1. Home
  2. Europe
  3. Italy
  4. Secrets of Italy
Days
10
Price from
4625USD
Map of Secrets of Italy including Italy

Unmatched culture and cuisine at the heart of the Renaissance

In ten days, discover the very best of Italy on an adventure designed to highlight its culinary, cultural and natural treasures. Check out the top-tier sights such as Venice’s Piazza San Marco, Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Rome’s Colosseum on a series of leader-led walking tours, and seek out more tucked-away delights among the rolling Tuscan countryside and cliffs of the Italian Riviera. Castle stays, local wine tastings, multi-course dinners and high-speed train journeys – this adventure will make memorable moments for both the Italian novice and maestro.

Start
Rome, Italy
Finish
Venice, Italy
Destination
Italy
Style
Peregrine
Code
PEIT
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Hike to one charming village after another along the picturesque Cinque Terre or, if you would prefer to sit back and relax, take the train for a more leisurely but no less scenic experience.

  • Nestled in the rolling vineyards of Tuscany's Chianti region, spend a memorable night in a converted castle hotel and dine on a multi-course gourmet meal at the onsite restaurant.

  • Treasure Italy’s love of cuisine and viticulture during a pesto-making class in Levanto and an organic wine-tasting at a family garden vineyard that has been operating for centuries.

  • Take advantage of local knowledge with a small-group leader joining you on orientation walks in some of Italy’s best cities and recommending places to visit and eat.

  • Venice is the ideal place to wander with no set path. Travel its romantic, winding waterways in a traghetto and lose yourself in the town's myriad alleyways, full of artisan shops and eateries.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in this region (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. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

  • The best way to traverse the Cinque Terre is via the cliffside hiking trail. You will walk part of this trail, covering nine kilometres in around 4 hours (route depending). Due to recent landslides in the area, you will need to take the train through some sections. If you do not wish to hike at all, it will be possible to travel by train for the duration.

  • During your trip you will visit numerous religious sites. You will need to bring clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. A light scarf is a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot. Your leader will be able to advise when such clothing is necessary.

Travellers enjoy dinner in San Gimignano
secrets-of-italy.jpg
Basket of bread with wine and cheese
Travellers wander through the vineyards in San Gimignano
Ornate architecture of the Pisa Baptistry
Vineyard at sunset in golden light

Itinerary
Expand All Collapse All

Welcome to Rome! Enjoy a complimentary transfer to your hotel and settle in. The day is at your leisure, so if you arrive with time to spare perhaps wander in search of an espresso. Your Italian adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you will meet your group leader and fellow travellers joining you. Once the formalities are out of the way, experience your first taste of Italy over an included dinner with your group at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Romanico Palace or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please advise your travel agent of your flight details at the time of booking so we can organise the arrival transfer for you. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information 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.

From incredible ancient monuments to glamourous restaurants and boutiques, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today you will be taken on a leader-led orientation walk of the city. You'll see such marvels as the Roman Forum, the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and Venezia, the Spanish Steps and Via Dei Condotti. As you wander the city, you will have time to stop in at a bar for a quick coffee or order a gelato. After this, the rest of the day is free for you to explore this great city as you please. Make sure you take the opportunity to visit the majestic Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica. The view from the dome of St Peter’s is breathtaking. Roman food is world-renowned, and the trattorias that line the streets are the perfect places to sample the local pasta delights. A glass or two of the local wine is also a must.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Romanico Palace or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Rome Orientation Walk
Optional Activities
  • Vatican City - Vatican Museum - EUR16
  • Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb - EUR6
  • Rome - Venezia Palace - EUR5
  • Rome - Galleria Borghese - EUR15
  • Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR8
  • Rome - Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill - EUR16
  • Rome - Pantheon - EUR2
  • Rome - Imperial Fora - EUR9
  • Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR10
  • Rome - Christian Catacombs - EUR8
  • Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR5
  • Urban Adventures - Trastevere: Trends and Tradition - EUR56
  • Urban Adventures - Ancient Rome: Archaeological Discovery Tour - EUR110
  • Urban Adventures - Tasting La Dolce Vita - EUR90
  • Urban Adventures - In Vino Veritas: Rome Wine Tasting Tour - EUR95
  • Urban Adventures - Street Art and Renaissance - EUR47
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
You can pre-book tickets to the Vatican Museum online to avoid the long queues. Visit biglietteriamusei.vatican.va for more information.

