Italian Espresso | Winter | 25/26

Italian Espresso | Winter | 25/26

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10 Days From

$2285

$1828

Italian Espresso | Winter | 25/26

10 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy

Visiting: Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Milan, Verona, Venice

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

WWINMA20

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2285 $1828 Operator discount: -$457 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Italy with the "Italian Espresso | Winter | 25/26" tour. This cultural adventure takes you from the historic streets of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice, with stops in Siena, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Milan, Verona, and Bologna. Experience the rich history and stunning architecture of Florence on a guided walking tour, capture the perfect photo at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and explore the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre with a rail pass. Enjoy private transportation, including a boat ride in Venice, and stay in comfortable accommodations throughout your trip. With included meals and guided tours, this tour offers a seamless and immersive Italian experience, perfect for those looking to explore the country's iconic destinations. Optional activities like a gondola ride in Venice and a cruise on Lake Como are also available to enhance your journey.

Highlights

  • Stroll around Rome, exploring iconic sights in the Italian capital.

  • Discover the medieval charm of Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Enjoy a guided walking tour of Florence, featuring the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.

  • Capture the classic photo at the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

  • Explore the cobbled streets of the Renaissance walled city of Lucca.

  • Travel through the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre National Park with a rail pass.

  • Visit Juliet's famous balcony in the romantic city of Verona.

  • Experience the unique waterways of Venice with a private boat ride.

Places You'll See

The Leaning Tower Of Pisa

Itinerary

Expand All

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, then with our eyes wide and camera roll full, we'll head to the streets for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Italian feast at La Trattoria de Gli Amici, before heading on an orientation tour of the city.

Day 2: Rome To Florence Via Siena

Location: 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 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... Florence is one of the foodie capitals of Italy, so we won't waste any time trying the local delicacies before turning 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 Risotto Evening indulging in wine from the nearby vineyards. Watch a risotto demonstration whilst 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 Via Pisa And Lucca

Location: 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. Another stopover will let us check out lovely Lucca, with its charming piazzas, Renaissance architecture and historic cafes. Opt for wines at the local vineyards outside of Lucca. Or it's a perfect spot to grab a bite before we hit the road again. 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. 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 Via Como

Location: Milan

Accommodation Name: BB Hotel Milano Sesto (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 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...

Day 7: Milan To Venice Via Verona

Location: Verona

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 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! Hop onto our coach because we've got this entire day to explore Venice. We'll be jumping aboard our own private boat and crossing the canal 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 meal.

Day 9: Venice To Rome Via Bologna

Location: 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. We'll have a free night for dinner and a chance to dine on a wholesome meal at a 17th-century tavern in Trastevere. All washed down with some fine Italian wine? If you say so.

Day 10: End Rome

Location: 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

  • Meals

    2 dinners and 9 breakfasts are included in the tour.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Hotel Archimede, BB Centro, Hotel Le Grazie, BB Hotel Milano Sesto, and Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese.

  • Guided Tours

    Locally guided walking tours in Florence and a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.

  • Transportation

    Transportation between cities including Rome, Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Milan, Verona, Venice, and Bologna.

  • Cinque Terre Rail Pass

    Unlimited Cinque Terre hike and train ticket included.

  • Private Boat in Venice

    Private boat ride across the canal in Venice.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as a gondola ride in Venice, a cruise to Bellagio on Lake Como, and a seafood meal on the island of Burano are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

  • Entry Fees

    Entry fees to museums and other attractions are not included unless specified.

Dining Summary

2 Dinner (D)9 Breakfast (B)

Culture

Siena: This medieval Tuscan city is packed with charming photo ops. From the Duomo to Piazza del Campo.Florence: See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence.Lucca: Ramble around the cobbled streets of this Renaissance walled city in Tuscany. It’s an Insta post waiting to happen!Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.

