Tour

Ultimate Italy 35 to 45 | Summer | 2027
from USD 5060

Contiki Holidays

Tour Code: OVUIMA27
Vacation Type:
Brochure:
Duration: 22 Days
Country: Italy

We've been visiting Italy for decades, but it's fair to say we've never put together an adventure quite like this. From Rome this one glides through Renaissance Florence and the glitzy Riviera, with cooking classes and historical monuments galore along the way. Then onto Naples and Pompeii, for a feast of pizza and ancient Roman history, before hitting up the incomparable Amalfi coast. After cruising around some dazzling isles and visiting some lemon groves, we'll head back to Rome. But we're not done yet - not even close. Sicily beckons, with its valleys of ancient archaeological wonders, volcanoes to explore, coastal towns to fall in love with and all of the heavenly carbs we can fit in. After a full week on this paradise island, we'll be head-over-heels for absolutely everything Italian. It's called Ultimate Italy for a reason. The best part is? You can live the Contiki dream with a fellow group of 35 to 45s.



Ultimate Italy Trip Map

Intra Tour Air

  • Air Price Rome to Catania

Intra Tour Air Tax

  • Air tax Rome to Catania

Dining Summary

  • 5 Dinner (D)
  • 21 Breakfast (B)

Included Experience

  • Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list! 
  • Rome:  Kick back with your Contiki crew and feast on some yummy Italian cuisine - served at a local restaurant working to train and provide jobs for members of the community with disabilities.  
  • Siena: This medieval Tuscan city is packed with charming photo ops. From the Duomo to Piazza del Campo. 
  • Florence: See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence.
  • Pisa: Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up’ as you pose for that classic Insta snap. 
  • Lucca: Ramble around the cobbled streets of this Renaissance walled city in Tuscany. It’s an Insta post waiting to happen! 
  • Cinque Terre National Park: We’ll take care of your rail pass, so you can just zip around the iconic clifftop villages and focus on the Insta stories. Wanna hike around too? You're welcome to explore on foot along the way.
  • Verona: This is the address behind the legendary love story. Visit Juliet’s House and see the spot that turned Verona into a global icon.
  • Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
  • Rome: Wander through the ruins of the ancient Roman Empire's political heart, while our Local Guide peels back the layers of history & reconstructs the past. From the assassinations at the Forum to the bloody battles in the Colosseum, learn how the roots of Western culture started here. 
  • Amalfi Coast: Definitely one for the bucket list. Your chance to view one of Europe’s active volcanoes from a distance. 
  • Capri: Chill on the beaches of this Mediterranean jewel. Explore the famous boutiques then stop off for a Spritz in the sun. 
  • Amalfi Coast: Live your best life like a local (on a ferry!) as you glide through azure seas, past cliffs filled with rainbow-coloured buildings. 
  • Positano: Ramble through the wisteria-lined streets and past sun-bleached houses as you live La Dolce Vita. Don’t forget an iconic selfie with the village backdrop.
  • Catania: Time to take to the sky. Catania, here we come!
  • Catania: Stroll around the ancient Sicilian port at the foot of Mount Etna. See the Piazza Stesicoro and the Baroque and Renaissance buildings of Via dei Crociferi.
  • Taormina: Greek and Roman ruins. Sun-drenched beaches. Epic Italian food. There’s so much to do in this seaside town, you’ll never want to leave. 
  • Noto: Float around this opulent Sicilian city, taking in the Baroque architecture and panoramic views as you go.
  • Agrigento: Explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO-listed site featuring some of the world's most treasured Greek art and architecture.

  • Hotel Archimede (or similar)
  • BB Centro (or similar)
  • Hotel Le Grazie (or similar)
  • B&B Hotel Milano Sesto Marelli (or similar)
  • Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar)
  • Campus X (or similar)
  • Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)
  • BV Oly Hotel Roma (or similar)
  • Katane Palace Hotel (or similar)
  • Villa Esperia (or similar)
  • Panorama Palace Hotel (or similar)
  • Hotel La Giara (or similar)
  • Ibis Styles President (or similar)
Day 1 Start Rome

Welcome to Rome! Once known as the 'capital of the world' this richly historic, passionate and elegant city will steal our hearts as soon as we arrive. We'll meet and greet our Contiki crew, before taking to the streets for an included Italian feast. After dinner we'll head on an orientation tour of the city ticking off all the sights in Rome.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Archimede (or similar)

Day 2 Rome To Florence Via Siena

Rise and shine, we're headed to another historical heavyweight today... ...but not before stopping off at Siena for lunch. This place has medieval masterpieces (the historic city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site too!). So, soak up all that historic beauty & grab a bite before we head onto Florence. This beautiful city is a certified foodie capital, so we’re diving straight into an included feast of local delicacies. Then it’s lights out, with dreams of tomorrow’s Florentine adventures dancing in our heads.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: BB Centro (or similar)