Drive with your small group to Siena (approximately 4 hours) and embark on an orientation walk with your leader. At the city’s heart is the Piazza del Campo – home to the biannual Palio horse race, and nearby is the small but no less stunning Siena Cathedral. Continue on for another 30 minutes to Monteriggioni – a Tuscan walled town full of history. Over a dozen towers are spread throughout the town, once used to defend Sienese territory from the Florentines. You will have time to explore this small village before arriving at your Tuscan Feature Stay in a sophisticated converted castle in the heart of the Chianti region (an approximately 1-hour drive). Here, you may like to swim in the onsite pool, stroll through neighbouring vineyards or simply gaze at the rolling countryside from one of the many lounge areas. Tonight, indulge in an included multi-course gourmet dinner at your castle stay with your group – perfectly paired with some of the region’s local wine.
Accommodation
  • Castello di Spaltenna Tuscan Resort (Feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Siena and Monteriggioni Orientation Walk
  • Chianti Region - Castello feature stay gourmet dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning you will make your way towards the dramatic coast of the Cinque Terre. On the way, stop via San Gimignano (approximately 1.5 hours) – the 'Town of Fine Towers'. This medieval walled town is famous for its well-preserved tower houses which are now World Heritage listed. There will be time for you to explore the Old Town centre and its fine Gothic and Romanesque architecture. This region is also renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Your group will have the opportunity to relax in a local family’s garden surrounded by olive trees and vineyards, tasting organic wine varieties produced by this family for centuries. Continue to your accommodation in La Spezia (approximately 3 hours) – the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Firenze e Continentale or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Agriturismo Certaldo Wine Tour and Tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Cinque Terre (translating as 'Five Lands' or 'Five Villages') is a region of Italy famed for its rugged coastline and the colourful villages that cling to it. The footpaths that run between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region. You may choose to walk just one or sections, which will still unveil a great amount of majestic scenery. There is a train that connects the villages as well, so if you prefer to enjoy a more relaxing day, you are welcome to take this option. After working up an appetite, take advantage of the foods of the Liguria region with a cooking demonstration, and the chance for you to create your own pesto, enjoying a glass of wine as you learn. In the evening, return to La Spezia. After a full day of walking and exploring, there's no better way to refuel with a delicious Mediterranean feast. Be sure to try the local focaccia – a regional speciality.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Firenze e Continentale or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cinque Terre - Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass
  • 'Il Laboratorio del Pesto' Making & Demonstration
Optional Activities
  • Cinque Terre - Church of St Andrea in Levante - Free
  • Cinque Terre - Coastal Cruise - EUR30
  • Urban Adventures - Tasting Cinque Terre - EUR89
  • Urban Adventures - Cinque Terre Hike & Bite - EUR139
  • Urban Adventures - Cinque Terre This is Aperitivo - EUR79
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today you will walk 9 kilometres, which should take around 4 hours. Due to recent landslides in the area, it is not possible to walk the Via dell'Amore from Riomaggiore to Manarola and the coastal section between Manarola and Corniglia. The train will be used to travel these sections. Please also note that due to safety reasons some sections of any path can be closed at short notice.

Start the day with a drive to Lucca (approximately 1.5 hours), where you can explore the bustling streets or perhaps take a walk along the famous city walls. Your next stop is Pisa (approximately 30 minutes). Due to the precarious state of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Torre Pendente, it is not always possible to climb it, but you will have the opportunity to photograph it from the ground. Your group leader will then take you to the ticket office to purchase tickets to the Cathedral, Baptistry, Museums and Campo Santo, should you wish to visit them. In the afternoon, continue on your way to Florence (approximately 2 hours).
Accommodation
  • Hotel Palazzo Ricasoli or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pisa - Pisa visit & orientation walk
  • Lucca - Lucca visit & orientation Walk
Optional Activities
  • Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa - EUR18
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

