Budget Best of Italy Explorer

Welcome to Italy. Check in to your accommodation in Rome from 15:00. If you arrive earlier, you can store your luggage and head out for a relaxed stroll to take in the atmosphere of this historic city.

At 17:00, we meet our tour leader for a short briefing covering the journey ahead. This is also a chance to ask questions and book any optional activities.

We then set out on an evening orientation walk through the Eternal City. We pass key landmarks including the Roman Forum and the Vittoriano monument, before arriving at the Colosseum - one of Italy’s most iconic sites - perfectly timed for sunset.

The evening ends at a local restaurant, where we enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Roman cuisine - a fitting introduction to Italy’s renowned food culture.

Meeting point: We meet at the reception of your hostel in Rome at 5:00 pm. We collaborate with centrally located hostels located 5/10 minutes walking distance from Roma Termini train station.

This morning, we explore Rome on foot, the best way to experience the city. Walking through its historic streets, we visit highlights such as Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain - where you can toss a coin to ensure your return to Rome.

We continue to Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state and centre of the Catholic Church. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. You may wish to visit St Peter’s Basilica or join an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

In the evening, you can join your tour leader to discover some of Rome’s lively bars.

Optional activity: 2-hour guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel - includes entry tickets

This morning is free for you to enjoy Rome at your own pace. You might explore the Trastevere district, shop along Via del Corso, or relax in one of the city’s parks.

In the early afternoon, we travel by high-speed train to Florence - the birthplace of the Renaissance and a centre of art and culture in the 15th century. After check-in, we take a welcome walk through the historic centre, seeing landmarks such as the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and the Ponte Vecchio.

The evening is free for you to explore. You may choose to dine in a traditional trattoria or enjoy a drink in one of Florence’s many cosy bars.

Optional activity 1: 2-hour Colosseum and Roman Forum guided tour - includes entry tickets

Optional activity 2: Traditional Florentine aperitivo with spritz and local specialities

Today, we venture into the Tuscan countryside, known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and long-standing wine traditions. We visit local wineries in the Chianti region, where we learn about wine production and enjoy tastings of the area’s famous wines.

In the afternoon, we explore San Gimignano, often called the ‘Manhattan of Tuscany’ due to its medieval towers. You have time to walk its cobbled streets, browse artisan shops, and sample gelato from one of its award-winning gelaterias.

We return to Florence in the late afternoon, with the evening free.

We travel by train to Pisa, where we visit the Piazza dei Miracoli - home to the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistery. There is time to take photos and explore the area.

We then continue to Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the Ligurian coast. We visit picturesque villages such as Riomaggiore, Vernazza, and Manarola, known for their colourful houses and dramatic cliffside settings.

You can explore the villages, browse local shops, or take in coastal views on a scenic walk. There is also time to enjoy local seafood or a glass of regional wine. We return to Florence in the evening.

Please note: From June to September, the itinerary includes two villages, allowing time for relaxation and swimming in the sea.

Today is free for you to explore Florence at your own pace. The city is home to some of the world’s most important artworks and architecture, making it ideal for both cultural visits and relaxed wandering.

Optional activity 1: Accademia Gallery guided tour - approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Optional activity 2: Uffizi Gallery and Accademia combined guided tour - approximately 4 hours

Optional activity 3: Evening tipsy tour

This morning, we travel by train to Venice - a unique city built across a lagoon.

After check-in, we begin an orientation walk from Ponte degli Scalzi, making our way through Venice’s network of canals and bridges. We visit key landmarks including Piazza San Marco, St Mark’s Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace - once the seat of Venetian political power.

The evening is free for you to enjoy Venice. You may choose to dine by the canals, explore the quieter streets, or simply take in the atmosphere of the city at night.

Optional activity 1: Cicchetti tasting with spritz - a traditional Venetian experience

Optional activity 2: Gondola ride through the canals

Enjoy your final breakfast before departure. Depending on your travel time, you may have some free time to explore, pick up souvenirs, or enjoy a coffee in Piazza San Marco.

If you are returning to Rome, we can arrange train tickets in advance - please let us know your plans ahead of time.

We hope you leave with lasting memories of Italy’s history, culture, and cuisine. Arrivederci - until your next journey.