OVERVIEW

Solos Only

 

Italy Solo Travel Tours

On this tour you will discover the best of one of the world's most picturesque countries with this boutique experience exclusively solo travellers.

From cosmopolitan Milan to the ancient city of Rome we have all the major highlights. Discover the beauty of the Umbria and Tuscany regions, and explore the Amalfi Coast. There are also 2 highlight three nights stays in Venice and Rome and a stay in the colourful and vibrant Naples.

Solo Tours in Italy for Singles

Touring highlights feature the Cinque Terre (or five villages), Pompeii, the isle of Capri, the superb Vatican museums, scenic countryside regions of Italy, including the Garda Lake region of the north, Verona; the home of Romeo and Juliet and more.

This tour enjoys the benefit of small group touring and fully escorted from Italy. Along the way, delight in superior dining with a glass of wine included with meals.

Your Italy discovery will feel like a dream come true, all in the company of other solo travellers.
 

PACKAGE DETAILS
  • Ages:
    45+
  • Duration:
    20 Days
  • Status:
    Early bird offer
  • Region:
    EuropeUK
  • Destinations:
    Italy
  • Travel Style:
    Discovery
  • Accommodation:
    Quality hotels
  • Prices from:
    AUD$17565 own room
  • Transport:
    Bus, Boat
  • Pace:
    3
  • Max Group Size:
    22
REVIEWS

'The Italian tour was the trip of a lifetime.  It was all amazing the food, locations, hotels and our tour guide Giuseppe. I cannot fault anything about it about it. It is a must do !!!'

Diana, 60 years, New South Wales

'Italy,a fabulous holiday destination for a group of Aussies with history culture landscape and food all brought together by our wonderful tour guide, Luis.'

Keith, 61 years, Sydney, New South Wales
VIEW ALL REVIEWS REQUEST A QUOTE > NEED MORE HELP?
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INCLUSIONS

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

  • 19 nights hotel accommodation (mostly 4 star)
  • A group welcome drink, day 1
  • Daily breakfasts
  • 2 lunches including a highlight Tuscan lunch
  • 8 dinners including five highlight dinners, with a glass of wine

SIGHTSEEING AND GUIDE

  • An pizza cooking class
  • A wine tasting event
  • A vinegar tasting in Modena
  • All other tours & excursions as per itinerary
  • All entry fees as per itinerary inclusions, value Euro260
  • Headphones for guided sightseeing tours
  • English-speaking locally based tour director
  • English-speaking locally based guides

TRAVEL

  • Private, air conditioned vehicle 
  • Train for Cinque Terre
  • Boat rides

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

  • Porterage (1 bag) at hotels where available
  • Tourist taxes
  • Small group, not more than 21 travellers

* A driver-guide arrangement for groups of 8 or less
Tipping fund Euro 160 payable directly to tour director to manage tips for local guides, drivers, porter service, wine & vinegar tastings, and included restaurants. Fund does not included tips for your tour director

Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for joining this tour and is in addition to the package price.

Not included: 

  • Airfares to/from Italy (unless requested)
  • Airport transfers unless specified
  • Any tips for local guides, drivers, tour director, hotel staff and other support staff.
  • Porterage at airports
  • Travel insurance
  • Excess baggage
  • Visa fees if applicable
  • Meals and beverages not specified on itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry & medical expenses
  • Incidental expenses such as taxi fares, telecommunications

Departure Dates for this tour

Departure
Status
Price from
Get a quote
13 SEP - 2 OCT 25
Early bird offer
$17565 own room
REQUEST QUOTE

EARLY BIRD OFFER
Book and pay deposit by 12 December 2024 and SAVE $300 with own room 

