Highlights of Italy in Winter

Ah, Italia. It seems a little unfair that one country does food, architecture, art, history and the central social square so perfectly. It’s just a shame the rest of the world feels the same way! But while most associate Italy with summer, relatively mild winters make Italy the perfect place to visit during the off season. On this trip, you’ll see all the fabulous spots with far fewer tourists crowding the squares and clogging up the lines. Take in the crumbling ruins of Rome, whimsical Florence and the floating 15th century city of Venice in this diverse tour.The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Trains are a fast way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. They are comfortable and all have toilets, however can sometimes be quite busy. Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'What to Take' section of the trip notes.Often there are no lifts or escalators in train stations or in the hotel, so you will have to carry your bags up and down the stairs yourself.This trip is designed for off-season and takes place in the colder winter months of the year. It is essential that you are aware of the climate in Italy during this time. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Rooms can be rather small, especially compared to American or Australian standards.On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.