Hidden Italy & Iconic Highlights

📍Rome Skyline

Hidden Italy & Iconic Highlights

24 September – 17 October 2026

An Italian Journey with Andrew & Kerrin from Adelaide

ROME - SALERNO - AMALFI COAST - POMPEII - FLORENCE - FERRARA - BOLOGNA - PADUA - VENICE

With more than 20 years’ experience travelling and leading tours throughout Italy, Andrew and Kerrin bring deep knowledge, local insight and a genuine love of Italian life to every journey they host.

Having lived and worked in Italy, they design and lead tours that go beyond the obvious highlights. Their approach is unhurried and immersive, allowing guests to experience Italy as Italians do — lingering over meals, exploring neighbourhoods off the main tourist trail, and taking the time to truly understand the country’s history, culture and way of life.

Kerrin brings specialist expertise in Italian art and history, enriching visits to museums, galleries and historic sites with thoughtful context and storytelling. Andrew, a fluent (native) Italian speaker, offers in-depth insight into Italy’s history, food, wine, fashion and contemporary culture, as well as the confidence of seamless communication on the ground.

Together, Andrew and Kerrin create welcoming, well-paced tours suited to travellers of varied ages and backgrounds, ensuring a rewarding, relaxed and deeply engaging Italian experience.

THE EXPERIENCE

Experience the best of Italy on this carefully curated journey that blends iconic highlights with lesser-known regional treasures. From the ancient streets of Rome to the canals of Venice, and from the Amalfi Coast to the Renaissance heart of Florence, this immersive small-group tour offers a rich balance of guided sightseeing, cultural experiences and time at leisure.

Travel comfortably by high-speed train and private transport as you explore Italy’s most celebrated cities alongside charming regional centres including Salerno and Ferrara. Enjoy guided visits to world-renowned sites such as the Colosseum, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, Pompeii, Paestum, Florence’s Duomo, St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, complemented by authentic local experiences including a hands-on cooking class in Bologna and time to wander historic villages like San Gimignano.

The itinerary has been designed to move at a relaxed pace, allowing time to savour Italy’s food, landscapes and daily rhythms. Centrally located hotels, including breakfasts and selected group dinners, ensure comfort and ease, while thoughtfully planned free days allow you to personalise your experience.

This journey is ideal for travellers seeking a deeper understanding of Italy: its history, culture and regional character without feeling rushed

Download the brochure for the full itinerary.

You can view and download the full Terms & Conditions here

HIGHLIGHTS

Ancient Rome, the Colosseum and Roman Forum
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Amalfi Coast excursion and time in Amalfi
Guided visits to Pompeii and Paestum
Florence’s Duomo complex and Renaissance treasures
Tuscan day trip to San Gimignano
Cooking class and lunch in Bologna
Historic Ferrara and Padua
Venice island stay with St Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Fully hosted by Andrew and Kerrin from Adelaide
Economy Class Flights from Adelaide to Rome, Venice to Adelaide
21 nights accommodation in well-located hotels
Daily breakfast plus selected group dinners
All major sightseeing, admissions and guided tours as per itinerary
Private coach and second-class rail travel throughout
Public transport passes in Rome and Venice
English-speaking local guides and assistants where required

$16,990 per person twin share

(Single supplement available)

ITINERARY

BOOK NOW

Or enquire phone +61 422 193 590

Email: sstewart@mtatravel.com.au

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Rome | Ancient Wonders & Vatican Highlights

Begin your Italian small group tour in Rome, where layers of ancient history meet vibrant modern life. A welcome dinner sets the tone for the journey ahead. Explore Ancient Rome with guided visits to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, gaining rich historical context from expert local guides.

A dedicated Vatican experience includes the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, followed by time in St Peter’s Basilica. Leisure time allows you to wander Rome’s iconic landmarks including the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

Included Meals: 4 breakfasts | 1 two-course dinner

Florence & Tuscany | Renaissance Art & Tuscan Landscapes

Arrive in Florence, heart of the Renaissance and one of Italy’s most culturally rich cities. Explore the Duomo complex with entry to the Cathedral Dome and enjoy time at leisure to discover Florence’s galleries, artisan workshops and historic piazzas.