PER PERSON AUD$

OWN ROOM

Tour

AUD $17565

PRE TOUR: Milan @ group hotel with breakfast
Rates apply: 11 & 12 SEP 2025

AUD $T.B.A

POST TOUR: Rome @ group hotel with breakfast  
Rates apply: 2 & 3 OCT 2025

AUD $T.B.A

ARRIVAL TRANSFER - MILAN: Airport to group hotel

AUD $T.B.A


Trip Code: ITALY25-9

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Itinerary

SOLO TOUR OF ITALY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Wonderful three night stays in Venice and Rome
  • A focus on quality Italian dining experiences with highlight lunches and dinners, enjoyed with a glass of wine
  • Restaurants selected to showcase Italian cuisine
  • A full day of visiting the Garda Lake region
  • Verona guided tour; the city that features an impressive ancient arena
  • In depth Venice discoveries
  • A superb day discovering the delights of the Cinque Terre
  • A Tuscan highlight lunch
  • A sightseeing tour of Florence including a visit to see Michelangelo's original statue of ‘David'.
  • Time in Assisi, a charming hilltop town of Umbria
  • Enjoy a superb dinner in Assisi
  • A guided tour of the Commonwealth Cemetery of Montecassino
  • A day tour to Isle of Capri, off the Amalfi Coast
  • An afternoon in Positano, Amalfi Coast
  • An Italian pizza cooking class
  • A guided tour through the cobble-stoned streets of the ill-fated town of
  • In Rome, visit the superb Vatican Museums and admire Michelangelo's ceiling of the Sistine Chapel

Pre Tour Stay
Consider arriving a day before the tour start, or enjoy a stopover.  The cost of the additional night/s of stay applies. Ask our travel team about this option, and the additional costs.

Guided Tours with Headsets
Our travellers are provided with a headset each and a guide narrates using a radio microphone. This eliminates background noise, interruptions from other tour groups and offers a more intimate touring experience.  

DAY 1

Milan

Welcome to Milan, Italy – internationally renowned, along with Paris, New York and London as one of the world’s most important fashion capitals.  Milan is the start to your amazing discoveries ahead and your next two nights of stay. Early evening, meet with the group Tour Director for a welcome drink and tour briefing.   The evening is at your leisure. You may like to head out with other group members and enjoy dinner together.

Meals: Welcome Drink  

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Meet with your tour director and group 5:30PM for welcome drinks 

 

DAY 2

Milan

After breakfast at our hotel we depart for a day trip to beautiful Lake Como.

Discover the timeless beauty of the Italian lakes. Take a walking tour of the chic lake town of Como with a local guide plus a Lake Como cruise to see snow-peaked mountains and luxury lakeside villas from the water. Visit the village of Bellagio; there is some free time for lunch and to explore.

By the end of the day return to Milan for a group welcome dinner for some Milanese cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • A day tour to near by Lake Como
  • Group dinner


FREE TIME EXTRAS:
Time at leisure in Bellagio

DAY 3

Milan

After breakfast at our hotel we meet with a local guide for our Milan city tour including The Piazza del Duomo. There’s some time at leisure in Milan for lunch (or a spot of shopping). Later we depart for Garda Lake via Sirmione to enjoy the sunset.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Milan morning city sightseeing tour
  • Visit Garda Lake for sunset
  • Group dinner at our hotel 

DAY 4

Garda Lake Area

Today, a full day excursion to Garda Lake including visits to several of Lake Garda’s idyllic towns such as Malcesine, Limone, Desenzano. Enjoy an early dinner in a typical winery in the Garda Lake region where the vines have been cultivated for centuries to produce wines with an unmistakable taste and flavour, which tell the story of the beauty and history of the place.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Full day tour Garda Lake
  • Winery visit
  • Winery early dinner 

DAY 5

Garda Lake – Verona - Venice 

Early this morning we depart for the elegant city of Verona on our way to Venice. We arrive and start out with a guided city centre walking tour in Verona. It includes entry to the Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman arena and venue for the opera each summer. We also see Juliet's house and the balcony (from the story of Romeo & Juliet).

Then onto the culturally rich city of Padua for a walking tour including entry to the beautiful Scrovegni Chapel, and the Padua Cathedral. See some of the most famous squares in the city, including Piazza delle Erbe, della Frutta and Piazza della Signoria, all of which overlook several important and majestic buildings. There is a light lunch in one of the typical restaurants near the squares. In the late afternoon we will proceed to Venice. On arrival to venice, transfer by water taxi to the hotel and this evening free time to wander the incredible destination, Venice.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Transfer to Venice, via Verona
  • Verona guided walking tour
  • Walking tour of the city of Padua
  • Lunch in Padua
  • Water taxi to our Venice hotel

 

DAY 6

Venice – Island Visits

An amazing day ahead – travel by water taxi to Murano, Burano and Torcello Island. On Murano Island visit a glass showroom for an interesting demonstration of the traditional craftsmanship of Murano glassware, unchanged for centuries. Leave Murano behind as you travel to the nearby island of Burano. Witness the quaint and colourful houses that dot the island and observe the lace makers at work. Become acquainted with their rare skill which is considered some of the finest worldwide. Stop for a bite to eat during your time in Burano and taste some of the local biscotti that are native to the island.

