Simply Italy | Age 27-35 | 2026

Simply Italy | Age 27-35 | 2026

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Simply Italy | Age 27-35 | 2026

15 Days Starting and ending in Rome

Visiting: Rome, Siena, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Como, Milan, Verona, Venice, Bologna, Pompeii, Naples, Capri, Amalfi Coast, Positano

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

LEIYMA26

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Welcome to 15 days of pure Italian travel immersion. Covering Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice and beyond, this one brings you the blissful best of this soul-stirring country. Explore Rome's historical highlights, travel through the streets of Michelangelo's Florence, indulge in some authentic pasta on the Amalfi Coast. Stop by to see the stooping slopes of Sorrento in the breezy winter or the picture perfect Positano for your summery soul. And that's just an aperitivo. Beauty, romance and all the pasta you can fit in; the good life just got even better. That's amore!

Highlights

  • Stroll around Rome, ticking off some sights on your bucket list.

  • Explore the medieval Tuscan city of Siena, packed with charming photo ops.

  • See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence.

  • Pose for that classic Insta snap at the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

  • Ramble around the cobbled streets of the Renaissance walled city of Lucca.

  • Zip around the iconic clifftop villages of Cinque Terre National Park with a rail pass.

  • Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.

  • Take a guided tour around the Vatican, including the Sistine Chapel.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Start Rome

Location: Rome

Accommodation Name: Hotel Archimede (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 and enjoy an included dinner this evening.

Day 2: Rome To Florence Via Siena

Location: Rome, Siena, Florence

Accommodation Name: BB Centro (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 centre 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 with an included feast. Then we'll turn 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 Risotto Evening indulging in Chianti wine from the nearby vineyards. Learn how to make risotto whilst 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 Via Pisa And Lucca

Location: Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre

Accommodation Name: Hotel Le Grazie (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Farewell, Florence. We'll never forget you. But we've got more dreamy Italian hot spots to hit up. Another stopover will let us check out 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. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be criminal. 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 Name: Hotel Le Grazie (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 Via Como

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 traveller. 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 Via Verona

Location: Milan, Verona, Venice

Accommodation Name: Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 then it's onto another very romantic city... Welcome to Treviso! Nothing like a free evening to spend the Italian way...Tonight you'll have the option to walk around this idyllic version of Venice (before taking on the real thing tomorrow!). Grab some local food on the way. And maybe even treat yourself to some tiramisu (because this little town is where it was born!). Seriously, it doesn't get more authentic than this.

Day 8: Venice

Location: Venice

Accommodation Name: Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wake-up sleeping beauties! Hop onto our coach because we've got this 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 you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you. Later, maybe opt to cruise to the UNESCO-listed island of Burano and enjoy a sumptuous seafood meal.

Day 9: Venice To Rome Via Bologna

Location: Venice, Bologna, Rome

Accommodation Name: Hotel Archimede (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. 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: Rome

Location: Rome

Accommodation Name: Hotel Archimede (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city. This is also the day to do a bit of your own exploring, an included dinner tonight will refuel us after a day of sightseeing. Take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Religious or not, the Vatican's Italian Renaissance church will send shivers down your spine.

Day 11: Rome To Naples

Location: Rome, Pompeii, Naples

Accommodation Name: Hotel Vergilius Billia (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 will have the option to partake in a guided walking tour of the fascinating Roman town that was destroyed by Vesuvius and then perfectly preserved in volcanic ash. Welcome to Naples, the rough and ready but oh so charming city which encapsulates everything we love about Italy. The home of pizza, a hub of culture, and a bundle of passionate Italian energy. Today we have the option to take a tour, learning about the city, its history and its food culture.

Day 12: Naples To Amalfi Coast Via Capri

Location: Naples, Capri, Amalfi Coast

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We're headed to the coast today to check out some of the most glamorous seascapes in Europe. Next up is Capri, with its gorgeous cragged coastline and opulent cafes. Its easy to see why this is such a playground for the rich and famous. An optional Capri cruise will let us check out plenty of swim stops to beat the heat. We'll settle on the Amalfi Coast after a day of postcard pretty sun bleached buildings and sparkling sea.

Day 13: Amalfi Coast (Including Positano)

Location: Amalfi Coast, Positano, Amalfi Coast

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We've got a free day on the Amalfi coast! Lucky us. There are plenty of optionals today to keep us entertained, including a visit to a lemon farm, run by a local family whose ancestors introduced the crop and have been care takers of an age old tradition ever since. Here we learn how these huge, sunshine coloured fruits are harvested and turned into limoncello. We'll visit one of Amalfi's spectacular jewels today. Dramatic cliffs and idyllic buildings await us in picturesque Positano. You've got the entire evening for yourself. Roam the streets, taste some wine, live the Italian life we've all dreamed of.

Day 14: Amalfi Coast To Rome

Location: Amalfi Coast, Rome

Accommodation Name: Hotel Archimede (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We're headed back to Rome today. Time for the Colosseum? Back in Rome, we better put on your centurion helmets because we're going on a guided tour around all the Roman ruins, and even the mighty Colosseum. Afterwards, you'll have the chance to head out to a local restaurant and make (and eat) your very own pasta.

