| Countries Visited:
Italy |
Tour Type: Time Out In-Depth (18-35 years)
Tour Duration: 8 Days (7 Nights)
From: Rome to Rome
Tour Code: WWHI
Operator: Contiki |
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 Click Map To Enlarge
Tour Description
Like a well-made espresso, this tour is a short, strong hit of all things Italian! Walk in the footsteps of the Roman Emperors & throw your 3 coins in the Trevi fountain. Enjoy traditional Tuscan hospitality, art & architecture in Renaissance Florence. Then finish up by wandering tiny streets in the floating city of Venice. This version of the tour is available for departures from Oct - Mar. For departures Apr - Sept, please see the Italian Espresso tour page. What's Included
- 7 nights twin or triple share hotel accommodation
- 7 continental breakfasts (B) & 3 three-course dinners (D) as per itinerary
- Hotel tips, local taxes & service charges
- Experienced, professional Tour Manager & Driver
- Modern, air-conditioned coach
- Sightseeing tours of all major cities
- Free Contiki Travellers Guide
- Free Contiki document wallet
Highlights
Rome
- See the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona
Vatican City
- See St. Peter's Basilica
- Only Contiki: Locally guided tours of the Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica & art of the Vatican
Florence
- Only Contiki: Discover The Statue of David, the Ponte Vecchio, Medici Palace & much more on our locally guided walking tour
- See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry & Piazza della Signoria
- Learn about Florence's leather craft with a demonstration
- Only Contiki: Tuscan wine tasting & antipasti
- Information about visiting the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Museum on our own time
Venice
- See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doges' Palace & St. Mark's Square
- Murano glass-blowing demonstration
- Only Contiki: Private boat through the canals & islands of Venice
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Day
1 |
Arrive Rome
Check-in to your hotel, drop off your stuff, meet your Tour Manager and travel buddies at 4pm and head out into the streets of Italy to get a sneak peek at vibrant Rome. Stylish Rome oozes energy and overflows with relics from another age. Get into the thriving atmosphere of this living timeline as your Tour Manager shows you the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Piazza Venezia and Piazza Navona. Honour tradition at the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin in the fountain's waters (it's meant to improve your chances of returning to Rome!). Maybe hang out with your new friends at the Spanish Steps, sit back and people-watch. Accommodation: Hotel
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Day
2 |
Rome
This morning, make the most of our Local Guide's inside knowledge and uncover the remains of an ancient empire with a fantastic optional tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Then check-out the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope, the Vatican City. There's included entry and our Local Guide to show you St Peter's Basilica and Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Take off into the city and absorb the atmosphere, as vespas flash past timeworn monuments that are surrounded by fountains, pizzerias, cafes and bars. In your free time, live the local lifestyle by indulging in a long lunch on a paved piazza or knock back a shot of espresso at the bar, like the Romans do. Before you hit the shops, let your Tour Manager point you in the right direction with some tips on the best buys. Hook up with your new friends and make your last night in Rome one to remember with an optional dinner. At a popular pizzeria, you'll enjoy pizza as it was meant to be (with a thin crispy crust, fresh tomato and loaded with delicious mozzarella). Learn a thing or two about making them as you watch a professional piazzolo demonstrate how it's done. But don't stop there - afterwards dive into Rome's night action with your buddies and start your travels off with a night to remember. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1), Dinner (1)
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Day
3 |
Rome To Florence
Cruise through rural Umbria and terraced vineyards to breathtaking Renaissance Florence. Jump start your time here uncovering this open-air museum. Our local guide gives you the inside track as the group learns about Florence's cultural beginnings and explores streets crammed with artworks from masters like Michelangelo. Tonight, we eat in a humming local restaurant, right in the heart of Florence. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1), Dinner (1)
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Day
4 |
Florence
The scene-stealing Duomo cathedral rises above the city centre, which serves up frescoes, markets and priceless art. With a free day, you've got plenty of time to get a feel for Florence. Take a look into a skillful demonstration of Florentine leather making with the group and understand this region's traditional art. Then there's free time to head off into the city. Get inspired at the famous Uffizi Gallery and see paintings from the masters like Da Vinci and Raphael. Wander along the pretty Ponte Vecchio for some boutique shopping or rummage through the city's local markets. With bargains and bustle, they are a great place to hang out, so grab a gelato and enjoy this gorgeous city. Tonight, there's a optional group dinner - an authentic Tuscan feast. Try regional dishes in the pretty Tuscan country setting and kick back Tuscan style with a glass of Chianti wine. Then with a night out and get your groove on at Florence's biggest club. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1)
