Highlights of Italy

How long does it take to fall in love? In a country where history spills from world-class museums and tiny osterias serve up life-changing pasta recipes, eight days might just be enough (but if you have more time, why not extend your adventure?). On this trip, you’ll begin winding your way through the canals of Venice, hiking through the scenic Cinque Terre, soaking up beauty and history of Florence and finishing up in the piazzas of Rome. With plenty of free time for independent exploration and the freedom to discover Italy's history and culture at your own pace, there's no better way to see this popular pocket of Europe. This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary includes a mix of activities and free time, during which your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget for the money spent on optional activities you want to partake in.As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, solo travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it! Space is at a premium in Europe, and your hotel is no exception. For those travelling as a duo, European hotels often don't have double beds but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. In some cases, bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite.Summer temperatures in Italy can reach over 40°C. To combat the heat, it’s important to use sun protection, wear layers, and drink plenty of water. Please keep in mind that many European hotel rooms are not equipped with air conditioning, and consider the time of year you wish to travel.The primary means of transportation on this trip is 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 busy. 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 specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential trip information’ section.