FAQs

Rome: Can arrangements be made for travellers with accessibility needs? If you require arrangements to be made for your accessibility needs, please inform your Trip Manager as soon as possible. We try our best to contact all accommodations and secure ground floor rooms for easy wheelchair access.Please remember that Italy can be physically challenging to get around. Coaches can’t access historical centers, and there will be lots of walking (on roads that are often uneven and cobbled). Travellers with accessibility needs will find this trip challenging.Madrid: Do the included meals have a set menu? Yep. Usually, we arrange a buffet for all your included meals. If you’d like a vegetarian option, please inform your Trip Manager beforehand, and they’ll sort it out for you.Rome: When would be the best time to book tickets for museums and other attractions? This would depend on the museums & attractions you’re planning to visit. If you’d like to know the exact timings, please contact our 24x7 Helpline to access your day-to-day itineraries to check when you’ll have free time in each city.Madrid: I need to refrigerate my medication. Can I do that on the coach? Of course! Just inform your Trip Manager if you need refrigeration on the coach. Please remember that the fridge is turned off overnight, so you’ll have to take your medication with you into your accommodation. We recommend that you bring a cooler bag with you as a backup. It’s your responsibility to store your medication with care.

Foodie

Rome:  Kick back with your Contiki crew and feast on some yummy Italian cuisine - served at a local restaurant working to train and provide jobs for members of the community with disabilities.

Included Experience

Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!Rome:  Kick back with your Contiki crew and feast on some yummy Italian cuisine - served at a local restaurant working to train and provide jobs for members of the community with disabilities.Siena: This medieval Tuscan city is packed with charming photo ops. From the Duomo to Piazza del Campo.Florence: See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence.Pisa: Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up’ as you pose for that classic Insta snap.Lucca: Ramble around the cobbled streets of this Renaissance walled city in Tuscany. It’s an Insta post waiting to happen!Cinque Terre National Park: We’ll take care of your rail pass, so you can just zip around the iconic clifftop villages and focus on the Insta stories.Verona: Ah! The sight of this famous balcony will turn even the most hardened cynic into a romantic soul.Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.Vatican: 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.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour includes travel in style with private coaches, trains, and boats, ensuring a seamless journey through Italy's most iconic destinations, including Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Milan, and Venice.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 2 dinners and 9 breakfasts.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Hotel Archimede in Rome, BB Centro in Florence, Hotel Le Grazie in Cinque Terre, BB Hotel Milano Sesto in Milan, and Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese in Venice, or similar accommodations.

  • Is there a guided tour included in the itinerary?

    Yes, the tour includes locally guided walking tours in Florence and a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.

  • What is included in the Cinque Terre experience?

    The tour includes an unlimited Cinque Terre hike and train ticket, allowing you to explore the five stunning towns with their unique identities and traditions.

  • Is a private boat ride included in Venice?

    Yes, the tour includes a private boat ride across the canal in Venice.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, optional activities such as a gondola ride in Venice, a cruise to Bellagio on Lake Como, and a seafood meal on the island of Burano are available but not included in the tour package.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

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Save on this tour

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1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Tuesday

Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025
$2403 $2043

Operator discount: -$360

Sunday - Tuesday

Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025
$2351 $1998

Operator discount: -$353

Sunday - Tuesday

Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 09, 2025
$2351 $1998

Operator discount: -$353

Sunday - Tuesday

Dec 14, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025
$2351 $1998

Operator discount: -$353

Sunday - Tuesday

Jan 04, 2026 - Jan 13, 2026
$2460 $1968

Operator discount: -$492

Sunday - Tuesday

Jan 18, 2026 - Jan 27, 2026
$2285 $1828

Operator discount: -$457

Sunday - Tuesday

Feb 08, 2026 - Feb 17, 2026
$2285 $1828

Operator discount: -$457

Sunday - Tuesday

Mar 01, 2026 - Mar 10, 2026
$2285 $1828

Operator discount: -$457

Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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