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Day
5 |
Florence
Today, we get out into the fantastic Tuscan countryside, known for its iconic cypress trees and delicious olive oil. Spend the morning in San Gimignano, the stunning hill-top town that is often dubbed "medieval manhattan". Dotted with ancient towers, San Gimignano serves up sweeping views over the region's rolling hills. Explore the village and pick up some local specialties like wild-boar salami or percorino cheese. Then, we stop off for our included wine tasting. In an historic villa, the group will see a working winery, complete with its old cellar and vats. Here you can learn more about the region's wines as you taste a glass or two of the local wine. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1)
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Day
6 |
Florence To Venice
There's time on the coach to chill out, listen to music and chat to your friends as we wind through Italy's rustic countryside to Pisa, where we stop off to see the Leaning Tower. Then it's on through the Apennine Mountains to Venice. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1), Dinner (1)
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Day
7 |
Venice
Known as the "floating city" Venice is packed with character, crammed with hidden lanes and linked by a network of canals. The group travels on our private boat through the waters of the lagoon to visit the city's historical heart. The limestone Bridge of Sighs, the gothic arches of Doges' Palace and the expanse of St Mark's Square (pigeons and all!) show off Venice's unique beauty and way of life. Learn about local artistry with a traditional glass blowing demonstration - a craft the city has been famous for since the 13th century. Take some time to explore the floating city and lose yourself in the backstreets. There's an optional walking tour where you can discover the labyrinth of interweaving lanes, waterways, palaces, piazzi and markets with our Local Guide. You'll see historic monuments, hidden treasures and the Rialto market - a local favourite for food shopping. Maybe grab a table on St Mark's Square and eat some delicious Italian food al fresco. Cap off the day with an optional gondola ride with your friends. Take a bottle of prosecco (Italian champagne) and toast this unforgettable experience as you are punted through the waterways. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1)
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Day
8 |
Depart Venice / Rome
The tour ends after breakfast in Venice and it's time to say "arrivederci" to your new friends. Or if you prefer, catch a free transfer back to Rome where your tour ends when you arrive. Meals: Breakfast (1)
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Itinerary is based on 2012 departures. Click on the icon to the left if you would like to view the 2012 brochure online. |
Tour Prices
Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability. |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Contiki Sale! Save up to $0 per person. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify!
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
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END DATE |
BROCHURE
(Twin Share) |
BROCHURE
(Single) |
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AU $0 | AU $0 |
Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
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Tour Discounts & Options:
Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts! |
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Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.
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General Information
The information below relates to this itinerary only. |
Tour Operator: Contiki
Contiki create hassle-free vacations with an unbeatable mix of sightseeing, culture, people your own age & free time. Contiki are the worldwide leader in tours for 18-35's, operating in over 40 countries around the world. Travel with Contiki & you'll make friends from all over the world & share some incredible times together.
Tour Type: Time Out In-Depth
Contiki In-Depth Regional tours are about really going local & getting to the heart of the places you visit, but with the same great standard of accommodation as Contiki Multi-Country Time Out tours. With loads of 2 & 3 night stops, you can explore destinations in-depth, find out what really makes these regions tick & meet more locals along the way. Contiki also include some extra special local meals too, so you can experience authentic cuisine at some of our favourite local restaurants – like tapas in Barcelona, French cuisine in Nice & a traditional Greek dinner in Athens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yeah they do, and they have an amazing time! About 50% of Contiki travellers are on their own, but not for long! The experience of travel builds lasting relationships which you'll cherish for your lifetime. If you're concerned about travelling alone, don't be, you're making one of the best decisions of your life.
Contiki are the original travel company for 18–35s. For Contiki, travelling is all about discovering amazing places with a bunch of like-minded people and having a great time doing it. To cater to this market and provide a product which not only meets, but exceeds your expectations, Contiki tours are only available to those between 18 and 35. In some circumstances, a passenger aged 17 will be accepted onto Contiki tours under the supervision of another passenger over 18 and with the consent of their parent or guardian.
