Original
Explorer
Rail
Best of Italy
4.7
Excellent
circle179 reviews
location_on 14 days
location_on
Start
Rome, Italy
location_on
Finish
Venice, Italy
tour
Trip Code
ZMSV
how_to_reg
Min Age
15
diversity_3
Trip Size
1 - 12
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Physical Rating
restaurant_menu
Meals
9 breakfasts
airport_shuttle
Transport
Train, Private vehicle, Bicycle, Boat, Public bus, Metro
bed
Accommodation
Hotel (13 nights)
From £3,575(14 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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Take to the Tuscan countryside and cycle along the Serchio River in Lucca, working up an appetite for the region’s delicious local food and renowned wines.
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Spend a free day exploring the beautiful villages, estates and gardens dotted around Lake Como, crisscrossing the lake by ferry. Then, consider exploring the grounds of Bellagio's grand Villa Melzi.
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Head out with your local leader to a rural village in the heart of Piedmonte to sample world-class local wines from unique grapes grown only in this region – salute!
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Test yourself on the hilly trails of the Cinque Terre, stopping by the pastel coloured villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola and Vernazza. If you get tired, just jump on the train for the rest of your day!
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Explore Italy’s iconic Rome, Florence and Venice – all havens of renaissance architecture and historic sights. With plenty of time to discover at your own pace, you have the power to decide what you’d like to see.
Is this trip right for you?
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The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. Trains are comfortable, and all have toilets. However, they can often be quite busy.
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Please note that we will store our bags at the railway station in Milan while exploring the town. There is a limit of one bag per person for the lockers, so please pack accordingly. Please also note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the trains and up and down stairs at train stations and at hotels, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'What to Take' section of the Essential Trip Information. You may want to consider taking a backpack rather than a wheelie bag. However, this depends on your preference and what you feel more comfortable with.
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Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be extreme in many regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Many hotel rooms in Europe are not equipped with air conditioning. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability for that season.
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Hotel rooms in Europe can seem rather small by American or Australian standards. They often don't have double beds but two single beds that can be pushed together. Please also note that hotels often offer shared bathrooms rather than ensuite facilities.
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On this trip, you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag, and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15 kg (33 lb). Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient, although we recommend that your bag has to carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs, and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag.
verified
The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. Trains are comfortable, and all have toilets. However, they can often be quite busy.
verified
Please note that we will store our bags at the railway station in Milan while exploring the town. There is a limit of one bag per person for the lockers, so please pack accordingly. Please also note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the trains and up and down stairs at train stations and at hotels, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'What to Take' section of the Essential Trip Information. You may want to consider taking a backpack rather than a wheelie bag. However, this depends on your preference and what you feel more comfortable with.
verified
Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be extreme in many regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Many hotel rooms in Europe are not equipped with air conditioning. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability for that season.
verified
Hotel rooms in Europe can seem rather small by American or Australian standards. They often don't have double beds but two single beds that can be pushed together. Please also note that hotels often offer shared bathrooms rather than ensuite facilities.
verified
On this trip, you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag, and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15 kg (33 lb). Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient, although we recommend that your bag has to carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs, and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag.
Itinerary
Renaissance, romance and ravioli from Rome to Venice
The enduring phrase ‘la dolce vita’ (the good life) truly captures the essence of Italy. On this trip, you’ll send 14 days discovering the heart of all things Italian on a culturally rich adventure from the piazzas of Rome to the canals of Venice. Tour the Tuscan countryside on a leisurely cycle along Lucca’s Serchio River, peer into Pisa, take to the trails of the Cinque Terre for some stunning coastal views and walk the Portofino Peninsula with its glamourous residents. With time spent wine tasting in rural villages, ferry catching along Lake Como and relaxing in centres of Milan and Venice, you’ll soon understand why Italy remains in the hearts of all who visit.
- DAY 1Day 1 • Rome
- DAY 2Day 2 • Rome / Florence
- DAY 3Day 3 • Florence
- DAY 4Day 4 • Florence / Lucca
- DAY 5Day 5 • Pisa / Lucca
- DAY 6Day 6 • La Spezia
- DAY 7Day 7 • Cinque Terre / La Spezia
- DAY 8Day 8 • Portofino Peninsula / Asti
- DAY 9Day 9 • Asti
- DAY 10Day 10 • Milan / Lake Como
- DAY 11Day 11 • Lake Como
- DAY 12Day 12 • Venice
- DAY 13Day 13 • Venice
- DAY 14Day 14 • Venice
Inclusions
restaurant_menu Meals
9 breakfasts
airport_shuttle Transport
Train, Private vehicle, Bicycle, Boat, Public bus, Metro
bed Accommodation
Hotel (13 nights)
festival Included activities
circleLucca - Bicycle Tour
circlePisa - Half Day Trip to Pisa
circleCinque Terre - Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass
circlePortofino Peninsula - Walk and Boat Ride
circleAsti - Village Winery Visit & Wine Tasting
circleMilan - Duomo Rooftop Visit
circleMilan - Half Day Trip
circleLake Como - Ferry Pass
circleVenice - Traghetto Ride
circleVenice - Leader led orientation walk
circleVenice - Ciccheti Stop
museum Optional activities
circleRome - Christian Catacombs - EUR10
circleRome - Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR19
circleRome - Galleria Borghese - EUR17
circleRome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR6
circleVatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR10
circleVatican City - Vatican Museum - EUR25
circleRome - Pantheon - EUR5
circleFlorence - Foodies Walk Urban Adventure - EUR79
circleFlorence - Brunelleschi 3 Days pass - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome - EUR30
circleFlorence - Accademia - EUR20
circleFlorence - Uffizi Gallery - EUR29
circleFlorence - Bargello Museum - EUR16
circleFlorence: Hidden Gems and Aperitivo - EUR77
circlePisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa - EUR27
circlePisa - 5 Monuments Combo Ticket - EUR11
circleLucca - Cathedral of San Martino & Ilaria del Carretto Tomb - EUR3
circleLucca - Guinigi Tower Climb - EUR8
circleLucca - National Gallery Villa Guinigi - EUR5
circleLucca - Day Trip to Barga (by public bus) - EUR9
circleLucca - Palazzo Pfanner House & Gardens - EUR7
circleLucca - Cathedral Museum - EUR4
circleLucca - Puccini concert - EUR20
circlePisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa - EUR20
circleLa Spezia - Mountain E-bike hire - EUR75
circleCinque Terre - Via dell’Amore trail - EUR10
circleAsti - Bike Hire - EUR3
circleAsti - Archaeological Museum - EUR10
circleMilan - Castello Sforzesco - Free
circleMilan - La Scala Museum - EUR13
circleMilan - Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' - from - EUR29
circleLake Como - Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo - EUR12
circleLake Como - Villa Melzi Gardens in Bellagio - EUR10
circleLake Como - Vezio Castle in Varenna - EUR6
circleVilla del Balbianello - EUR13
circleVenice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
circleCa’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti - EUR15
circleVenice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
circlePeggy Guggenheim Collection - EUR17
circleVenice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
circleVenice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
circleVenice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
circleVenice - Chicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice Urban Adventure - EUR112
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
Saturday Aug 30, 2025
Friday Sep 12, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Monday Sep 01, 2025
Sunday Sep 14, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Saturday Sep 06, 2025
Friday Sep 19, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 2 spaces left
£4,417
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Monday Sep 08, 2025
Sunday Sep 21, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 7 spaces left
£4,065
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Thursday Sep 11, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 2 spaces left
£4,340
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Saturday Sep 13, 2025
Friday Sep 26, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 3 spaces left
£3,658
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Monday Sep 15, 2025
Sunday Sep 28, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 5 spaces left
£3,993
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Thursday Sep 18, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 1 space left
£4,538
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Saturday Sep 20, 2025
Friday Oct 03, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 8 spaces left
£3,658
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Monday Sep 22, 2025
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 4 spaces left
£4,175
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Thursday Sep 25, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 8 spaces left
£3,658
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Saturday Sep 27, 2025
Friday Oct 10, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 4 spaces left
£3,982
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Monday Sep 29, 2025
Sunday Oct 12, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£3,911
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Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 6 spaces left
£3,773
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Important notes
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1. A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding Days 4, 5, 6&7, and is a subject to availability at the time of booking. Please also note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability, please speak to your booking agent.
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2. If you have prebooked departure transfer with us, please read Finishing Point Instructions in Essential Trip Information document for exact details. Your transfer may include a water taxi, or a car taxi, and you may be required to walk for a short distance from your hotel to the starting point of the transfer route.
Reviews (177)
5 stars
151
4 stars
14
3 stars
5
2 stars
5
1 star
2
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linda
Aug 14, 2025
This was our second trip to Italy, and this tour far exceeded our first one mainly because of the very nice accommodations and our tour guide Lisa. She kept us together for a lot of the meals and it felt like being part of a family. We got along really well together and because of her welcoming personality joyfulness we made some awesome friendships.
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Faith
Aug 14, 2025
Overall such a great trip and lots of great memories. I will miss Lisa she’s amazing!
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Helen
Aug 10, 2025
I had an amazing holiday in Italy, Interpid and our tour guide took care of all my needs and made my holiday memorable.
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James
Aug 10, 2025
Travelling with Intrepid allowed me to truly enjoy the country I was in, without the stress of getting from point A to B. The knowledge our guide had truly amplified the enjoyment of the trip.
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Ebony
Jul 28, 2025
I would highly recommend this trip. As a female solo traveller, and my first time in Europe I felt safe and comfortable and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. My tour leader was great, and I loved the 2 night per location style because it gave you enough time to explore each location without feeling too rushed. The travel time to each location didn't feel long, and the hotels were clean and comfortable. I had a blast and will be using intrepid to travel again in the future.
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Maya
Jul 12, 2025
Our tour guide, Martina was wonderful. My disabled mother was very well accomadated. Would definitely book with intrepid again.
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Olivia
Jul 06, 2025
Great tour to visit all the essential places of Italy and give you an idea of what else you need to see in the future. Enjoyable 2 weeks and Riccardo was a great tour leader. Loved every minute of the tour.
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Trish and John
Jul 03, 2025
We enjoyed our Best of Italy tour and guide Dario was most helpful.
Although did struggle with the heat wave of 30 C plus humidity.
Rome and Venice tourist
activities were very crowded.
Loved Florence ,Lucca, La Spieza-Cinque Terre, Asti wine tour, Bellagio at Lake Como.
Great food and wine provided by local restaurants.
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Serene
Jun 15, 2025
I always highly recommend intrepid but this tour was an amazing experience for me. We had a small group which made everything a more personable experience. The itinerary was perfect for the number of days and I wish it was actually a little longer. The highlight of the trip was our incredible tour leader Dario. He was always enthusiastic, friendly and warm, knowledgeable and so easy to get along with. He helped many of the group when they needed assistance and has become a good friend to us all. I couldn't recommend this tour any higher!
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Harry
Jun 06, 2025
A truly enjoyable and insightful trip that has opened my mind to solo travelling again. An amazing tour guide, and great group of people - I didn't want it to end!