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Small Group Tour
Traverse from top to toe of Italy's 'boot'. Explore ancient ruins and incredible sights. Slurp tasty pasta and tuck into giant pizzas. Get lost in Venice and find yourself in the Tuscan countryside. This 24-day trip will take you to all of the best spots and teach you all of the most important parts of Italian culture - like how to roll pasta like the pros! V...
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$21,718
From$20,112
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • Take a step back in time and marvel at some of Italy’s most fascinating ancient monuments - explore Rome’s iconic Colosseum by moonlight and discover the ancient ruins of Pompeii with a local guide.
    • Get a taste for Italian specialties and visit a family-run winery to sample world-class drops in Tuscany, discover a local olive oil producer and taste their specialties on a farm that has been active since Roman times in Puglia and dig your hands into a traditional cooking class in Sicily.
    • Come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna, as you walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave.
    • Get the inside scoop on the best places to eat and explore with your locally-based leader joining you on orientation walks in some of Italy’s most captivating cities.
    • Stay in style with 3 Feature Stays, nestled in the heart of the rolling Tuscan hillside, in a once 13th-century Baronial Palace in Nardo and in a countryside estate built within a medieval watch tower in Baglio della Luna Foresteria.

What's this trip about?

    Traverse from top to toe of Italy's 'boot'. Explore ancient ruins and incredible sights. Slurp tasty pasta and tuck into giant pizzas. Get lost in Venice and find yourself in the Tuscan countryside. This 24-day trip will take you to all of the best spots and teach you all of the most important parts of Italian culture - like how to roll pasta like the pros! Visit Mount Etna, as you drive up the northern flank of the volcano and embark on a walk through the spectacular Valle del Bove. Explore Rome’s iconic Colosseum by moonlight during an Exclusive Experience evening tour. Plus, SO much more on this triple-treat trip.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range15 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityPalermo
End CityVenice

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Italy

Attractions

  • Agrigento
  • Bar
  • Catania
  • Colosseum
  • Florence
  • Forum
  • Lecce
  • Matera
  • Pompeii
  • Rome
  • San Gimignano
  • Sicily
  • Siena
  • Tuscany
  • Venice

Trip includes

    • Palermo -Complimentary Arrival Transfer
    • Palermo - Welcome Meeting
    • Palermo - Welcome Dinner
    • Palermo - Anti-Mafia Tour
    • Palermo - Sicilian Cooking Class
    • Erice - Town Visit
    • Erice - Genovesi Tasting
    • Mazara del Vallo - Kasbah Visit
    • Scala dei Turchi - Visit
    • Agrigento - Guided visit Valley of the Temples
    • Modica - Visit and Chocolate Tasting
    • Noto - Guided Walk
    • Siracusa - Ortigia Orientation Walk
    • Siracusa - Archaeological Park Guided Visit
    • Catania - Mount Etna Visit
    • Taormina - Guided Walk
    • Taormina - Greek Theatre Admission
    • Polignano a Mare - Welcome Dinner
    • Alberobello - Half Day Trip
    • Ostuni - Olive Oil Tasting
    • Nardo - Walking Tour
    • Lecce - Walking Tour
    • Matera - Ipogeo Underground Cistern
    • Matera - Guided Walking Tour
    • Pompeii - Walking Tour with Local Guide
    • Pompeii - Archaeological Site
    • Rome - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
    • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
    • Rome – Coffee Granita (Coffee semi-frozen dessert)
    • Rome – Guided walking tour
    • Rome – Nobleman’s home visit and lunch (Exclusive Experience)
    • Siena - Orientation Walk
    • Monteriggioni - Orientation Walk
    • Chianti Region - Gourmet Dinner
    • San Gimignano - Agriturismo Winery Tour & Tasting
    • Florence - Orientation Walk
    • Pisa - Pisa Visit & Orientation walk
    • Lucca - City Walls & Orientation Walk
    • Florence - Galleria dell ’Accademia admission
    • Florence – Highlights of Florence Guided walk
    • Venice - Orientation Walk including Fondaco Terrace Rooftop
    • Venice – Traghetto boat ride
    • Venice - Farewell Dinner at Local Restaurant

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Palermo

Welcome to Sicily, we’re kicking things off in the region's capital – Palermo. Upon arrival, a complimentary airport transfer will take you into the city. This evening we have our first dinner together and a welcome meeting with your local guide and fellow travellers....