Day 15: End Rome

Location: Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hold our gelato. Our hearts are melting as we bid a final ‘Ciao’ to our Contiki crew after a trip we’ll never forget.

What's Included

  • Meals

    4 dinners and 14 breakfasts are included.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels such as Hotel Archimede, BB Centro, Hotel Le Grazie, BB Sesto San Giovanni, Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese, and Grand Hotel Salerno.

  • Guided Tours

    Locally guided walking tours in Florence and a guided tour of the Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel.

  • Transportation

    Transportation between cities including a private boat in Venice and a rail pass for Cinque Terre.

  • Activities

    Various activities such as a Tuscan Risotto Evening, a visit to a lemon farm in Amalfi, and a guided tour around Roman ruins and the Colosseum.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as a cruise on Lake Como, a gondola ride in Venice, and a guided walking tour of Pompeii are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

  • Entry Fees

    Entry fees to museums and other attractions are not included unless specified.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with private coaches, trains, and boats. Enjoy scenic drives through Italy, rail passes for Cinque Terre, and private boat rides in Venice.

Accommodation

Stay in comfort at a variety of hotels including Hotel Archimede in Rome, BB Centro in Florence, Hotel Le Grazie in Cinque Terre, BB Sesto San Giovanni in Milan, Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese in Venice, Hotel Vergilius Billia in Naples, and Grand Hotel Salerno on the Amalfi Coast.

Dining Summary

  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 14 Breakfast (B)

FAQs

  • Rome: Can arrangements be made for travellers with accessibility needs? If you require arrangements to be made for your accessibility needs, please inform your Trip Manager as soon as possible. We try our best to contact all accommodations and secure ground floor rooms for easy wheelchair access.Please remember that Italy can be physically challenging to get around. Coaches can’t access historical centers, and there will be lots of walking (on roads that are often uneven and cobbled). Travellers with accessibility needs will find this trip challenging.
  • Madrid: Do the included meals have a set menu? Yep. Usually, we arrange a buffet for all your included meals. If you’d like a vegetarian option, please inform your Trip Manager beforehand, and they’ll sort it out for you.
  • Rome: When would be the best time to book tickets for museums and other attractions? This would depend on the museums & attractions you’re planning to visit. If you’d like to know the exact timings, please contact our 24x7 Helpline to access your day-to-day itineraries to check when you’ll have free time in each city.
  • Madrid: I need to refrigerate my medication. Can I do that on the coach? Of course! Just inform your Trip Manager if you need refrigeration on the coach. Please remember that the fridge is turned off overnight, so you’ll have to take your medication with you into your accommodation. We recommend that you bring a cooler bag with you as a backup. It’s your responsibility to store your medication with care.

Included Experience

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Vatican: See this religious state and home to the Pope, IRL. Take a guided tour around Renaissance masterpieces and see the famous ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
  • 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.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are there any special arrangements for travelers with accessibility needs?

    Yes, arrangements can be made for travelers with accessibility needs. You should inform your Trip Manager as soon as possible so they can contact accommodations and secure ground floor rooms for easy wheelchair access. However, please note that Italy can be physically challenging to get around, with lots of walking on uneven and cobbled roads.

  • What type of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 14 breakfasts and 4 dinners. The included meals usually feature a buffet, and vegetarian options can be arranged if you inform your Trip Manager beforehand.

  • Can I refrigerate my medication on the coach?

    Yes, you can refrigerate your medication on the coach. Inform your Trip Manager if you need refrigeration. Note that the fridge is turned off overnight, so you will need to take your medication with you into your accommodation. It is recommended to bring a cooler bag as a backup.

  • What is the best time to book tickets for museums and other attractions?

    The best time to book tickets for museums and other attractions depends on the specific places you plan to visit. You can contact the 24x7 Helpline to access your day-to-day itineraries and check when you will have free time in each city.

  • What activities are included in Florence?

    In Florence, you will have a locally guided walking tour where you will see the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery, and Piazza della Signoria. Additionally, there will be a Tuscan Risotto Evening where you can learn how to make risotto and enjoy a feast of antipasto and Italian specialties.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Cinque Terre?

    In Cinque Terre, you will have an unlimited Cinque Terre hike and train ticket, allowing you to explore the five stunning towns with their unique identities and traditions. You can choose to hike or take the train to get around and enjoy the dramatic cliff-faces and pastel-colored buildings.

  • What are the highlights of the visit to Venice?

    In Venice, you will cross the canal on a private boat to the historical heart of the city. You can opt for a gondola ride or explore the city on your own. There is also an option to cruise to the UNESCO-listed island of Burano and enjoy a seafood meal.

  • What optional activities are available on the Amalfi Coast?

    On the Amalfi Coast, optional activities include visiting a lemon farm to learn about lemon harvesting and limoncello production, and taking a cruise around Capri with swim stops. You will also have free time to explore Positano and enjoy the local scenery and cuisine.

  • What can I expect on the final day in Rome?

    On the final day in Rome, you will have a guided tour around the Roman ruins, including the Colosseum. You will also have the chance to head out to a local restaurant to make and eat your own pasta.

  • 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

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    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.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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