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Ultimate Italy

Ultimate Italy

$ 4,184

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We’ve been visiting Italy for decades, but it’s fair to say we’ve never put together an adventure quite like this. From Rome this one glides through Renaissance Florence and the glitzy Riviera, with cooking classes and historical monuments galore along the way. Then onto Naples and Pompeii, for a feast of pizza and Roman history, before hitting up the incomparable Amalfi coast. After cruising around some dazzling isles and visiting some lemon groves, we’ll head back to Rome. But we’re not done yet – not even close. Sicily beckons, with its valleys of ancient archaeological wonders, volcanoes to explore, coastal towns to fall in love with and all of the heavenly carbs we can fit in. After a full week on this paradise island, we’ll be head-over-heels for absolutely everything Italian. It’s called Ultimate Italy for a reason


 Info & Booking

Ultimate Italy – Italy Tour for Young Adults & Young Solo Travellers

Ultimate Italy 18-35 year olds

The one that’s our biggest Italian adventure, including Rome, Florence, the Amalfi coast and a full week on the paradise island of Sicily

We’ve been visiting Italy for decades, but it’s fair to say we’ve never put together an adventure quite like this. From Rome this one glides through Renaissance Florence and the glitzy Riviera, with cooking classes and historical monuments galore along the way. Then onto Naples and Pompeii, for a feast of pizza and Roman history, before hitting up the incomparable Amalfi coast. After cruising around some dazzling isles and visiting some lemon groves, we’ll head back to Rome. But we’re not done yet – not even close. Sicily beckons, with its valleys of ancient archaeological wonders, volcanoes to explore, coastal towns to fall in love with and all of the heavenly carbs we can fit in. After a full week on this paradise island, we’ll be head-over-heels for absolutely everything Italian. It’s called Ultimate Italy for a reason

“Most popular youth travel company in the world”

Info by the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults (“Most popular youth travel company in the world”, Wikipedia): “Our trips are exclusively for 18-35s, and whether you join us solo or in a group, our trips are designed so you can share incredible experiences with young travellers just like you.”

Reviews by tour participants:

5 out of 5 stars (3 Reviews)*

Trip duration and price:

22 days, 1 country from about $3,861* (you’ll find other currencies and final prices on the booking page)

Send Us Stars!

Included Meals:

21 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners

Included Accommodations:

19 nights in Hotels, 2 nights in Special Stay

Group Size:

Average 38 people

Planned Itinerary:

Day 1: Rome

Day 2: Rome

Siena

Florence

Day 3: Florence

Day 4: Florence

Pisa

Lucca

Cinque Terre

Day 5: Cinque Terre

Day 6: Cinque Terre

Como

Milan

Day 7: Milan

Verona

Venice

Day 8: Venice

Day 9: Venice

Bologna

Rome

Day 10: Rome

Day 11: Rome

Naples

Day 12: Naples

Capri

Salerno

Day 13: Salerno

Amalfi Coast

Positano

Salerno

Day 14: Amalfi Coast

Rome

Day 15: Rome

Catania

Day 16: Catania

Taormina

Day 17: Taormina

Day 18: Taormina

Syracuse

Noto

Syracuse

Day 19: Syracuse

Agrigento

Cefalu

Day 20: Cefalu

Day 21: Cefalu

Palermo

Day 22: Palermo

Day 1: Start Rome

Rome
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 heading on an orientation tour of the city. With our eyes wide and camera roll full, we’ll head to the streets for an included Italian feast. Maybe washed down with some chianti. La perfezione!

Hotel Genova (or similar)

Included Meals:

DinnerTour Rome on Foot Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking all the sights off your bucket list! 

Day 2: Rome to Florence

RomeRise and shine, we’re headed to another historical heavyweight today…

SienaBut 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…FlorenceFlorence 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.

BB Centro (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

Get to know Siena This medieval Tuscan city is packed with charming photo ops. From the Duomo to Piazza del Campo. 

Day 3: Florence

Florence

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 live local music and Chianti 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!

