Simply Italy

Simply Italy

Discover the big cities and some of the less famous destinations in this fabulous country. This is the only Contiki tour to stay in La Spezia in the Cinque Terre region and Milan, Italy's fashion capital! You'll also visit the picturesque village of Sirmione at Lake Garda, stop in Bologna, the home of spaghetti bolognese, and re-enact the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet in fair Verona where the story was set. Simply Italy, simply perfect!



Print Itinerary Itinerary & Map

  1. Day Icon-day1 Depart for Europe

    Your exciting European trip begins.
  2. Day Icon-day2 Arrive Rome

    Make your way to the hotel, then the day is free to explore at leisure. Maybe start your souvenir shopping or try an Italian gelato. Tonight, enjoy dinner after meeting with your Tour Manager and fellow travellers at 6pm. (D)
  3. Day Icon-day3 Rome to Sorrento

    First, an opportunity to visit the ancient city of Pompeii, then on to cliffside Sorrento with marvellous views of the Bay of Naples. (B)
  4. Day Icon-day4 Capri Excursion

    Cruise to the Isle of Capri for a full day to enjoy its many attractions, from the Blue Grotto to the hilltop town of Anacapri. (B,D)
  5. Day Icon-day5 Sorrento to Florence

    Leaving behind the stunning Amalfi coast we head north through Lazio and Umbria and make a stop en-route to taste some local wine. Later a first taste of Renaissance Florence. (B,D)
  6. Day Icon-day6 Florence

    The day includes a walking tour of the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Santa Croce, and a chance to shop for leather, gold and silver. In your free time maybe visit one of the city's many museums or galleries and this evening enjoy the colourful Florentine nightlife. (B)
  7. Day Icon-day7 Florence to La Spezia

    Free time in Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower, then enter the unspoilt Cinque Terre Region. We stop at Portovenere before continuing on to the picturesque villages of Riomaggiore and Monterosso. Tonight we stay in La Spezia. (B,D)
  8. Day Icon-day8 La Spezia to Milan

    A day of enormous contrast as we head from the tranquil western coast of Italy to the hustle and bustle of the fashion capital of Italy - Milan. (B,D)
  9. Day Icon-day9 Milan to Venice

    With Milan behind us we head east to our afternoon stop in Verona, home to Shakespeare's tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet. Later we head to our hotel close to the stunning city of Venice. (B)
  10. Day Icon-day10 Venice

    A short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see St Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doges' Palace. Ample time to wander the bustling streets, see the skill required to create local crafts such as Venetian glass and fine lace and visit one of the many amazing museums. Why not treat yourself to a gondola ride and evening meal with your fellow travellers as a perfect end to your Venetian experience? (B)
  11. Day Icon-day11 Venice to Rome

    Travelling south we stop in Bologna, home of spaghetti bolognese, then it's on to Rome and our evening sightseeing tour. (B,D)
  12. Day Icon-day12 Rome

    Ancient and modern Rome await your discovery. Why not take a guided tour of the Imperial Forum and walk in the footsteps of Gladiators? In your free time explore the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel, snap up Italian fashions or just watch the world go by with a gelato (or two). (B)
  13. Day Icon-day13 Depart Rome

    Time to swap addresses and email details and say 'Arrivederci Roma' as the tour ends after breakfast. (B)

Highlights

All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!

Included
  • Naples: See the Bay of Naples; See Mt. Vesuvius
  • Sorrento: Scenic coastal drive
  • Capri: Visit the Isle of Capri
  • Chianti region: Local wine tasting
  • Florence: Walking tour with a local guide; See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry & Piazza della Signoria; Florentine leather craft demonstration
  • Pisa: See the Leaning Tower
  • Cinque Terre: Visit Monterosso, Portovenere and La Spezia; Cruise (weather permitting) and train along the scenic coast
  • Milan: See the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and La Scala Opera House
  • Lake Garda: Visit Sirmione
  • Verona: See Juliet's Balcony & the Roman Arena
  • Venice: Private motorboat to the historic islands; See Piazza San Marco, Bridge of Sighs and the Doges' Palace; Murano glass-blowing & Burano lace-making demonstrations
  • Bologna: See the famous porticos & two towers.
  • Rome: See Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Colosseum & Roman Forum
  • Vatican City: See St. Peter's Basilica
Accommodations
  • 11 nights in superior tourist class hotels
  • Accommodation based on your choice of twin or triple-share with private facilities
  • 11 Continental breakfasts (B) and 6 three-course dinners (D) as per itinerary
  • Hotel tips, local taxes and service charges
Contiki Difference
  • Experienced, professional Tour Manager and Driver
  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats

Optional Excursions

Pompeii

Guided Tour of Ancient Pompeii (Euro 18.00 (20-34 people)/ Euro 17.00 (35+ people))
The once thriving city of Pompeii lay buried for centuries under thick layers of ash which rained down after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. It was rediscovered in the 17th Century and two-thirds of the city has now been excavated. A local guide takes you to the important sites and explains the history of this fascinating city.

Sorrento

Sorrento Meal (Euro 34.00)
Join us at the Sorrento Inn for a taste of local cuisine. Dinner is comprised of four courses, including anti-pasta, pasta, a traditional main course and lemon cake for dessert. Finish it off with the local speciality... lemon liqueur!
Cruise Around The Island Of Capri (Euro 20.00)
A fabulous day on the 'island of dreams'. Enjoy a great off-shore view of Capri's rocky coastline studded with sea caves and stop by the entrance of one of the most famous: the Blue Grotto. Treat yourself to a boat trip inside the cave (entrance fee not included); the effects of the light reflecting through the water is sublime. All in all, a splendid day filled with great memories for you to cherish.

Florence

'Montebuoni' Tuscan Dinner (Euro 37.00)
'Montebuoni' is a charming 16th Century building set in the scenic Tuscan hills. It's the venue for our truly traditional Tuscan evening. Begin with a cocktail and an excellent antipasta buffet. Next is delicious freshly made pasta and a wonderfully aromatic main course - all washed down with some local Chianti wine. A truly special evening.
Night Club (Euro 11.00)
A chance to dance the night away at one of Florence's best clubs. Your first drink is included in the price.
Souvenir Group Photo (Euro 11.50)
A photo of you and all of your new friends is the perfect souvenir from your tour. The photo will be taken with a panorama of Florence in the background or in one of the city's famous piazzas.

Lake Garda

Lake Cruise (Euro 9.00)
Take a leisurely cruise along Lake Garda, situated at the foothills of the Italian Dolomites. Take in the quaint lake side villages, breathtaking mountains and the laid back lifestyle of this Italian gem.

Venice

Gondola Ride (Euro 21.00)
No trip to Venice is complete without a ride on the canals in a world-famous gondola. Take in the sights, savour every minute and treasure this truly memorable Venetian experience.
Cantina Caneletto (Euro 35.00)
Our chosen venue guarantees a warm and friendly welcome in true Venetian fashion. You'll enjoy a superb selection of local specialities and some local wine, making it an unforgettable evening in one of the most romantic cities in the world.

Rome

Farewell Dinner (Euro 33.00)
A magical last night evening awaits you in Rome. We spend the evening in a restaurant enjoying delicious Italian cuisine and being entertained by Italian singing and music. What a way to finish your Italian experience!
Guided Imperial Tour (Euro 23.00 (10-19 people) / Euro 22.00 (20+ people))
Join a local guide for an excursion back in time. You'll wander across the cobbled stones of the Roman Forum, marvel at the Colosseum and learn why the glory of Imperial Rome still stands out in the history of western culture. Price includes entry into Forum and Colosseum.