Day 2 Palermo

Sicily's unique cuisine sees Spanish, Greek and Arab influences and combined with a gentle climate and fertile soil, it is known all over the world. Delve deeper into this all important part of culture during a hands on cooking class. Not only will get to know the rec...

Day 3 Marsala

Today it is time to say goodbye to beautiful Palermo as we head toward the small town of Erice. Located more than 750 meters above sea level, this beautifully preserved medieval town hosts, despite being handed from one ruling army to the next, many beautiful building...

Day 4 Agrigento

This morning head east as you stop in the old port of Mazara del Vallo. It is here that some of the Arab influences in Sicily are most clearly visible. As you stroll through the kasbah (Arab Quarter) you will witness the artistic and cultural enrichment brought on by ...

Day 5 Agrigento

This morning, after breakfast, travel to the nearby Valley of the Temples. One of the largest archaeological sites in the world, it is situated where the ancient city of Akragas once stood. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the...

Day 6 Siracusa

Today, we kiss Agrigento goodbye and hit the road en route to Siracusa – but not without a few important stops along the way. The first stop today in Ragusa will not disappoint – it’s one of the most scenic towns in all of Sicily. Explore the town and then continue to...

Day 7 Siracusa

This morning, enjoy an orientation walk through Ortigia – a small island just adjacent to the main town of Siracusa. Wandering the narrow streets and laneways will reveal ancient ruins, stunning fountains and authentic trattorias, all situated on the medieval island. ...

Day 8 Catania

Today, come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano on a daytrip up Mt Etna. At an altitude of approximately 2,000 metres, walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave that can be explored with helmets and torches. Walk among the cold lav...

Day 9 Catania

After breakfast today, take a day trip to the charming city of Taormina. Start things off with a guided walk, where you’ll notice Greek influence in the architecture. Walk through the back streets, gardens, and visit the world-famous Greek theatre and the cathedral. T...

Day 10 Polignano a Mare

Benvenuto! Welcome to Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot. Your adventure kicks off in the coastal town of Polignano a Mare, where you’ll be collected from the Bari airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel. A welcome meeting will take place here at 6pm for you to...

Day 11 Polignano a Mare

Leave the coastline behind as you travel inland by private vehicle to the little town of Alberobello. Set among a tranquil landscape of olive groves, the town is famed for its unique beehive-shaped trulli; dwellings built from limestone in the 14th century. While the ...

Day 12 Nardo

This morning, travel to the small city of Ostuni and explore its whitewashed streets flanked with Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine buildings. Then, continue to a local olive oil producer on a farm that has been active since Roman times, with some trees thought to be c...

Day 13 Nardo

Before breakfast, you may like to take a walk through your Feature Stay’s historic ‘secret garden’ where it seems as if figures from days gone by could walk around the corner at any minute. Today head to the beautiful city of Lecce. With its ornate baroque buildings, ...

Day 14 Matera

Enjoy a final morning at your Feature Stay hotel, sitting back with a coffee and soaking up the scenery. Then it’s time to say goodbye and travel on to Matera, an ancient city perched on a rocky outcrop. Along the way stop at a local winery for some wine tasting and l...

Day 15 Matera

Today you will dive into Matera’s incredible old town, made famous by sassi; more than 3000 stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs, some dating back as far as the 8th century. Join a local guide who will lead you through a labyrinth of staircases an...

Day 16 Naples

Begin the day by driving to the storied town of Pompeii, home to one of Europe’s most well-known archaeological sites – the ruins of Pompeii, caused by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. Today you will join a local guide to discover the remains of this once thrivin...

Day 17 Rome

Welcome to Rome! Enjoy a complimentary transfer to your hotel and settle in. If you arrive with time to spare, the city’s magnificent buildings are best appreciated on foot, so perhaps wander in search of an espresso. Your Italian adventure begins with a welcome meeti...