The final stop is Torcello; see the historical landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Attila's Throne, the Devil's Bridge, and the Bell Tower. We return to Venice island with another wonderful night to make your own discoveries.

Meals: Breakfast 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • A shared ferry/boat service to visit Murano Island, Burano Island and Torcello Island

 

DAY 7

Venice

After breakfast, we set out for a walking tour from the famous Piazza San Marco. You'll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour that includes entrance to the Doges' Palace, and visit the ornate St Mark’s Basilica.

This afternoon you have at leisure on Venice Island; a wonderful time to explore at your own pace, and maybe take a gondola ride!

This evening is a magnificent chance to explore more and enjoy local Venetian dining.

Meals: Breakfast

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • A walking tour of Venice
  • Afternoon at leisure in Venice
  •  

DAY 8

Venice – La Spezia

Today, it's a longer drive to cross the Italian peninsular and see from distance the quarries at Carrara, its milky white stone attracting everyone from Michelangelo to Mussolini before we arrive to La Spezia.

Along the way, an enjoyable deviation with a a stop in Bologna, and in Modena for a balsamic vinegar tasting.  Bologna is a medieval town in northern Italy. Your tour director will take you on a short walking tour and then, you have time to wander at your leisure to absorb your surrounds. There’s also time to enjoy lunch - Bologna is often regarded as the culinary capital of Italy. You may like to visit the market in the city centre; it displays an impressive array of deli produce; cheeses, meats, fruits, vegetables and baked delights.

Dinner tonight is at your leisure

Meals: Breakfast

SNAPSHOT - WHAT'S INCLUDED:

  • Travel by road to cross the Italian peninsular
  • A stop in Bologna for a local walk
  • Time at leisure for lunch in Bologna
  • Balsamic vinegar tasting experience, Moderna

DAY 9

La Spezia

Today, is the highlight excursion to the Cinque Terre (or the five villages), which were for years only accessible by donkey. Luckily, today we take the train to explore the spectacular area.

Our tour leader will guide you around two postcard pretty villages, which both retain their charm and reputation for producing one of Italy's most sought after and exclusive wines. For the adventurous there is a hill side track which leads from one village to another. There's also the option to return by boat after the walk (which is spectacular) or you can choose to walk further to more of the five villages and then return by train to La Spezia. After an adventurous day, the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast  

 

DAY 10

La Spezia - Florence 

Today onto Florence as we depart La Spezia via Pisa.  Your tour director will take you on a guided walk of Pisa and of course, see the Leaning Tower of Pisa.  Along the way, a special stop in Monte Carlo for a highlight Tuscan lunch at a Tuscan farm and winery for some of the best of Tuscan cuisine. After lunch, travel onto Florence, arriving with the rest of the day to explore at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Lunch 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Transfer to Florence via Pisa
  • Guided walk of Pisa
  • A highlight lunch at a Tuscan farm

 

DAY 11

Florence

In Florence this morning, take in a city tour which includes a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts, to show you Michelangelo's statue of ‘David' in the Academy Gallery. We continue, to visit the Cathedral and Baptistry, Giotto's 14th century Campanile (said to be the most beautiful bell-tower in the world), the ‘Gates of Paradise' and enjoy a view of Signoria Square, the political stage of the Florentines.

This afternoon, there's a wonderful excursion to Greve in the picturesque Chianti region including wine tasting. Returning to Florence after our dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • A guided city tour of Florence
  • An afternoon excursion to Greve in the picturesque Chianti region including wine tasting.

DAY 12

Florence - Assisi

We depart Florence to make our way to Assisi for our two night stay. On our way, and in the heart of Tuscany, on a hilltop stands the majestic medieval walled town of San Gimignano. It has retained all its old streets, its walls, gates, palaces, strongholds and thirteen towers.  There’s a guided city tour on foot to explore this many towered and very charming town with its squares and winding streets.  This afternoon we travel onto Assisi with the rest of your day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Transfer from Florence to Assisi
  • Guided walking tour, San Gimignano 

DAY 13

Assisi

This morning a guided city tour on foot to visit the Basilica of St Francis with its magnificent frescoes by the artist Giotto and other highlights of Assisi. The rest of the day is free to wander the cobblestone streets and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. We come together in the evening for a special & very memorable dinner, at a Michelin plated restaurant in Assisi.

