- Discover the abundance of art and culture in Florence, Italy's outdoor museum. Be sure to visit the Accademia, home to the famous David by Michelangelo
- Fall in love with Rome, a city that makes you gasp at every turn and effortlessly combines ancient history with modern architecture
- Hike to one charming village after another along the picturesque Cinque Terre, or take the train for a more leisurely experience without missing the stunning scenery
- Join a local shop-keeper for a Pesto making class in Levanto. Make your own pesto and enjoy it with a glass of wine afterwards
- Nestled in the postcard-perfect vineyards of Tuscany's Chianti region, your feature-stay on this trip is a five-star hotel housed in a former medieval monastery
- Relax in a local family’s garden surrounded by olive trees and vineyards and enjoy the local organic wine varieties produced by this family for centuries
- Travel the romantic, winding waterways of Venice in a traghetto and lose yourself in the town's myriad alleyways – best done with a lot of time and no map
Secrets of Italy
9 nights from
$4,928
10 days in Italy
From the canals of Venice to the historic streets of Rome, Italy is constantly familiar and endlessly surprising. Catch the top-tier sights – Venice’s bridges, Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Rome’s Colosseum – and combine them with the humble delights of the fine food of Tuscany, natural vistas and unearthed cultural treasures. This journey will have you living la bella vita in no time.
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Highlights
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Pricing
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- Start Date
- End Date
- Price
- Availability
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- Start Date:6 May 19
- End Date:15 May 19
- Price:$4,928
- Availability:On Request
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- Start Date:13 May 19
- End Date:22 May 19
- Price:$5,544
- Availability:On Request
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- Start Date:20 May 19
- End Date:29 May 19
- Price:$6,530
- Availability:On Request
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- Start Date:10 Jun 19
- End Date:19 Jun 19
- Price:$6,530
- Availability:4 spaces
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- Start Date:1 Jul 19
- End Date:10 Jul 19
- Price:$6,160
- Availability:7+ Available
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- Start Date:19 Aug 19
- End Date:28 Aug 19
- Price:$6,160
- Availability:7+ Available
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- Start Date:2 Sep 19
- End Date:11 Sep 19
- Price:$6,160
- Availability:7+ Available
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- Start Date:9 Sep 19
- End Date:18 Sep 19
- Price:$6,160
- Availability:7+ Available
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- Start Date:16 Sep 19
- End Date:25 Sep 19
- Price:$6,470
- Availability:5 spaces
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- Start Date:29 Apr 20
- End Date:8 May 20
- Price:$6,160
- Availability:7+ Available
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- Start Date:6 May 20
- End Date:15 May 20
- Price:$6,160
- Availability:7+ Available
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- Start Date:13 May 20
- End Date:22 May 20
- Price:$6,160
- Availability:7+ Available
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- Start Date:20 May 20
- End Date:29 May 20
- Price:$6,160
- Availability:7+ Available
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- Start Date:3 Jun 20
- End Date:12 Jun 20
- Price:$6,160
- Availability:7+ Available
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- Start Date:24 Jun 20
- End Date:3 Jul 20
- Price:$6,160
- Availability:7+ Available
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- Start Date:8 Jul 20
- End Date:17 Jul 20
- Price:$6,160
- Availability:7+ Available
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- Start Date:12 Aug 20
- End Date:21 Aug 20
- Price:$6,160
- Availability:7+ Available
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- Start Date:26 Aug 20
- End Date:4 Sep 20
- Price:$6,160
- Availability:7+ Available
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- Start Date:2 Sep 20
- End Date:11 Sep 20
- Price:$6,160
- Availability:7+ Available
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- Start Date:9 Sep 20
- End Date:18 Sep 20
- Price:$6,160
- Availability:7+ Available
Please note: while prices are accurate at time of loading they are subject to change due to currency fluctuations and currency surcharges may apply. Please check price at time of booking -
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Itinerary
Day - 1
Location: Venice - Arrive in style! Your airport arrival transfer is by private water taxi. Glide into the centre of Venice by boat to gain an appropriate sense of perspective of this unique city from the water… don’t forget to keep your camera handy! After tonight's group meeting enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers at a local restaurant. If you arrive early today, get out and experience the winding canals and streets of beautiful Venice. This city is best explored on foot or by boat.
Day - 2
Location: Venice - Today you will take an orientation walk in the morning. Board a vaporetto (water bus) to the island of San Giorgio, where you will climb the bell tower and witness expansive views of Venice. Enjoy free time in the afternoon. You might like to visit some museums or take a trip to some of the outlying islands. The Grand Canal, the quaint shopfronts that line the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco are all worthy sights to visit. It's equally satisfying to simply meander around the tiny cobbled streets and discover the beautiful markets, cafes, galleries and churches. A Venetian gondola ride down the canals is a must, as is a taste of the region’s speciality dessert, tiramisu.
