Itinerary
- Day 1
Rome
You'll meet your Contiki group and jump right into things with an included Italian dinner at a local restaurant. After that, an orientation tour takes you through Rome's iconic spots so you can get your bearings and see what the city has to offer.
- Meals
- Dinner (Italian feast at a local restaurant working to train and provide jobs for members of the community with disabilities)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Archimede (or similar))
Included Activities
- Included Italian feast at a local restaurant
- Orientation tour of Rome
- Day 2
Florence
The day starts with a drive through Tuscany, stopping in medieval Siena for lunch where you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, you'll continue to Florence for an included meal featuring local specialties, then settle into your accommodation for the evening.
- Meals
- Dinner (Included feast of local delicacies in Florence)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (BB Centro (or similar))
Included Activities
- Included feast of local delicacies in Florence
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Siena
Landmarks Siena 
- Day 3
Florence
A local guide leads you on foot through Florence, showing you Giotto's Bell Tower, Basilica Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, and the Duomo. Your evening is free, though there's an optional Tuscan experience available if you want something organized.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (BB Centro (or similar))
Included Activities
- Locally guided walking tour of Florence including Giotto's Bell Tower, Basilica Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, and the Duomo
Optional Activities
- Tuscan evening with risotto demo, local wine, antipasto, and dessert
Landmarks Giotto's Bell Tower Basilica Santa Croce Piazza della Signoria Duomo - Day 4
Pisa
You'll head out from Florence to Lucca, where you can check out Renaissance architecture and historic cafes. In the afternoon, stop by the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa before continuing toward the Italian Riviera.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Le Grazie (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit to Leaning Tower of Pisa
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting at local vineyards outside Lucca
- Meal in Lucca
Landmarks Leaning Tower of Pisa Lucca 
- Day 5
Cinque Terre
Today focuses on Cinque Terre, where you get unlimited hike and train access. The five clifftop towns are there for you to explore at your own pace, so you can wander between the pastel buildings and dramatic coastal views however you like.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Le Grazie (or similar))
Included Activities
- Unlimited Cinque Terre hike and train ticket
Landmarks Cinque Terre National Park - Day 6
Milan
You'll travel to Lake Como to see its villages and gardens. There's an optional lake cruise if that interests you, then you continue to Milan. Your evening is free to explore the city's restaurants and nightlife on your own.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (B&B Hotel Milano Sesto Marelli (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Lake Como cruise
Landmarks Lake Como - Day 7
Treviso
Verona's next, the romantic setting of Romeo and Juliet where you can see Juliet's balcony and walk through Renaissance architecture. Then you'll head to Treviso for a free evening to discover local food spots and the tiramisu tradition.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit to Juliet's balcony in Verona
Landmarks Juliet's balcony Verona - Day 8
Venice
You'll spend the full day in Venice. A private Motoscafo takes you across the lagoon to the city's heart. After that, you can either take a gondola ride or just wander the streets on your own, depending on what appeals to you.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (or similar))
Included Activities
- Private Motoscafo crossing to Venice
Optional Activities
- Gondola ride
Landmarks Venice - Day 9
Rome
Bologna's on the agenda, known as 'the Fat One' for its food culture with prosciutto, mortadella, and bolognese. You'll explore the UNESCO-listed porticoes before heading back to Rome, where your evening is yours to spend however you want.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Archimede (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Dinner at a 17th-century tavern in Trastevere with Italian wine
Landmarks Bologna - Day 10
Rome
An early start lets you make the most of Rome's ancient sites. There's an optional guided tour of the Colosseum where you can walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators. Later you'll explore on your own before reconvening for an included dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Archimede (or similar))
Included Activities
- Included dinner in Rome
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of the Colosseum
Landmarks Colosseum - Day 11
Naples
Pompeii is your first stop, the city preserved in volcanic ash after Vesuvius destroyed it. You can join an optional guided walk or explore independently. Then you'll head to Naples, Italy's vibrant pizza capital, with optional city tours available.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Campus X (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour of Pompeii
