Italian Espresso | Winter | 24/25

Italian Espresso | Winter | 24/25

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10 Days From

$2194

$1748

Italian Espresso | Winter | 24/25

10 Days Starting and ending in Rome

Visiting: Rome, Siena, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Como, Milan, Verona, Venice, Bologna, Vatican City

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

WWINMA19

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 50

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2194 $1748 Barrhead discount: -$446 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Italy with the "Italian Espresso | Winter | 24/25" tour. Begin in the historic city of Rome, where you'll be captivated by its rich heritage and vibrant streets. Travel to Florence, the heart of the Renaissance, and explore its iconic landmarks and culinary delights. Discover the medieval charm of Siena and the picturesque beauty of Cinque Terre's five unique towns. Experience the elegance of Milan and the romantic allure of Venice, with its enchanting canals and stunning architecture. Conclude your adventure back in Rome, with a visit to the awe-inspiring Vatican City. This cultural tour promises a blend of history, nature, and gastronomy, offering a truly immersive Italian experience.

Highlights

  • Welcome to Rome, the 'capital of the world,' with an orientation tour and an included Italian feast.

  • Explore Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy its medieval masterpieces.

  • Discover Renaissance Florence on foot with a locally guided walking tour, including Giotto's Bell Tower and the Duomo.

  • Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa and explore the charming town of Lucca.

  • Experience the stunning towns of Cinque Terre with an unlimited hike and train ticket.

  • Enjoy the glitz and glamour of Lake Como with an optional cruise to Bellagio.

  • Explore Verona, the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, and visit Juliet's balcony and the Roman Arena.

  • Take a private boat ride through Venice's canals and enjoy a progressive food walking tour.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Start Rome

Location: Rome

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Genova (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

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 at 4pm, then with our eyes wide and camera roll full, we'll head to the streets for an included Italian feast before heading on an orientation tour of the city.

Day 2: Rome To Florence

Location: Rome, Siena, Florence

Accommodation Name: BB Centro (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 and the historic city center has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. We'll soak up all of that historic beauty and grab a bite before heading onto Florence...
Florence is one of the foodie capitals of Italy, so we won't waste any time trying the local delicacies before turning in for the night, dreaming of the Florentine adventures that await us tomorrow.

Day 3: Florence

Location: Florence

Accommodation Name: BB Centro (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Florence is often referred to as a 'walking museum', and today we'll find out why. With a locally guided walking tour, we'll discover Renaissance Florence on foot, swooning at Giotto's Bell Tower, Basilica Santa Croce, and Piazza della Signoria. We'll also see the Duomo, one of the world's most remarkable architectural feats. Later, we’ll get together for a Tuscan evening of wine from the nearby vineyards. Our hosts have cooked up a feast of antipasto and Italian specialties. Save some room for ‘dolce’ i.e a mystery homemade dessert!

Day 4: Florence To Cinque Terre

Location: Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Rondine (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Farewell, Florence. We'll never forget you. But we've got more dreamy Italian hot spots to hit up.
We can't be this way of the world without a sneaky visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be criminal.
Another stopover will let us check out lovely Lucca, with its charming piazzas, Renaissance architecture and historic cafes. Opt for a sample of wines at the local vineyards here. Or it's a perfect spot to grab a bite before we hit the road again.
Welcome to the Italian Riviera! You're going to fall head over heels with this region over the coming days...

Day 5: Cinque Terre

Location: Cinque Terre

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Rondine (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Some people think Cinque Terre is just one place, but it actually translates to the ‘five lands’ and is made up of 5 stunning towns with their own unique identity and traditions. Included in your trip is an unlimited Cinque Terre hike and train ticket, and whichever way you choose to get around will be sure to make you fall in love with the dramatic cliff-faces and pastel coloured buildings.

Day 6: Cinque Terre To Milan

Location: Cinque Terre, Como, Milan

Accommodation Name: BB Sesto San Giovanni (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We're hitting the road today to one of the most elegant cities in Europe.
But not before experiencing the glitz and glamour of Lake Como, with its attractive villages and gorgeous gardens. The showstopper is the lake itself, of course, and we'll have the option to get out on the water and take a cruise to beautiful Bellagio.
Welcome to Milan, the sophisticated cityscape that rewards the curious traveler. We have a free night to check out the local nightlife, and eat some of the local delicacies. As always, your Trip Manager will have the top tips on where to go and where to avoid...

Day 7: Milan To Venice

Location: Milan, Verona, Venice

Accommodation Name: Centro Soggiorno San Servolo (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The dreamy destinations just don't stop coming...
Welcome to Verona, the heart of Renaissance romance (and the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet). Beautiful architecture, rich history and plenty of jaw-dropping art makes this place a very worthy stopover. We'll check out Juliet's balcony, part of a gorgeous 13th century house, as well as the epic Roman Arena. Then it's onto another very romantic city...
Yup, it’s Venice, where our hearts will swell at the mazy canals and ancient architecture. First up, we’ll check into tonight’s snazzy accommodation on the peaceful island of San Servolo, with breathtaking views of the Venice lagoon. Your jaw is sure to drop, but don’t let it stay on the floor for too long!

