Highlights of Italy

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Highlights of Italy
Highlights of Italy
Highlights of Italy
Fully Guided Adventure Small Group Rail
Our Price From
US$1,606
Save up To $421
Twin Share (Per Person)
 Trip Length
8 Days
 Trip Starts
Venice
 Trip Finishes
Rome
8 Day Highlights of Italy Itinerary (Intrepid)
Countries Explored: Italy
Trip Style
Basix
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
ZMRR

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 8 Day Highlights of Italy. How long does it take to fall in love? In a country where history spills from world-class museums and tiny osterias serve up life-changing pasta recipes, eight days might just be enough (but if you have more time, why not extend your adventure?). On this trip, you’ll begin winding your way through the canals of Venice, hiking through the scenic Cinque Terre, soaking up beauty and history of Florence and finishing up in the piazzas of Rome. With plenty of free time for independent exploration and the freedom to discover read more Italy's history and culture at your own pace, there's no better way to see this popular pocket of Europe.

Itinerary

Ciao! Welcome to Venice. This waterside wonderland of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years – is literally sinking under the weight of its iconic sights. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe head out and explore at your own pace – the Grand Canal is a great place to start, as you can stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the endless boutiques that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. After tonight's meeting, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travel companions at a local restaurant.

This morning, head out for an orientation walk of the city, exploring the Classical, Gothic and Baroque styles of architecture that surround San Marco Square. Your leader will show you where to get the best cicchetti today (a tasty local snack that Venice is famous for). For lunch, maybe get involved in the lively social scene at a local bacaro or simply watch the world go by at a restaurant on the edge of the canals. Then, you’re free to explore Venice at your own pace. There are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. Maybe take the Vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for views over the city. Ore, fulfil a bucket list favourite and take a journey down the Grand Canal in a Venetian gondola if you haven’t already.

Board a morning train through the scenic north of Italy to the once important naval base of La Spezia – known mainly as the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre (Five Lands). The name comes from the five tiny villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – positioned on a series of coves between sheer cliffs. When you arrive in La Spezia, there won't be much time to explore (that’s what tomorrow is for), but after checking into your hotel you can take a short walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione or head out for dinner with the group.

Spend today exploring winding footpaths and pastel villages with your included Cinque Terre Pass. Your leader will walk you to two of the five villages, and the pass gives you access to the paths and trains of the area for 24 hours. Please consult your leader on which walking section is right for you, as some have challenging uphill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges. Alternatively, take the train between any of the villages, or back to the group's base in La Spezia whenever you want. After working up an appetite, maybe take advantage of an optional pesto class. Focaccia is also a speciality in this area and makes a great start to lunch, if you’d prefer. (B)

Depart La Spezia today and catch a train to Florence. When you arrive, check into the hostel and go for a brief walk around the immediate 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 and the optional activities on offer reflect this. Maybe explore the city’s culinary history (and taste some local treats) on a Florence Foodies Walk with Urban Adventures. Carnivores might be drawn to try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina (the Florentine Beef Steak, essentially a huge T-bone steak that comes with classic sides). (B)

Enjoy another day in beautiful Florence. It's impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, so the best idea is to relax and pick a few things you really want to do. Maybe start with a visit to the Galleria dell'Accademia where you can see Michelangelo's famous statue of David, or perhaps stop by the Uffizi – one of the world's oldest art galleries. Active types might want to walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo, which is set on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, to take in beautiful views of the city. There are plenty of optional activities on offer during your time here, so be sure to grill your leader for the details on each so you can get a sense of what interests you.

Take the morning train to Rome and join your leader on an orientation walk around the city to see icons such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. After all that walking it’s probably time for lunch! Maybe grab a slice of the good stuff and a strong espresso at the Piazza Navona. You can spend your afternoon how you wish and there are plenty of heavy hitters to choose from. Maybe enter the Vatican and check out St Peter's Basilica. Within the Vatican, art lovers could visit the Sistine Chapel to admire the timeless work of Michelangelo, while history buffs may enjoy a walk through the ancient halls of the Pantheon. Rome is packed full of trattorias that cater to every taste and budget, so this evening maybe link up with the group for dinner.