A Tuscan day trip to San Gimignano showcases medieval architecture and rolling vineyard landscapes, while an optional visit to Pisa offers the opportunity to see the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli.

Included Meals: 5 breakfasts | 1 two-course dinner

Salerno & The Amalfi Coast | Coastal Beauty & Ancient Civilisations

Travel south by rail to Salerno, gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy time to explore Salerno’s historic centre before cruising by hydrofoil to Amalfi, one of Italy’s most picturesque coastal towns.

Step into history with a guided tour of Pompeii, one of Italy’s most significant archaeological sites. A further excursion to Paestum reveals remarkably preserved Greek temples, offering a deeper insight into Italy’s ancient heritage.

Included Meals: 4 breakfasts | 1 two-course dinner

Ferrara, Bologna & Padua | Authentic Northern Italy

Continue to Ferrara, a refined Renaissance city offering a quieter, authentic Italian experience. Explore Castello Estense and wander medieval streets before travelling to Bologna for a hands-on Italian cooking class and lunch with wine.

A day excursion to Padua includes a guided visit to the Basilica of St Anthony and time to explore this elegant northern Italian city.

Included Meals: 4 breakfasts | 1 two-course dinner | 1 cooking class lunch with wine

Venice | Canals, Culture & Timeless Elegance

Conclude your Italy tour in Venice, staying on Venice Island for an immersive experience of this extraordinary city. Discover Murano and Burano by Vaporetto, and enjoy a guided walking tour including St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

Time at leisure allows you to explore Venice’s canals, hidden campos and artisan boutiques before your private boat transfer to the airport.

Included Meals: 4 breakfasts | 1 two-course dinner

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Travel throughout Italy is carefully coordinated to ensure comfort and efficiency, combining private coach transfers, rail travel and local transport where appropriate. This balanced approach allows you to move smoothly between regions while experiencing the country as locals do, with transport arrangements designed to support a relaxed pace and maximise time spent exploring each destination.

• Private coach for transfer from Fiumicino Airport Airport, Rome to Rome hotel

• Issue of Rome Public Transport Pass – ROMA 72H [urban zone]

• Train 2nd class from Rome to Salerno

• Hydrofoil public boat one-way journey from Salerno to Amalfi - subject to schedule

• Hydrofoil public boat one-way journey from Amalfi to Salerno - subject to schedule

• Private coach for half day excursion from Salerno to Pompei

• Train 2nd class from Salerno to Paestum

• Train 2nd class from Paestum to Salerno

• Train 2nd class from Salerno to Florence

• Private coach for full day excursion from Florence to San Gimignano

• Train 2nd class from Florence to Ferrara

• Train 2nd class from Ferrara to Bologna

• Train 2nd class from Bologna to Ferrara

• Train 2nd class from Ferrara to Padua

• Train 2nd class from Padua to Ferrara

• Train 2nd class from Ferrara to Venice Santa Lucia

• Private boat and coach transfer from hotel to Venice airport with assistant & 1 piece of luggage per person

• Issue of 72hr days Vaporetto Pass

A selection of meals is included, with ample free time to discover Italy’s food culture independently — from casual trattorias to memorable regional dining, chosen entirely by you.

8 x Continental buffet breakfast at the hotel

13 x Hot buffet breakfast at the hotel

2-course dinner at a local restaurant in Rome

2-course dinner at local restaurant in Salerno

2-course dinner at local restaurant in Florence

2-course dinner at local restaurant in Ferrara

2-course dinner at local restaurant in Venice Island

Accommodation throughout the tour has been carefully selected for comfort, location and character, with hotels chosen to place you close to the heart of each destination.

