Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.
Starts
Rome, Italy
Ends
Palermo, Italy
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Highlights
Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!
Rome: Kick back with your Contiki crew and feast on some yummy Italian cuisine - served at a local restaurant working to train and provide jobs for members of the community with disabilities.
Siena: This medieval Tuscan city is packed with charming photo ops. From the Duomo to Piazza del Campo.
Florence: See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence.
Pisa: Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up’ as you pose for that classic Insta snap.
Lucca: Ramble around the cobbled streets of this Renaissance walled city in Tuscany. It’s an Insta post waiting to happen!
Cinque Terre National Park: We’ll take care of your rail pass, so you can just zip around the iconic clifftop villages and focus on the Insta stories. Wanna hike around too? You're welcome to explore on foot along the way.
Verona: Ah! The sight of this famous balcony will turn even the most hardened cynic into a romantic soul.
Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
Rome: Wander through the ruins of the ancient Roman Empire's political heart, while our Local Guide peels back the layers of history & reconstructs the past. From the assassinations at the Forum to the bloody battles in the Colosseum, learn how the roots of Western culture started here.
Amalfi Coast: Definitely one for the bucket list. Your chance to view one of Europe’s active volcanoes from a distance.
Capri: Chill on the beaches of this Mediterranean jewel. Explore the famous boutiques then stop off for a Spritz in the sun.
Amalfi Coast: Live your best life like a local (on a ferry!) as you glide through azure seas, past cliffs filled with rainbow-coloured buildings.
Positano: Ramble through the wisteria-lined streets and past sun-bleached houses as you live La Dolce Vita. Don’t forget an iconic selfie with the village backdrop.
Catania: Time to take to the sky. Catania, here we come!
Catania: Stroll around the ancient Sicilian port at the foot of Mount Etna. See the Piazza Stesicoro and the Baroque and Renaissance buildings of Via dei Crociferi.
Taormina: Greek and Roman ruins. Sun-drenched beaches. Epic Italian food. There’s so much to do in this seaside town, you’ll never want to leave.
Noto: Float around this opulent Sicilian city, taking in the Baroque architecture and panoramic views as you go.
Agrigento: Explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO-listed site featuring some of the world's most treasured Greek art and architecture.
Lucca: Ramble around the cobbled streets of this Renaissance walled city in Tuscany. It’s an Insta post waiting to happen!
Cinque Terre National Park: We’ll take care of your rail pass, so you can just zip around the iconic clifftop villages and focus on the Insta stories. Wanna hike around too? You're welcome to explore on foot along the way.
Verona: Ah! The sight of this famous balcony will turn even the most hardened cynic into a romantic soul.
Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
Rome: Wander through the ruins of the ancient Roman Empire's political heart, while our Local Guide peels back the layers of history & reconstructs the past. From the assassinations at the Forum to the bloody battles in the Colosseum, learn how the roots of Western culture started here.
Amalfi Coast: Definitely one for the bucket list. Your chance to view one of Europe’s active volcanoes from a distance.
Capri: Chill on the beaches of this Mediterranean jewel. Explore the famous boutiques then stop off for a Spritz in the sun.
Amalfi Coast: Live your best life like a local (on a ferry!) as you glide through azure seas, past cliffs filled with rainbow-coloured buildings.
Positano: Ramble through the wisteria-lined streets and past sun-bleached houses as you live La Dolce Vita. Don’t forget an iconic selfie with the village backdrop.
Catania: Time to take to the sky. Catania, here we come!
Catania: Stroll around the ancient Sicilian port at the foot of Mount Etna. See the Piazza Stesicoro and the Baroque and Renaissance buildings of Via dei Crociferi.
Taormina: Greek and Roman ruins. Sun-drenched beaches. Epic Italian food. There’s so much to do in this seaside town, you’ll never want to leave.
Noto: Float around this opulent Sicilian city, taking in the Baroque architecture and panoramic views as you go.
Agrigento: Explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO-listed site featuring some of the world's most treasured Greek art and architecture.
BV Oly Hotel Roma (or similar)BB Centro (or similar) HotelHotel Le Grazie (or similar)B&B Hotel Milano Sesto Marelli (or similar)Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar)Campus X (or similar) HotelGrand Hotel Salerno (or similar)Katane Palace Hotel (or similar)Villa Esperia (or similar) HotelPanorama Palace Hotel (or similar)Hotel La Giara (or similar)Ibis Styles President (or similar) Hotel
Meals
Dinner (x5)Breakfast (x21)
Transport
Travel by coach
Guide
Experienced Driver Guide
What's Excluded
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If you’ve ever wanted to experience Italy in all its glory, the 22-day Ultimate Italy trip lives up to its name. From Rome’s ancient splendor and Florence’s Renaissance treasures to the glamor of the Riviera, every region tells a story. Enjoy hands-on cooking classes, marvel at timeless monuments, and indulge in Naples’ legendary pizza before exploring the romantic Amalfi Coast. After soaking up the mainland’s culture and cuisine, spend a full week in Sicily—exploring volcanoes, archaeological wonders, and charming coastal towns. This group trip is ideal for young adults ready to fall head over heels for la dolce vita. The USP: the most comprehensive Italian adventure, blending food, history, and natural beauty in one epic package.
day 1 - Start Rome
Welcome to Rome! Once known as the 'capital of the world' this richly historic, passionate and elegant city will steal our hearts as soon as we arrive. We'll meet and greet our Contiki crew, before taking to the streets for an included Italian feast. After dinner we'll head on an orientation tour of the city ticking off all the sights in Rome.
