Explore the archaeological ruins of the ancient Roman town of Canne della Battaglia, famous for the biggest battle of the Second Punic War fought between the Roman and Carthaginian army near the river Ofanto, between about 86,000 Romans and about 50,000 Carthaginians.
The battle was won by the Carthaginians led by Hannibal, one of the greatest leaders in history.
Discover the tactics of war that allowed the Carthaginians to win the battle and which killed more than 55,000 soldiers.
Beyond the Roman ruins, we will visit the necropolis and museum "Antiquarium" with a rich collection of clay pots painted with geometric designs from pre-Roman populations (dauno-peucezi) dating back to the IV-III century BC, from the tombs and necropolis of Cannae.
As one of our Independent Tours, Sicily's Vino & Volcanoes encompasses the must-see sights and tastes of this spectacular Italian island. Explore at your own pace, taking time to savour the local delicacies and pausing to create those moments that last a lifetime. As the name suggests, this exclusive tour includes a tasting of local wine, a boat tour from Ortigia island, and a guided group walk on the flanks of mighty Mount Etna, the most active stratovolcano in the world.
Your island journey begins in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ragusa Ibla, an important city of the arts in Italy. The historic centre is brimming with architectural treasures dating back to the 17th century, with stunning churches and baroque style mansions perched on their own hilltop. Your next stop is Noto, another baroque beauty that's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll enjoy wine tasting at a local enoteca and have two nights to discover Noto's famous buildings, some of the finest examples of Sicilian baroque style, not to mention the city's famous frozen granita - perfectly refreshing on a summer's day!
Continue onwards to Syracuse, an exquisite coastal city where you'll stay for two nights on its small island of Ortigia. Wander the labyrinth of charming medieval streets, packed with history and an incredible local market bursting with colour, scents, and authentic Sicilian flavours; the ideal opportunity to sample homegrown produce.
Your Italian adventure concludes on the northern tip of Eastern Sicily in the unmissable hilltop town of Taormina. Overlooking the beautiful bay below with Mount Etna commanding attention in the distance, Taormina is home to a remarkably well-preserved Greek Theatre from the 3rd century which we highly recommend visiting. Don't miss the small village of Castelmola, famous for its medieval castle, local almond wine, and panoramic views across Etna. From the coast, you can enjoy hidden coves and sandy beaches, rent kayaks, snorkels, or embark on a boat tour across the glistening Mediterranean.
No trip to Sicily would be complete without visiting Mount Etna; we have included a guided group tour to this iconic volcano (includes return transfers) where you'll benefit from insider knowledge as you explore Etna's craters and lava flows - the highlight of your Sicilian Tour.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Catania, Noto, Island Of Ortigia
Catania, Noto, Island Of Ortigia, Taormina, Mount Etna
Head for Monte Subasio on a 3-hour walking tour of Assisi and explore Italy’s famous pilgrimage site. Stroll the maze of medieval streets, and visit the Basilicas of Santa Chiara and St. Francis to see one of Italy’s largest collections of church art. Located on a gentle hill beneath the summit of Monte Subasio, the fabled Umbrian town of Assisi is the most famous pilgrimage site in Italy, a consequence of being the birthplace of Saint Francis.
Born in the village of warm pink stone in 1182, Francis founded the mendicant Franciscan order to which he gave his name in 1210. Prior to his birth, Assisi had been settled by ancient Umbrian tribes, and later became a Roman town. Thanks to this rich history and blend of incredible architecture and art, Assisi is a multi-faceted town.
Discover all its facets in one emotional 3-hour walking tour. Stop by to pay particular attention to the 2 churches of the Basilica of Santa Chiara, dedicated to the founder of the Order of Poor Ladies, and the Papal Basilica of St. Francis, built between 1228 and 1253. It is now home to the consecrated remains of the saint.
The stunning monument is also said to have the best collection of art in any church of Italy, including frescoes and paintings by Cimabue, Giotto, Lorenzetti and more.
Discover the beautiful medieval town of Trani, city of art for its medieval monuments and the buildings of the nineteenth century.
Discover the old town, starting with a visit to the medieval castle built by Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen in 1233 on the Adriatic Sea.
The tour continues with a visit to the magnificent Cathedral of Trani, the most beautiful cathedral in the Romanesque style of Puglia, built in honor of St. Nicholas the Pilgrim, the patron saint of the city.
After seeing the beauty of the cathedral, the tour continues in the medieval Jewish quarter, built entirely of white stone, and will visit outside two synagogues along the way, Scolanova and Scola Grande
The tour ends with a lovely walk along the yacht harbor
The enduring phrase ‘la dolce vita’ (the good life) truly captures the essence of Italy. On this trip, you’ll spend four days discovering the heart of all things Italian from the vineyards of Treviso to the canals of Venice. Taste five exceptional wines in the prosecco hills, treat your taste buds to plenty of gelato and see landmarks like the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza San Marco on a leader-led walk through Venice. Join a cicchetti and wine Urban Adventure, cross the famous canal in a traghetto gondola and cycle from Conegliano, where you’ll meet passionate local producers and learn about the region’s biodiversity and cultivation.