BB Centro (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Florence Walking Tour See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence.
Tuscan Risotto EveningWind down with an aperitivo & take in the scenery of the Tuscan hills. Learn how to make risotto with the chef & indulge in the local Chianti wine. In true Italian fashion, our warm hosts will load your table with a feast of antipasto, followed by a house speciality & something ‘dolce’ for dessert.
Additional costs apply

Day 4: Florence to Cinque Terre

FlorenceFarewell, Florence. We’ll never forget you. But we’ve got more dreamy Italian hot spots to hit up.

PisaWe 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.

LuccaAnother 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.Cinque TerreWelcome to the Italian Riviera! You’re going to fall head over heels with this region over the coming days…

Hotel Ala Bianca (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Visit Pisa (for that epic selfie) Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up’ as you pose for that classic Insta snap.  Explore Lucca Ramble around the cobbled streets of this Renaissance walled city in Tuscany. It’s an Insta post waiting to happen! Lucca Wine TastingVisit the Del Dotto family winery outside Lucca and taste local wines accompanied with a delicious platter of snacks
Additional costs apply

Day 5: Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre

Some people think Cinque Terre is just one place, but it actually translates to the ‘five lands,’ 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, so whether you’re into trekking, taking it easy, or a combination of the two, you can explore Cinque Terre your way. Whichever way you choose to get around, it’s hard not to fall in love with the dramatic cliff-faces, cute pastel coloured buildings tumbling down the coast and all sorts of historic monuments. The food here is pretty special, too. Why not make your way down the coast trying local delicacies like pesto, focaccia and seafood! Bene!

Hotel Ala Bianca (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Explore Cinque Terre by TrainWe’ll take care of your rail pass, so you can just zip around the iconic clifftop villages and focus on the Insta stories. 

Day 6: Cinque Terre to Milan

Cinque TerreWe’re hitting the road today to one of the most elegant cities in Europe.

ComoBut 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.MilanWelcome 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…

BB Hotel Sesto Milano (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Lake Como CruiseTake a leisurely cruise along Lake Como situated at the foothills of the Italian Dolomites. During the cruise you will be able to visit the playground of the rich & famous & see the town of Bellagio.
Additional costs apply

Day 7: Milan to Venice

MilanThe dreamy destinations just don’t stop coming…

VeronaWelcome 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, as well as the epic Roman Arena. Then it’s onto another very romantic city…VeniceWelcome to Venice! Our hearts will swell at the mazy canals and ancient architecture. First up, we’ll check into tonight’s snazzy accommodation – a Contiki Special Stay on the peaceful island of San Servolo, with breathtaking views of the Venice lagoon. Your jaw is sure to drop, but don’t let it stay on the floor for too long! Tonight we’ll have the option to go for a progressive food walking tour, to try different bits of cicchetti and local wines – the perfect way to kick-start our adventures here!

Centro Soggiorno San Servolo (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

See Juliet’s balcony & Arena di Verona Ah! The sight of this famous balcony will turn even the most hardened cynic into a romantic soul. And the Roman arena is an Insta post just waiting to happen. 
Traditional Tastes of Venice with TransportEating the true Venetian way – our local expert will take you bar hopping, sampling various cicchetti (Venetian style tapas) & wines at a host of locations off the beaten track. Get a real insight in to local life & the flavours of Venice.
Additional costs apply

Day 8: Venice

Venice
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.

Centro Soggiorno San Servolo (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Cruise on a Motoscafo to Venice Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice. Get total James Bond vibes.  GondolasSit back & watch the city open up from the canals in a gondola. From magnificent palazzi looming in the distance to the locals’ laundry strung across the backwaters, Venice’s charm gets you at every turn.
Additional costs apply

Burano Island Cruise & DinnerA true local experience – we leave behind the hustle & bustle of the main island of Venice & cruise the lagoon on our way to the Unesco heritage listed fisherman’s island of Burano. Here we will enjoy a sumptuous dinner feast prepared in the traditional fashion, then free time to grab a bargain & of course time to take some snaps of this islands unique streetscape.
Additional costs apply

Day 9: Venice to Rome via Bologna

VeniceSee 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.

