We've been visiting Italy for decades, but it's fair to say we've never put together an adventure quite like this. From Rome this one glides through Renaissance Florence and the glitzy Riviera, with cooking classes and historical monuments galore along the way. Then onto Naples and Pompeii, for a feast of pizza and Roman history, before hitting up the incomparable Amalfi coast. After cruising around some dazzling isles and visiting some lemon groves, we'll head back to Rome. But we're not done yet - not even close. Sicily beckons, with its valleys of ancient archaeological wonders, volcanoes to explore, coastal towns to fall in love with and all of the heavenly carbs we can fit in. After a full week on this paradise island, we'll be head-over-heels for absolutely everything Italian. It's called Ultimate Italy for a reason.

Countries Visited

Italy

Cities Visited

Amalfi Coast , Bologna , Capri , Catania , Cefalu , Cinque Terre , Como , Florence , Lucca , Milan , Naples , Noto , Palermo , Pisa , Pompeii , Positano , Rome , Siena , Syracuse , Taormina , Venice , Verona

Day 1

Start Rome

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, before taking to the streets for an included Italian feast. After dinner we'll head on an orientation tour of the city ticking off all the sights in Rome.Accommodation: Hotel Archimede (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Day 2

Rome to Florence via Siena

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 with an included feast. Then we'll turn in for the night, dreaming of the Florentine adventures that await us tomorrow.Accommodation: BB Centro (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner
Day 3

Florence

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 Chianti wine from the nearby vineyards. Learn how to make risotto whilst our hosts have cooked up a feast of antipasto and Italian specialties. Save some room for ‘dolce’ i.e a mystery homemade dessert!Accommodation: BB Centro (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4

Florence to Cinque Terre via Lucca and Pisa

Farewell, Florence. We'll never forget you. But we've got more dreamy Italian hot spots to hit up. 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. 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. Welcome to the Italian Riviera! You're going to fall head over heels with this region over the coming days...Accommodation: Hotel Le Grazie (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5

Cinque Terre

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.Accommodation: Hotel Le Grazie (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6

Cinque Terre to Milan via Como

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...Accommodation: BB Sesto San Giovanni (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7

Milan to Venice via Verona

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 away 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.Accommodation: Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8

Venice

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 dinner.Accommodation: Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9

Venice to Rome via Bologna

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. With our eyes wide and camera roll full, we'll have a free night for dinner and a chance to discover the finest food Rome has to offer. Washed down with some fine Italian wine? If you say so.Accommodation: Hotel Archimede (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10

Rome

Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city. This is also the day to do a bit of your own exploring, an included dinner tonight will refuel us after a day of sightseeing. Take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Religious or not, the Vatican's Italian Renaissance church will send shivers down your spine.Accommodation: Hotel Archimede (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner
Day 11

Rome to Naples

Today we're headed to another richly historical and cultural city, known for its naturally beautiful sights and excellent cuisine. Here in the ancient city of Pompeii you will have the option to partake in a guided walking tour of the fascinating Roman town that was destroyed by Vesuvius and then perfectly preserved in volcanic ash. Welcome to Naples, the rough and ready but oh so charming city which encapsulates everything we love about Italy. The home of pizza, a hub of culture, and a bundle of passionate Italian energy. Today we have the option to take a tour, learning about the city, its history and its food culture.Accommodation: Hotel Vergilius Billia (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12

Naples to Amalfi Coast via Capri

We're headed to the coast today to check out some of the most glamorous seascapes in Europe. Next up is Capri, with its gorgeous cragged coastline and opulent cafes. Its easy to see why this is such a playground for the rich and famous. An optional Capri cruise will let us check out plenty of swim stops to beat the heat. We'll settle on the Amalfi Coast after a day of postcard pretty sun bleached buildings and sparkling sea.Accommodation: Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner
Day 13

Amalfi Coast (Including Positano)

