Simply Italy

Day 1  Rome            
Welcome to Rome! Once known as the 'capital of the world' this richly historic, passionate and elegant city will steal your heart as soon as you arrive. Meet your Contiki crew at 4pm, before heading on an orientation tour of the city. With your eyes wide and camera roll full, head to the streets for an included Italian feast. Maybe washed down with some Chianti.            

Day 2  Rome to Florence          
En route to Florence stop off at Sienna for lunch. This place has medieval masterpieces and the historic city centre has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. Have a good look round, and a bite to eat, before continuing the journey to Florence. Florence is one of the foodie capitals of Italy, so dive straight into the local delicacies with an included feast this evening.              

Day 3  Florence            
Florence is often referred to as a 'walking museum', and today you'll find out why. With a locally guided walking tour, discover Renaissance Florence on foot, swooning at the Statue of David, Ponte Vecchio and the Medici Palace. You'll also visit the Duomo, one of the world's most remarkable architectural feats. All of this sightseeing will no doubt make you hungry, so this evening there’s the option to learn how to make authentic risotto from the experts - before sitting down and enjoying another authentic dinner, including local wine and live music.            

Day 4  Florence to Cinque Terre        
You can't be this way of the world without a sneaky visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Snap your perfect holding-up-the-tower shot en route to Cinque Terre. Then it’s time to hit up the Italian Riviera!    

Day 5  Cinque Terre            
Some people think Cinque Terre is just one place, but it actually translates to the 'five lands,' made up of five stunning towns with their own unique identity and traditions. Included in your trip is an unlimited Cinque Terre hike and train ticket, so whether you're into trekking, taking it easy, or a combination of the two, you can explore Cinque Terre your way. Whichever way you choose to get around, it's hard not to fall in love with the dramatic cliff faces, cute pastel coloured buildings tumbling down the coast and all sorts of historic monuments.              

Day 6  Cinque Terre to Milan          
Hit 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 you'll have the option to get out on the water and take a cruise to beautiful Bellagio. Then arrive in Milan, the sophisticated cityscape that rewards the curious traveller. You have a free night to check out the local nightlife and eat some of the local delicacies.    

Day 7  Milan to Venice            
Today, visit Verona, the heart of Renaissance romance (and the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet). Beautiful architecture, rich history and plenty of jaw-dropping art makes this place a very worthy stopover. Then it's onto another very romantic city... Welcome to Venice! Your heart will swell at the mazy canals and ancient architecture. Tonight you'll have the option to go for a progressive food walking tour, to try different bits of cicchetti and local wines.

Day 8  Venice          
Venice is yours for the entirety of this glorious Italian day. You'll be jumping aboard a private boat and hitting the canals 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.        

Day 9  Venice to Rome        
Today you're headed back to Rome to explore the city in more depth. But not before stopping of for lunch in Bologna, a gorgeous medieval tumble of a place that also the home of Bolognese sauce, or Ragu. Arriving back in Rome, you'll have the option for a foodie experience, where you'll meet some locals and discover the finest food Rome has to offer.    
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. When in Rome...take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. This is also the day to do a bit of your own exploring, and an included dinner tonight will refuel you after a day of sightseeing.    

Day 11  Rome to Naples    
Next up is Naples. The home of pizza, a hub of culture, and a bundle of passionate Italian energy, this is also the site of Mount Vesuvius, the infamous active volcano. Today you have the option to check out the ruins of Pompeii, the fascinating Roman town that was destroyed by Vesuvius and then perfectly preserved in volcanic ash.      

Day 12  Naples to Amalfi Coast  
Visit two spectacular Amalfi jewels today. Positano will take your breath away with its postcard pretty sun-bleached buildings tumbling down into the sparkling sea. Capri is no different, with its gorgeous cragged coastline and opulent cafes, it's easy to see why this is such a playground for the rich and famous. An optional Capri cruise will let you check out the iconic blue grotto and take plenty of swim stops to beat the heat.  

Day 13  Amalfi Coast            
Enjoy a free day on the Amalfi coast! There are plenty of options today to keep you entertained, including a visit to a lemon farm where we learn how fruits are harvested and turned into limoncello. You'll also get to have a Tastes of Amalfi dinner, washed down with the lemon liqueur itself.

Day 14  Amalfi Coast to Rome          
You’re headed back to Rome today. Time for the Colosseum? Then, you have a free night to check out the night life and toast what has been an unforgettable Italian adventure.

Day 15  Rome    
Your trip ends after breakfast today.