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • A guided city tour on foot to visit the Basilica of St Francis and other highlights of Assisi.
  • Free time to wander the streets of Assisi
  • A special dinner, at a Michelin plated restaurant in Assisi

DAY 14

Assisi - Naples

This morning it’s a scenic drive from the hill town of Assisi, home of St Francis as we make our way south to Naples. We travel via Caserta VISIT The Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta), famous for its massive size and opulent style, is a triumph of late Italian Baroque architecture. The largest royal residence in the world, the palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shares a number of features with the Palace of Versailles and is one of the most-visited monuments in southern Italy

We will proceed to Naples, with some free time to enjoy the city and this evening a pizza making class (for dinner)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (pizza)

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Transfer to Naples
  • Visit The Royal Palace of Caserta
  • Dinner with pizza making class

 

DAY 15

Naples - (via Isle of Capri) - Sorrento

Today we travel to the Amalfi Coast. We get off to an early start to first reach Pompeii where an expert local guide will walk you through the streets of this Roman resort buried by an eruption of the volcano Mt Vesuvius in AD79.  From Pompeii we will return to Naples to take the hydrofoil to the Isle of Capri and around the Isle to appreciate the isle’s beauty from the water. There will be some free time on the Isle of Capri and then we make our way back by boat to the mainland and transfer to Sorrento. 

Meals: Breakfast 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Stop and visit Pompeii with a local expert guide
  • Transfer Naples to Sorrento
  • Hydrofoil to Isle of Capri
  • Visit Ana Capri 

FREE TIME EXTRA:
On the Isle of Carpi, by boat, visit the Blue Grotto

(subject to suitable weather conditions), then returning for a tour to Ana Capri
Cost applies

 

DAY 16

Sorrento 

Today, discover the famous beauty of one of Italy’s most iconic shorelines with this full-day tour of the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento. Along spectacular coastal roads, stopping to visit the region’s three most popular and beautiful villages; Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. At the end of the day we return to Sorrento for dinner in a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

 SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Amalfi Coast full day excursion
  • Highlight dinner, Amalfi Coast

 

DAY 17

Sorrento – Rome

We depart first thing to make our way to Rome, for a womdeful three night stay. A few hours along the way, we enjoy a guided city tour on foot at the Commonwealth Cemetery of Montecassino. This afternoon you have time at leisure to enjoy your choice of sightseeing, shopping or relaxing in Rome.

In the late afternoon you will enjoy an exclusive activity that consists of cooking class with a Roman Chef, in a two hour hands on class, learning how to cook two typical Italian dishes and after the preparation you will eat what you cooked with wines, coke, water included.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (part of cooking class) 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Guided tour of Commonwealth Cemetery of Montecassino
  • Italian cooking class with dinner

 

DAY 18

Rome

This morning there’s a guided walking tour of Rome. You will be escorted by an expert local guide, as you visit Rome's iconic landmarks and places of interest including entrance to The Colosseum and Roman Forum, to explore ancient Rome. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. Shop till you drop, explore more of Rome or you may be tempted to throw another coin into the famous Trevi Fountain to ensure your return one day!

The evening is at your leisure and this evening the chance to make your own local discoveries for a dinner spot. We suggest you ask your tour director for recommendations.

Meals: Breakfast 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Guided morning city tour

DAY 19

Rome

Today another discovery of the city including a group reservation (no queues) for our guided tour of the Vatican Museums to see Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel plus visit St Peter's Basilica * built around the tomb of St Peter, and designed by some of history's greatest architects, Bramante, Bernini and Michelangelo.

This afternoon you have time at leisure to enjoy your choice of sightseeing, shopping or relaxing in Rome. The evening we will celebrate the end of our amazing tour with a farewell diner in a typical restaurant in Rome with music.

Meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner


SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Guided city tour, Rome
  • Group reservation at The Vatican museums
  • Farewell highlight dinner

SPECIAL NOTES
shorts or short skirts not permitted at Vatican museums

 

DAY 20

Rome

Our memorable Italian tour comes to an end after breakfast. Or feel free to extend your stay with additional nights in Rome.