While you are in Florence there will be plenty of time to explore the city and its museums and galleries. Visiting the Uffizi while you are here is highly recommended – it is one of the oldest galleries in the world, and a building of great beauty. Similarly, a visit to Galleria dell'Accademia – the home of Michelangelo's statue of David – is a fantastic option. Sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany, with dishes known for their freshness, simplicity and quality. Olive oil, beans and herbs are a feature here. Two standout dishes of the region are bistecca alla fiorentina – a large steak sliced on the bone and shared between multiple diners, and ribollita – a simple, hearty soup of bread, vegetables and beans. Panforte is the signature sweet treat.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Palazzo Ricasoli or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Museo dell'Opera di S.Maria del Fiore - EUR15
  • Florence - Pitti Palace (Boboli Gardens, Museo Argenti, Costume Gallery, Porcellain Museum) - EUR12
  • Florence - Bargello Museum - EUR12
  • Florence - Palazzo Vecchio - EUR10
  • Florence - Uffizi Gallery - EUR24
  • Florence - Medici Chapels - EUR15
  • Florence - Baptistry - EUR10
  • Duomo & Campanile climb - EUR6
  • Florence - Accademia - EUR16
  • San Lorenzo Central Market Food Tasting - EUR15
  • Florence - Foodies Walk Urban Adventure - EUR67
  • Urban Adventures - Florence Markets & Delis - EUR58
  • Florence - Aperitivo Time! Urban Adventure - EUR77
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
All the Florentine State Museums require tickets and the queues can be long. Booking your tickets online in advance (uffizi.org and accademia.org) is essential. Your leader can be of assistance booking these but be sure to organise it at the beginning of your trip.

The morning is free for you to further explore Florence, 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. Perhaps walk to Piazzale Michelangelo to take in beautiful views of the city. In the afternoon, head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice (approximately 2 hours).
Accommodation
  • Kosher House Giardino Dei Melograni or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Our means of transportation between Florence and Venice is by high-speed train. Italian trains are comfortable and have the bonus of departing and arriving right in the city centre, avoiding heavy road traffic along the way.

Today you will take an orientation walk in the morning. Board a vaporetto (water bus) to the island of San Giorgio, where you will climb the bell tower and witness expansive views of Venice. Enjoy free time in the afternoon. You might like to visit some museums or take a trip to some of the outlying islands. The Grand Canal, the quaint shopfronts that line the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco are all worthy sights to visit. It's equally satisfying to simply meander around the tiny cobbled streets and discover the beautiful markets, cafes, galleries and churches. A Venetian gondola ride down the canals is a must, as is a taste of the region’s dessert speciality, tiramisu. In the evening come together for a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
  • Kosher House Giardino Dei Melograni or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Venice - San Giorgio Bell Tower
  • Venice - Traghetto Boat Ride
Optional Activities
  • Venice - The Sweet Taste of Venice Urban Adventure - EUR94
  • Venice - Museum of St Mark's Basilica - EUR5
  • Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
  • Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR8
  • Venice - Glass Museum Murano - EUR10
  • Venice - Ca' Rezzonico Museum of Eighteenth Century Art - EUR10
  • Venice - Scuola Grande di San Rocco - EUR11
  • Urban Adventures - Canal & Aperitivo Experience - EUR113
  • Venice - Guggenheim Museum - EUR15
  • Venice - Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs - EUR25
  • Venice - Venezia Ca' d'Oro - EUR14
  • Concerto - EUR32
  • Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
  • Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. Those looking to extend their stay can arrange additional nights' accommodation at the time of booking the trip (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

9 breakfasts, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Ferry, Taxi, High speed train

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (8 nights), Feature stay in the Chianti Region (1 night)

Included Activities

  • Rome Orientation Walk
  • Siena and Monteriggioni Orientation Walk
  • Chianti Region - Castello feature stay gourmet dinner
  • Agriturismo Certaldo Wine Tour and Tasting
  • Cinque Terre - Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass
  • 'Il Laboratorio del Pesto' Making & Demonstration
  • Pisa - Pisa visit & orientation walk
  • Lucca - Lucca visit & orientation Walk
  • Venice - San Giorgio Bell Tower
  • Venice - Traghetto Boat Ride

Dates & availability - 2021 season

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Secrets of Italy trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month

Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

Reviews

Check Availability