Day 18 Rome

From incredible ancient monuments to glamourous restaurants and boutiques, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today your leader will take you back in time as you learn about historical monuments during an orientation walk of the city. Marvel at the Roman Fo...

Day 19 Siena / Monteriggioni / San Gimignano Region

Today you’ll take a private vehicle to the gorgeous city of Siena, where your leader will show you the most interesting sights on an orientation walk. At the city’s heart is Piazza del Campo – home to the biannual Palio horse race, and nearby is the stunning Siena Cat...

Day 20 San Gimignano Region

Start the day with a visit to San Gimignano – the 'Town of Fine Towers'. Explore the medieval Old Town centre and its fine Gothic and Romanesque architecture, with your leader on hand to answer any questions inspired by your explorations. This region is also renowned ...

Day 21 Pisa / Lucca / Florence

Today you’ll visit Pisa. It’s not always possible to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa due to its precarious state, but as your leader shares the history of this legendary building, you will have the opportunity to photograph it from the ground. Your next stop is Lucca,...

Day 22 Florence

Enjoy a free day in Florence to explore the city and its museums and galleries – ask your leader for some local tips on the best way to spend the day. Visiting the Uffizi while you are here is highly recommended – it is one of the oldest galleries in the world, and a ...

Day 23 Venice

In the morning, head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice. Upon arrival your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get acquainted with the city’s maze of canals and learn about its unique history. Lunch today is a tasting of ci...

Day 24 Venice

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. Those looking to extend their stay can arrange additional nights' accommodation at the time of booking the trip (subject to availability).

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Dates & Availability

Price From $20,112
Price per day$838
Last Updated: 9/1/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
15 Apr 2025
08 May 2025
$20,112
29 Apr 2025
22 May 2025
$20,112
27 May 2025
19 Jun 2025
$20,112
05 Jun 2025
28 Jun 2025
$20,912
17 Jun 2025
10 Jul 2025
$20,912
26 Aug 2025
18 Sep 2025
$20,912
28 Aug 2025
20 Sep 2025
$21,718
04 Sep 2025
27 Sep 2025
$21,718
11 Sep 2025
04 Oct 2025
$21,718
20 Sep 2025
13 Oct 2025
$21,718

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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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jasonemeraldrealestate.com.au

Aug 2024

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The intrepid group were excellent to work with and were very helpful at all times and made organising the trip a breeze. This was an excellent trip, and was enjoyed ...

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Michael Campbell

Aug 2024

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for all types of travelers at a range of different price points and trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (17 nights),Feature Stay (6 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Premium leaders are Intrepid’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialised information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements Visas are currently not required for Australian, New Zealand, US, Canadian or UK/EU passport holders wishing to visit Italy as a tourist. Some EU nationals may travel in Europe using only an identity card, however it is your responsibility to check with the relevant authorities if this applies to you.
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. SCAMS Common scams operating in Europe include ploys to get you fined on the metro without a validated ticket. Ensure that you always travel with a validated ticket (have your ticket stamped). Another common scam is used by children who distract you with a map or a newspaper and while you are attending to them, steal your valuables. You may also come across players offering you to participate in the so-called "shell game". This is a scam and you will most certainly lose your money.
Age Requirements
15 years and up
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Venice Times Hotel
  • Calle Priuli dei Cavaletti, 99/D
  • 30121 Venezia VE
  • Venice
  • ITALY
  • Phone: +39 0412031633

Alternate Finish point

  • For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.
  • 29 Aug 2024 (ZMPCC240829), 15 Apr 2025 (ZMPCC250415), 29 Apr 2025 (ZMPCC250429), 27 May 2025 (ZMPCC250527), 05 Jun 2025 (ZMPCC250605), 17 Jun 2025 (ZMPCC250617), 26 Aug 2025 (ZMPCC250826), 28 Aug 2025 (ZMPCC250828), 04 Sep 2025 (ZMPCC250904), 11 Sep 2025 (ZMPCC250911)
  • Hotel Ca dei Conti
  • Castello, 4429
  • Venice
  • ITALY
  • Phone: +390 412770500
Trip ID
intrepid-ZMPCC

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