BolognaBut not before making a quick stop in Bologna. This gorgeous medieval marvel of stunning architecture will have you looking twice!RomeWith 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. Maybe washed down with some chianti. La perfezione!

Hotel Genova (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Day 10: Rome

RomeRome 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.

Hotel Genova (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

Tour the Vatican City 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. 

Day 11: Rome to Naples

RomeToday we’re headed to another richly historical and cultural city, known for it’s naturally beautiful sights and excellent cuisine.NaplesWelcome 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, this is also the site of Mt Vesuvius, the infamous active volcano. Today we have the option to check out the ruins of Pompeii, the fascinating Roman town that was destroyed by Vesuvius and then perfectly preserved in volcanic ash. Another option today is to take a tour, learning about the city, it’s history and it’s food culture. 

Hotel Vergilius Billia (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

See Mount VesuviusDefinitely one for the bucket list. Your chance to check out Europe’s only active volcano. Guided Tour of Ancient PompeiiTurn back the clock when you learn about Mt. Vesuvius’ eruption & the ancient city of Pompeii. Our Local Guide will tell you about this once thriving city & the sites that were buried under all the volcanic ash. Explore the town’s well-preserved neighbourhoods & get inside ancient life by exploring the ruins of shops, houses & markets.
Additional costs apply

Naples Street Food Tour Enjoy some of the tastiest street foods in Naples as you take in the monuments of the historic centre with a local guide
Additional costs apply

Day 12: Naples to Amalfi Coast

NaplesWe’re headed to the coast today to check out some of the most glamorous seascapes in Europe.

CapriCapri is no different, with its gorgeous cragged coastline and opulent cafes, it’s easy to see why this is such a playground for the rich and famous. An optional Capri cruise will let us check out the iconic blue grotto, as well as stop for plenty of swim stops to beat the heat.SalernoWe’ll settle in Salerno for the night after a day of postcard pretty sun bleached buildings and sparkling sea.

Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

Daytrip to Capri Chill on the beaches of this Mediterranean jewel. Explore the Blue Grotto and famous boutiques, then stop off for a Spritz in the sun. 
Capri Island CruiseA fantastic day out on the water, with swim stops & great views of Capri’s coastline. Hang out with the group & take in the glow of the grottos visited, on our own private boat.
Additional costs apply

Day 13: Amalfi Coast

Salerno
We’ve got a free day on the Amalfi coast! Lucky us. 

Amalfi CoastWe’ve got plenty to do including a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience. First up, we’ll visit a lemon farm to learn how these huge, sunshine-coloured fruits are harvested and turned into limoncello. We’ll then take an included cruise around the stunning Amalfi Coast.

PositanoDramatic cliffs and idyllic buildings await us in picturesque Positano.SalernoBack in Salerno we’ll rest up after our Amalfi Adventure.

Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Cruise the Amalfi Coast Live your best life as you glide through azure seas, past cliffs filled with rainbow-coloured buildings. Coastal Lemon Tour (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)A millennia of volcanic eruptions from Mt. Vesuvius has made the Amalfi coast perfect for the production of fruits & vegetables. The best of all the bounty is the humble Lemon, for which this region is famed. Get up close & personal by visiting a local family farm whose ancestors were the first to introduce this crop all those centuries ago. Savour the amazing smells & flavours – a true local experience!
Additional costs apply

Day 14: Amalfi Coast to Rome

Amalfi CoastWe’re headed back to Rome today. Time for the Colosseum?RomeBack in Rome we recommend taking our optional Emperors & Gladiators tour, where you’ll skip the queues and enter the jaw-dropping Colosseum through the exclusive Emperor’s gate. This is the perfect way to learn about this fascinating, blood-stained arena, in which Romans used to flock to watch epic battles between elephants, tigers, and gladiators. Then, we have a free night to check out the nightlife and toast what has been an unforgettable Italian adventure.

