Baptistry (it's not always possible to climb the tower). The 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 4 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:

  • Pisa - Half Day Trip to Pisa

Optional Activities:

  • Florence - Medici Chapels (17 EUR)
  • Florence - Pitti Palace, Gallery of Modern Art & Palatine Gallery (19 EUR)
  • Florence - Accademia (20 EUR)
  • Florence - Uffizi Gallery (29 EUR)
  • Florence - Palazzo Vecchio (12 EUR)
  • Florence - Brunelleschi 3 Days pass - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome (30 EUR)
  • Florence - Bargello Museum (16 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Florence to Bologna
This morning, jump on a train to Bologna – a beautiful city filled with medieval and Renaissance buildings and art. Get acquainted with this orange-hued hub during an orientation walk with your local leader, then discover the fine art of Italian cooking with an evening cooking class. Here, you’ll learn all about the ultimate comfort food, pasta (of course!) After learning the tricks of the trade, tuck into your creations for dinner.

Included Activities:

  • Bologna - Pasta class

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Bologna to Venice
Early this morning, board the train to the postcard-perfect city of Venice. Full of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas that remains practically unchanged since the 15th century. An orientation walk will help you to get the hang of the maze of the complex canal system, then you can set out on your own. Meet back up with your group in the late afternoon for a cicchetti walking tour (small snacks served in most bars and cafes). Tonight, snack and sip your way through the bars and taverns, soaking up the local culture in the best way.

Included Activities:

  • Venice - Cicchetti tour & Spritz
  • Venice - Leader led orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: 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 - San Giorgio Bell Tower
  • Venice - Vaporetto daily pass

Optional Activities:

  • Venice - Scuola Grande di San Rocco (14 EUR)
  • Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs (30 EUR)
  • Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti (15 EUR)
  • Venice - Accademia Gallery (16 EUR)
  • Venice - Museum of St Mark's Basilica (5 EUR)
  • Peggy Guggenheim Collection (17 EUR)
  • Venice - Ca' Rezzonico Museum of Eighteenth Century Art (11 EUR)
  • Venice - Glass Museum Murano (11 EUR)
  • Venice - Gondola Ride (80 EUR)
  • Venice - St Mark's Campanile (12 EUR)
  • Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury (5 EUR)
  • Venice - Traghetto Ride (2 EUR)
8
Day 8: 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.
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 $3,285
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

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

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 14 Nov 2026

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
Vanessa
Traveled, October 2023

11/07/2023

The trip was fantastic. Matteo is the best your guide ever and if you get him you are so lucky :)

4.5
Cathy
Traveled, March 2023

03/19/2023

We researched a lot of tours before booking and couldn’t have been happier with choosing intrepid. The people make all the difference. Out leaders were amazing and I like that intrepid tries to use local hotels that are environmentally friendly

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