Meals: Breakfast

 

Itineraries may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. If there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance, we aim to inform you prior to travel.  Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour. 

View Full Itinerary

ACCOMMODATION

HOTELS 

Destination

Hotel Name

Nights

Milan

Starhotels Business Palace 

2

Garda Lake

Villa Malaspina

2

Venice Island

Pesaro Palace

3

La Spezia

CDH La Spezia

2

Florence

Grand Hotel Mediterraneo 

2

Assisi

Grand Hotel Assisi

2

Naples

NH Panorama or Starhotels Terminus

1

Sorrento

Grand Hotel Vesuvio

2

Rome

Starhotels Michelangelo

3

TOTAL NIGHTS

 

19

Hotels are subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. Should this occur, a hotel of a similar standard will be provided.

ACCOMMODATION – DOUBLE FOR SINGLE USE
Encounter Travel books all hotels so that if you take your own room you have the same standard room as two people sharing.  This is to avoid common practice in Europe where a room for one person is allocated (a single room) and the room standard and/or size is less than that of a room for two people.  Also throughout Europe the beds can be somewhat smaller than an average sized beds in Australia.  For example a standard double sized bed is from 137 – 187cm, in Europe the beds are smaller and average between 120 and 140cm. Please note, if sharing it’s more regular in Europe that beds are singles.

If you think that you have been given the incorrect room type anytime while on tour, speak directly to the hotel or your tour director who can sort this out for you at the time. Advice to us after the fact or on your return means we can’t make amends.

Grand Hotel, Assisi

Grand Hotel, Assisi

NH Panorama, Naples

NH Panorama, Naples

Grand Hotel Vesuvio, Sorrento

Grand Hotel Vesuvio, Sorrento

StarHotels Michelangelo, Rome

Starhotels Michelangelo, Rome

Pesaro Palace

Pesaro Palace, Venice

Grand Hotel Mediterraneo, Florence

Grand Hotel Mediterraneo, Florence

STARHOTELS BUSINESS PALACE, MILAN

The four star Starhotels Business Palace is in a repurposed industrial building dating back the 1900s, located in the east of Milan. All of its 255 spacious rooms and suites provide a chic, evocative metropolitan setting, designed to create an oasis of relaxation after a busy day out. The Il Borromeo restaurant offers delightful Mediterranean and international dishes. The eclectic atmosphere of the La Corte bar makes it the ideal venue for enjoying a good coffee, a quick lunch or a cocktail.

HOTEL VILLA MALASPINA, GARDA LAKE
An historic residence from the 1500s where history, culture and charm meet and come to life today in a 4-star hotel. Large spaces both indoors and outdoors and large uncovered internal parking. Cozy rooms, each one different from the other, restaurant with Italian cuisine.

PESERO PALACE, VENICE 
The floating city’s first genuine boutique hotel and newest addition to the luxury accommodation family on the northern curve of the Grand Canal. The end product of a major restoration of the Ravà Giustiniani historic palace, in the heart of the world famous Cannaregio district, this expertly designed hotel combines luxury on Venice’s main island.

CDH HOTEL, LA SPEZIA
CDH Hotel La Spezia located on one of the most beautiful coastlines in Italy, in the city centre, guests can easily visit the city at their leisure.  The hotel is very well located, with the railway station just 3 minutes walk away, for those wishing to visit Cinque Terre.

Wi-Fi: Free

GRAND HOTEL MEDITERRAENEO, FLORENCE
The Grand Hotel Mediterraneo is in a quiet location close to the city centre. Located on the ‘Lungarni’ (literally- along Arno- referring to the river of that name) with the Ponte San Niccolò bridge just a few feet away, the Grand Mediterraneo is strategically placed to visit Florence on foot.

GRAND HOTEL ASSISI, ASSISI
In the heart of Umbria, The Grand Hotel Assisi overlooks the magnificent Valle Umbra from its exceptional vantage point at the feet of Mount Subasio. From the hotel it is possible to see as far as the dome of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, Santuario of Rivotortowhereas the roof garden commands views to the Rocca Maggiore, the bell tower of the Basilica of St Claire’s, the Basilica of St Francis’ and the Sacred Convent.

