9-Day Italy Highlights
Overview
Live la dolce vita in Italy over 9 days! This tour offers young explorers an exciting taste of Italian history, culture and cuisine, and ample time in famous Italian destinations: Rome, Tuscany and Venice! Explore the ancient sites in Rome, journey through Tuscany’s famous countryside and medieval towns, and discover the captivating charm of Venice! See iconic sites like the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Venice’s Grand Canal as you go. It will feel like history books are coming to life on this unmissable tour of Italy!
What’s Included
- All breakfasts
- Air Conditioned private coach transport between cities
- 8 nights’ accommodation in Italy
- Two nights in Tuscany
- Scenic drive through the rolling hills of Tuscany
- Guided walking tour of Rome
- Discover Florence on a guided walking tour
- Explore Venice with your tour director
- All dinners
- An expert tour director for the duration of the tour
- Three nights in Rome
- Three nights in Venice
- Free days in Rome, Tuscany and Venice
- Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Visit Cinque Terre for a day trip
Itinerary
Day 1:
Start of tour in Rome
Welcome to bella Roma where this 9-day trip of Italy begins. Arrive in Rome and meet the tour director at the hotel for an overview of the upcoming tour. With three days in Rome, there will be ample time to discover the ancient sites, highlights and hidden gems of Italy’s capital city! Depending on the time of arrival, head out for a stroll around the city’s popular piazzas before settling in for the first night on tour.
Day 2:
Rome
*OptionalsStart today with a guided walking tour of Rome’s historical bucket list sights. See the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and more. Customise the rest of today to perfectly suit your interests! Discover thousands of years worth of history on tours of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. See the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church with a visit to one of Europe’s smallest states on a tour of the Vatican which includes a visit to the breathtaking Sistine Chapel!
- Guided walking tour of Rome - Vatican City and Museums Guided Tour* - Colosseum & Roman Forum Guided Tour*Day 3:
Rome
*OptionalsIf you discovered the best things to do in Rome yesterday, travel outside of the city today! Join a Naples and Pompeii day trip to literally walk through history on a visit to the Pompeii archaeological site. The ancient city has been preserved for millennia under ash and pumice following Mount Vesuvius’ eruption thousands of years ago. Today, it’s one of Italy’s most visited destinations! Naples is a bustling Italian city that is the birthplace of Neapolitan-style pizza. The historic towns of Tivoli and Ostia Antica are two more fantastic half-day trip options.
- Naples and Pompeii day trip* - Pompeii and Capri day trip* - Tivoli half day trip* - Ostia Antica half day trip*Day 4:
Rome - Tuscany
*OptionalsSay arrivederci to Rome and hello to the rolling hills of Tuscany today. There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities along the way, including the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Arrive in Florence for a guided walking tour. This city was the birthplace of the Renaissance and is beloved for its history, art and architecture. Art lovers can visit the Uffizi and Accademia Gallery - the latter houses Michaelangelo’s statue of David!
- Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa - Discover Florence on a guided walking tour - Leather and gold demonstration in Florence* - Piazzale Michelangelo Viewpoint* - Comfort stops in San Gimignano, Orvieto or Siena*Day 5:
Tuscany
The second day in Tuscany calls for time by the coast! Enjoy the scenic landscapes during a drive to Cinque Terre. This gorgeous collection of five historic fishing villages on the Italian Riviera is another of Italy’s top destinations! Travel between the five colourful towns ( Monterosso, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Manarola and Corniglia) by boat, train or via footpaths as cars are banned here! Enjoy a guided day trip and boat tour, or embrace the outdoors on a hiking adventure around Cinque Terre
- Visit Cinque Terre for a day tripDay 6:
Tuscany - Venice
*OptionalsIt’s time to travel to Venice! Italy’s famous floating city is on the bucket lists of people around the world. Along the way, make a stop in Verona. This town was the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Alternatively, pay visits to Modena, Bologna and Parma - all foodie favourites! Formula 1 fans can’t miss a visit to the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena. Arrive in Venice later today. Get to know the city on the “Venice by Night'' excursion before a full day of Venetian adventures tomorrow.
- Visit Verona* - Visit Modena, Bologna or Parma* - Tour the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena* - Venice by Night Excursion*Day 7:
Venice
*OptionalsToday is your chance to explore Venice’s famous canals, islands and culture! See the city’s top sights such as St. Mark’s Square, the Grand Canal and the Doge’s Palace with your tour director. Venice’s museums are filled with cultural, religious and artistic treasures while the churches offer opulent architecture inside and out! You can even learn about Venetian glass blowing and lacemaking while watching local artisans in action. Finally, be sure to hop aboard a gondola for a quintessential Venetian experience!
- Explore Venice with your tour director - Venice Gondola Trip* - Venice Lagoon Tour* - Venetian lacemaking and glassblowing demonstrations* - San Marco Prison’s Tour*Day 8:
Venice
*OptionalsYesterday’s optional activities are available again today! It’s another free day in Venice! Fill your day with memorable Venetian experiences. Explore the enchanting streets and grand bridges while gondolas cruise by and experience the Piazza San Marco, surrounded by cafés and famous landmarks. Choose to explore the islands of Murano and Burano on a Venice Lagoon Tour or learn more about Venice’s dramatic history on a San Marco Prisons Tour.
- Venice Gondola Trip* - Venice Lagoon Tour* - Venetian Lacemaking and Glassblowing Demonstrations* - San Marco Prison’s Tour*Day 9:
End of tour in Venice
By now, the group will have travelled from Rome, through Tuscany to Venice and seen three of Italy's most magnificent regions! After 9 days, the tour comes to an end in Venice this morning after breakfast. The Young Explorer team hopes you’ve had an amazing time and wishes you safe onward travels!