Meals:Dinner
Location Visited:Rome
Accommodation:BV Oly Hotel Roma (or similar)
day 2 - Rome to Florence via Siena
Rise and shine, we're headed to another historical heavyweight today... ...but not before stopping off at Siena for lunch. This place has medieval masterpieces (the historic city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site too!). So, soak up all that historic beauty & grab a bite before we head onto Florence. This beautiful city is a certified foodie capital, so were diving straight into an included feast of local delicacies. Then its lights out, with dreams of tomorrows Florentine adventures dancing in our heads.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Rome, Siena, Florence
Accommodation:BB Centro (or similar)
day 3 - Florence
Florence is basically a giant open-air museum, and today were hitting it on foot. With a Local Guide, well check out Giottos Bell Tower, Basilica Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, and the epic Duomo. Tonight, its all about an optional Tuscan evening with a risotto demo, local wine, antipasto, and some dolce to finish.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Florence
Accommodation:BB Centro (or similar)
day 4 - Florence to Cinque Terre via Lucca and Pisa
Farewell, Florence. We'll never forget you. But we've got more dreamy Italian hot spots to hit up. Now we get to stopover at lovely Lucca, with its charming piazzas, Renaissance architecture and historic cafes. Opt for wines at the local vineyards outside of Lucca. Or it's a perfect spot to grab a bite before we hit the road again We can't be this way of the world without a sneaky visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa! And thats exactly what well do this afternoon. Welcome to the Italian Riviera! You're going to fall head over heels with this region over the coming days...
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Cinque Terre
Accommodation:Hotel Le Grazie (or similar)
day 5 - Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre isnt one town, its five coastal gems, each with its own vibe and postcard views. Well sort you out with an unlimited hike & train pass. Which means you can cliff-walk, station-hop, and soak up pastel perfection all day long.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Cinque Terre
Accommodation:Hotel Le Grazie (or similar)
day 6 - Cinque Terre to Milan via Como
This morning, we're hitting the road today to one of the most elegant cities in Europe. Before that, a quick stop to experience the glitz and glamour of Lake Como. The showstopper is the lake itself, of course, and you'll also have the option to get out on the water for a cruise. Welcome to Milan all style, all sass. Tonights free for you to chase down the best eats, sip on local flavours, and see where the night takes you. Your Trip Managers got the inside scoop on the must-dos (and the must-avoids).
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Cinque Terre, Como, Milan
Accommodation:B&B Hotel Milano Sesto Marelli (or similar)
day 7 - Milan to Venice via Verona
The dreamy destinations just don't stop coming... Welcome to Verona Renaissance romance central and the real-life stage for Shakespeares Romeo & Juliet. Well swing by Juliets famous balcony (yep, the actual one!), then its off to our next dose of Italian romance. Ciao Treviso. This low-key charmer is basically Venices relaxed cousin. Tonights free for you to wander cobbled streets, feast on local bites, and maybe hunt down the OG tiramisu (yep, it was born here). Tomorrow, we take on the real Venice.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Milan, Verona, Venice
Accommodation:Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar)
day 8 - Venice
Wake-up sleeping beauties! Hop onto our coach because we've got the entire day to explore Venice. We'll be jumping aboard our own private boat and crossing the canal en route to the historical heart of the city. A gondola ride will be up for grabs, or if you wanna escape the crowds, there's also an optional Burano Island Cruise (with a delish meal!) that you'll love. Or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Venice
Accommodation:Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar)
day 9 - Venice to Rome via Bologna
See ya, Venice. You'll always have a piece of our hearts. Today we're headed back to Rome with a delicious lil stop on the way. Home of prosciutto, mortadella, bolognese sauce and many more tasty Italian delights, Bologna is known far and wide as La Grassa (the Fat One). Come hungry, but make sure youre not too full to explore the UNESCO listed porticoes either. Its a free night for dinner and a chance to dine on a wholesome meal at a 17th-century tavern in Trastevere. All washed down with some fine Italian wine? If you say so.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Venice, Bologna, Rome
Accommodation:BV Oly Hotel Roma (or similar)
day 10 - Rome
Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city. Take a tour of the famous Colosseum and walk in the footsteps of Emperors and Gladiators with a guide, or snap epic selfies against a background of pink azaleas by the entrance. This is also the day to do a bit of your own exploring. Tonight, well regroup for an included dinner.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Rome
Accommodation:BV Oly Hotel Roma (or similar)
day 11 - Rome to Naples
Today we're headed to another richly historical and cultural city, known for its naturally beautiful sights and excellent cuisine. Here in the ancient city of Pompeii, you'll have the option to partake in a guided walking tour of the fascinating ancient Roman town that was destroyed by Vesuvius (and then perfectly preserved in volcanic ash!). Hello Naples! Well settle down in our beautiful hotel (thats just a few mins from the historic city centre). Today we have the option to take a tour, learn about the city, its history and its food culture.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Rome, Pompeii, Naples
Accommodation:Campus X (or similar)
day 12 - Naples to Amalfi Coast via Capri
Today we swap city vibes for coastal dreams, chasing some of Europes most glamorous seascapes along the way. Capris up next all dramatic cliffs, luxe cafes, and serious celeb energy. Join the optional cruise for swim stops in turquoise coves thatll have you feeling like youre in a movie. Well roll into the Amalfi Coast after a day of pastel-perfect towns, sun-bleached buildings, and seas so sparkly they could blind you (in the best way).
