Premium Italy in Depth

Intrepid Travel · 15 days
Premium Italy in Depth
Premium Italy in Depth
Premium Italy in Depth
Premium Italy in Depth
Premium Italy in Depth
Premium Italy in Depth
Premium Italy in Depth
Premium Italy in Depth
Premium Italy in Depth
Premium Italy in Depth
Premium Italy in Depth
Premium Italy in Depth
Premium Italy in Depth
Premium Italy in Depth
Premium Italy in Depth
Premium Italy in Depth
15 Days
From AUD $13030
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating

Premium Italy in Depth

Premium Italy in Depth

Intrepid Travel · 15 days
View Map
Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

This is your ticket to explore the best of Italy in just 15 days.

Highlights

  • Stay in unique places like your Feature Stay in the historic property of Nardo – this accommodation was once a Baronial Palace – as well as a countryside hotel amid the rolling vineyards of Tuscany.
  • Experience the best of Rome with a trip to all the major sites, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and the Colosseum – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Get a taste for Italy’s celebrated cuisine and viticulture during an olive oil tasting on a farm that’s been active since Roman times and a trip to the celebrated wine-growing region of San Gimignano to visit a family-run winery and sample their world-class drops.
  • Take a step back in time and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, destroyed and preserved by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD.
  • Discover the iconic parts of Italy, like the history of Florence, canals of Venice and pizza of Naples, all from a local’s perspective.

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Private vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bari, Italy

Finishes

Venice, Italy

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Bari
Benvenuto! Welcome to Puglia – the heel of Italy’s boot. Your adventure kicks off in the coastal city of Bari, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers joining you on your adventure. If you arrive early, why not wander the mazelike Old Town or see the 11th-century Basilica di San Nicola – a key pilgrimage site that holds some of St. Nicholas’ remains. You could also pop into a local cornetteria for a decadent Italian croissant. After your meeting, get to know your group over an included dinner, where your local leader will introduce you to Puglia’s cuisine.

Included Activities:

  • Bari - Dinner in a Local Restaurant

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Nicolaus or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Bari
Leave the coastline behind as you travel inland by private vehicle to the little town of Alberobello. Set among a tranquil landscape of olive groves, the town is famed for its unique beehive-shaped trulli (dwellings built from limestone in the 14th century). While the origins of the buildings are unclear, one theory suggests the houses were created to be easily dismantled in a feudal tax evasion scheme. Whatever their purpose, the buildings make the Apulia region unlike anywhere else in the world. Join a local guide for an insider’s look at the town, wandering through the Old Town quarter of Rione Monti, dotted with thousands of trulli, and Rione Aia Piccola. Your guide will point out the different shapes of spires and the religious symbols adorning the roofs. Finally, see the Church de Sant’Antonio – a huge cathedral built in the trulli style. You’ll then visit Polignano a Mare to explore another gorgeous coastal town popular for its beaches, rugged cliffside dwellings and bright turquoise waters. Tonight, you’re free back in Bari to find some dinner.

Included Activities:

  • Bari - Alberobello and Polignano a Mare - Half Day Trip

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Nicolaus or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Nardo
This morning, visit a local olive oil producer on a farm that’s been active since Roman times. You’ll learn how production techniques have changed over the centuries, taste some of the olive oil for yourself and enjoy an included lunch of regional favourites. Then, visit the small city of Ostuni and explore its whitewashed streets flanked with Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine buildings. From here, travel to the quiet town of Nardo and join an expert local guide for a walking tour through the Old Town, where there are more than a dozen grand palazzos. Tonight, settle into your Feature Stay accommodation – three 13th century Baronial Palaces, once home to aristocracy from the Kingdom of Naples, which have been converted into a hotel by a local architect. Spend the evening exploring the palaces and grounds that feature artwork and sculptures by local artists. In Palazzo Mignano, you’ll find an excellent on-site restaurant offering Salento dishes and a panoramic view from the terrace.

Included Activities:

  • Nardo - Lunch in Ostuni
  • Nardo - Ostuni Farm Visit and Olive Oil Tasting
  • Nardo - Walking Tour

Accommodation:

  • Relais Monastero Santa Teresa (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Nardo
Before breakfast, you may like to take a walk through your Feature Stay’s historic ‘secret garden’ where it seems as if figures from days gone by could walk around the corner at any minute. Today head to the beautiful city of Lecce. With its ornate baroque buildings, lively university and ancient Roman ruins, Lecce’s narrow streets are a delight to explore. Let a local guide show you hidden corners and share the city’s history with you this morning. You’ll also have some free time to explore this historic city on your own before heading back to Nardo. Later this afternoon, join your group for a cooking class on traditional Puglia regional cuisine.

