Call Us 800.528.9300
Ultimate Italy | Age 27
35 | 2026
Tour Description:
We've been visiting Italy for decades, but it's fair to say we've never put together an adventure quite like this. From Renaissance Florence to the glitzy Riviera, with Naples, Pompeii and the incomparable Amalfi coast. You’ll experience Rome in all its glory, then spend a full week in sumptuous Sicily. After this, we'll be head-over-heels for absolutely everything Italian. It's called Ultimate Italy for a reason.
Click for larger view.
Dates & Pricing
| Sunday 07 Jun 26 — Sunday 28 Jun 26 | Starting at $5,666 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 06 Sep 26 — Sunday 27 Sep 26 | Starting at $5,135 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingDining Summary
5 Dinner (D)
21 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
London: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
Rome: Can arrangements be made for travellers with accessibility needs? If you require arrangements to be made for your accessibility needs, please inform your Trip Manager as soon as possible. We try our best to contact all accommodations and secure ground floor rooms for easy wheelchair access.Please remember that Italy can be physically challenging to get around. Coaches can’t access historical centers, and there will be lots of walking (on roads that are often uneven and cobbled). Travellers with accessibility needs will find this trip challenging.
Madrid: Do the included meals have a set menu? Yep. Usually, we arrange a buffet for all your included meals. If you’d like a vegetarian option, please inform your Trip Manager beforehand, and they’ll sort it out for you.
Rome: When would be the best time to book tickets for museums and other attractions? This would depend on the museums & attractions you’re planning to visit. If you’d like to know the exact timings, please contact our 24x7 Helpline to access your day-to-day itineraries to check when you’ll have free time in each city.
Madrid: I need to refrigerate my medication. Can I do that on the coach? Of course! Just inform your Trip Manager if you need refrigeration on the coach. Please remember that the fridge is turned off overnight, so you’ll have to take your medication with you into your accommodation. We recommend that you bring a cooler bag with you as a backup. It’s your responsibility to store your medication with care.
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: Ah! The sight of this famous balcony will turn even the most hardened cynic into a romantic soul.
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.
5 Dinner (D)
21 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
London: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
Rome: Can arrangements be made for travellers with accessibility needs? If you require arrangements to be made for your accessibility needs, please inform your Trip Manager as soon as possible. We try our best to contact all accommodations and secure ground floor rooms for easy wheelchair access.Please remember that Italy can be physically challenging to get around. Coaches can’t access historical centers, and there will be lots of walking (on roads that are often uneven and cobbled). Travellers with accessibility needs will find this trip challenging.
Madrid: Do the included meals have a set menu? Yep. Usually, we arrange a buffet for all your included meals. If you’d like a vegetarian option, please inform your Trip Manager beforehand, and they’ll sort it out for you.
Rome: When would be the best time to book tickets for museums and other attractions? This would depend on the museums & attractions you’re planning to visit. If you’d like to know the exact timings, please contact our 24x7 Helpline to access your day-to-day itineraries to check when you’ll have free time in each city.
Madrid: I need to refrigerate my medication. Can I do that on the coach? Of course! Just inform your Trip Manager if you need refrigeration on the coach. Please remember that the fridge is turned off overnight, so you’ll have to take your medication with you into your accommodation. We recommend that you bring a cooler bag with you as a backup. It’s your responsibility to store your medication with care.
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: Ah! The sight of this famous balcony will turn even the most hardened cynic into a romantic soul.
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.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYStart 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 and enjoy an included dinner this evening.
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.
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.
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...
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre isn’t one town, it’s five coastal gems, each with its own vibe and postcard views. We’ll sort you out with an unlimited hike & train pass. Which means you can cliff-walk, station-hop, and soak up pastel perfection all day long.
Cinque Terre to Milan via Como
This morning, we're hitting the road today to one of the most elegant cities in Europe. Before that, a quick stop to experience the glitz and glamour of Lake Como. The showstopper is the lake itself, of course, and you'll also have the option to get out on the water for a cruise. Welcome to Milan – all style, all sass. Tonight’s free for you to chase down the best eats, sip on local flavours, and see where the night takes you. Your Trip Manager’s got the inside scoop on the must-dos (and the must-avoids).
Milan to Venice via Verona
The dreamy destinations just don't stop coming... Welcome to Verona – Renaissance romance central and the real-life stage for Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. We’ll swing by Juliet’s famous balcony (yep, the actual one!), then it’s off to our next dose of Italian romance. Ciao Treviso. This low-key charmer is basically Venice’s relaxed cousin. Tonight’s free for you to wander cobbled streets, feast on local bites, and maybe hunt down the OG tiramisu (yep, it was born here). Tomorrow, we take on the real Venice.
Venice
Wake-up sleeping beauties! Hop onto our coach because we've got the entire day to explore Venice. We'll be jumping aboard our own private boat and crossing the canal en route to the historical heart of the city. A gondola ride will be up for grabs, or if you wanna escape the crowds, there's also an optional Burano Island Cruise (with a delish meal!) that you'll love. Or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you.
Venice to Rome via Bologna
See ya, Venice. You'll always have a piece of our hearts. Today we're headed back to Rome with a delicious lil’ stop on the way. 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. It’s 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.
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.
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!). Hello Naples! We’ll settle down in our beautiful hotel (that’s just a few mins from the historic city centre). Today we have the option to take a tour, learn about the city, its history and its food culture.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’.
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...
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