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Naples, Capri, Amalfi Coast
Accommodation:Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)
day 13 - Amalfi Coast (Including Positano)
We've got a free day on the Amalfi Coast! Lucky us. Plus, there's an optional visit to a lemon farm, run by a local family whose ancestors introduced the crop. Dramatic cliffs and idyllic buildings await us in picturesque Positano. Amalfis just getting started. Aaaand, were here. You've got the entire evening for yourself. Roam the streets, taste some wine, live the Italian life we've all dreamed of.
Rome, were coming back for you! Back in Rome for round three more history, more foodie finds, and more photo ops. Tonight, you can join a local chef to whip up your own pasta masterpiece and then eat every last bite.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Amalfi Coast, Rome
Accommodation:BV Oly Hotel Roma (or similar)
day 15 - Rome to Catania
Today we're hopping on a speedy flight to the incomparable isle of Sicily. This colourful mix of baroque piazzas and ancient ruins is your perfect Sicilian welcome. Well explore Catanias UNESCO-listed historic core before sitting down to an included dinner at a local spot.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Rome, Catania
Accommodation:Katane Palace Hotel (or similar)
day 16 - Catania to Taormina
We've got more spectacular Sicilian towns to explore today, as we head from Catania to Taormina. Perched on a mountainside and serving peak Italian elegance, Taormina is all about la dolce vita. Well ride the cable car from the historic centre to its stunning beaches, soak up the sun, and live our best holiday lives. Feeling foodie? Opt for a cooking class with local pros and master Sicilian icons like arancini and cannoli.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Catania, Taormina
Accommodation:Villa Esperia (or similar)
day 17 - Taormina
Todays optional is a total thrill - a ride up Mt Etna (AKA Europes highest active volcano!), passing vineyards and orchards that scream Sicilian magic. Not feeling the volcano vibe? No worries your afternoons free to chill on the beach, explore the ancient Roman theatre, or sip a spritz and watch life drift by in true Italian style.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Taormina
Accommodation:Villa Esperia (or similar)
day 18 - Taormina to Syracuse via Noto
See ya later, Taormina it's time to visit some historical hotspots. Well have some free time to check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse. Famed for its rich ancient Roman and Greek history, with ancient amphitheatres and architecture everywhere you look. Next stop: Noto, Sicilys baroque beauty packed with stunning architecture and legendary landmarks like Corso Vittoria Emanuele. After soaking up the sights, were heading to an organic farm for a Tastes of Sicily experience - think farm-fresh flavours served straight to your plate. And after a long but lovely day, its finally time to hit the hay.
day 19 - Syracuse to Cefal via Valley of the Temples
Heading from Syracuse we'll arrive in the Valley of the Temples, the perfect base to explore another ancient wonder... Leaving Italy without visiting the Valley of the Temples? Impossible. This mystical valley is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological heritage. We'll discover ancient temples, sanctuaries and a necropolis. Arriving in Cefal we'll enjoy another included dinner of Sicilian delicacies.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Syracuse, Valley of the Temples, Cefalu
Accommodation:Hotel La Giara (or similar)
day 20 - Cefal
Cefal is a real gem, home to Sicily's best beaches and most impressive Arabic architecture. Today's all about coastal vibes, soaking up that sun, sea and sand with plenty of water sports to get involved with. If you're feeling a little more zen, why not opt for the coastal cruise and soak up some scenery instead? Later on, we'll stroll the winding cobbled streets and watch fishermen taking stock of the day's bounties, before exploring the town's foodie and nightlife scene.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Cefalu
Accommodation:Hotel La Giara (or similar)
day 21 - Cefal to Palermo
It's time to end on a high, as we make our way towards Sicily's sizzling capital. Palermos a vibrant, colourful city with a food scene thatll blow your mind. But its also got a complex history with the Mafia. Today, youll join a walking tour through the historic centre to hear the real story behind Palermos fight against organised crime and the rise of the anti-Mafia movement. Then, well finish strong with a farewell dinner Al Fresco, at the bistro of second chances.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Cefalu, Palermo
Accommodation:Ibis Styles President (or similar)
day 22 - End Palermo
Time to head home after one final breakfast together (sob). Hug it out, swap social details and don't be sad. We'll see each other on the road again soon...