We've got a free day on the Amalfi coast! Lucky us. There are plenty of optionals today to keep us entertained, including a visit to a lemon farm, run by a local family whose ancestors introduced the crop and have been care takers of an age old tradition ever since. Here we learn how these huge, sunshine coloured fruits are harvested and turned into limoncello. We'll visit one of Amalfi's spectacular jewels today. Dramatic cliffs and idyllic buildings await us in picturesque Positano. You've got the entire evening for yourself. Roam the streets, taste some wine, live the Italian life we've all dreamed of.Accommodation: Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14

Amalfi Coast to Rome

We're headed back to Rome today. Time for the Colosseum? Back in Rome, we better put on your centurion helmets because we're going on a guided tour around all the Roman ruins, and even the mighty Colosseum. Afterwards, you'll have the chance to head out to a local restaurant and make (and eat) your very own pasta.Accommodation: Hotel Genova (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15

Rome to Catania

Today we're hopping on a speedy flight to the incomparable isle of Sicily. This colourful cacophony of baroque piazzas and ancient ruins is the perfect place to get acquainted with Sicily. We'll have a chance to check out Catania's UNESCO listed historic core before an included dinner in a local restaurant. Can you taste the difference in Sicilian cuisine? It has to be up there...Accommodation: Hotel Villa Del Bosco (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner
Day 16

Catania to Taormina

We've got more spectacular Sicilian towns to explore today, as we head from Catania to Taormina. Uniquely perched on the side of a mountain, this elegant resort town is the perfect place to live the good life in Italy. We'll waste no time admiring the gorgeous panoramas, as we take the cable car that connects the town's historic centre with its awesome beaches. After sunning ourselves for a bit, why not opt for a cooking class with some local masterchefs, learning how to whip up local delicacies like Arancini & Cannoli? It's the perfect way to impress everyone when you get back home.Accommodation: Main Palace Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 17

Taormina

Today we've got an unmissable optional for you. Sicily’s stupendous stratovolcano Mt Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe. And what better way to experience this majestic monster than on an adrenaline filled ride, as you pass vineyards and orchards spread across the fertile slopes? You won’t find views quite like this anywhere in Europe. Whether or not you opt for the tour, you'll have a free afternoon to explore Taormina - lazing on the beach, checking out the Roman theatre or sitting and drinking a spritz as life lazily moves by. It's a hard life.Accommodation: Main Palace Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 18

Taormina to Syracuse via Noto

See ya, Taormina – it's time to visit some historical hotspots. Next stop, Syracuse. We’ll have some free time to check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse. Famed for its rich Roman and Greek history, with ancient amphitheatres and architecture everywhere you look, this place was even mentioned in the Bible (how's that for history creds?). Our next outing is to Noto, home to some of Sicily’s most impressive historic architecture. We’ll check out the Corso Vittoria Emanuele and other legendary landmarks, and then it’s off to an organic farm for a Tastes of Sicily experience – the freshest Sicilian ingredients, brought to us direct from farm to table. Just what the doctor ordered! And after a long day, it’s time to hit the hay. ’Til tomorrow, friends.Accommodation: Hotel Panorama (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 19

Syracuse to Cefalù via Valley of the Temples

Heading from Syracuse we'll arrive in the Valley of the Temples, the perfect base to explore another ancient wonder... We won't be leaving Italy without a tour of the Valley of the Temples. This mystical valley is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological heritage. We'll discover ancient temples, sanctuaries and a necropolis. It’s a spectacular testament to Sicily’s ancient history (and natural beauty). Arriving in Cefalù we'll enjoy another included dinner of Sicilian delicacies. What a day - and we're not done yet.Accommodation: Hotel La Giara (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner
Day 20

Cefalù

Cefalu is a real gem, home to Sicily's best beaches and most impressive Arabic architecture. This truly is the island that keeps on giving. Today's all about coastal vibes, soaking up that sun, sea and sand - with plenty of water sports to get involved with. If you're feeling a little more zen, why not opt for the coastal cruise and soak up some scenery instead? Later on we'll stroll the winding cobbled streets and watch fishermen taking stock of the day's bounties, before exploring the town's foodie and nightlife scene. Ah, Sicily - sigh.Accommodation: Hotel La Giara (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 21

