Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in the collossal city of Rome – a capital where modern restaurants and cafes live among ancient ruins and religious monuments. You’ll have a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, and it’s recommended that you do, maybe take a tour of the Colosseum – one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World – grab dinner in trendy Trastevere and throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, making a wish to return to the 'Eternal City'. After tonight's meeting, why not head out for dinner with your group and indulge in some classic Italian cuisine (maybe with a glass of the local vino). It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you are interested in visiting the Colosseum, we strongly suggest planning your visit for today before welcome meeting or Day 2 afternoon and pre-booking your tickets at If you are interested in visiting the Vatican Museums, we strongly suggest planning your visit for today before welcome meeting or Day 2 afternoon and pre-booking your tickets at

When in Rome! Join your leader on an orientation walk around the city and spot the iconic sites like the Colosseum and Arch of Constantine, the Forum (centre of ancient Rome), the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, via Condotti and the Spanish Steps. Your afternoon is then free to explore at your own pace. Maybe recharge with a slice of pizza and a strong espresso at the Piazza Navona or head into Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica. Entry to the Basilica is free and there's a small charge to climb the dome for a panorama over the city. History buffs may also want to walk through the ancient halls of the Pantheon. The Vatican Museum is closed on some days, including most Sundays. On the last Sunday of the month, it's open and free (but expect large crowds). We recommend that you visit the Vatican Museum before the group meeting on Day 1. Check the Vatican website (tickets.museivaticani.va/home) for updated information on when you can visit. To allow enough time in the museum and to avoid the crowds it is recommended to start the museum visit as doors open. Please note that pre-booked tickets are not required if you just want to visit St Peter's Basilica and its dome. Tickets for Galleria Borghese can also be booked online at galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it/en/

This morning, depart the Eternal City and catch a train to Florence. When you arrive, check into the hotel and go for a brief walk around the area to get your bearings. 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. Food is a major part of the city's identity, so you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to lunch and dinner. Meat lovers should try the bistecca alla fiorentina (a huge T-bone steak that's usually shared between two people) or ribollita (a thick vegetable soup with bread, beans and greens). Panforte is the signature sweet treat, so maybe grab some in the afternoon or after dinner. The individual Florentine State Museums have slightly different opening times and closing days, but the website has everything you need to know about all of them, including the option to purchase tickets. We suggest you pre-book your visit to the Uffizi, as this museum experiences enormous queues (up to 5 hours) all year round.  If you are interested in visiting the Galleria Uffizi and Galleria dell'Accademia, we strongly suggest planning your visit in the afternoon (after 15:00) or Day 4 (late afternoon) and pre-booking your tickets at

Set out to the nearby city of Pisa. When you arrive, head out on a short orientation walk then visit the world-famous Leaning Tower. Grab your classic pinching-the-tower photo, then visit the Duomo (Piazza dei Miracoli, once the largest in Europe) and Pisa Baptistry (it's not always possible to climb the tower). The tower was built in the 12th century, but its foundation was on shifting sand and clay, meaning that it now leans at an angle of 4 degrees (after restoration and stabilising work). Wander the narrow streets, which feature everything from high-end boutiques to specialty book and antique stores, and maybe end the afternoon with an aperitif. Head back to Florence and make the most of your free afternoon to soak up the culturally rich atmosphere. Maybe walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo, set on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, to take in the views of the city. Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

This morning, jump on a train to Bologna. Often neglected by travellers, Bologna is a charming city filled with medieval and Renaissance buildings and art. Get acquainted with this orange-hued hub during an orientation walk, then learn the fine art of Italian cooking with an evening cooking class. Here, you’ll be crafting the king of comfort food – pasta, of course! After learning the tricks of the trade, tuck into your creations for dinner. There is no gluten free option for tonight's pasta making class. Please speak to your leader at the start of the trip should you wish to opt out of this activity.

Early this morning, get the train to the postcard-perfect city of Venice. Full of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas that remain practically unchanged since the 15th century, Venice is just as beautiful as you've always imagined. An orientation walk will help you to get the hang of the maze of the complex canal system, then you can set out on your own. Meet back up with your group in the late afternoon for a cicchetti walking tour (small snacks served in most bars and cafes) Snack and sip your way through the bars and taverns, soaking up the local culture in the best way.

Today is for exploring Venice and there are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. This morning, you’ll get a taste of both. Take the Vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for the best view of the city and the canals. Then, the rest of the day is free to walk at your own pace. Perhaps grab an espresso and people watch in San Marco Square or discover the incredible artwork at the Palazzo Ducale or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. In the evening, maybe join your fellow travellers for a group dinner at a local restaurant. Venice is famous for its specialities of fresh lobster and squid ink spaghetti dishes – just ask your leader for the best spots! If you are interested in visiting the Doge Palace, we strongly suggest planning your visit for anytime today and pre-booking your tickets at

With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end this morning. You're free to depart the accommodation at any time before check-out. As there is so much to see in Venice, it’s recommended that you stay a few extra days. If you need help with booking additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent at the time of booking. If you have some more time in Venice, why not check out the daytrips offered by Urban Adventures. Check out urbanadventures.com for more information.