Hotel Genova (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Emperors & Gladiators inc ColosseumWander through the ruins of the ancient Roman Empire’s political heart, while our Local Guide peels back the layers of history & reconstructs the past. From the assassinations at the Forum to the bloody battles in the Colosseum, learn how the roots of Western culture started here.
Additional costs apply

Rome Pasta Cooking Class & DinnerIt’s time to cook like a true Italian. This unique cooking experience offers you the opportunity to learn how to make traditional pastas, then relax & indulge in your own creation. Learn, laugh, drink & most importantly, eat!
Additional costs apply

Day 15: Rome to Catania

RomeToday we’re hopping on a speedy flight to the incomparable isle of Sicily.CataniaThis colourful cacophony of baroque piazzas and ancient ruins is the perfect place to get acquainted with Sicily. We’ll have a chance to check out Catania’s UNESCO listed historic core before an included dinner in a local restaurant. Is Sicilian cuisine the best in the world? It has to be up there…

Hotel Villa Del Bosco (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

Get to know CataniaStroll around the ancient Sicilian port at the foot of Mount Etna. See the Piazza Stesicoro and the Baroque and Renaissance buildings of Via dei Crociferi.

Day 16: Catania to Taormina

CataniaWe’ve got more spectacular Sicilian towns to explore today, as we head from Catania to Taormina.TaorminaUniquely perched on the side of a mountain, this elegant resort town is the perfect place to live the good life in Italy. We’ll waste no time admiring the gorgeous panoramas, as we take the cable car that connects the town’s historic centre with its awesome beaches. After sunning ourselves for a bit, why not opt for a cooking class with some local masterchefs, learning how to whip up local delicacies like Arancini & Cannoli? It’s the perfect way to impress everyone when you get back home.

Hotel Antares (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Explore Taormina Greek and Roman ruins. Sun-drenched beaches. Epic Italian food. There’s so much to do in this seaside town, you’ll never want to leave. 
Arancini & Cannoli Making ClassSpend the evening learning how to make two of Sicily’s most famous and delicious delicacies- Arancini and Cannoli. The best part of this Master Chef experience – sitting down to dine on your wonderful creation.
Additional costs apply

Day 17: Taormina

TaorminaToday we’ve got an unmissable optional for you. Sicily’s stupendous stratovolcano Mt Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe. And what better way to experience this majestic monster than on an adrenaline filled 4×4 ride, as you pass vineyards and orchards spread across the fertile slopes? You won’t find views quite like this anywhere in Europe. Whether or not you opt for the 4×4 tour, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore Taormina – lazing on the beach, checking out the Roman theatre or sitting and drinking a spritz as life lazily moves by. It’s a hard life.

Hotel Antares (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Mt. Etna 4×4 TourConquer the highest active volcano of Europe, Mount Etna on an adrenaline filled bike ride
Additional costs apply

Day 18: Taormina to Syracuse via Noto

TaorminaSee ya, Taormina – it’s time to visit some historical hotspots. Next stop, Syracuse.

SyracuseAfter checking into our hotel, we’ll have some free time to check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse. Famed for its rich Roman and Greek history, with ancient amphitheatres and architecture everywhere you look, this place was even mentioned in the Bible (how’s that for history creds?).

NotoOur next outing is to Noto, home to some of Sicily’s most impressive historic architecture. We’ll check out the Corso Vittoria Emanuele and other legendary landmarks, and then it’s off to an organic farm for a Tastes of Sicily experience – the freshest Sicilian ingredients, brought to us direct from farm to table. Just what the doctor ordered!SyracuseAnd after a long day, it’s time to hit the hay. ’Til tomorrow, friends.

