Italy Trip Details

Introduction

Welcome to Italy!

Italy is a must-visit destination in Europe with incredible sights, delicious food & wine, and rich history.

Visit the Eternal City of Rome, wine and dine in Florence, and immerse yourself in the local sustainable lifestyle of the Umbria region.

Hike the countryside hills at Marmore Waterfall, the highest man-made waterfall in Europe, and explore medieval castles in Bevagna.

Eat delicious Italian food along the way, intermingle with locals in the bustling piazzas, and sip wine while taking in beautiful sunsets.

Duration: 7 days & 6 nights

Start: Trip begins at Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) at 2:00 p.m.

Finish: Trip ends in Florence, Italy
Plan to depart anytime on Day 7. Travelers are responsible for their own transportation to the airport or can choose to extend their trip.

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration-–please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.

What's Included

  • 7 days & 6 nights shared accommodations in boutique hotel rooms and a local farmstay
  • 7 breakfasts, 1 lunches, & 5 dinners
  • Guided food expedition through the historical city center of Rome
  • Walking tour in Rome, The Eternal City
  • Take in the view of the world-famous Colosseum, Pantheon, and Piazza Navarro
  • Experience the mind-blowing Marmore Waterfalls
  • Italian cooking demonstration 
  • Indulge in delicious farm-to-fork Italian meals
  • Bevagna walking tour and medieval workshop
  • Visit a winery in Bevagna for lunch
  • Experience Siena’s old town 
  • Visit a medieval castle in Monteriggioni
  • Guided walking tour of San Gimignano
  • Taste world-renowned gelato in San Gimignano
  • Guided walking tour of Florence
  • Visit Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence
  • Entrance fees and ground transportation to all included activities
  • Private airport pick-up upon arrival
  • Under30Experiences Trip Leader
  • Personal recommendations for optional activities
  • The chance to meet some kick-ass people
  • Access to the Under30Experiences community
  • Taxes are always included, never hidden fees, & NO blackout dates

Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Italy.
Taxi & public transportation, entrance fees to museums, or any
optional activities are not included. If you’d like to visit the Colosseum or the Vatican, you must book your ticket in advance.

Highlights

  • Explore the greenest region in Italy
  • Stay on an authentic farmstay run by locals
  • Discover the magic of Rome--The Eternal City
  • Eat delicious and healthy food made directly at the farm
  • Be immersed in nature at Marmore Waterfalls
  • Walking tour of Florence
  • Experience medieval castles of the Tuscany region

Is this Trip for You?

This trip is for travelers who want to visit two of Italy’s main destinations, Florence and Rome, while mixing in a unique experience of staying at a farmstay in the Umbrian countryside.

The farmstay experience will introduce travelers to the agrotourism sector of Italy, where you will cook and eat meals made from locally sourced ingredients.

Visit Siena and San Gimignano, two gems of the Tuscany region and learn about their history that dates back to medieval times.

Indulge in the best pizza, pasta, & gelato that Italy has to offer while hiking next to breathtaking waterfalls, exploring the historic city of Rome, and experiencing the culture of Florence.

-Age requirement: 21+

-Group size: 16 max, average 12-14

-Physical rating: Moderate. This trip is a good mix of activity and relaxation and includes moderate physical activities.  Participants should expect to be active 3-4 hours most days. An active lifestyle is helpful though not required to enjoy the trip.

Travel Community

Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.

Before your trip you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp Group and connect with others members of your group. Many travelers meet in the airport, or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after their trip.

During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment, where people feel safe to truly be themselves.

After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni, and part of our larger online Travel Community where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours, to hikes, to outdoor movie nights.

More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.

Itinerary Disclaimer

Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.

While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Meals

Breakfasts will be eaten at the accommodations where you will be staying throughout your stay. Included dinners will be eaten at reputable, local-style restaurants.

You will prepare your own dinner for one of the nights at the farmstay during a hands-on cooking class.

On your final night in Rome, dinner will be part of an included walking food tour through the historical city center.

Sample Breakfast Menu:

  • Italian baked goods, bread, jam, cereals, yogurt, fruit, Italian coffee, tea

Sample Dinner Menu:

  • A selection of cheeses, ham, bruschetta with extra virgin olive oil, tomatoes, and seasonal vegetables
  • A pasta dish with seasonal products
  • Dessert: Tiramisu
  • White and red wine, water, Italian bread

Cooking Demonstration :

  • The group will be shown  how to make a typical Italian homemade pasta and a dessert, which of course you will then have for dinner.

We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Most meals can be modified for special requests and food allergies.

Transportation

You will be traveling by mostly private, locally-owned ground transportation, public trains, and taxis throughout your trip. It is common to use public transportation while in Rome to get around the city quicker.

  • Private ground transportation from the airport in Rome on Day 1 (Included)
  • Public bus and taxi around Rome and Florence (Not Included)
  • Private ground transportation for all included activities (Included)
  • All optional activities do not include transportation

Cabs and other public transportation are not included unless specified on the itinerary.