On Europe Concept and Time Out tours luggage is restricted to one reasonable sized, non–expanding suitcase size up to 29" x 20" x 10" (73cm x 50cm x 25cm) and a maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs), plus one small hand/day bag that can go on the coach with you. No metal frame backpacks please, their bulky shape makes coach packing difficult and they are likely to damage other luggage. On Camping tours, the maximum dimensions are 28" x 18" x 9" (70cm x 45cm x 23cm) with a maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs). On European ski packages, you may bring one pair of skis & ski boots. Note: Baggage is carried at the owner's own risk and insurance is strongly recommended. Contiki reserves the right to refuse to accept larger suitcases on tour.
Like spending money, everyone's bound to be different depending on how many unique outfits you want to wear, what the weather is going to be like, how often you're willing to do washing - (most of the places Contiki stay at have the facility to do washing). A great tip is to pack a range of things that can mix, match and layer!
We're all different; some of us want souvenirs, some of us want to indulge in nights out and some want to shop til they drop and some just want to experience it all! Travellers cheques in small denominations (in a main currency) are the safest way to carry your personal spending money. For example in Europe, carry travellers cheques in US$, GBP$, or Euros. In America, carry US$ travellers cheques. You can also get cash at local ATMs along the way if needed. Remember that you'll need to allow enough to cover lunches, some dinners, shopping, entrance fees to some attractions, optional activities and activities, souvenirs, drinks and evening entertainment/nightclubs. A full list of optional activities and approximate costs will be sent to you with your travel documents.
If departure dates are not showing up in the month you wish to travel, it's because the tour does not depart during that time due to operational or seasonal reasons.
The majority of Contiki tours start at the Contiki Hotel where you will spend your first night on tour. This information will be on your Contiki tour documents which will be issued to you 21 days prior to departure.
Global Journeys will send your documents 21 days prior to your departure from Australia. Bookings made less than 21 days prior will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
All Optional Activities are booked and paid for on tour with your Tour Manager. Usually on the first day you'll have a chance to discuss what's available and then, when it comes time to book, your Tour Manager will collect a cash payment for the activities.
Contiki schedules plenty of free time during your trip so that you can also explore on your own. If you're concerned about having too much free time, Contiki offers fabulous optional activities. Also if at any time you feel like even more 'you' time, just have a chat with your tour manager about meeting up with everyone later. You can tailor your trip how you like; it's YOUR holiday!
You will need a valid passport. Obtaining correct visas is your own responsibility. Not having correct visas could mean you missing out on part or all of your trip. Please refer to the Visa section on our website - which should be used as a guide only. Then, double check with the individual Embassies before you depart, remembering that visa requirements can change at short notice. For most of the countries where visas are required, it is NOT possible to obtain the visa whilst on the trip and some visas take 3-4 weeks to obtain.
Contiki Holidays are inclusive of all transport once the tour begins. On tour, all coaches, trains, ferries, tuk tuks, bicycles, internal flights, whatever, are included in the cost of your tour. Everything you need to get around from the first to last day of tour. However, flights to and from your home city are NOT included. Global Journeys can also organise your flights if you wish, & we also recommend booking with your favourite airline online.
Weather is tricky as everywhere is different and it's always changing. Luckily, Global Journeys provide temperature, and rainfall averages on every itinerary webpage. Look to the right of this page!
Most prices are based on double occupancy, unless otherwise specified. For example, Most Concept tour prices are based on quad share with twin room bookings on a request basis incurring a surcharge. Some tours offer single occupancy for an additional cost, or triple– or quad–share for a reduced price.
Contiki operates tours year-round, however some months are better for group travel than others. The chart below indicates “peak” months when travel can be more expensive and hotel availability may be more difficult to accommodate large groups. “Best time” to travel refers to when we suggest organizing your group travel for better availability, prices and less crowds.
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Peak Time |
Best Time |
| America & Canada |
May - Sep |
Mar - Apr; Sep - Oct |
| Europe |
Jun - Aug |
Apr - May & Sep - Nov |
Pre Departure Information
Detailed departure information will be supplied with your travel documents,which Global Journeys will send to you approx 21 days prior to your departure from Australia.
Departures from London
Many Contiki European tours start in London and depart from the Royal National Hotel at Russell Square.
Time Out Tours depart at 6:45am.
Other Cities
Exact information will be made available in your Contiki Travel Documents closer to the time of departure. It is also possible to meet up with your tour at the first city after London (eg Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels). Please request this option when enquiring. There are no discounts for joining the tour at the first city after London.
Terms & Conditions:
Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!
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