Ultimate Italy

17 days
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2.9/5 Average
100 reviews  
47%
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Group Tour
From the sapphire water of Capri, luxe Milanese fashion and unrivaled culinary creations, Italy is the place to be. Take in the scenic vistas in Cinque Terre, travel back in time to ancient Rome and relax on the beach amidst volcanic Mt. Etna in Sicily. Wash it all down with a glass of Tuscan wine. Who said you can’t have it all? On Ultimate Italy, you can.
From$2,939
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

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

What's this trip about?

    From the sapphire water of Capri, luxe Milanese fashion and unrivaled culinary creations, Italy is the place to be. Take in the scenic vistas in Cinque Terre, travel back in time to ancient Rome and relax on the beach amidst volcanic Mt. Etna in Sicily. Wash it all down with a glass of Tuscan wine. Who said you can’t have it all? On Ultimate Italy, you can.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range18 to 28 years
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityVenice
End City Mt. Etna Italy

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Transformative

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Italy

Attractions

  • Cinque Terre
  • Colosseum
  • Florence
  • Lake Como
  • Milan
  • Mount Etna
  • Naples
  • Rome
  • Sicily
  • Sistine Chapel
  • Tuscany
  • Umbria
  • Vatican City
  • Venice

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

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

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Overnight flight

Board your overnight flight, bound for Europe.

Day 2: Arrive in Venice + Welcome Mixer

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.

Today's Highlights:

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.

Day 3: Tour Venice

Head to St. Mark’s Square to begin your sightseeing with a local guide.

Today's Highlights:

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!

Day 4: Travel to Milan

Say goodbye to Venice; you’re on to Milan, the design, fashion and commerce center of Italy.

Today's Highlights:

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

Day 5: Excursion to Lake Como + Free Day in Milan

Cruise Lake Como on a full-day excursion or enjoy a full free day in Milan to explore on your own.

Excursion: A Day in Lake Como Extra Cost

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...

Day 6: Travel to Florence via Cinque Terre

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.

Today's Highlights:

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 ...

Day 7: Tour Florence

Join a local guide for a walking tour of Florence, the compact capital of Tuscany known for its famous Renaissance artwork.

Today's Highlights:

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

Day 8: Travel to Tuscany

Leave Florence behind as you board your private coach en route to the Tuscan countryside.

Today's Highlights:

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.

Today's Highlights:

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...

Today's Highlights:

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

Excursion: Taste of Italy: Pasta-Making Class  Extra Cost

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...

Day 11: Vatican City + Free Evening

Peace be with you as you stroll the home of the Pope and capital of Catholicism: Vatican City.

Today's Highlights:

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

Day 12: Travel to Naples via Capri

Board your private coach en route to Naples via Capri, the upscale, coastal city known for limoncello, crystal-clear water and posh resorts.

Today's Highlights:

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

Day 13: Explore Pompeii

Join a local guide for a walking tour of the ancient city of Pompeii, which stands frozen in time post-eruption from Mt. Vesuvius.

Today's Highlights:

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...

Day 14: Travel to Catania

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.

Today's Highlights:

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

Day 15: Explore Taormina + Beach Day

Explore the posh, mountainside town of Taormina before hitting the Isola Bella beach in Mazzaró.

Today's Highlights:

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...

Day 16: Free Day + Mt. Etna Excursion

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.

Excursion:

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...

Farewell Dinner

In the evening, freshen up at the hotel and head to your farewell dinner with the group.

Day 17: Fly Home

It's time to say your goodbyes. Head to the airport for your flight back home.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,939
Price per day$173
Last Updated: 9/1/2021

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.

EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break) Reviews & Ratings

2.9/5  Average
Excellent
42
Great
2
Average
3
Disappointing
7
Terrible
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a

anekona

Jan 2022

Written on

Do not use this travel agency

My trip to Italy has been a nightmare. I've been stuck in a tiny town outside of Florence since December 15th and still can't get home. Ive been stuck in covid testi...

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I love Italy thanks to EF Ultimate Break

Loved every moment of this trip! Truly magical! Made new friends, saw the beauty of Italy and it’s culture, history, architecture, food, especially dessert and wine!...

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Truet Perez

Dec 2023

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The Most MISERABLE Travel Experience I’ve EVER Had

I have been trying to make the best of this trip, but honestly, I’m having a terrible time. This has been the most stressed I’ve ever been on a vacation. I’m curren...

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EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break)

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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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Logistics

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)
    • III. PRICE VALIDITY
Cancellation policy

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

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
18 to 28 years
Additional Information
Perfected stress-free travel Full-time Tour Director Round-trip flights Handpicked Lodging Guided Sightseeing Breakfast Daily Transportation Between Cities
Trip ID
efcoll-UltItaEfc

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