Your adventures come to an end today. There are no activities planned and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time after check-out. As there is so much to see in Rome, it’s recommended that you stay a little longer to soak it up. If you need help booking additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent at the time of booking. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Explore rocky coastal pathways and pastel-coloured villages with a Cinque Terre day pass, which allows you to hike at your own pace and use the coast's public transport.
  • Get lost in the floating city of Venice and wander the city's maze of alleyways, canals and lagoon islands, and choose whether to opt in for an optional gondola ride.
  • Discover the landmarks of Rome with your handy local leader and wander around the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
  • Spend two days in Florence – a city known for its beauty and rustic Tuscan cuisine – and choose to discover the city’s culinary traditions on optional food excursions.
  • Make travel a breeze with a European trip that includes train travel. Enjoy extra time to sit back, relax, play games with your fellow travellers or watch the changing scenery roll by.

  • Hotel (5 nights)
  • Hostel (2 nights)

  • 3 Breakfasts included

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
  • Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
Trip Style: Basix
Trip Style: Basix

Our Basix trips are designed for travelers of any age on a budget. Using simple, clean and centrally located accommodation (typically with a 2-to-2.5-star average rating), local transport where we can, along with plenty of free time. This means you can do the things that suit your budget and interests, rather than paying for inclusions you don’t want. Meals are generally not included, but your experienced local leader will have some great suggestions!

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Intrepid Worldwide (2025-26)

Since 1989, Intrepid has been taking travellers beyond the ordinary to discover the real and remarkable. With small groups, passionate local leaders, and a commitment to responsible travel, every journey is crafted to connect you deeply with the people and places you visit. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Intrepid combines comfort, culture, and more curiosity for adventures that truly matter, all backed by a global network and guaranteed departures for peace of mind.

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Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.