Day 3 Florence

Florence is basically a giant open-air museum, and today we’re hitting it on foot. With a Local Guide, we’ll check out Giotto’s Bell Tower, Basilica Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, and the epic Duomo. Tonight, it’s all about an optional Tuscan evening with a risotto demo, local wine, antipasto, and some ‘dolce’ to finish.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: BB Centro (or similar)

Day 4 Florence To Cinque Terre Via Lucca And Pisa

Farewell, Florence. We'll never forget you. But we've got more dreamy Italian hot spots to hit up. Now we get to stopover at lovely Lucca, with its charming piazzas, Renaissance architecture and historic cafes. Opt for wines at the local vineyards outside of Lucca. Or it's a perfect spot to grab a bite before we hit the road again We can't be this way of the world without a sneaky visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa! And that’s exactly what we’ll do this afternoon.  Welcome to the Italian Riviera! You're going to fall head over heels with this region over the coming days...

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Le Grazie (or similar)

Day 5 Cinque Terre

Some people think Cinque Terre is just one place, but it actually translates to the ‘five lands’ and is made up of 5 stunning towns with their own unique identity and traditions. Included in your trip is an unlimited Cinque Terre hike and train ticket, and whichever way you choose to get around will be sure to make you fall in love with the dramatic cliff-faces and pastel coloured buildings.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Le Grazie (or similar)

Day 6 Cinque Terre To Milan Via Como

We're hitting the road today to one of the most elegant cities in Europe. But not before experiencing the glitz and glamour of Lake Como, with its attractive villages and gorgeous gardens. The showstopper is the lake itself, of course, and we'll have the option to get out on the water for a cruise. Welcome to Milan, the sophisticated cityscape that rewards the curious traveller. We have a free night to check out the local nightlife, and eat some of the local delicacies. As always, your Trip Manager will have the top tips on where to go and where to avoid...

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: B&B Hotel Milano Sesto Marelli (or similar)

Day 7 Milan To Venice Via Verona

The dreamy destinations just don't stop coming... Welcome to Verona, the heart of Renaissance romance (and the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet). Beautiful architecture, rich history and plenty of jaw-dropping art makes this place a very worthy stopover. We'll check out Juliet's balcony, part of a gorgeous 13th century house then it's onto another very romantic city... Welcome to Treviso! Nothing like a free evening to spend the Italian way...Tonight you'll have the option to walk around this idyllic version of Venice (before taking on the real thing tomorrow!). Grab some local food on the way. And maybe even treat yourself to some tiramisu (because this little town is where it was born!). Seriously, it doesn't get more authentic than this.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar)

Day 8 Venice

Wake-up sleeping beauties! Hop onto our coach because we've got this entire day to explore Venice. We'll be jumping aboard our own private Motoscafo and crossing the canal en route to the historical heart of the city. A gondola ride will be up for grabs, or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar)

Day 9 Venice To Rome Via Bologna

See ya, Venice. You'll always have a piece of our hearts. Today we're headed back to Rome to explore the city in more depth. But not before making a quick stop in Bologna. Home of prosciutto, mortadella, bolognese sauce and many more tasty Italian delights, Bologna is known far and wide as La Grassa (the Fat One). Come hungry, but make sure you’re not too full to explore the Unesco-listed porticoes either. We'll have a free night for dinner and a chance to dine on a wholesome meal at a 17th-century tavern in Trastevere. All washed down with some fine Italian wine? If you say so.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Archimede (or similar)

Day 10 Rome

Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city. Take a tour of the famous Colosseum and walk in the footsteps of Emperors and Gladiators with a guide, or snap epic selfies against a background of pink azaleas by the entrance. This is also the day to do a bit of your own exploring. Tonight, we’ll regroup for an included dinner.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Archimede (or similar)

Day 11 Rome To Naples

Today we're headed to another richly historical and cultural city, known for its naturally beautiful sights and excellent cuisine. Here in the ancient city of Pompeii, you'll have the option to partake in a guided walking tour of the fascinating ancient Roman town that was destroyed by Vesuvius (and then perfectly preserved in volcanic ash!). Welcome to Naples, the rough & ready but oh so charming city which encapsulates everything we love about Italy. The home of pizza, a hub of culture, and a bundle of passionate Italian energy. Today we have the option to take a tour, learning about the city, its history and its food culture.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Campus X (or similar)

Day 12 Naples To Amalfi Coast Via Capri

Today we swap city vibes for coastal dreams, chasing some of Europe’s most glamorous seascapes along the way. Capri’s up next – all dramatic cliffs, luxe cafes, and serious celeb energy. Join the optional cruise for swim stops in turquoise coves that’ll have you feeling like you’re in a movie. We’ll roll into the Amalfi Coast after a day of pastel-perfect towns, sun-bleached buildings, and seas so sparkly they could blind you (in the best way).