Day 8: Venice

Location: Venice

Accommodation Name: Centro Soggiorno San Servolo (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wake-up sleeping beauties! Venice is yours for the entirety of this glorious Italian day. We'll be jumping aboard our own private boat and hitting the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. A gondola ride will be up for grabs, or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you. Later you’ll have the chance to join a progressive food walking tour, to try different bits of cicchetti and local wines.

Day 9: Venice To Rome Via Bologna

Location: Venice, Bologna, Rome

Accommodation Name: Hotel Genova (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

See ya, Venice. You'll always have a piece of our hearts. Today we're headed back to Rome to explore the city in more depth.
But not before making a quick stop in Bologna. 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 you’re not too full to explore the Unesco-listed porticoes either.
With our eyes wide and camera roll full, we'll have a free night for dinner and a chance to discover the finest food Rome has to offer. Washed down with some fine Italian wine? If you say so.

Day 10: End Rome

Location: Rome, Vatican City, Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city. When in Rome... take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.

Religious or not, the Vatican's Italian Renaissance church will send shivers down your spine.

Then our trip comes to an end in the afternoon. Swap contact details and start planning your next adventure!

What's Included

  • Welcome to Rome

    An orientation tour of Rome and an included Italian feast.

  • Explore Siena

    A visit to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with time to enjoy its medieval masterpieces.

  • Discover Florence

    A locally guided walking tour of Renaissance Florence, including Giotto's Bell Tower and the Duomo.

  • Visit Pisa and Lucca

    A visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and exploration of the charming town of Lucca.

  • Cinque Terre Experience

    An unlimited hike and train ticket to explore the stunning towns of Cinque Terre.

  • Lake Como

    An optional cruise to Bellagio to experience the glitz and glamour of Lake Como.

  • Explore Verona

    A visit to Verona, including Juliet's balcony and the Roman Arena.

  • Venice Private Boat Ride

    A private boat ride through Venice's canals and a progressive food walking tour.

  • Tuscan Evening

    A Tuscan evening of wine from nearby vineyards, with a feast of antipasto and Italian specialties.

  • Vatican Museums Tour

    A guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as the cruise to Bellagio and the Pesto Making Class in La Spezia.

  • Meals Not Mentioned

    Meals that are not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional food and drinks, and other personal items.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour.

Mode of Transport

Travel between destinations in Italy by coach, with private boat rides in Venice and an unlimited hike and train ticket for exploring Cinque Terre.

Accommodation

Stay in comfortable hotels such as Hotel Genova in Rome, BB Centro in Florence, and Hotel Rondine in Cinque Terre, offering a blend of modern amenities and local charm.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • What is the group size for this tour?

    The tour does not specify a minimum or maximum group size.

  • What is the highlight of the visit to Florence?

    The highlight of the visit to Florence is a locally guided walking tour that includes Giotto's Bell Tower, Basilica Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, and the Duomo.

  • What kind of activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a variety of activities such as an orientation tour of Rome, a guided walking tour of Florence, a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, an unlimited hike and train ticket for Cinque Terre, a private boat ride through Venice's canals, and a guided tour of the Vatican Museums.

  • What is special about the visit to Venice?

    In Venice, you will enjoy a private boat ride through the canals and have the option to join a progressive food walking tour to try different bits of cicchetti and local wines.

  • What languages are spoken during the tour?

    The tour does not specify the operating languages.

  • What is the accommodation like during the tour?

    Accommodation varies by location and includes hotels such as Genova in Rome, BB Centro in Florence, Hotel Le Grazie in Cinque Terre, BB Hotel Milano Sesto in Milan, and Centro Soggiorno San Servolo in Venice.

  • What can I do in Cinque Terre?

    In Cinque Terre, you can explore the five stunning towns with an unlimited hike and train ticket. You also have the option to take a Pesto Making Class in La Spezia.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes an Italian feast in Rome, local delicacies in Florence, a Tuscan evening of wine and Italian specialties, and various other meals as specified in the itinerary.

  • Are flights included in the tour package?

    No, international and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.

  • What is the minimum age requirement for this tour?

    The tour does not specify a minimum age requirement.

  • What should I expect on the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will meet the Contiki crew at 4pm in Rome, followed by an orientation tour of the city and an included Italian feast.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional activities such as a cruise to Bellagio on Lake Como and a Pesto Making Class in La Spezia.

  • What is included in the Vatican Museums tour?

    The guided tour of the Vatican Museums includes the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

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