Included Activities:

  • Nardo - Cooking class

Accommodation:

  • Relais Monastero Santa Teresa (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Matera
Enjoy a final morning at your Feature Stay hotel, sitting back with a coffee and soaking up the scenery. Then, it’s time to say goodbye and travel to Matera – an ancient city on a rocky outcrop. Along the way, stop at a local winery for some wine tasting and lunch before continuing to Matera. Matera is believed to be the third-longest continuously inhabited human settlement in the world. You’ll be exploring the city’s famous sassi houses in depth tomorrow, so this evening why not take a walk around Matera to discover its churches, traditional restaurants and thousands of years of human history.

Included Activities:

  • Matera - Winery Visit With Lunch

Accommodation:

  • La Suite Hotel & Spa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Matera
Today, dive into Matera’s Old Town, made famous by sassi – more than 3000 stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs, some dating back as far as the 8th century. Join a local guide who will lead you through a labyrinth of staircases and alleyways that cut their way through limestone ravines, dipping in and out of ancient sassi houses as you go. Up until the late 1950s, the sassi were considered the ‘Shame of Italy’ due to the gruelling living conditions and poverty suffered by those who lived here – a result of the city’s rapid population growth. The Italian government intervened, and 15,000 inhabitants were forcibly relocated. Today, the sassi are undergoing extensive restoration, with some dwellings featuring exhibits that recreate inhabited caves. You’ll also visit an ancient underground neighbourhood, made up of houses, streets, cisterns and churches.

Included Activities:

  • Matera - Ipogeo Underground Cistern Visit

Accommodation:

  • La Suite Hotel & Spa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Naples
Begin the day by driving to the storied town of Pompeii, home to one of Europe’s most well-known archaeological sites – the ruins of Pompeii, caused by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. Join a local guide to discover the remains of this once thriving Roman trading centre. After the eruption, the city was covered in a layer of ash and remained undisturbed until the 18th century, when the ruins were rediscovered. Walk among well-preserved villas, temples, theatres, markets and chariot-marked streets as your expert guide helps you to imagine what life here once looked like. You can also visit the Roman Forum and basilica, temples, public baths, and the tiny Odeon created for music recitals. Later in the day, travel to the buzzing city of Naples where you’ll join your group for a final dinner and a chance to look back on all you’ve seen on your journey.

Included Activities:

  • Naples - Pompeii Visit
  • Naples - Dinner In Naples

Accommodation:

  • Culture Hotel Centro Storico or Similar (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Rome
This morning, catch a train to Italy's iconic capital city, Rome. If you arrive early, maybe grab an espresso and hit the streets for a self-guided walking tour. The second half of your adventure begins with another welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your new local leader and the new travellers joining you. When the formalities are out of the way, head to dinner at a local restaurant and get to know each other better over some delicious Italian cuisine.

Included Activities:

  • Rome - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities:

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

Accommodation:

  • The Republic Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Rome
From ancient monuments to romantic restaurants, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today, join a private guide for a trip to the Spanish steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Piazza Navona and inside the Pantheon before reaching Campo de Fiori, where a local fresh produce market has been held since 1869. Join your leader for a quick stop at a local bar for a granita (an iced Italian espresso) then have lunch at a classic local restaurant that’s frequented by Romans. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Colosseum – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – then the evening is free for you to explore at your own pace.

Included Activities:

  • Rome – Coffee Granita (Coffee semi-frozen dessert)
  • Rome – Guided walking tour
  • Rome – Colosseum Guided Tour
  • Rome – Pantheon Entrance Fee

Accommodation:

  • The Republic Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Siena / Monteriggioni / San Gimignano Region
Today you’ll take a private vehicle to the city of Siena, where your leader will show you the most interesting sights on an orientation walk. At the city’s heart is Piazza del Campo – home to the biannual Palio horse race and nearby the Siena Cathedral. Next, visit Monteriggioni – a medieval walled town with over a dozen towers once used to defend Sienese territory from the Florentines. You’ll have time to explore this tiny hilltop spot before arriving at your Feature Stay accommodation near San Gimignano. This country hotel with views of a tree-studded landscape geatures an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant. Tonight, indulge in an included gourmet dinner made with local ingredients that pays homage to traditional Tuscan dishes, with a modern twist.

