Intrepid Travel

Highlights of Italy

Highlights of Italy

How long does it take to fall in love? In a country where history spills from world-class museums and tiny osterias serve up life-changing pasta recipes, eight days might just be enough (but if you have more time, why not extend your adventure?). On this trip, you’ll begin winding your way through the canals of Venice, hiking through the scenic Cinque Terre, soaking up beauty and history of Florence and finishing up in the piazzas of Rome. With plenty of free time for independent exploration and the freedom to discover Italy’s history and culture at your own pace, there’s no better way to see this popular pocket of Europe.

Activities

  • Venice – Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Venice – San Marco Square
  • Venice – Cicchetti Snack Stop
  • Cinque Terre – Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass
  • Florence – Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Rome – Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Rome – Trevi Fountain

Highlights

  • Explore rocky coastal pathways and pastel-coloured villages with a Cinque Terre day pass, which allows you to hike at your own pace and use the coast’s public transport.
  • Get lost in the floating city of Venice and wander the city’s maze of alleyways, canals and lagoon islands, and choose whether to opt in for an optional gondola ride.
  • Discover the landmarks of Rome with your handy local leader and wander around the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
  • Spend two days in Florence – a city known for its beauty and rustic Tuscan cuisine – and choose to discover the city’s culinary traditions on optional food excursions.
  • Make travel a breeze with a European trip that includes train travel. Enjoy extra time to sit back, relax, play games with your fellow travellers or watch the changing scenery roll by.

04/15/2025 through 11/02/2027
04/15/2025 through 11/06/2027

Day 1 Roads? Where you're going you don't need roads... but don't rule out a romantic gondola ride or a water taxi. Welcome to Venice, with its network of canals, rich history and composition of over 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea.

One of the most popular features of this Northern Italy capital is the Grand Canal, once a major center of the Renaissance. Be sure to see the central square Piazza San Marco, where all can marvel at Byzantine mosaics, the Campanile bell and St. Mark’s Basilica.

Fine art, stunning architecture, white limestone bridges, moving about via watercraft... Venice is a singular experience and an astonishing masterpiece of civilization. Summer is the busiest time to visit, so plan accordingly. If you're looking for an unforgettable costume party, visit during Venice Carnival from the end of February to the beginning of March.
Day 2 Roads? Where you're going you don't need roads... but don't rule out a romantic gondola ride or a water taxi. Welcome to Venice, with its network of canals, rich history and composition of over 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea.

One of the most popular features of this Northern Italy capital is the Grand Canal, once a major center of the Renaissance. Be sure to see the central square Piazza San Marco, where all can marvel at Byzantine mosaics, the Campanile bell and St. Mark’s Basilica.

Fine art, stunning architecture, white limestone bridges, moving about via watercraft... Venice is a singular experience and an astonishing masterpiece of civilization. Summer is the busiest time to visit, so plan accordingly. If you're looking for an unforgettable costume party, visit during Venice Carnival from the end of February to the beginning of March.
Day 3

La Spezia, a bustling port city in the Liguria region of Italy, is often seen as the gateway to the famous Cinque Terre, bur this vibrant city has much to offer. Visitors can explore the historic center, visit local markets, and partake in a variety of restaurants serving delicious Italian cuisine. The city's waterfront, with its scenic promenades and views of the Gulf of Poets, is perfect for leisurely strolls and enjoying the maritime atmosphere.

One of the highlights of La Spezia is the Castello di San Giorgio, a medieval castle offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the waterfront. The castle also houses an archaeological museum with fascinating exhibits from the region's history including stunning glassware, mosaics, and finely carved statues. Another must-visit is the Museo Tecnico Navale, one of the oldest naval museums in the world, showcasing La Spezia’s rich maritime heritage as Italy's largest naval base.


Day 4

La Spezia, a bustling port city in the Liguria region of Italy, is often seen as the gateway to the famous Cinque Terre, bur this vibrant city has much to offer. Visitors can explore the historic center, visit local markets, and partake in a variety of restaurants serving delicious Italian cuisine. The city's waterfront, with its scenic promenades and views of the Gulf of Poets, is perfect for leisurely strolls and enjoying the maritime atmosphere.

One of the highlights of La Spezia is the Castello di San Giorgio, a medieval castle offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the waterfront. The castle also houses an archaeological museum with fascinating exhibits from the region's history including stunning glassware, mosaics, and finely carved statues. Another must-visit is the Museo Tecnico Navale, one of the oldest naval museums in the world, showcasing La Spezia’s rich maritime heritage as Italy's largest naval base.


Day 5 Florence (Firenze) is a compact city, but densely packed with spectacular art and architecture everywhere you look. The city center itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Birthplace of the Renaissance as well as Italy's fashion industry, Florence is imbued with an air of history and sophistication. Visitors are sure to be enchanted with the Florentine way of life, from the sensational Tuscan cuisine to the Michelangelo masterpieces. Art and food lovers will find much to embrace here.

Looming over Florence is the Duomo, a red terracotta dome that is part of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Bellissima!
Day 6 Florence (Firenze) is a compact city, but densely packed with spectacular art and architecture everywhere you look. The city center itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Birthplace of the Renaissance as well as Italy's fashion industry, Florence is imbued with an air of history and sophistication. Visitors are sure to be enchanted with the Florentine way of life, from the sensational Tuscan cuisine to the Michelangelo masterpieces. Art and food lovers will find much to embrace here.

Looming over Florence is the Duomo, a red terracotta dome that is part of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Bellissima!
Day 7 Often called the Eternal City, Rome stands alone as Italy's most visited destination. The third most populated city in the European Union, Rome boasts ancient sites, yet has a modern flair — an exhilarating mix of the Old World and the new.

Rome's must-see attractions include the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and St. Peter's Basilica. Of course, within the city limits of Rome lies an independent country: Vatican City, the Roman Catholic Church headquarters and the only current example of a country inside a city.

With its Renaissance architecture, ancient ruins, and works by Michelangelo, Rome is a vibrant destination offering spectacular examples of human achievement. Visitors wandering through this glorious city have so much to discover!
Day 8 Often called the Eternal City, Rome stands alone as Italy's most visited destination. The third most populated city in the European Union, Rome boasts ancient sites, yet has a modern flair — an exhilarating mix of the Old World and the new.

Rome's must-see attractions include the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and St. Peter's Basilica. Of course, within the city limits of Rome lies an independent country: Vatican City, the Roman Catholic Church headquarters and the only current example of a country inside a city.

With its Renaissance architecture, ancient ruins, and works by Michelangelo, Rome is a vibrant destination offering spectacular examples of human achievement. Visitors wandering through this glorious city have so much to discover!

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