Tour Description

We’ve done trips to Italy, but never like this. Starting in Rome, you’ll hit Renaissance Florence, the Riviera’s glitz, and dive into cooking classes and history. Then it’s pizza and Pompeii (and city centre stays) in Naples, the stunning Amalfi Coast, island cruises, and lemon groves. Finally, we’ll wrap it up with a full week in Sicily, exploring volcanoes, ancient ruins & charming towns. Just a few days here and you’ll be head-over-heels. It’s called the Ultimate Italy for a reason.

Priced From:

$ 7105pp ^*

From: 2026-04-12

To: 2026-09-20

Start Location: Rome, Italy

End Location: Palermo, Italy

Trip Type: In Depth Explorer

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Itinerary

Start Rome

Day 1

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Archimede (or similar)

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, 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.

Rome to Florence via Siena

Day 2

Duration: 1

Accommodation: BB Centro (or similar)

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 (the historic city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site too!). So, soak up all that historic beauty & grab a bite before we head onto Florence. This beautiful city is a certified foodie capital, so we’re diving straight into an included feast of local delicacies. Then it’s lights out, with dreams of tomorrow’s Florentine adventures dancing in our heads.

Florence

Day 3

Duration: 1

Accommodation: BB Centro (or similar)

Florence is basically a giant open-air museum, and today we’re hitting it on foot. With a Local Guide, we’ll check out Giotto’s Bell Tower, Basilica Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, and the epic Duomo. Tonight, it’s all about an optional Tuscan evening with a risotto demo, local wine, antipasto, and some ‘dolce’ to finish.

Florence to Cinque Terre via Lucca and Pisa

Day 4

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Le Grazie (or similar)

Farewell, Florence. We'll never forget you. But we've got more dreamy Italian hot spots to hit up. Now we get to stopover at 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 We can't be this way of the world without a sneaky visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa! And that’s exactly what we’ll do this afternoon. Welcome to the Italian Riviera! You're going to fall head over heels with this region over the coming days...

Cinque Terre

Day 5

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Le Grazie (or similar)

Cinque Terre isn’t one town, it’s five coastal gems, each with its own vibe and postcard views. We’ll sort you out with an unlimited hike & train pass. Which means you can cliff-walk, station-hop, and soak up pastel perfection all day long.

Cinque Terre to Milan via Como

Day 6

Duration: 1

Accommodation: B&B Hotel Milano Sesto Marelli (or similar)

This morning, we're hitting the road today to one of the most elegant cities in Europe. Before that, a quick stop to experience the glitz and glamour of Lake Como. The showstopper is the lake itself, of course, and you'll also have the option to get out on the water for a cruise. Welcome to Milan – all style, all sass. Tonight’s free for you to chase down the best eats, sip on local flavours, and see where the night takes you. Your Trip Manager’s got the inside scoop on the must-dos (and the must-avoids).

Milan to Venice via Verona

Day 7

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar)

The dreamy destinations just don't stop coming... Welcome to Verona – Renaissance romance central and the real-life stage for Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. We’ll swing by Juliet’s famous balcony (yep, the actual one!), then it’s off to our next dose of Italian romance. Ciao Treviso. This low-key charmer is basically Venice’s relaxed cousin. Tonight’s free for you to wander cobbled streets, feast on local bites, and maybe hunt down the OG tiramisu (yep, it was born here). Tomorrow, we take on the real Venice.

Venice

Day 8

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar)

Wake-up sleeping beauties! Hop onto our coach because we've got the 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 if you wanna escape the crowds, there's also an optional Burano Island Cruise (with a delish meal!) that you'll love. Or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you.

Venice to Rome via Bologna

Day 9

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Archimede (or similar)

See ya, Venice. You'll always have a piece of our hearts. Today we're headed back to Rome with a delicious lil’ stop on the way. 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. It’s a free night for dinner and a chance to dine on a wholesome meal at a 17th-century tavern in Trastevere. All washed down with some fine Italian wine? If you say so.

Rome

Day 10

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Archimede (or similar)

Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city. Take a tour of the famous Colosseum and walk in the footsteps of Emperors and Gladiators with a guide, or snap epic selfies against a background of pink azaleas by the entrance. This is also the day to do a bit of your own exploring. Tonight, we’ll regroup for an included dinner.

Rome to Naples

Day 11

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Campus X (or similar)

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'll have the option to partake in a guided walking tour of the fascinating ancient Roman town that was destroyed by Vesuvius (and then perfectly preserved in volcanic ash!). Hello Naples! We’ll settle down in our beautiful hotel (that’s just a few mins from the historic city centre). Today we have the option to take a tour, learn about the city, its history and its food culture.

Naples to Amalfi Coast via Capri

Day 12

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)

Today we swap city vibes for coastal dreams, chasing some of Europe’s most glamorous seascapes along the way. Capri’s up next – all dramatic cliffs, luxe cafes, and serious celeb energy. Join the optional cruise for swim stops in turquoise coves that’ll have you feeling like you’re in a movie. We’ll roll into the Amalfi Coast after a day of pastel-perfect towns, sun-bleached buildings, and seas so sparkly they could blind you (in the best way).