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Sardinia is a showcase of classic Mediterranean beauty with turquoise seas, pale-gold sands and dramatic rock formations. But with an adventurous spirit and the best tour leader around, you’ll experience its natural wonders from angles most never reach. Staying at a family-run hotel in the Dorgali area, we hike the mighty Gorropu Gorge, cycle through pinewoods to a golden beach (barbecue included), and kayak along the coast to discover sea coves and secret grottoes. Pack your sense of adventure, leave the rest to Sardinia and your tour leader.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Lace up your hiking boots and set your sights towards the spectacular Mediterranean horizon. This seven-day Premium walking and hiking trip on the Amalfi Coast features the best of the short hikes in the area, and is a nature-lover’s dream! Walk the crater rim of the Mount Vesuvius volcano, say Buongiorno to local farmers along the Pathway of the Gods, take in sweeping panoramic views from the Path of the Lemons, and catch a ferry to the glamorous island of Capri. Then, visit Pompeii to explore the preserved ruins and learn about the history of the area. Spend two nights in in a clifftop hotel, soak up sunsets, eat your weight in delicious Italian food (carbs, anyone?) and get active in one of the most beautiful parts of Italy, if not the world.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Gather the family for the ultimate adventure holiday on Italy's Amalfi Coast! Our eight-day itinerary combines the best of Amalfi's sun-soaked scenery with adrenaline-infused activities. Paddle through turquoise waters on a sea kayaking trip, hike part of the famous Walk of the Gods and try your hand at making authentic Italian pasta. At the end of each day, cool off in the pool of our charming family-run hotel.
Field to Fork Cooking - Get stuck into making pasta and pizza using ingredients you've handpicked straight from the family's garden.
Authentic Amalfi villages - Discover the hidden charm of Vietri Sul Mare, famed for its vibrant ceramics, and Cetara, a peaceful fishing village.
Stunning coastline - Kayak into hidden coves and hike high above the sea with sweeping views across to Mt Vesuvius and Capri.
Discover the historical wonders of Rome and the picturesque landscapes of Umbria on this week-long walking holiday. Explore charming hill towns, stunning basilicas, Orvieto's cathedral and caves, and Rome's ancient landmarks.
Montefalco and Assisi - Leisurely and moderate grade walks to charming hill towns with breath-taking Umbrian views
Orvieto - Enchanting town with a magnificent cathedral, underground caves, and wine-tasting
Rome - Ancient landmarks like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, plus delicious Italian cuisine
Upgraded range - Immerse yourself in Umbria's beautiful countryside with our hand-picked Premium accommodations
Walking toursCity sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Wonderful week on Sicily. The overnight stay on the farm was definitely the highlight and the tour provided a great opportunity to explore the island. Our guide Fabio was great
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento, Mo
Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento, Modica, Syracuse, Ortygia, Catania
This tour of Sicily begins in the Taormina area, where the imposing Mt. Etna, Europe's most active volcano, awaits exploration within the vast Park of Etna. Delve into Syracuse's captivating archaeological sites, from the Roman Amphitheatre to the Greek Theatre, and wander through Ortigia's ancient nucleus with its remarkable cathedral. Sign up for a trip to The Temples' Valley in Agrigento to see iconic ancient structures like the Temple of Concorde, the Temple of Hercules, among others. Next up is a coastal boat tour offering breathtaking views of Taormina and opportunities for optional snorkeling at renowned spots like the "Grotta Azzurra." Opt for a captivating excursion to the UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands of Lipari and Vulcano, soaking in their historical and natural splendor. Dive into the cinematic legacy of The Godfather with visits to Forza D'Agrò and Savoca, revealing iconic filming locations.
Loved the whole experience- visited all the best countries in Europe, tasted wines, spirits and other European alcohol In cheapest prices. It’s not suitable for asians with dark skin and if you’re over 34 yrs old unless you have a thick skin to not give any reaction to the comments some people make as a joke- only because they are white and still young. Not sure what they are so proud about in those moments. Other than that I enjoyed my time with rest of them. The price was on discount- I had to add on some extra adventures which worth it. Honestly 24 days is finished so quickly. Recommend to all the people who like explore Europe more in less time in cheaper price. Great work contiki, I am on my second one now- in Thailand, this group of approx 30 people is much better than European escapades (just my personal experience).
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hostel, Hotel, Resort, Guest House
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
London, Florence, Beaujolais, French Riviera
London, Florence, Beaujolais, French Riviera
27% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
This tour will take you on a memorable train ride across the major touristic cities of Italy. You’ll begin by exploring Rome, with stunning feats of civilization, modern and age-old alike. Colosseum, Navona Square, Pantheon, Spain Square, and Trevi Fountain are a few places that you can visit. The next place where you’ll take a train would be Florence. History, art, countryside, and delicious food are the gist of what this capital city of Tuscany has in store for you. Accademia and Uffizi Galleries are a must-visit. After Florence, The City of Water, Venice, awaits your arrival. Though the journey to Venice via rail is gorgeous, the city itself has its charm. Riding into a gondola through the Grand Canal and being mesmerized by the city’s beauty should be on your list. In addition, take a walking tour covering St Mark’s Square, Doge's Palace, Bell Tower, etc. Finally, we are at the last city of this train tour—Milan. An epitome of great fashion and design, Milan is a heart stealer. Apart from the latest cultural trends, you can even get a slice of history by visiting the Milan Cathedral. Also, ensure not to miss Leonardo Da Vinci’s stupefying Cenacolo, the Last Supper, which is one of the most famous artworks in the world. This train journey is one of the most popular Italy travel packages, offering a comprehensive tour of Italy's iconic cities.
Explorer
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
