Ultimate Italy

Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until tonight's welcome meeting.

Enjoy a G Adventures supported migrant led walk of Rome before enjoying a free day to explore a myriad of options. Opt to tour Vatican City, cross the river to charming Trastevere, eat some gelato in Piazza Navona, or swing by the Colosseum and Forum. While you're here, why not opt to rent a Vespa for the day? Live "la dolce vita" and opt to pre-book the Rome Vintage Vespa Tour on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Depart Rome by train then transfer to the town of Pienza for a visit and for some free time to explore. Continue on to Montepulciano in the heart of the Tuscan countryside and enjoy the medieval and renaissance hill town with an orientation walk and a local wine tasting. Montepulciano is famous for producing delectable local pork, cheese, "Pici" pasta, and honey. It is also major wine producing area. Take in the stunning vistas, wander cobbled lanes, or opt to sample the local delicacies in small, family-run establishments.

Spend the day in the Italian countryside. The famous wine-producing region is the perfect place for an optional vineyard tour and wine tasting, or a bike ride in the rolling hills. Opt to travel further afield to the thermal springs of Bagni San Filippo.

Travel to picturesque Siena. After an orientation walk around this medieval city, opt to visit Torre del Mangia, Battistero, il Campo, or the Duomo or to take a "passeggiata" and meet the Sienese locals. Continue on to Florence and enjoy an evening walk to Piazzale Michelangelo for a fantastic panoramic view of the city. Arrive to the inimitable Firenze. Walk through the city catching a glimpse of the Duomo, Piazza Indipendenza, Piazza della Signoria, and the Ponte Vecchio. Head to Piazzale Michelangelo with your CEO for the most famous and photographed vista of the city.

Immerse yourself in the splendor of Florence on a guided walking tour this morning. Catch a glimpse of the intricate buildings that make Florence a favourite to travellers the world over, and better understand the rich history and local way of living, then enjoy lunch at the local market. With a free afternoon, the choices are endless. Opt to visit the Duomo, David at the Galleria dell’Accademia, Uffizi Gallery, medieval Ponte Vecchio, or the Medici Chapels, just to name a handful. The afternoon is yours to explore. Check out the Mercato Centrale or any number of cafés and trattorias. If you came to shop, start at one end of the city and just keep going. There's beautiful architecture, famous museums, Renaissance art pieces, and charming cobblestone streets everywhere. If you wish to go further afield, take a wine tasting bike tour up to Fiesole and the vineyards of Chianti.

With a free day, the choices are endless. Opt to visit the Duomo, David at the Galleria dell’Accademia, Uffizi Gallery, medieval Ponte Vecchio, or the Medici Chapels, just to name a handful.

Head out of Florence on a private bus and visit Pisa en route to the coast, with a bit of free time to explore. Settle into the colourful, charming town in the Cinque Terre region. Travel to Pisa and stop for a visit at the Field of Miracles to see the famous leaning tower (entrance fee not included). Later, head on to the coastal paradise of Cinque Terre.

Lace up your hiking shoes today and walk one of the most scenic trails in the area, from Corniglia to Manarola. Visit charming, colourful towns along the way and take in the stunning vistas. Afterward, immerse yourself deeper in the Cinque Terre region with a short stop in the cliffside village of Riomaggiore. The national park pass and daily unlimited train ticket is included. Opt to follow your CEO along centuries-old footpaths and mule tracks leading through olive groves, vineyards, and orchards on a full day hike, or hop on and off the train, experiencing each town on your own. Choose to rest in each of the 5 villages, sampling delicacies in each place, such as local pesto, espresso, or delicious gelato.

Travel to Lake Como, a perfectly picturesque region laden with villas and lush gardens. Arrive in the late afternoon then hop on the the historic Como-Brunate funicular. Enjoy the stunning panoramic views of Lake Como and the Alps. This quick 7-minute ride ascends to the charming village of Brunate, known as the "Balcony of the Alps." Set out from Cinque Terre on a train journey with a few changes en route, passing through Milan and on to elegant Como Town, located on the shores of Lake Como. On the border with Switzerland, enjoy the spectacular backdrop of the snowy-peaked Alps.

Spend the day on Lake Como, enjoying the scenery via ferry. Return to town in the late afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Set out by ferry to explore the lake and the elegant towns of Menaggio and Bellagio. Explore shops, restaurants, and fine residences before spending the evening as you see fit. Soak up the elegant atmosphere in one of the lakeside cafés or restaurants. Take some time for shopping — some of the finest Italian designers are to be found in Como's chic boutiques.

Travel to Venice, the "city of canals," and enjoy a guided walking tour over bridges and canals, and view the Piazza San Marco. Venice is truly unique and magificent to behold and explore. There will be plenty of time to wander the narrow cobblestone streets and wide piazzas, crossing hundreds of tiny bridges over the canals and, of course, getting lost in Venice's labyrinth.

Spend the day getting lost in Venice. Opt for a vaporetto (water taxi) ride to the islands of Murano and Burano, take a gondola under the Ponte Rialto (Bridge of Lovers), explore the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, savour traditional Venetian cuisine on a food tour, or get lost in the twisting maze of the city.

Depart at any time. We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this beautiful city has to offer.

Hotels (13 nts).

Private bus, public transport, train, boat, walking