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)

Day 13 Amalfi Coast (including Positano)

We've got a free day on the Amalfi Coast! Lucky us. Plus, there's an optional visit to a lemon farm, run by a local family whose ancestors introduced the crop. Dramatic cliffs and idyllic buildings await us in picturesque Positano. Amalfi’s just getting started. Aaaand, we’re here. You've got the entire evening for yourself. Roam the streets, taste some wine, live the Italian life we've all dreamed of.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)

Day 14 Amalfi Coast To Rome

Rome, we’re coming back for you! Back in Rome for round three – more history, more foodie finds, and more photo ops. Tonight, you can join a local chef to whip up your own pasta masterpiece… and then eat every last bite.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: BV Oly Hotel Roma (or similar)

Day 15 Rome To Catania

Today we're hopping on a speedy flight to the incomparable isle of Sicily. This colourful mix of baroque piazzas and ancient ruins is your perfect Sicilian welcome. We’ll explore Catania’s UNESCO-listed historic core before sitting down to an included dinner at a local spot.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Katane Palace Hotel (or similar)

Day 16 Catania To Taormina

We've got more spectacular Sicilian towns to explore today, as we head from Catania to Taormina. Perched on a mountainside and serving peak Italian elegance, Taormina is all about la dolce vita. We’ll ride the cable car from the historic centre to its stunning beaches, soak up the sun, and live our best holiday lives. Feeling foodie? Opt for a cooking class with local pros and master Sicilian icons like arancini and cannoli.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Villa Esperia (or similar)

Day 17 Taormina

Today’s optional is a total thrill - a ride up Mt Etna (AKA Europe’s highest active volcano!), passing vineyards and orchards that scream Sicilian magic. Not feeling the volcano vibe? No worries — your afternoon’s free to chill on the beach, explore the ancient Roman theatre, or sip a spritz and watch life drift by in true Italian style.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Villa Esperia (or similar)

Day 18 Taormina To Syracuse Via Noto

See ya later, Taormina – it's time to visit some historical hotspots. We’ll have some free time to check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse. Famed for its rich ancient Roman and Greek history, with ancient amphitheatres and architecture everywhere you look. Next stop: Noto, Sicily’s baroque beauty packed with stunning architecture and legendary landmarks like Corso Vittoria Emanuele. After soaking up the sights, we’re heading to an organic farm for a Tastes of Sicily experience - think farm-fresh flavours served straight to your plate.  And after a long but lovely day, it’s finally time to hit the hay.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Panorama Palace Hotel (or similar)

Day 19 Syracuse To Cefalù Via Valley Of The Temples

Heading from Syracuse we'll arrive in the Valley of the Temples, the perfect base to explore another ancient wonder... Leaving Italy without visiting the Valley of the Temples? Impossible. This mystical valley is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological heritage. We'll discover ancient temples, sanctuaries and a necropolis. Arriving in Cefalù we'll enjoy another included dinner of Sicilian delicacies.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel La Giara (or similar)

Day 20 Cefalù

Cefalù is a real gem, home to Sicily's best beaches and most impressive Arabic architecture. Today's all about coastal vibes, soaking up that sun, sea and sand — with plenty of water sports to get involved with. If you're feeling a little more zen, why not opt for the coastal cruise and soak up some scenery instead? Later on, we'll stroll the winding cobbled streets and watch fishermen taking stock of the day's bounties, before exploring the town's foodie and nightlife scene.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel La Giara (or similar)

Day 21 Cefalù To Palermo

It's time to end on a high, as we make our way towards Sicily's sizzling capital. Palermo’s a vibrant, colourful city with a food scene that’ll blow your mind. But it’s also got a complex history with the Mafia. Today, you’ll join a walking tour through the historic centre to hear the real story behind Palermo’s fight against organised crime and the rise of the anti-Mafia movement. Then, we’ll finish strong with a farewell dinner Al Fresco, at the ‘bistro of second chances’.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Styles President (or similar)

Day 22 End Palermo

Time to head home after one final breakfast together (sob). Hug it out, swap social details — and don't be sad. We'll see each other on the road again soon...

Duration: 1 Day

Departs On Returns On Single OccupancyTwin RoomTriple Room Definite Departure  
Sun, 20 Jun 2027 Sun, 11 Jul 2027 USD 6,910USD 5,315USD 5,060
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