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Peregrine Travel Centre

Italy Experience

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Italy Experience

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Description

Take a trip to Italy, from the canals of Venice to the cobblestone streets of Rome. On this ten-day trip, you’ll explore historic sites and picturesque villages through some of the most incredible places in Europe’s treasure trove. Start in the canal-laden Venice and feel like you’ve stepped right into a postcard as you walk the streets on a cicchetti crawl, then visit the gorgeous Cinque Terre for hikes, photos and a pesto-making class. Soak in the coastal colours and then head to Pisa, home to that tilted tower. Explore Florence’s art, history and rich culture with loads of free time and then go on to discover the rolling green hills of Umbria. Sample wine, delicious food and great company and then move on to mighty Rome.

Trip Name
Italy Experience
Last Updated
2024-09-03
Days
10
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Take a day trip to Perugia’s ancient town – Spello. Walk among the decorated facades, winding laneways and cobbled streets and then sample the local wine and regional delicacies at a local enoteca for lunch.
  • See some iconic sites like the canals of Venice, the Duomo’s gorgeous exterior in Florence and the endless sights in Rome. Find out why these cities are loved by so many and enjoy plenty of free time to make your own discoveries.
  • Eat your way through this foodie’s paradise with a cicchetti (small bites) tour in Venice, a pesto-making class in Cinque Terre and a local leader to point out all the best spots for espresso, gelato, wine and pasta.
  • A series of walking paths connect the pastel villages of Monterosso, Corniglia and Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre. Explore this amazing region on foot with a group hike (and make sure you bring your camera).
  • Support the local community with a farewell dinner in Trastevere – a gorgeous area in Rome popular for its summer dining and aperitif culture – at a local cooperative that employs people living with disabilities and provides hospitality training.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Cooperativa Coraggio. Donations help them regenerate 22 hectares of unused public land to create local jobs and produce organic food in Italy. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Venice
Ciao! Welcome to Venice. This watery wonderland of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years – is literally sinking under the weight of its iconic sites. There are no activities planned before tonight's welcome meeting at 6 pm, so if you arrive early, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. Take a walk around the maze of streets behind San Marco Square and start to understand the complex canal system of Venice. The Grand Canal is a great place to start, as you can stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the endless boutique shops selling Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. Tonight, discover the most moreish Venetian bites on a cicchetti crawl through the city's fabulous bacari (wine bars).
Day 2 - Venice
After breakfast, venture out and explore Venice. There are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. This morning, get a taste of both as your leader helps you get oriented in this intricate city. Take the Vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for the best view of Venice. Your afternoon is free to take a trip in a Venetian gondola, enjoy an espresso and people watch in San Marco square, or discover the incredible artwork at the Palazzo Ducale or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection – the choice is yours. In the evening, maybe join your fellow travellers for a group dinner at a local restaurant. Venice is famous for its specialities of fresh lobster and squid ink spaghetti dishes, so make sure you give one a try.
Day 3 - La Spezia
Spend the day travelling by train to the once important naval base of La Spezia, now the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre (Five Lands). The name comes from the five tiny villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Venranzza, Monterosso – whose position, wedged into a series of coves between sheer cliffs, makes it one of the highlights of the whole of Italy. The journey is a very scenic trip through the north of Italy. When you arrive in La Spezia there won't be too much time to explore yet, but after checking into your hotel, you can get your bearings with a short walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione to the gardens along the harbour or head out for dinner with the group.
Day 4 - La Spezia / Cinque Terre
This morning, venture out on the footpaths of the Cinque Terre for a leader-led hike. The footpaths between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region and take you through olive groves, vineyards and idyllic vistas. You can walk just a few sections, which will still unveil a great amount of majestic scenery. Some path sections can be difficult, with challenging uphill stretches, narrow sections, steep cliffs and foot bridges. Please remember to bring comfortable footwear such as trainers or light hiking shoes. It's also possible to take the train between the villages or back to the group's base whenever you want. After working up an appetite, take advantage of the foods of the Liguria region with a pesto-making demonstration and the chance to create your own pesto. Of course, you’ll try your creation with a glass of wine afterwards. The rest of the day is free. In the evening, there's no better way to recover from your day of walking than with more indulgence in delicious Mediterranean food.
Day 5 - Pisa - Florence
