Welcome to Venice, a captivating city of canals, palaces and paintings, where cars are replaced by boats and an archipelago of tiny islands is linked by over 400 bridges. Upon arrival at the airport, a private taxi will be waiting to whisk you to your hotel in Mestre – just 10 minutes from the glittering lagoon, with its famously floating skyline of Renaissance domes and Gothic spires. Here you’ll 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. Saluti!

Wake up to the sounds of the city coming to life outside your window. You’ll spend your first morning discovering two of Venice’s most characterful islands: Murano and Burano. A short ferry ride across the lagoon, Murano has been known for its Venetian glass-makers for over 700 years. You’ll see the artisan craftsmen at work before exploring Burano’s brightly painted cottages and boutiques selling handmade lace. Then, you’ll take to the water again on a kayaking tour of the city. Paddling serenely through the backwater canals, under arched bridges and by crumbling buildings, you’ll enjoy a more intimate viewpoint that many never see. Back on dry land, there’s a Flash Pack surprise in store – but that’s all we’ll say for now.   

Today, you’ll explore some of Venice’s most authentic sestieri (districts) on an off-the-beaten-track walking tour. Starting in Cannaregio, with its fascinating Jewish ghetto, you’ll explore the warren of medieval alleyways and laidback piazzas, making your way through Santa Croce to the majestic Rialto bridge and its colourful market piled high with seasonal produce. Finish your tour by visiting some ‘bacari’ (taverns) to sample local wine and cicchetti – Venice’s answer to tapas. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at leisure. Make use of your vaporetto pass by cruising along the Grand Canal. Climb the campanile for views over St Mark’s Square, or check out the torture chamber in the ornate Palazzo Ducale.  

For your first full day, there’s an appetising itinerary in store with a culinary tour of the region. Thanks to its fertile plains and abundance of fresh ingredients, Emilia-Romagna has long been considered an agricultural powerhouse and superstar of Italian gastronomy. First up, you’ll travel to Modena, to visit the workshop and cellars where the finest balsamic vinegar is aged. You’ll follow this up with a visit to the artisan cheese factory in Parma to discover the intricate process of crafting vintage Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (with plenty of samples, of course). Tastebuds satisfied, you’ll continue to Florence for the next part of your adventure. Spend the evening sipping aperitivi with your group in a lively local piazza.

Spend the morning on a truffle-hunting adventure in a lush forest near the city. You’ll be accompanied by a truffle expert and a specially trained dog who can sniff out the gourmet fungus, which you’ll sample with some local wine. Back in Florence, you’ll learn about the city’s cultural heritage with a visit to some artisan workshops, where goldsmiths, woodcarvers, marble paper-makers and shoe-makers keep centuries-old traditions alive. The rest of the day is yours to explore the incredible array of artistic and architectural treasures on offer (not to mention the world-famous gelati). Admire the landmark cathedral with its neo-Gothic facade, amble over the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge and take in the views from Piazzale Michelangelo – particularly atmospheric at sunset.

After breakfast, you’ll be met by an English-speaking chauffeur and travel across the bucolic Tuscan countryside to the stunning hilltop town of San Gimignano. One of Tuscany’s most recognisable sights, the skyline of medieval towers is visible from miles around. You’ll have time to explore the triangular Piazza della Cisterna and climb the Torre Grossa, before enjoying a traditional Tuscan lunch and wine-tasting. Then, you’ll continue your journey to Siena: a compact Gothic town, famed for its beautiful Campo square. Don’t miss visiting the duomo cathedral, with its black-and-white striped marble walls, ornate mosaic floor and sculptures by Renaissance artists, including Michelangelo and Bernini. Later, you’ll return to Florence for a relaxed evening at your boutique hotel. 

Arrivederci Florence – next you’re onto Rome. Your introduction to Italy’s charismatic capital will be on a Vespa sidecar adventure. Sit back and enjoy this stylish ride as you take in one breathtaking location after another. Navigating the labyrinthine streets, you’ll feel like you’re in a classic movie as you ride past sights including the Roman Forum, Colosseum and even Vatican City. You’ll be dropped off back at your boutique hotel, ideally positioned for setting out on foot. Enjoy an atmospheric evening strolling from one piazza to the next before heading out for a farewell dinner with views to die for on the highest rooftop in the city. Raise a toast with your fellow Flashpackers to an incredible week of adventure. 

It’s now over to you to make your own way to the airport. Or why not book some additional nights in Rome and really get to know this incredible city? You might also consider extending your adventure with our Southern Italy tour, which will see you journey from Rome to Puglia – one of the country’s most traditional and untouched regions – via the Amalfi Coast. Our team of travel experts are at your service.