Guide

All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, 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 also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Others

Pisa - Half Day Trip to Pisa Bologna - Pasta class Venice - San Giorgio Bell Tower Venice - Cicchetti tour

Meals

5 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

TRANSPORT IN EUROPE: Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that’s why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city’s public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action. Train , Public bus , Metro

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE BASIS: Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own. CHECK-IN TIME: Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION: If you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. FACILITIES: Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don’t provide kettles or fridges. Hotel (7 nights)

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services not included

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Flights

International flights are not included

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Day 1 Day 1: Rome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Rome

Welcome to Italy! There’s nowhere quite like Rome, a city where designer shops, restaurants and cafes are slotted among ancient ruins and religious monuments. After tonight’s welcome meeting why not head out for your first taste of Italy during an optional dinner.
Day 2 Day 2: Rome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Rome

Remember, the best attitude to embrace the chaos of this city is ‘when in Rome’! Join your leader on an orientation walk around the city and witness iconic sights such as the Colosseum and Arch of Constantine, the Forum (centre of ancient Rome), the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, via Condotti and the Spanish Steps. Your afternoon is free to explore further. Perhaps recharge with a slice of pizza and a strong espresso at the Piazza Navona or throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain and make a wish to return to the ’Eternal City’. No visit would be complete without a trip to Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica. Entry to the Basilica is free and there’s a small charge to climb the dome for a panorama over the city. History buffs will enjoy a jaunt through the ancient halls of the Pantheon. Choose whether to have dinner with the group or find a spot on your own – there are plenty to choose from.
Day 3 Day 3: Florence
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Florence

This morning depart the eternal city and catch a train to Florence. On arrival, check into the hotel and go for a brief walk around the immediate area to get your bearings. Florence is one of the most culturally rich and beautiful cities in Italy, known to many as the beating heart of Tuscany. The Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all lived in Florence at the height of their creative reign. Food is a major part of the city’s identity, so perhaps explore some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany. Regional specialities are noted for their simplicity and fine flavour, and the use of high-quality olive oil, cannellini beans and fresh herbs. Meat lovers should try the bistecca alla fiorentina, a huge T-bone steak that’s usually shared between two people, or ribollita, a thick delicious vegetable soup with bread, beans and greens. Panforte is the signature sweet treat.
Day 4 Day 4: Pisa / Florence
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Pisa / Florence

Set out to the nearby city of Pisa (approximately 30 minutes by local train). A short orientation walk will help you to get your bearings in this easily navigable and small city. Then there’ll be ample time for you to visit the quirky world-famous Leaning Tower, as well as the Duomo (Piazza dei Miracoli, once the largest in Europe) and Pisa Baptistry (please note that it’s not always possible to climb the tower). The tower was built in the 12th century, but its foundation was on shifting sand and clay, meaning that it now leans at an angle of 4 degrees (after restoration and stabilising work). Wander the narrow streets, which feature everything from high-end boutiques to speciality book and antiques stores, and perhaps enjoy an aperitif. Back in Florence take your time and be captivated by the culture-rich atmosphere, from family-run vineyards on the outskirts of the city to the Duomo’s magnificent marble facade. Maybe start with a visit the Galleria dell’Accademia where you can see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David. Stop by the Uffizi, one of the world’s oldest art galleries, or walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo, which is set on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, to take in beautiful views of the city – a lovely way to while away the afternoon.
Day 5 Day 5: Florence / Bologna
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Florence / Bologna

This morning, jump on a train to Bologna. Often neglected by travellers, Bologna is a charming city filled with medieval and Renaissance buildings and art. Get acquainted with this orange-hued city during an orientation walk. Later, learn the fine art of Italian cooking with an evening class, crafting that king of comfort food – pasta. Of course, this being Italy, the class ends with the chance to stuff yourself silly with your carb creations.
Day 6 Day 6: Bologna / Venice
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Bologna / Venice

Late morning, get the train to the watery wonderland that is Venice. Full of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas that remain practically unchanged since the 15th century, Venice is just as beautiful as you’ve always imagined. An orientation walk will help you to get the hang of the maze of the complex canal system, then you can set out on your own. Meet your group in late afternoon to explore Venice further, this time with your tastebuds. Cicchetti are small snacks that are served in most drinking establishments and cafes, and are a delightful surprise to many thirsty travellers. On this two-and-a-half-hour tour, you’ll snack and sip your way through the bars and taverns.
Day 7 Day 7: Venice
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Venice

Today is a day at leisure which you can spend as you wish. Perhaps board a traghetto (public gondola) and see the city from the water, as was intended, stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the endless amounts of boutique shops that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. In the evening, why not visit busy San Marco square and listen to the sounds of orchestras and the rush of canals.
Day 8 Day 8: Venice
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Venice

Your adventure comes to an end on the final morning. There are no activities planned for today and you’re free to depart the accommodation at any time before check-out. As there is so much to see in Venice we recommend you to stay a little longer. We are happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Please speak to your booking agent at the time of booking.

8 days tour

Highlights Of Italy In Winter

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Highlights Of Italy In Winter

Day 1: Rome

Day 2: Rome

Day 3: Florence

Day 4: Pisa / Florence

Day 5: Florence / Bologna

Day 6: Bologna / Venice

Day 7: Venice

Day 8: Venice

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