Staying in well-located properties allows easy access to key sights, dining and local neighbourhoods, while providing a welcoming place to relax after each day of exploration. All accommodation has been selected to support a comfortable, seamless travel experience across Italy.

21 nights accommodation in twin/double room

Includes:

8 x continental breakfasts and 13 x full buffet breakfasts

Rome x 4 nights (Palladium Palace Hotel or similar)

Salerno x 4 nights (Grand Hotel Salerno or similar)

Florence x 5 nights (Mercure Firenze Centro or similar)

Ferrara x 4 nights (hotel to be confirmed)

Venice Island x 4 nights (NH Venezia Santa Lucia or similar)

While Andrew and Kerrin host and accompany the group throughout the entire journey, a range of licensed local English-speaking guides are included at key sites and cities. These specialist guides provide in-depth local knowledge and ensure smooth access to major attractions, enhancing your understanding of Italy’s history, culture and landmarks.

Audio whisper systems are used where required, allowing guests to hear clearly while moving comfortably through busy or restricted sites.

• English speaking assistant on arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport

• Full day audio whisper rental in Rome

• English speaking guide for full day tour in Rome

• English speaking guide for Vatican admission only [3 hrs]

• English speaking guide for two hour visit to Pompei excavations

• Whisper rental for Paestum tour

• English speaking guide for two hour visit to Paestum excavations • English speaking guide for half day walking tour in Venice Island (up to 2 hours)

• 2hr audio whisper rental in Venice Island

This 24-day Italy journey is designed for travellers who enjoy an active, immersive style of travel. The itinerary includes regular walking, time on your feet, stairs, uneven surfaces, and the use of public transport, often in busy or warm conditions.

To fully enjoy the experience, guests should be comfortable walking for several hours at a group pace, managing their own luggage, and navigating historic towns, train stations and small boats without assistance. While the pace is considered moderate, some days will be more physically demanding than others.

We encourage all travellers to carefully consider their current fitness and mobility before booking. If you’re unsure whether this tour is right for you, our team is happy to talk through the itinerary and help determine the best fit.

To ensure a seamless and well-paced experience, many key entrance fees are included as part of the tour. These have been thoughtfully pre-arranged to minimise waiting time and allow more time to enjoy each site, providing smooth access to Italy’s most significant landmarks, museums and historic attractions.

• Admission to Colosseum Museum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum • Admission to Vatican Museum incl. Sistine Chapel with whispers

• Self-guided visit at St Peter's Basilica in Rome

• Visit to Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Sant'Andrea) in Amalfi

• Admission to Pompei Excavations in Pompei

• Admission to Paestum archaeological site in Paestum

• Issue of Brunelleschi Pass — Piazza del Duomo [3 day]

• Admission to Dome St Mary del Fiore Cathedral

• Issue of MyFE Card- 2-day card

• Admission to cooking class in Bologna

• Admission to St Mark's Basilica in Venice

• Admission to Doges' Palace

Local city taxes, which are payable in many Italian destinations, are included in the tour cost for each city on this itinerary. This means there are no additional payments required at hotels during your stay, allowing you to travel with ease and enjoy a smooth, hassle-free experience.

• City tax in Rome included

• City tax in Salerno included

• City tax in Florence included

• City tax in Ferrara included

• City tax in Venice Island included

Some incidental costs are not included in the tour price. These include tipping, porterage at hotels, and optional or site-specific charges such as access to the cloister at Amalfi Cathedral, which is payable locally on the day. This approach allows flexibility while keeping the overall tour cost transparent.

• Tipping

• Porterage at hotels

• The cloister at Amalfi Cathedral is not included; this can only be paid on the spot

Testimonials

The highlight of my tour was visiting South Australia for the first time. All of the tours were excellent. - DAPHNE

It was a lovely tour. The other guests were all lovely. 10/10 - ROSS & MARIA

The boat trip on the Murray Mouth was amazing, just loved it. A wonderful trip. - ELIZABETH

I loved meeting new friends and experiencing new places. - DOMENIC & MARIA

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