Ultimate Italy
Overview
Highlights
- Float through the Venetian canals aboard a traditional gondola
- Step into the Renaissance in Florence
- Indulge in Italian food and wine while taking in the Tuscan countryside
- See the best of ancient Rome, the Vatican and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
- Take in the turquoise waters and coastal views of luxurious Capri
- Go on a breath-taking tour of Pompeii, the city buried in ash in 79 AD
- Soak up the sun on the beach in Catania
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Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Trip includes
- Round-trip flights & airport transfers
- Multilingual Tour Director & local guides
- Private deluxe motorcoach
- Ferry from Naples to Palermo
- 15 nights in hand-picked accommodations
- Welcome Mixer with appetizers & drinks
- Daily breakfast & three-course Farewell Dinner
- Metro passes in each major city
- Entrance to select attractions
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Itinerary
Board your overnight flight, bound for Europe.
Welcome to Venice! Situated on 118 islands, intersected by 175 canals and spanned by more than 400 bridges, this city has had more praise showered upon it from travelers, writers and artists than any other city in the world. Threatened by rising tides, you’ve arrived at the perfect moment.
Arrive at the airport. Your Tour Director will be waiting to show you how to get around the city
Explore on your own. Venture into Venice proper or see the area surrounding your accommodation
Once everyone is situated, you’ll meet your new friends over drinks and light appetizers at the Welcome Mixer.
Head to St. Mark’s Square to begin your sightseeing with a local guide.
Enter St. Mark’s Basilica and bask in the mosaics inlaid in the golden ceiling
See several historic churches and amble through picture-perfect piazzas
Follow the winding Grand Canal through the heart of Venice
See the historic Rialto bridge, the oldest in the city
After your sightseeing, you have the afternoon free!
Say goodbye to Venice; you’re on to Milan, the design, fashion and commerce center of Italy.
Drive to Milan via Verona
Pay a visit to Juliet’s famous balcony and get in touch with your inner romantic
Arrive in Milan and take an introductory walk of the area with your Tour Director
Cruise Lake Como on a full-day excursion or enjoy a full free day in Milan to explore on your own.
Cruise the serene Lake Como, where views of the Alps, villas and small medieval towns line the shore. Then, explore the towns of Como and Bellagio, celebrity hotspots brimming with charm. This is your day to sit back, relax and enjoy two of the swankiest, most beautif...
Board your private coach for Florence via Cinque Terre, the five colorful fishing villages that will make for the best photo op of the entire trip.
Explore Cinque Terre and travel by train through the villages
Stop in Riomaggiore, the tranquil and unspoiled village that is too beautiful for its own good
Visit Vernazza for vibrant views and picturesque perspectives
Hit the beach in Monterosso ...
Join a local guide for a walking tour of Florence, the compact capital of Tuscany known for its famous Renaissance artwork.
Cross the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, home to many of Florence’s jewelers and art merchants.
Stroll the Piazza della Signoria, home to the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David
Visit the Duomo Cathedral. Return during your free time and challenge yourself to climb the 463 steps to the top for stunning views of the city
Leave Florence behind as you board your private coach en route to the Tuscan countryside.
Take in views of the Italian rolling hills, olive groves, cypress trees and incredible vineyards
Spend an evening in the quaint countryside before diving back into the city life
DAY 9: Travel to Rome via Orvieto
Board your private coach, bound for Rome via Orvieto.
On the way to Rome, stop in Orvieto, a quaint Italian hill town perched atop a rock cliff
Marvel at the artistry of the facade of Orvieto’s stunning cathedral
Look out at the cypress-dotted plains of Umbria
Benvenuti a Roma!
DAY 10
C...
Experience the heart of ancient Rome with visits to the Colosseum and Forum
Walk the Via Sacra, the ceremonial and public main street of Ancient Roman life
Stand where gladiators battled to the death in mortal combat
See the ruins of several Roman temples, including the Temple of the Vestal Virgins
When in Rome, do as the Romans do best: cook awesome food. It starts with crafting the dough for homemade pasta, and finishes with a delicious meal prepared by your own hands. Along the way, you’ll get to taste some of the finest olive oil and vinegar with a local foo...
Peace be with you as you stroll the home of the Pope and capital of Catholicism: Vatican City.
Get an in-depth look into Papal history and politics with an expert guide
Cross another country of your list (Vatican City is an independent nation)
View the frescos of the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s greatest work
Visit the Vatican Museum, one of the largest, most renowned art collections in the world
Board your private coach en route to Naples via Capri, the upscale, coastal city known for limoncello, crystal-clear water and posh resorts.
