1. Home
  2. Europe
  3. Italy
  4. Secrets of Italy
Days
10
Price from
4740USD
Map of Secrets of Italy including Italy

Uncover the secrets of Italy in alleyways and trattorias

From the historic streets of Rome to the canals of Venice, Italy feels familiar yet endlessly surprising. Catch the top-tier sights – Venice’s bridges, Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Rome’s Colosseum – and combine them with the humble delights of the fine food of Tuscany, natural vistas and unearthed cultural treasures. This journey will have you living la dolce vita in no time.

Start
Rome, Italy
Finish
Venice, Italy
Destination
Italy
Style
Peregrine
Code
PEIT
Physical rating
Trip rating
15 reviews
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 take the train for a more leisurely experience without missing the stunning scenery.

  • Travel the romantic, winding waterways of Venice in a traghetto and lose yourself in the town's myriad alleyways – best done with a lot of time and no map.

  • Nestled in the postcard-perfect vineyards of Tuscany's Chianti region, your feature-stay on this trip is a hotel housed in a former castle.

  • Join a local shopkeeper for a Pesto making class in Levanto. Make your own pesto and enjoy it with a glass of wine afterwards.

  • Relax in a local family’s garden surrounded by olive trees and vineyards and enjoy the local organic wine varieties produced by this family for centuries.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in many parts of Italy (over 40°C). It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

  • As accommodation on this trip is twin share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. If you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge.

  • The best way to traverse the Cinque Terre is via the cliffside hiking trail. You will walk part of this trail on day 5, 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.

  • Part of travelling with Peregrine means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. When visiting churches, monasteries or other religious sites in Italy modest dress is required. Both men and women should have knees and shoulders covered when entering these sites.

secrets-of-italy.jpg
gelato.jpg
Venice.jpg

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 tour begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Once the formalities are out of the way, get your first taste of Italy over 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 walking tour 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 indulge in some gelato. 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 place to sample the local pasta delights. A taste or two of the (very well priced) local wine is also a must.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Romanico Palace or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Rome Orientation Walk
Optional Activities
  • Vatican Museum - EUR16
  • St Peter's Dome climb - EUR6
  • Venezia Palace - EUR5
  • Galleria Borghese - EUR15
  • St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR8
  • Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill - EUR16
  • Pantheon - EUR2
  • Imperial Fora - EUR9
  • Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR10
  • Christian Catacombs - EUR8
  • 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.

Begin the day with a drive to the medieval city of Siena (approximately 4 hours). It is best known for the Piazza del Campo, the site of the twice-annual Palio (a horse race that goes around the edge of the oval square). Be sure to visit the small but stunning Siena Cathedral, and see the statue of the capitoline wolf, which was brought here by the sons of Remus, the founder of Rome. It has been the city's symbol ever since. Continue to Monteriggioni (approximately 30 minutes), another Tuscan hill town that was built by the Sienese to defend their territory against the Florentines in the 13th century. Learn a little more about the circular walls and 14 towers which played a significant role in the attacks staged by the Bishop of Volterra. In the afternoon arrive at your hotel in the Chianti Region right in the heart of Tuscany (approximately 1 hour). The hotel is the feature stay of this trip, situated in a converted castle. Relax by the pool or perhaps take a stroll through the vineyards that are part of the property. Later on, rejoin the group for dinner.
Accommodation
  • Castello di Spaltenna Tuscan Resort (Feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning you will make your way towards the dramatic coast of the Cinque Terre. On the way, you will visit 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 on the UNESCO World Heritage list. There will be time for you to explore the Old Town centre and its fine Gothic and Romanesque architecture. This region is renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Relax in a local family’s garden surrounded by olive trees and vineyards and enjoy the local 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 can choose to walk just a few 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 pesto making demonstration, and the chance for you to create your own pesto. Enjoy a glass of wine with your culinary creation. In the evening return to La Spezia. There's no better way to refuel after the taxing walks than indulging in a delicious Mediterranean feast. Be sure to try the local focaccia, a specialty of the area.
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
  • Church of St Andrea in Levante - Free
  • Cinque Terre 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 trip leader will 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 make your way to Florence (approximately 2 hours).
Accommodation
  • Hotel Palazzo Ricasoli or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • 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, where you can see Michelangelo's famous statue of David, is a must. Sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany. Regional dishes are renowned for their simplicity and ingredient-driven quality. Olive oil, beans and fresh herbs are a feature here. Two standout dishes of the region are bistecca alla fiorentina (essentially a big T-bone steak that is 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
  • Pitti Palace (Boboli Gardens, Museo Argenti, Costume Gallery, Porcellain Museum) - EUR12
  • Bargello Museum - EUR12
  • Palazzo Vecchio - EUR10
  • Uffizi Gallery - EUR24
  • Medici Chapels - EUR15
  • Baptistry - EUR10
  • Duomo & Campanile climb - EUR6
  • Accademia - EUR16
  • San Lorenzo Central Market Food Tasting - EUR15
  • Urban Adventures - Florence Foodies Walk - EUR67
  • Urban Adventures - Florence Markets & Delis - EUR58
  • Urban Adventures - Aperitivo Time! Florence Wine Tour - 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 speciality dessert, 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
  • Urban Adventures - Sweet Taste of Venice - EUR52
  • Museum of St Mark's Basilica - EUR5
  • Gondola Ride - EUR80
  • St Mark's Campanile - EUR8
  • Glass Museum Murano - EUR10
  • Ca' Rezzonico Museum of Eighteenth Century Art - EUR10
  • Scuola Grande di San Rocco - EUR11
  • Urban Adventures - Canal & Aperitivo Experience - EUR113
  • Guggenheim Museum - EUR15
  • Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs - EUR20
  • Venezia Ca' d'Oro - EUR14
  • Concerto - EUR32
  • St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
  • Accademia Gallery - EUR15
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast on Day 10. Those looking to extend their stay can arrange additional nights' accommodation at the time of booking the trip (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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
  • Agriturismo Certaldo Wine Tour and Tasting
  • Cinque Terre Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass
  • 'Il Laboratorio del Pesto' Making & Demonstration
  • Venice San Giorgio Bell Tower
  • Venice Traghetto Boat Ride

Dates & availability

Trip search is 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 change, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month

Important notes

ARRIVAL TRANSFER
An arrival transfer from both Rome Airports (Fiumicino and Ciampino) to the start point hotel is included in the price of the trip. Please advise your travel agent of your flight times at the time of booking.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Please 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.

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