- City tour of Naples
Landmarks Pompeii Mount Vesuvius - Day 12
Amalfi Coast
You're traveling along Europe's most glamorous coastline. Capri's first, with dramatic cliffs and upscale cafes. An optional cruise with swim stops in turquoise coves is available. After that, you continue to the Amalfi Coast with its pastel towns and sparkling waters.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Capri cruise with swim stops
Landmarks Capri Amalfi Coast - Day 13
Amalfi Coast
A free day on the Amalfi Coast means you set the pace. Optional activities include visiting a lemon farm run by locals. You can explore Positano's dramatic clifftop setting or wander through Amalfi's streets. Your evening is open for wine tasting and local exploration.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Visit to local lemon farm
Landmarks Positano Amalfi - Day 14
Rome
Back in Rome for more history and photo opportunities. You'll discover additional foodie spots and hidden gems. There's an optional cooking class where a local chef teaches you to make fresh pasta, which you'll then eat for dinner.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (BV Oly Hotel Roma (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Cooking class with local chef to make fresh pasta
- Day 15
Catania, Sicily
A quick flight gets you to Sicily and Catania. Once there, you'll explore the UNESCO-listed historic center of this ancient Sicilian port. Later you'll gather for an included dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Dinner (Included dinner at a local spot in Catania)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Katane Palace Hotel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Exploration of Catania's UNESCO-listed historic core
- Included dinner at a local spot in Catania
Landmarks Piazza Stesicoro Via dei Crociferi - Day 16
Taormina
The drive from Catania takes you to Taormina, a mountainside town that shows off Italian elegance. A cable car ride leads down to beautiful beaches where you can relax and enjoy the day. There's an optional cooking class for learning Sicilian specialties like arancini and cannoli.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Villa Esperia (or similar))
Included Activities
- Cable car from historic centre to beaches in Taormina
Optional Activities
- Cooking class with local professionals
Landmarks Taormina - Day 17
Taormina
You have options today. Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, can be reached by an optional thrilling ride through vineyards and orchards. Otherwise, you can spend a relaxed afternoon on the beach, check out the ancient Roman theatre, or just sit with a spritz.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Villa Esperia (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Ride up Mt Etna
- Beach time
- Ancient Roman theatre exploration
Landmarks Mount Etna - Day 18
Noto
Leaving Taormina, you'll head to Syracuse, a UNESCO site with rich ancient Roman and Greek history including amphitheaters. Then it's on to Noto, Sicily's baroque jewel, followed by a farm experience with fresh local flavors before your overnight stay.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Panorama Palace Hotel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Tastes of Sicily experience at an organic farm
Optional Activities
- Exploration of Syracuse
Landmarks Syracuse Noto Corso Vittoria Emanuele - Day 19
Cefalù
You'll travel from Syracuse to the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO treasure with ancient temples, sanctuaries, and a necropolis to explore. Later you arrive in Cefalù for an included dinner of Sicilian specialties.
- Meals
- Dinner (Included dinner of Sicilian delicacies in Cefalù)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel La Giara (or similar))
Included Activities
- Exploration of Valley of the Temples
- Included dinner of Sicilian delicacies in Cefalù
Landmarks Valley of the Temples Cefalù - Day 20
Cefalù
Cefalù offers coastal vibes and some of Sicily's best beaches along with Arabic architecture. Water sports are available or you can take an optional coastal cruise. Later, stroll the cobbled streets, watch fishermen at work, and explore the food and nightlife.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel La Giara (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Water sports
- Coastal cruise
Landmarks Cefalù - Day 21
Palermo
Palermo's your destination, Sicily's vibrant capital with an incredible food scene. A walking tour takes you through the historic center, covering Palermo's complex history with the Mafia and the anti-Mafia movement. You'll finish with a farewell dinner outside.
- Meals
- Dinner (Farewell dinner al fresco at the 'bistro of second chances')
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ibis Styles President (or similar))
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Palermo's historic centre
Landmarks Palermo - Day 22
Departure
Time to head home after one final breakfast with your group. You'll exchange contact info and hug it out. Don't worry though, there's a good chance you'll cross paths with these people on the road again soon.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Final breakfast together)