Definite Departures

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Saturday 11 Apr 2026 11 Apr 26 Venice
Saturday 18 Apr 2026 18 Apr 26 Rome
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Was: $2,400
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Wednesday 22 Apr 2026 22 Apr 26 Venice
Wednesday 29 Apr 2026 29 Apr 26 Rome
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Wednesday 29 Apr 2026 29 Apr 26 Venice
Wednesday 06 May 2026 06 May 26 Rome
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Saturday 02 May 2026 02 May 26 Venice
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Saturday 16 May 2026 16 May 26 Venice
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Wednesday 27 May 2026 27 May 26 Venice
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Wednesday 03 Jun 2026 03 Jun 26 Venice
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Saturday 13 Jun 2026 13 Jun 26 Venice
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Wednesday 17 Jun 2026 17 Jun 26 Venice
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Saturday 27 Jun 2026 27 Jun 26 Venice
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Wednesday 01 Jul 2026 01 Jul 26 Venice
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Saturday 11 Jul 2026 11 Jul 26 Venice
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Wednesday 22 Jul 2026 22 Jul 26 Venice
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Saturday 01 Aug 2026 01 Aug 26 Venice
Saturday 08 Aug 2026 08 Aug 26 Rome
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Saturday 15 Aug 2026 15 Aug 26 Rome
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Wednesday 12 Aug 2026 12 Aug 26 Venice
Wednesday 19 Aug 2026 19 Aug 26 Rome
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Saturday 22 Aug 2026 22 Aug 26 Venice
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Saturday 05 Sep 2026 05 Sep 26 Venice
Saturday 12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 26 Rome
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Wednesday 09 Sep 2026 09 Sep 26 Venice
Wednesday 16 Sep 2026 16 Sep 26 Rome
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Saturday 12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 26 Venice
Saturday 19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 26 Rome
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Wednesday 16 Sep 2026 16 Sep 26 Venice
Wednesday 23 Sep 2026 23 Sep 26 Rome
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Was: $2,265
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Saturday 19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 26 Venice
Saturday 26 Sep 2026 26 Sep 26 Rome
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Saturday 26 Sep 2026 26 Sep 26 Venice
Saturday 03 Oct 2026 03 Oct 26 Rome
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Wednesday 30 Sep 2026 30 Sep 26 Venice
Wednesday 07 Oct 2026 07 Oct 26 Rome
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Saturday 03 Oct 2026 03 Oct 26 Venice
Saturday 10 Oct 2026 10 Oct 26 Rome
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Saturday 10 Oct 2026 10 Oct 26 Venice
Saturday 17 Oct 2026 17 Oct 26 Rome
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Saturday 17 Oct 2026 17 Oct 26 Venice
Saturday 24 Oct 2026 24 Oct 26 Rome
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Save $284
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Saturday 24 Oct 2026 24 Oct 26 Venice
Saturday 31 Oct 2026 31 Oct 26 Rome
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Saturday 31 Oct 2026 31 Oct 26 Venice
Saturday 07 Nov 2026 07 Nov 26 Rome
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Saturday 07 Nov 2026 07 Nov 26 Venice
Saturday 14 Nov 2026 14 Nov 26 Rome
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Saturday 17 Apr 2027 17 Apr 27 Venice
Saturday 24 Apr 2027 24 Apr 27 Rome
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Saturday 01 May 2027 01 May 27 Venice
Saturday 08 May 2027 08 May 27 Rome
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Wednesday 12 May 2027 12 May 27 Venice
Wednesday 19 May 2027 19 May 27 Rome
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Saturday 15 May 2027 15 May 27 Venice
Saturday 22 May 2027 22 May 27 Rome
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Wednesday 02 Jun 2027 02 Jun 27 Venice
Wednesday 09 Jun 2027 09 Jun 27 Rome
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Saturday 12 Jun 2027 12 Jun 27 Venice
Saturday 19 Jun 2027 19 Jun 27 Rome
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Was: $2,335
US$2,265
Save $70
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Wednesday 16 Jun 2027 16 Jun 27 Venice
Wednesday 23 Jun 2027 23 Jun 27 Rome
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US$2,309
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Saturday 26 Jun 2027 26 Jun 27 Venice
Saturday 03 Jul 2027 03 Jul 27 Rome
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Saturday 10 Jul 2027 10 Jul 27 Venice
Saturday 17 Jul 2027 17 Jul 27 Rome
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US$2,090
Save $65
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Saturday 07 Aug 2027 07 Aug 27 Venice
Saturday 14 Aug 2027 14 Aug 27 Rome
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Wednesday 11 Aug 2027 11 Aug 27 Venice
Wednesday 18 Aug 2027 18 Aug 27 Rome
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Was: $2,155
US$2,090
Save $65
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Saturday 14 Aug 2027 14 Aug 27 Venice
Saturday 21 Aug 2027 21 Aug 27 Rome
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US$2,090
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Saturday 21 Aug 2027 21 Aug 27 Venice
Saturday 28 Aug 2027 28 Aug 27 Rome
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Was: $2,155
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Saturday 04 Sep 2027 04 Sep 27 Venice
Saturday 11 Sep 2027 11 Sep 27 Rome
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Was: $2,260
US$2,192
Save $68
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Wednesday 08 Sep 2027 08 Sep 27 Venice
Wednesday 15 Sep 2027 15 Sep 27 Rome
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Was: $2,260
US$2,192
Save $68
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Saturday 11 Sep 2027 11 Sep 27 Venice
Saturday 18 Sep 2027 18 Sep 27 Rome
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Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,260
US$2,192
Save $68
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Wednesday 15 Sep 2027 15 Sep 27 Venice
Wednesday 22 Sep 2027 22 Sep 27 Rome
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Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,260
US$2,192
Save $68
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Saturday 18 Sep 2027 18 Sep 27 Venice
Saturday 25 Sep 2027 25 Sep 27 Rome
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Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,260
US$2,192
Save $68
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Saturday 25 Sep 2027 25 Sep 27 Venice
Saturday 02 Oct 2027 02 Oct 27 Rome
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Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,260
US$2,192
Save $68
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Wednesday 29 Sep 2027 29 Sep 27 Venice
Wednesday 06 Oct 2027 06 Oct 27 Rome
Details
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Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,260
US$2,192
Save $68
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Saturday 02 Oct 2027 02 Oct 27 Venice
Saturday 09 Oct 2027 09 Oct 27 Rome
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Was: $2,220
US$2,153
Save $67
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Saturday 09 Oct 2027 09 Oct 27 Venice
Saturday 16 Oct 2027 16 Oct 27 Rome
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Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,220
US$2,153
Save $67
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Saturday 16 Oct 2027 16 Oct 27 Venice
Saturday 23 Oct 2027 23 Oct 27 Rome
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,200
US$2,134
Save $66
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Saturday 23 Oct 2027 23 Oct 27 Venice
Saturday 30 Oct 2027 30 Oct 27 Rome
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Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,200
US$2,134
Save $66
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 30 Oct 2027 30 Oct 27 Venice
Saturday 06 Nov 2027 06 Nov 27 Rome
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,200
US$2,134
Save $66
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 06 Nov 2027 06 Nov 27 Venice
Saturday 13 Nov 2027 13 Nov 27 Rome
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,200
US$2,134
Save $66
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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