Included Activities:

  • Siena - Orientation Walk
  • Monteriggioni - Orientation Walk
  • Chianti Region - Gourmet Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Borgo San Luigi (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: San Gimignano Region
Start the day with a visit to San Gimignano – the 'Town of Fine Towers'. Explore the medieval Old Town centre and its Gothic and Romanesque architecture with your leader. This region is also renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Your group will visit a local agriturismo, where you’ll explore the vineyards and sample some of their celebrated wine, before enjoying an included lunch featuring regional cheese, fine olive oil and bruschetta. Return to your Feature Stay accommodation for another delicious dinner.

Included Activities:

  • San Gimignano - Agriturismo Winery Tour & Tasting

Accommodation:

  • Borgo San Luigi (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Pisa / Lucca / Florence
Today you’ll visit Pisa. It’s not always possible to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa due to its precarious state, but as your leader shares the history of this legendary building, you’ll have the opportunity to take a photo from the ground. Your next stop is historic Lucca – one of Italy’s most beautiful but underrated cities – where you’ll take a short walk along the city’s beautifully preserved Renaissance walls. From here you’ll take the short journey to Florence where the evening is yours to walk the cobbled streets, eat gelato and soak up the unmistakenly Tuscan atmosphere.

Included Activities:

  • Florence - Orientation Walk
  • Pisa - Pisa Visit & Orientation walk
  • Lucca - City Walls & Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

  • Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa (27 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Grand Hotel Adriatico or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
13
Day 13: Florence
This morning, join a private guided walk of Florence, including a visit to the Galleria dell‘Accademia – an art museum renowned for its collection of sculptures, including the iconic statue of David by Michelangelo. You then have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Visiting the Uffizi is highly recommended as it’s one of the oldest galleries in the world. Maybe head to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of Florence’s timeless skyline and sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany, with dishes known for their freshness, simplicity and quality. Olive oil, beans and herbs are a feature here.

Included Activities:

  • Florence - Galleria dell ’Accademia admission
  • Florence – Highlights of Florence Guided walk

Optional Activities:

  • Florence - Bargello Museum (16 EUR)
  • Florence - Palazzo Vecchio (12 EUR)
  • Florence - Medici Chapels (17 EUR)
  • Florence - Brunelleschi 3 Days Pass - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome (30 EUR)
  • Florence - Pitti Palace, Gallery of Modern Art & Palatine Gallery (19 EUR)
  • Florence - Ghiberti 3 days pass - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo and Santa Reparata (15 EUR)
  • Florence - Giotto 3 days pass - Giotto Bell Tower, Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, and Santa Reparata (20 EUR)
  • Florence - Uffizi Gallery (29 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Grand Hotel Adriatico or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
14
Day 14: Venice
In the morning, head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get acquainted with the city’s maze of canals and learn about its unique history. You’ll pop into Atelier Lunardelli – a historical atelier where they design furniture combining glass and timber. Then, make your way to Palazzo Pisani, which was once home to one of the most powerful Venetian dynasties and now houses the Music Conservatory of Venice. You can also take the stairs to rooftop for a spectacular aerial view of the city. Venice is renowned for its glass, so end the walk with a visit to a glass blowing factory to learn about the art of its production. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore before joining back up with your group in the evening for a Venetian dinner.

Included Activities:

  • Venice -Traghetto boat ride
  • Venice - Farewell Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Venice - Water Taxi
  • Venice - Palazzo Pisani
  • Venice - Academy of Music Visit
  • Venice – Furniture and Glass Blowing Artisan Visits

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Ca dei Conti or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
15
Day 15: Venice
With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent to arrange additional accommodation.

Optional Activities:

  • Venice - Museum of St Mark's Basilica (5 EUR)
  • Venice - Gondola Ride (80 EUR)
  • Venice - St Mark's Campanile (12 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)
  • Peggy Guggenheim Collection (17 EUR)
  • Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs (30 EUR)
  • Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti (15 EUR)
  • Venice - Accademia Gallery (16 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 $13,030
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

This is your ticket to explore the best of Italy in just 15 days.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 09 Jul 2026

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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

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