Accommodation

You will be staying in shared boutique hotel rooms in Rome and Florence and at a farmstay in the Umbria region.  There are two nights on a sustainable farmstay in the Umbria region.

Please be aware that rooms in Europe can be smaller and don’t always provide a minibar, air-conditioning, or a safe.

Laundry may be available at the hotel for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.

Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality.
Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.
Private room options are available upon request subject to hotel availability (for an extra charge).

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate on our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.

Please note that travel insurance covers trip related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers things like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays. 

We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that all of the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.

Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please make sure to read your plans coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.

Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.

We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Cancellation Policy

Very Flexible

Give us at least 30 days notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 30 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company as they may cover you for some expenses. We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 30 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.

Trip Leader Expectations

All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.

The goal of the Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.

You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

Packing List

Please be eco-friendly!
  • Bring a reusable water bottle to refill where clean water is available.
  • Bring a reusable straw to limit the amount of single-use plastic waste.
  • Use as little plastic as possible by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and when shopping.
  • Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they negatively affect the environment.

We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Below includes our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with!  All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and organically inspired when possible.

Do not forgetBring a two prong power adaptor to charge your electronics. Be sure to bring a converter if devices can’t handle 220V.

Helpful Posts:

Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Passport & Visas

Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders

Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.

Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.

Health & Insurance

Check out our Travel Alerts Page for up-to-date COVID requirements.

The tap water in Italy is safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Italy beautiful.

Please consult with your doctor before traveling in regards to physical activity and vaccinations.

No inoculations are required to enter Italy from the United States but the Center for Disease Control suggests routine vaccines for all travelers. Required vaccines should go through CDC, recommended vaccines should be through your doctor.

More specific Health information for Travelers to Europe can be found at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Money & Currency

We suggest bringing 350 USD (€330) in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.

This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

The official currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR).

We are going to a farmstay in the Italian countryside where we won’t have access to ATMs. The accommodation does accept credit cards.

ATMs are available in most towns and you can exchange money at the airport. Please be aware that some places might not accept credit cards under a certain amount of money (usually under €25). You will need to have cash with you.

Remember to call your bank and credit card company and let them know you'll be traveling overseas.

For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency App.

Please be advised that US Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100 USD.

Safety & Security

Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, vaccination card, and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.

Keep your passport and any valuables locked in your hotel room.

Don’t leave valuables unattended.

US Citizens please consider registering with US State Department's “SMART Traveler Program” who can contact your family in case of emergency.

Weather

The average temperature in Rome throughout the year is 61 °F while in summer temperature can easily reach 92 °F throughout the day.

The average temperature in Umbria throughout the year is 55 °F while it varies for altitude differences.

The average summer temperature in Umbria is 74 °F while 93 °F can be easily reached throughout the day.

The average temperature in Florence throughout the year is 59 °F while in the summer temperatures can easily reach throughout the day 77 °F.

cultural information

Family, good food, & wine are important values to Italians.

Expect lengthy dinners in restaurants. In Italy, eating is a way to socialize and connect with people.

Many shops in small towns are normally closed from 12:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m for 'pennichella', the Italian siesta. People take time to enjoy lunch with family and rest.

Speaking English in Italy is not very common but this can be a great way for you to learn some Italian words and immerse yourself in the culture!

Key Phrases
  • Hello -- Ciao!
  • How are you? -- Come stai?
  • Nice to meet you! -- Piacere di conoscerti
  • What’s your name? -- Come ti chiami
  • Thank you -- Grazie!
  • Please -- Per favore/Per piacere
  • I understand/I don’t understand -- Capisco/Non capisco
  • Beautiful! -- Bello!
  • I love Italy! -- Amo l’Italia!
Tipping Customs

While tipping isn’t customary, it is certainly appreciated especially when you have received great service. Be sure to tip in the local currency (Euro) to ensure the recipient does not have to pay additional fees when exchanging.  Here are some common guidelines to follow:

  • Dining at a sit down restaurant = Add 10%-15% of your bill 
  • Taxi drivers = round up to the nearest euro
  • Hotel cleaning staff = 2-5 euros per day
  • Tour guide (non U30X activity leaders)  =  Add 10% of what you paid for the tour

Gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t required on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. We suggest around 3-5 USD per person per day for Trip Leaders.

Optional Activities

The activities below will be paid in Euros. All amounts are approximate prices in US dollars.

Rome

Florence

While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.

General Rules

Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.

Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers out of harm’s way.

It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes, but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself, or ask.

Travel involves contact with new cultures. When confronted with a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.

Know your limits! This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.

Trip Leaders are working in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time!

Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any of the activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.

Staying longer or arriving early?

Recommended Hotels & Hostels in Rome:

Recommended Hotels near Rome Fiumicino International Airport:

Recommended Hotels & Hostels in Florence:

Still need to book your flight?

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