Spend a full day on the Isle of Capri for an afternoon cruise and tour with a local guide
Cruise the turquoise waters around the island and see the limestone arch of Arco Naturale
Go up to the center of Capri via funicular train from Marina Grande
Take in panoramic views of the water from the Gardens of Augustus
Join a local guide for a walking tour of the ancient city of Pompeii, which stands frozen in time post-eruption from Mt. Vesuvius.
Travel back to imperial Roman times and learn about Pompeii, the city preserved in volcanic ash
See Mt. Vesuvius, the deadly volcano that annihilated this city, up close and personal
Experience the buildings, artifacts and even people that are still pres...
After arriving in Palermo, it's on to the lively city of Catania. Upon arrival, your Tour Director will take you on an introductory walk of the area.
Visit the energetic fish market of La Pescheria (behind the Piazza del Duomo) where fishermen serve up every sea creature imaginable
Relax at an outdoor cafe, espresso in hand, in the Piazza del Duomo
Enjoy a day at La Playa, the most popular beach in Catania, known for its fine golden sand and nightlife
Explore the posh, mountainside town of Taormina before hitting the Isola Bella beach in Mazzaró.
Bask in the spectacular views of Mt. Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe
Explore the 7th-century Taormina Greek Theater, which is still in use today
Ride the cable car from the top of Taormina down to Mazzaró to enjoy a day on the beach
Enj...
The day is yours to explore. Enjoy your free time or take an excursion to the apex of Mt. Etna, a massive active volcano on the eastern coast of Sicily.
Mt. Etna: Volcanos and Vineyards Extra Cost
Mount Etna, standing at almost 11,000 feet high, is the tallest active volcano in Europe. Catch breathtaking views of the landscape and Sicilian coast from 5,000 feet up Etna itself. Then head another 1,500 feet up t...
In the evening, freshen up at the hotel and head to your farewell dinner with the group.
It's time to say your goodbyes. Head to the airport for your flight back home.
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break).
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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It’s time to stress less and travel more. EF Ultimate Break is the best way to experience the world for anyone 18-29. With any of our 60+ trips, we include everything from airfare and accommodations to flexible payment plans and free daily breakfasts. And when you can’t decide which trip is right for you—you have a team of Trip Experts to help you find the perfect one. Plus, your trip is led by a rock star Tour Director who will help you make the most of your time abroad. So stop waiting for your friends who say they’re going to travel but then never do and get ready for unforgettable/tasty/exciting/holy-crap-is-that-an-elephant types of moments.
EF Ultimate Break is part of the EF Education First family of products. EF was founded in 1965 and provides life-changing education for global citizens. For over 50 years, our mission has been to give confidence and freedom to people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds. At EF Ultimate Break, we bring the fun of travel to 18 to 28 year olds, all with the support of a company of 50 years.
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What's excluded
- Rooming upgrades
- Optional excursions
- Travel Protection
- Beverages, lunch, and dinner (except where specified in the itinerary)
- Transportation to free-time activities
- Customary gratuities (for your Tour Director, bus drivers and local guides)
- Porterage
- Any applicable baggage-handling fees imposed by the airlines
- Expenses caused by airline rescheduling, cancellations or delays caused by the airlines, bad weather or events beyond EF’s control (see Flight Information section for details)
- Passport, visa and reciprocity fees
- Fees associated with Special Travel Arrangements (See Special Travel Arrangements section)
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Accommodation
You have 48 hours to cancel and receive a full refund. You can also switch trips up to 99 days before you leave.
The full amount paid upon enrolment is refundable if you cancel in writing within 48 hours of booking the tour. After 48 hours, the deposit is non-refundable and the following standard cancellation fees apply.
If you are booking 30 days or less prior to the scheduled departure date for your trip, you are required to pay in full at the time of booking and standard cancellation fees then apply; you are not eligible for the 48 hour risk-free period.
Based on the date EF receives written notification of your cancellation, you will be refunded for monies paid minus the cancellation fee and any non-refundable fees. (See refund and non-refundable Fee description above for more details.) In addition to notifying us of your cancellation in writing, we also recommend you call so that we can best review your options.
Days Prior to Departure and Cancellation Fee
30 days or less is all monies paid
30-60 days will be $2000
61-99 will be $1000
100-364 days is $450
365+ days will be $150
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- Round-trip flights
- Handpicked Lodging
- Guided Sightseeing
- Breakfast Daily
- Transportation Between Cities
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