Italian Espresso | Summer | 2024
Italian Espresso | Summer | 2024
Italian Espresso | Summer | 2024
10 Days Starting and ending in Rome
Visiting: Rome, Siena, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Como, Milan, Verona, Venice, Bologna, Vatican
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBINMA19
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 50
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Art Galleries & Museums, Boat/Cruise Excursion, Rail Excursion, Sightseeing, Walking
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Italian Espresso | Summer | 2024" tour and immerse yourself in Italy's rich cultural tapestry. Begin your journey in the historic city of Rome, then traverse to Florence, Siena, and the picturesque Cinque Terre. Experience the charm of Pisa, Lucca, and the elegance of Lake Como before heading to the fashion capital, Milan. Discover the romance of Verona and the enchanting canals of Venice. Conclude your adventure back in Rome, with an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museums. This tour offers a blend of history, art, nature, and culinary delights, ensuring an unforgettable Italian escapade.
Highlights
Itinerary
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, before taking to the streets for an included Italian feast. After dinner we'll head on an orientation tour of the city ticking off all the sights in Rome.
Day 2: Rome To Florence
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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
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: 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 away 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! 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, maybe opt to cruise to the UNESCO-listed island of Burano and enjoy a sumptuous seafood dinner.
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.
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, 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
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Welcome Dinner in Rome
Enjoy an included Italian feast on the first night in Rome.
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Guided Walking Tour in Florence
Discover Renaissance Florence on foot with a locally guided walking tour.
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Unlimited Cinque Terre Hike and Train Ticket
Experience the dramatic cliff-faces and pastel-colored buildings of Cinque Terre with an unlimited hike and train ticket.
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Private Boat Ride in Venice
Take a private boat ride through Venice's canals.
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Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums
End your trip in Rome with a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.
What's Not Included
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Optional Cruise to Bellagio
Enjoy the glitz and glamour of Lake Como, with an optional cruise to beautiful Bellagio.
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Optional Gondola Ride in Venice
In Venice, you have the option to take a gondola ride.
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Seafood Dinner in Burano
Opt to cruise to the UNESCO-listed island of Burano and enjoy a sumptuous seafood dinner.
Mode of Transport
Travel between destinations in Italy by coach, with private boat rides in Venice and unlimited hike and train tickets in Cinque Terre.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable hotels such as Hotel Archimede in Rome, BB Centro in Florence, Hotel Le Grazie in Cinque Terre, BB Sesto San Giovanni in Milan, and Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese in Venice.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as guided walking tours, private boat rides, unlimited hiking and train tickets in Cinque Terre, and a guided tour of the Vatican Museums.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional activities available, including a cruise to Bellagio on Lake Como, a gondola ride in Venice, and a seafood dinner on the island of Burano.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes several meals such as a welcome dinner in Rome, an included feast in Florence, and a Tuscan evening of wine and Italian specialties. Daily breakfasts are also included.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Accommodation during the tour includes stays at various hotels such as Hotel 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.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in Rome.
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Is there any free time during the tour to explore on my own?
Yes, there are several opportunities for free time during the tour, such as a free night in Milan to explore the local nightlife and a free night in Rome to discover the finest food the city has to offer.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
Key highlights of the tour include visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa, exploring the charming town of Lucca, experiencing the dramatic cliff-faces and pastel-colored buildings of Cinque Terre, and taking a private boat ride through Venice's canals.
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Are there any special experiences included in the tour?
Yes, special experiences include a guided walking tour in Florence, an unlimited Cinque Terre hike and train ticket, and a guided tour of the Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.
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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.
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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