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.
- Day 1 - Venice
Ciao! Welcome to Venice. This waterside wonderland of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years – is literally sinking under the weight of its iconic sights. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe head out and explore at your own pace – the Grand Canal is a great place to start, as you can stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the endless boutiques that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. After tonight's meeting, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travel companions at a local restaurant.
Special information: It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Due to the popularity of some activities in Venice, you should book in advance if you wish to visit. St Mark's Basilica and Bell Tower can be booked at: http://www.basilicasanmarco.it/?lang=en
If you are interested in visiting Doge's Palace, we strongly suggest planning your visit today if you have extended your time in Venice or tomorrow after 2 pm. You can pre-book your tickets at https://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/home
- Day 2 - Venice
This morning, head out for an orientation walk of the city, exploring the Classical, Gothic and Baroque styles of architecture that surround San Marco Square. Your leader will show you where to get the best cicchetti today (a tasty local snack that Venice is famous for). For lunch, maybe get involved in the lively social scene at a local bacaro or simply watch the world go by at a restaurant on the edge of the canals. Then, you’re free to explore Venice at your own pace. There are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. Maybe take the Vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for views over the city. Ore, fulfil a bucket list favourite and take a journey down the Grand Canal in a Venetian gondola if you haven’t already.
- Day 3 - La Spezia
Board a morning train through the scenic north of Italy to the once important naval base of La Spezia – known mainly as the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre (Five Lands). The name comes from the five tiny villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – positioned on a series of coves between sheer cliffs. When you arrive in La Spezia, there won't be much time to explore (that’s what tomorrow is for), but after checking into your hotel you can take a short walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione or head out for dinner with the group.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
- Day 4 - Cinque Terre / La Spezia
Spend today exploring winding footpaths and pastel villages with your included Cinque Terre Pass. Your leader will walk you to two of the five villages, and the pass gives you access to the paths and trains of the area for 24 hours. Please consult your leader on which walking section is right for you, as some have challenging uphill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges. Alternatively, take the train between any of the villages, or back to the group's base in La Spezia whenever you want. After working up an appetite, maybe take advantage of an optional pesto class. Focaccia is also a speciality in this area and makes a great start to lunch, if you’d prefer.
Special information: Please remember to bring comfortable footwear such as trainers or light hiking shoes. Due to safety reasons some sections of any path can be closed at short notice. If you are interested in walking the Via dell’Amore trail, we strongly suggest planning your visit for today after 2 pm, booking is required up to 72 hours prior at https://www.viadellamore.info/en
- Day 5 - Florence
Depart La Spezia today and catch a train to Florence. When you arrive, check into the hostel and go for a brief walk around the immediate area to get your bearings. Florence is one of the most culturally rich and beautiful cities in Italy, known to many as the beating heart of Tuscany. The Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all lived in Florence at the height of their creative reign. Food is a major part of the city's identity and the optional activities on offer reflect this. Maybe explore the city’s culinary history (and taste some local treats) on a Florence Foodies Walk with Urban Adventures. Carnivores might be drawn to try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina (the Florentine Beef Steak, essentially a huge T-bone steak that comes with classic sides).
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
- Day 6 - Florence
Enjoy another day in beautiful Florence. It's impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, so the best idea is to relax and pick a few things you really want to do. Maybe start with a visit to the Galleria dell'Accademia where you can see Michelangelo's famous statue of David, or perhaps stop by the Uffizi – one of the world's oldest art galleries. Active types might want to walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo, which is set on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, to take in beautiful views of the city. There are plenty of optional activities on offer during your time here, so be sure to grill your leader for the details on each so you can get a sense of what interests you.
Special information: The individual Florentine State Museums each have different opening days and hours. If you are interested in visiting the Galleria Uffizi and Galleria dell'Accademia, we strongly suggest planning your visit for today and pre booking your tickets at https://firenzemusei.it/ to avoid long queues.
- Day 7 - Rome
Take the morning train to Rome and join your leader on an orientation walk around the city to see icons such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. After all that walking it’s probably time for lunch! Maybe grab a slice of the good stuff and a strong espresso at the Piazza Navona. You can spend your afternoon how you wish and there are plenty of heavy hitters to choose from. Maybe enter the Vatican and check out St Peter's Basilica. Within the Vatican, art lovers could visit the Sistine Chapel to admire the timeless work of Michelangelo, while history buffs may enjoy a walk through the ancient halls of the Pantheon. Rome is packed full of trattorias that cater to every taste and budget, so this evening maybe link up with the group for dinner.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
There are strictly enforced dress codes that apply to those wishing to enter the churches of the Vatican City. Men must wear long trousers and cover their shoulders. Women must cover their shoulders and knees. Check the Vatican website for updated information on when you can visit. The Vatican Museum is closed on some days, including most Sundays. On the last Sunday of the month, it's open and free (but expect large crowds). Pre-booked tickets are not required if you just want to visit St Peter's Basilica and the dome. If you are interested in visiting the Vatican Museum, we strongly suggest planning your visit for today after 2 pm or tomorrow if you have extended your time in Rome.
If you are interested in visiting the Colosseum, we strongly suggest planning your visit for today after 2 pm or tomorrow if you have extended your time in Rome. You can pre-book your tickets at https://colosseo.it/en/opening-times-and-tickets/
- Day 8 - Rome
Your adventures come to an end today. There are no activities planned and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time after check-out. As there is so much to see in Rome, it’s recommended that you stay a little longer to soak it up. If you need help booking additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent at the time of booking.
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info@mondotravel.co.nz