STARHOTELS TERMINUS, NAPLES
The Starhotels Terminus is a romantic hotel in the historic centre of Naples, near the Train Station and the bustling Piazza Garibaldi with rooms that offer a warm and relaxed atmosphere, and give guests a panoramic view of the city or of the magnificent courtyard.

GRAND HOTEL VESUVIO, SORRENTO
The Grand Hotel Vesuvio is an elegant hotel which is located in the Gulf of Naples, furnished in Mediterranean. It has: pools, garden, citrus grove, large rooms for conferences and ceremonies, car park, routes for the disabled, solarium and free bus service to the centre (2km).

STARHOTELS MICHELANGELO, ROME
A superior 4 star hotel only a short walk from the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, the Starhotels Michelangelo embodies all the qualities that make Rome unique: cosmopolitan style, classical grandeur and timeless appeal. Located in the heart of Rome's Baroque splendour, it's hard to imagine a more central location.


More About Accommodation

GETTING THERE

Starts In: Milan, Italy
Ends In: Rome, Italy

Arrival: Malpensa Airport, Italy

‘Start’ and ‘End’ – relates to itinerary start and end.
‘Arrival’ and ‘Departure’ destination is the airport for access to start/end points.

HOTEL CHECK IN /CHECK OUT TIMES
Consider the hotel check in time on arrival and the hotel check out time on departure. 

Check In: 2pm (as a guide but can be as late as 3pm)
Check Out: 11am as a guide (can be as early as 10am)

Late check out can be requested but without payment cannot be guaranteed.


AIRPORT TRANSFERS

ARRIVAL
Airport Transfers transfer service can be booked. Otherwise by your own arrangement. 

If you are making your own flight arrangements, we require your flight itinerary no later than 45 days priors to travel (and even if you are not making airport transfer arrangements with us).  Where transfers are part of your arrangement, if your itinerary is not provided to us within the required timeframe, you forfeit the airport transfers or additional fees may be incurred for the service.

FLIGHT INFORMATION
As an Australian travel company we can provide flight assistance for flights originating from Australia. If joining the tour from outside Australia we recommend making your own flight arrangements or to use the service of a travel advisor located within your country of residence for access to best fares.

DETAILS

Read on for other key trip information that you should know before you decide on joining the group.

TRIP AVAILABILITY
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to book early and secure your place with a deposit.  Tour space is limited. Also, many services on this tour must be booked well in advance. To ensure your place, please check trip availability at your earliest convenience.

FELLOW TRAVELLERS 
You will enjoy this group experience with a maximum of 21 travellers. This is a Solos Only tour (couple free). You are welcome to join with a friend, but couples do not join this tour.

THE PACE [3 out of 5]
Travellers of 70 years or over will be required to return a Fit to Travel form that is completed by their doctor. More Information > Visit Travel Fitness

This tour includes a reasonable amount of sightseeing on foot and is graded as a medium-paced tour. An average level of fitness level is required to participate in this tour. For travellers with mobility issues or slower walking pace this tour may not be suitable. You need to be able standing and walking for extended durations. The majority of driving days are not too long, with convenient stops at places of interest along the way for refreshments and sightseeing. 


ABOUT THE MEALS
It’s regular that our trips include welcome dinners and farewell dinners for our groups. In addition, we include other group dining experiences to ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefit of travelling and dining as a group.  There’s nothing better than to share a meal with new friends and discuss the day’s adventures.

The meals included with our itinerary are Italian/European cuisine. We include highlight dinners and lunches as detailed by the itinerary. Highlight references that use local restaurants of a high standard or if we use hotel restaurants they are of a high standard. Also, with each included dinner a glass of wine is included. 

Special Diet Requirements
Be sure to advise us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements. We do our best to accommodate special diet needs and in most cases, special dietary needs can be met. Gluten free pizza and pasta may not be available.

However, in some destinations the variety of choice for certain special diets may be limited. If you are concerned please check with us before you book.

Are you a flexitarian?
If you have dietary requirements, please advise if it is due to allergies or for medical reasons or if it is a personal preference and if you are flexible. Dietary requirements will limit choices. If a dietary requirement is not essential due to medical reasons and you are a flexitarian, then we recommend that you exclude your personal preferences if not necessary to provide more options with the meal choices.