Cefalù to Palermo

It's time to end on a high, as we make our way towards Sicily's sizzling capital. Palermo is vivacious, colourful and boasts a thriving culinary scene, but it’s also been plagued by organised crime for decades. Today on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® experience, you can join a walking tour through the historic centre, learning about the history of the Mafia in Palermo and how the civil antiMafia movement was formed. We'll round things off with a farewell dinner at Al Fresco, AKA the 'bistro of second chances'.Accommodation: Hotel Federico II Central Palace (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 22

End Palermo

Time to head home after one final breakfast together. Hug it out, swap social details - and don't be sad, we'll see each other on the road again soon.
Meals: Breakfast

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Inclusions

Dining Summary

6 Dinner (D)
21 Breakfast (B)

Included Experience

Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!
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.
Amalfi Coast: Definitely one for the bucket list. Your chance to view one of Europe’s active volcanoes from a distance.
Capri: Chill on the beaches of this Mediterranean jewel. Explore the famous boutiques then stop off for a Spritz in the sun.
Amalfi Coast: Live your best life like a local (on a ferry!) as you glide through azure seas, past cliffs filled with rainbow-coloured buildings.
Positano: Ramble through the wisteria-lined streets and past sun-bleached houses as you live La Dolce Vita. Don’t forget an iconic selfie with the village backdrop.
Catania: Stroll around the ancient Sicilian port at the foot of Mount Etna. See the Piazza Stesicoro and the Baroque and Renaissance buildings of Via dei Crociferi.
Catania: Time to take to the sky. Catania, here we come!
Taormina: Greek and Roman ruins. Sun-drenched beaches. Epic Italian food. There’s so much to do in this seaside town, you’ll never want to leave.
Noto: Float around this opulent Sicilian city, taking in the Baroque architecture and panoramic views as you go.
Agrigento: Explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO-listed site featuring some of the world's most treasured Greek art and architecture.

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Questions & Answers

Question: What are the optional tours available on this trip? Also, is it possible to spend an extra day or two in one ore more of the cities visited?

Contiki tours provide a lot of free time for optional excursions. They are offered at an extra cost and some of the choices include a pesto making cooking course, gondola ride or pizza tour. You can spend more time in the starting or ending cities but not at the cities in between.

Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?

Each person is allowed one "check-in," and one "carry-on." Remember to take all valuables with you as "carry-on", because electronic equipment, cameras, laptops, jewelry, business documents and money are not covered by the airlines' liability, so always carry them aboard with you.

Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?

Airfare from your point of origin to and from the trip is not included in the land price.

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Contiki Tours Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

3.9

Accommodations

3.8

Itinerary

Professional Staff

4.2

Repeat with Operator

3.9

Value for Money

3.8

Ratings based off 66 reviews about Contiki Tours - currently showing 4 reviews with comments only

BP Bill on Jan 18, 2019

Prepare to spend more than usual on a Contiki tour.

EM Elizabeth on Apr 09, 2017

We were lucky that the group of people with were good, but it was a large group tour and did have some of the downfalls of a trip of that nature, like frequent breaks for the bathroom, difficulty when eating out together, and getting things on and off the coach. The trip was still great and a good value for the money.

OM Omar on Jun 10, 2016

It was a good value and the experiences included were worth it. The only part that wasn't the best were the accommodations as it was hit and miss. Half of the hotels on the trip were okay, and the other half were really nice.

MZ Maria on Oct 21, 2015

I had an amazing trip!

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Ultimate Italy | 2025

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Question: What are the optional tours available on this trip? Also, is it possible to spend an extra day or two in one ore more of the cities visited?

Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?

Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?

Contiki Tours Customer Reviews

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