Day - 3
Location: Florence - 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. Walk to Piazzale Michelangelo to take in beautiful views of the city is a lovely way to while away the day. Sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany. Regional dishes are renowned for their simplicity and ingredient-driven quality. Olive oil, beans and fresh herbs are a feature here. Two standout dishes of the region are bistecca alla fiorentina (essentially a big T-bone steak that is shared between multiple diners) and ribollita (a simple, hearty soup of bread, vegetables and beans). Panforte is the signature sweet treat.
Day - 4
Location: Florence - While you are in Florence, there will be plenty of time to explore the city and its museums and galleries. It's impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, however, so take your time and enjoy it. Visiting the Uffizi while you are here is highly recommended – it is one of the oldest galleries in the world, and a building of great beauty. Similarly, a visit to Galleria dell'Accademia, where you can see Michelangelo's famous statue of David, is a must.
Day - 5
Location: Pisa / Lucca / La Spezia - This morning you will make your way towards the dramatic coast of the Cinque Terre, and visit Pisa and Lucca on the way. Due to the precarious state of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Torre Pendente, it is not always possible to climb it, but you will definitely have the opportunity to photograph it from the ground. Your trip leader will take you to the ticket office to purchase tickets to the Cathedral, Baptistry, Museums and Campo Santo, should you wish to visit them. Your next stop is Lucca, where you can walk the bustling streets or perhaps take a walk along the famous city walls. You then continue to your accommodation in La Spezia. This is the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre.
Day - 6
Location: Cinque Terre / La Spezia - Cinque Terre (translating as 'Five Lands' or 'Five Villages') is a region of Italy famed for its rugged coastline and the colourful villages that cling to it. The footpaths that run between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region. You can choose to walk just a few sections, which will still unveil a great amount of majestic scenery. There is a train that connects the villages as well, so if you prefer to enjoy a more relaxing day, you are welcome to take this option. Join a local shop-keeper for a Pesto making class in Levanto. Make your own pesto and enjoy it with a glass of wine afterwards. In the evening there's no better way to refuel after the taxing walks than indulging in a delicious Mediterranean feast. Be sure to try the local pesto and focaccia, both specialties of the area.
Day - 7
Location: San Gimignano / Chianti Region - This morning you will start to make your way to your next hotel (the feature stay of this trip) in the Chianti Region, right in the heart of Tuscany. On the way, you will visit San Gimignano, the 'Town of Fine Towers'. This medieval walled town is famous for its well-preserved tower houses which are now on the UNESCO World Heritage list. There will be time for you to explore the old town centre and its fine Gothic and Romanesque architecture. This region is renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Relax in a local family’s garden surrounded by olive trees and vineyards and enjoy the local organic wine varieties produced by this family for centuries. Arrive at your hotel (a converted medieval monastery) in the afternoon. Relax by the pool or perhaps take a stroll through the vineyards that are part of the property.
Day - 8
Location: Monteriggioni / Siena / Rome - Begin the day with a short drive to Monteriggioni, another Tuscan hill town that was built by the Sienese to defend their territory against the Florentines in the 13th century. Learn a little more about the circular walls and 14 towers which played a significant role in the attacks staged by the Bishop of Volterra. Continue to the medieval city of Siena. It is best known for the Piazza del Campo, the site of the twice-annual Palio (a horse race that goes around the edge of the oval square). Be sure to visit the small but stunning Siena Cathedral, and see the statue of the capitoline wolf which was brought here by the sons of Remus, the founder of Rome. It has been the city's symbol ever since. After a 4 hour drive you will arrive into Rome in the early evening.
Day - 9
Location: Rome - From incredible ancient monuments to glamourous restaurants and boutiques, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today you will be taken on a walking tour of the city. You'll see such marvels as the Roman Forum, the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and Venezia, the Spanish Steps and Via Dei Condotti. As you wander the city, perhaps stop in at a bar for a quick coffee, or indulge in some gelato. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this great city as you please. Make sure you take the opportunity to visit the majestic Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica. The view from the dome of St Peter’s is breath taking. Roman food is world-renowned, and the trattorias that line the streets are the perfect place to sample the local pasta delights. A taste or two of the (very well priced) local wine is also a must. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel companions to end the trip.
Day - 10
Location: Rome - Your trip comes to an end after breakfast on Day 10. Those looking to extend their stay can arrange additional nights' accommodation at the time of booking the trip (subject to availability).