Depart Cinque Terre today and catch a train to Pisa. Divided in two by the River Arno, the heart of Pisa is the Santa Maria quarter on the north bank. You can choose to visit the world-famous Leaning Tower, as well as the Duomo (Piazza dei Miracoli, once the largest in Europe) and Pisa Baptistry, or explore the charming town, maybe enjoying lunch and an aperitif in a backstreet restaurant. Return to the station in the afternoon and take the train to Florence. After checking in to your hotel in Florence, the rest of your evening is free to explore the city of the Renaissance.
Day 6 - Florence
Today is free for you to explore all that Florence has to offer. It's impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, so take your time to work out a plan. The principal sights are easily discovered on foot – the Pitti Palace, Ponte Vecchio, Arno riverside, the many statues and monuments of the Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral, the Baptistry and the Belltower, and the Santa Croce Church. Otherwise, you can visit the Uffizi – one of the world's oldest art galleries and a work of art in itself. If you want to see Michelangelo's iconic statue of David, head to the Galleria dell’ Accademia. In the evening, climb the steep stairs uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo for a renowned sunset view across the rooftops of Florence before an included dinner of Tuscan specialties at a local restaurant.
Day 7 - Perugia
After a free morning in Florence, travel by train to Perugia. The once-Roman settlement of Perugia sits atop a rocky hill with views over the rolling green hills of the Umbria region and is now a university town with one of Italy's largest schools. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk of the city’s rambling maze of medieval streets. In your spare time, and for an insight into local history, perhaps visit the National Gallery of Umbria – an impressive collection of Umbrian art housed in the Palazzo dei Priori (a grand stone building from the 13th century). Your evening is then free, with the city's population of students filling the streets with nightlife. Pause for a glass of prosecco along Corso Vannucci, the city’s main street, as you take a very Italian passeggiata.
Day 8 - Perugia / Spello
Today take a train to the nearby medieval town of Spello, a Roman town that straddles a thin ridge at the base of Mount Subasio – the mountain where St Francis was said to have talked to the animals. It’s a place known for its wine and rural charm. Two of the local churches feature frescoes by famed Renaissance painter Pinturicchio, who later lent his hand to works in the Vatican and Siena’s cathedral. Sample the local wine and regional delicacies here when you lunch at a local enoteca. Tartufo and porcini make up the base of many pasta and risotto dishes, while whole stuffed pig with rosemary is a signature dish of the region. Back in Perugia the rest of your evening is free. It’ll be very hard not to spend the whole time indulging in the region’s fabulous food.
Day 9 - Rome
This morning, take the train to Rome and remember that while here, the best attitude is ‘when in Rome’! Join your leader on an orientation walk around the city, where you will pass by some of the iconic sights such as the Colosseum (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) and Arch of Constantine, the Forum, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. No visit would be complete without a trip to Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica. Entry to the Basilica is free, and there's a small charge to climb the dome for a panorama over the city. Head out to the Trastevere region tonight with your group for a final farewell dinner – this artsy part of the city is always a great spot for dinner, drinks and wandering around the winding lanes in the evening. Your local restaurant for tonight – Trattoria De Gli Amici – is run by a social cooperative promoted by the community of Sant ‘Egidio – they train and employ people living with disabilities, supported by management and locals.
Day 10 - Rome
There are no activities planned today, and your trip will come to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Rome (and it’s recommended that you do), just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-01-202515-01-2025AUD $ 4,799-
28-04-202507-05-2025AUD $ 6,123-
30-04-202509-05-2025AUD $ 5,998-
05-05-202514-05-2025AUD $ 6,123-
12-05-202521-05-2025AUD $ 6,063-
28-05-202506-06-2025AUD $ 6,238-
09-06-202518-06-2025AUD $ 6,238-
23-06-202502-07-2025AUD $ 6,238-
07-07-202516-07-2025AUD $ 6,238-
28-07-202506-08-2025AUD $ 6,238-
04-08-202513-08-2025AUD $ 6,238-
18-08-202527-08-2025AUD $ 6,478-
25-08-202503-09-2025AUD $ 6,478-
08-09-202517-09-2025AUD $ 6,478-
12-09-202521-09-2025AUD $ 6,543-
15-09-202524-09-2025AUD $ 6,478-
17-09-202526-09-2025AUD $ 6,478-
22-09-202501-10-2025AUD $ 6,598-
06-10-202515-10-2025AUD $ 6,478-
13-10-202522-10-2025AUD $ 6,238-
20-10-202529-10-2025AUD $ 6,238-
27-10-202505-11-2025AUD $ 5,998-
03-11-202512-11-2025AUD $ 5,998-
05-01-202614-01-2026AUD $ 6,298-
09-03-202618-03-2026AUD $ 6,718-
23-03-202601-04-2026AUD $ 6,718-
06-04-202615-04-2026AUD $ 6,718-
20-04-202629-04-2026AUD $ 5,998-
27-04-202606-05-2026AUD $ 6,718-
04-05-202613-05-2026AUD $ 6,718-
11-05-202620-05-2026AUD $ 6,718-
13-05-202622-05-2026AUD $ 6,718-
18-05-202627-05-2026AUD $ 6,718-
25-05-202603-06-2026AUD $ 6,718-
01-06-202610-06-2026AUD $ 6,718-
08-06-202617-06-2026AUD $ 6,718-
22-06-202601-07-2026AUD $ 6,718-
29-06-202608-07-2026AUD $ 6,718-
06-07-202615-07-2026AUD $ 6,718-
20-07-202629-07-2026AUD $ 6,718-
27-07-202605-08-2026AUD $ 6,718-
03-08-202612-08-2026AUD $ 6,718-
10-08-202619-08-2026AUD $ 5,998-
17-08-202626-08-2026AUD $ 6,718-
11-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 6,718-
14-09-202623-09-2026AUD $ 6,718-
16-09-202625-09-2026AUD $ 6,718-
21-09-202630-09-2026AUD $ 6,718-
23-09-202602-10-2026AUD $ 6,718-
28-09-202607-10-2026AUD $ 6,718-
30-09-202609-10-2026AUD $ 6,718-
05-10-202614-10-2026AUD $ 6,718-
07-10-202616-10-2026AUD $ 5,998-
12-10-202621-10-2026AUD $ 6,718-
19-10-202628-10-2026AUD $ 6,718-
26-10-202604-11-2026AUD $ 6,718-
02-11-202611-11-2026AUD $ 6,718-

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

Transport

Train,Public bus,Ferry,Metro,Taxi

Map

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