Northern Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome
Kayak through the canals of Venice, discover Rome in a vintage Vespa sidecar & go truffle-hunting in a Tuscan forest
What's included
- Accommodation in twin rooms
- Local transport
- Max 14 travellers per group
About your trip
Venice. Florence. Rome. Renaissance art and Tuscan hills. If you’re looking to explore Italy’s triumphant trio of World Heritage cities – with plenty of indulgent aperitivi along the way – this one’s for you.
Starting in Venice (arguably one of the world’s most picturesque cities), you’ll explore the labyrinthine canals by kayak, seeking out hidden treasures. You’ll visit Italy’s finest producers of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Modena balsamic vinegar, with gourmet samples along the way. Then it’s on to Tuscany, where you’ll visit Florence’s artisan workshops, taste wine in the ancient cellars of a historic hilltop castle and go truffle-hunting with a local expert. And let’s not forget your Vespa sidecar adventure through Rome’s vibrant streets.
This might just be our most opulent adventure yet. Go on, treat yourself.
- Take a private Flash pack transfer from the airport to your hotel in Mestre, just 10 minutes from Venice – one of the world’s most beautiful cities
- Meet your fellow travellers and Pack Leader before heading out for a welcome dinner at an atmospheric osteria for your first taste of Venetian cuisine
- Take a ferry across the lagoon to the island of Murano, home to Venetian glass-makers for over 700 years, and watch the artisan craftsmen at work
- Hop across to nearby Burano, a photogenic island dotted with brightly painted cottages and boutiques selling handmade lace
- Kayak your way through Venice, paddling through serene canals, under arched bridges and past crumbling buildings for a more intimate view of the city
- Take an off-the-beaten-track walking tour of Venice’s most authentic sestieri (districts), soaking up the stunning Renaissance, Gothic and Byzantine architecture all around
- Visit some traditional ‘bacari’ (taverns) to sample local wine and cicchetti – Venice’s answer to tapas – tucked away down the maze of backstreets
- Enjoy a free afternoon in Venice; climb the campanile for views of St Mark’s Square or take a quintessential gondola ride
- Travel to the town of Modena – one of Italy’s great gastronomic centres – to visit a workshop and cellars where the finest balsamic vinegar is aged
- Visit an artisan cheese factory in Parma to discover the intricate process of crafting vintage Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (with plenty of samples, of course)
- Continue to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, and spend the evening sipping aperitivi in a lively local piazza
- Hunt for truffles in a forest near Florence, accompanied by a local expert and his specially trained dog; sample the gourmet fungi complemented by local wine
- Visit some of Florence’s fascinating artisan workshops, where goldsmiths, marble paper-makers and shoe-makers keep centuries-old traditions alive
- Spend a free afternoon exploring Florence’s Unesco-listed historic centre, taking in iconic landmarks, such as the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio bridge
- Arrive at the stunning hilltop town of San Gimignano, with its skyline of medieval towers visible from miles around
- Explore the triangular Piazza della Cisterna and climb the Torre Grossa, before enjoying a traditional Tuscan lunch and wine-tasting
- Continue to the medieval town of Siena, with its beautiful Campo square and black-and-white Gothic cathedral, before returning to Florence this evening
- Discover Rome on a unique Vespa sidecar adventure, taking in famous sights including the Roman Forum, Colosseum and even Vatican City
- Spend your afternoon exploring on foot, before heading out for a farewell dinner with your group, raising a toast to an incredible week of adventure
- After breakfast, say goodbye to your fellow Flashpackers and make your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi
- Arrive home feeling deeply satisfied (thank you Italian food and wine) and undoubtedly enriched from the breathtaking history and art this inspiring country has confronted you with
Our favourite hotels
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
Staycity Aparthotels Venice Mestre
Enjoy easy access to the sights of Venice from these chic studio apartments in Mestre, just 10 minutes from the lagoon. Expect sleek, streamlined rooms with well-equipped kitchenettes and contemporary decor throughout.
San Gallo Palace, Florence
From the Florentine garden bistro to the classically styled rooms, everything about this 19th-century hotel whispers Italian elegance. The peaceful location, just off Piazza della Libertà, puts you within easy striking distance of some of Italy’s most prized artworks.
The Savoy, Rome
Fancy soaking up views over Rome with a cocktail in hand? The rooftop terrace of this historic hotel is the perfect sundowner spot. Set in a former palazzo, and steeped in Old World style, you’re just a few minutes walk from major sights including the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.
Important notes
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Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and out of Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), also known as Leonardo da Vinci International Airport.
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What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
We suggest arriving before 12 pm on Day 1, to allow yourself enough time to freshen up and meet your group before dinner.
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What time should my flight depart on the last day?
There are no scheduled activities for the final day, so you can depart at your own leisure.
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Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.
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Are tips included?
Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader: 7-10 USD per day
- Drivers: 3 USD per day
- Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.
However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.
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How far in advance should I book entrance tickets for Rome sights?
To fully immerse yourself in the history of Rome, we suggest booking some additional nights at the end of your trip. This will allow you time to explore and appreciate the rich cultural attractions the city has to offer.
Note that tickets for popular attractions – such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and the Vatican Museums – sell out quickly, particularly in the summer months of May to September.
We highly recommend that you book tickets for these attractions well in advance to avoid any disappointment or last-minute complications.
Tickets are typically released on official websites three to four weeks in advance.
If you miss out on purchasing tickets through the official websites, you may still be able to buy tickets through third-party vendors. Bear in mind that they may add their own margins to the ticket costs.
The official website for the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill tickets is: https://colosseo.it/en
The official website for the Vatican Museum tickets is: https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html
Note that St Peter’s Basilica (which is separate from the Vatican Museums) is free of charge. However, during summer, queues can stretch up to two hours and there is limited shade. The Basilica may be closed or have restricted access during special events, so check in advance on the official Vatican website: https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html
If you have any additional questions or would like assistance in arranging activities before or after your tour, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We are here to help!
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Will this itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting which we will always try and communicate to you.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
- Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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