Amalfi Coast (Including Positano)

Day 13

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)

We've got a free day on the Amalfi Coast! Lucky us. Plus, there's an optional visit to a lemon farm, run by a local family whose ancestors introduced the crop. Dramatic cliffs and idyllic buildings await us in picturesque Positano. Amalfi’s just getting started. Aaaand, we’re here. You've got the entire evening for yourself. Roam the streets, taste some wine, live the Italian life we've all dreamed of.

Amalfi Coast to Rome

Day 14

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Archimede (or similar)

Rome, we’re coming back for you! Back in Rome for round three – more history, more foodie finds, and more photo ops. Tonight, you can join a local chef to whip up your own pasta masterpiece… and then eat every last bite.

Rome to Catania

Day 15

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Villa Del Bosco (or similar)

Today we're hopping on a speedy flight to the incomparable isle of Sicily. This colourful mix of baroque piazzas and ancient ruins is your perfect Sicilian welcome. We’ll explore Catania’s UNESCO-listed historic core before sitting down to an included dinner at a local spot.

Catania to Taormina

Day 16

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Main Palace Hotel (or similar)

We've got more spectacular Sicilian towns to explore today, as we head from Catania to Taormina. Perched on a mountainside and serving peak Italian elegance, Taormina is all about la dolce vita. We’ll ride the cable car from the historic centre to its stunning beaches, soak up the sun, and live our best holiday lives. Feeling foodie? Opt for a cooking class with local pros and master Sicilian icons like arancini and cannoli.

Taormina

Day 17

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Main Palace Hotel (or similar)

Today’s optional is a total thrill - a ride up Mt Etna (AKA Europe’s highest active volcano!), passing vineyards and orchards that scream Sicilian magic. Not feeling the volcano vibe? No worries — your afternoon’s free to chill on the beach, explore the ancient Roman theatre, or sip a spritz and watch life drift by in true Italian style.

Taormina to Syracuse via Noto

Day 18

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Panorama Palace Hotel (or similar)

See ya later, Taormina – it's time to visit some historical hotspots. We’ll have some free time to check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse. Famed for its rich ancient Roman and Greek history, with ancient amphitheatres and architecture everywhere you look. Next stop: Noto, Sicily’s baroque beauty packed with stunning architecture and legendary landmarks like Corso Vittoria Emanuele. After soaking up the sights, we’re heading to an organic farm for a Tastes of Sicily experience - think farm-fresh flavours served straight to your plate. And after a long but lovely day, it’s finally time to hit the hay.

Syracuse to Cefalù via Valley of the Temples

Day 19

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel La Giara (or similar)

Heading from Syracuse we'll arrive in the Valley of the Temples, the perfect base to explore another ancient wonder... Leaving Italy without visiting the Valley of the Temples? Impossible. This mystical valley is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological heritage. We'll discover ancient temples, sanctuaries and a necropolis. Arriving in Cefalù we'll enjoy another included dinner of Sicilian delicacies.

Cefalù

Day 20

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel La Giara (or similar)

Cefalù is a real gem, home to Sicily's best beaches and most impressive Arabic architecture. 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.

Cefalù to Palermo

Day 21

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Federico II Central Palace (or similar)

It's time to end on a high, as we make our way towards Sicily's sizzling capital. Palermo’s a vibrant, colourful city with a food scene that’ll blow your mind. But it’s also got a complex history with the Mafia. Today, you’ll join a walking tour through the historic centre to hear the real story behind Palermo’s fight against organised crime and the rise of the anti-Mafia movement. Then, we’ll finish strong with a farewell dinner Al Fresco, at the ‘bistro of second chances’.

End Palermo

Day 22

Duration: 1

Time to head home after one final breakfast together (sob). Hug it out, swap social details — and don't be sad. We'll see each other on the road again soon...

Dates & prices

Start Date: 2026-04-26

End Date: 2026-05-17

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8502

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8502

triple

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8089

tripleShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8089

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10998

Start Date: 2026-05-24

End Date: 2026-06-14

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8661

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8661

triple

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8241

tripleShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8241

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 11496

Start Date: 2026-06-10

End Date: 2026-07-01

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8865

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8865

triple

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8434

tripleShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8434

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 11548

Start Date: 2026-06-28

End Date: 2026-07-19

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 9275

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 9275

triple

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8824

tripleShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8824

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 12063

Start Date: 2026-07-08

End Date: 2026-07-29

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 9974

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 9974

triple

Child Price:

Adult Price: 9488

tripleShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 9488

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 13100

Start Date: 2026-08-23

End Date: 2026-09-13

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 9055

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 9055

triple

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8615

tripleShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8615

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 11887

Start Date: 2026-08-30

End Date: 2026-09-20

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 9055

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 9055

triple

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8615

tripleShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8615

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 11898

Start Date: 2026-09-09

End Date: 2026-09-30

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 7465

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 7465

triple

Child Price:

Adult Price: 7105

tripleShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 7105

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10000

Ultimate Italy | 2026

Tour Advisors

Itinerary

Dates & prices