Le Residenze Archimede (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Visit Noto Float around this opulent Sicilian city, taking in the Baroque architecture and panoramic views as you go.Tastes of Sicily (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)Sit down for a unique, Sicilian dinner using produce that was grown on the hosts’ organic farm. Tour the farm, learn about life in Sicily, and then eat lunch together! Fabio and Annarella are both passionate Farmers who decided to take care of their families lands 15 years ago. There mission is to share their love of Sicilian Mediterranean culture and culinary traditions. In addition to producing Extra Virgin Olive Oil, they also produce almonds, citrus, bread, jam​s with the fruits that they grow, tomato sauce, spirits and many other things on their Bio Farm Zisolhouse.
Additional costs apply

Day 19: Syracuse to Cefalu via Agrigento

SyracuseHeading from Syracuse we’ll arrive in Agrigento, the perfect base to explore another ancient wonder…

AgrigentoFrom Agrigento we have an included tour of the Valley of the Temples, This mystical valley is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological heritage. As you wander the valley, in the shadow of blooming almond trees, we’ll discover ancient temples, sanctuaries and a necropolis. It’s a spectacular testament to Sicily’s ancient history (and natural beauty).CefaluArriving in Cefalu we’ll enjoy another included dinner of Sicilian delicacies. What a day – and we’re not done yet.

Hotel La Giara (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

See the Valley of the TemplesExplore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO-listed site featuring some of the world’s most treasured Greek art and architecture.

Day 20: Cefalu

Cefalu
Cefalu is a real gem, home to Sicily’s best beaches and most impressive Arabic architecture. This truly is the island that keeps on giving. Today’s all about coastal vibes, soaking up that sun, sea and sand – with plenty of water sports to get involved with. If you’re feeling a little more zen, why not opt for the coastal cruise and soak up some scenery instead? Later on we’ll stroll the winding cobbled streets and watch fishermen taking stock of the day’s bounties, before exploring the town’s foodie and nightlife scene. Ah, Sicily – sigh.

Hotel La Giara (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Coastal CruiseTake a relaxing coastal cruise to admire the spectacular scenery of Cefalu
Additional costs apply

Day 21: Cefalu to Palermo

CefaluIt’s time to end on a high, as we make our way towards Sicily’s sizzling capital.PalermoPalermo is vivacious, colourful and boasts a thriving culinary scene, but it’s also been plagued by organised crime for decades. Today on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® experience, you can join a walking tour through the historic centre, learning about the history of the Mafia in Palermo and how the civil antiMafia movement was formed. We’ll round things off with a farewell dinner at Al Fresco, AKA the ‘bistro of second chances’.

Astoria Palace Hotel (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Anti-Mafia Walking Tour of Palermo (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) Learn about the Mafia and the civil Anti-Mafia movement on a locally guide walking tour through the picturesque historic centre. Discover a city that is finally rebelling against the protection rackets and meet some of the locals supporting the cause. (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)
Additional costs apply

Palermo Farewell Dinner (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) How better to say goodbye than Palermo specialties, served at a bistro that’s all about sustainability and second chances? Born in the Malaspina Juvenile Detention Facility in Palermo, this social enterprise works to provide job security for former young offenders. 
Additional costs apply

Day 22: End Palermo

Palermo
We’re headed back to the airport after one final breakfast together. Hug it out, swap social details – and don’t be sad, we’ll see each other on the road again soon.

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Destination:

Europe > Italy > We’ve been visiting Italy for decades, but it’s fair to say we’ve never put together an adventure quite like this. From Rome this one glides through Renaissance Florence and the glitzy Riviera, with cooking classes and historical monuments galore along the way. Then onto Naples and Pompeii, for a feast of pizza and Roman history, before hitting up the incomparable Amalfi coast. After cruising around some dazzling isles and visiting some lemon groves, we’ll head back to Rome. But we’re not done yet – not even close. Sicily beckons, with its valleys of ancient archaeological wonders, volcanoes to explore, coastal towns to fall in love with and all of the heavenly carbs we can fit in. After a full week on this paradise island, we’ll be head-over-heels for absolutely everything Italian. It’s called Ultimate Italy for a reason

More Details:

You’ll find all details and the latest updates on the details & booking page

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