GROUP TOUR DIRECTOR
This is a private group tour with a coach driver and English speaking, locally based tour director. Your tour director commences their services from Italy and is there to assist with group arrangements and to act as the liaison for all tour services. A tour escort is not included for the travel arrangements to/from Italy. In addition, local guides are included for major sightseeing tours as detailed by the itinerary. If group is 10 passengers or less, the guide provides driving service also, as a driver-guide role. 

The role of your group tour director is to lead the group, take charge of all the trip logistics on tour, and of course, make sure the trip runs as smoothly as possible so ultimately you have the best possible experience. From time to time, as is the nature of travel, ‘hiccups’ can occur, such as unexpected delays to due to traffic congestion, unexpected weather conditions that make a change of plans necessary, and many other things that go hand in hand with travel. In these circumstances your group leader will do their utmost to make the best possible alternative plans – please be ready to accept that these situations are out of the control of anyone and trust in your group leader to assist as best as possible.

ACCOMMODATION – DOUBLE FOR SINGLE USE
Encounter Travel pays a supplement to all hotels for this itinerary so that the passengers who opt to take a single room get a double bed. Throughout Europe the beds can be somewhat smaller than an average queen sized bed here in Australia. For example a standard double sized bed is from 137 – 187cm, in Europe the beds are smaller and average between 120 and 140cm.

If you think that you have been given the incorrect room type anytime while on tour, it’s best to speak directly to your tour director who can sort this out for you at the time.

TIPPING
Tipping may not be your custom, or the custom of your home country, however it is significant in many parts of the world for roles in tourism. It’s customary to tip tour service personnel including your group tour leader, driver, local guides, restaurant staff, and hotel porters. It’s also appreciated to leave small tips for room attendants and restaurant wait staff.  We appreciate that for many travellers tipping is awkward, and they are unsure about how and what amount to tip.

Included
As part of your tour package tips are included for local guides (not your tour director), restaurant staff for included meals, hotel porters, and boat crew.

Not Included - Your Tour Director & Driver
Tips for your group tour director, and driver are not included. As tipping is customary, please recognise their good service. Your tour leader and driver are away from home for the duration of your visit and tipping is a part of recognising this dedication. A guide for tipping is Euro 5-7 per day for your group tour director, and Euro 3-5 per day for your tour group driver,  and this is paid on completion of their services/end of the tour.

NEED TO KNOW

  • Comfort stops along the way at public bathrooms usually incur a fee for use; carry small change for the entry fee (1 Euro notes, and coins).
  • There may be some early departures for visits to popular sights to avoid delays and large crowds.
  • Some places visited may require that you check in your hand luggage such as back packs. A small hand bag is required for these visits to carry personal items. Or if a cloak room is not available, large bags to be left on the touring vehicle.
  • Expect to have to present your passport for hotel check in, and some sights visited for security reasons.
  • The boat excursion to Ana Capri is subject to suitable weather conditions. 

TRANSPORT
Touring is by a private air-conditioned coach, or van (dependent on group size). There is also some boat travel for your visit to the Isle of Capri, around Venice and while staying at the lake.

LUGGAGE INFORMATION AND RESTRICTIONS 

Checked Luggage Maximum Weight: 1 piece, maximum 23kg
While on tour, one piece of checked luggage not exceeding 23 kilograms in weight is permitted. Porterage, where available, is included for one piece of checked luggage.

On tour, checked luggage is limited to one medium size suitcase per person, the sum of its length/width and depth not to exceed 150cm (59"). If your luggage exceeds this limit, we ask that you make alternative arrangements for the excess to be forwarded to the termination point of your tour. We suggest you have wheels on your suitcase, as there are certain places where assistance is not available.

Hand Luggage Maximum Weight/Information: 1 piece
One piece of hand luggage such as your daypack can be carried with on your person. A small handbag is also permitted.

TRAVEL GUIDE QUICK FACTS
Visit our Travel Guide page on our website for destination information.

TRAVELLER REVIEWS

'The Italian tour was the trip of a lifetime.  It was all amazing the food, locations, hotels and our tour guide Giuseppe. I cannot fault anything about it about it. It is a must do !!!'

Diana, 60 years, New South Wales

'Italy,a fabulous holiday destination for a group of Aussies with history culture landscape and food all brought together by our wonderful tour guide, Luis.'

Keith, 61 years, Sydney, New South Wales

'My first overseas holiday ever, best choice I ever made, everything was so perfectly organised, never any problems. Great destination, great travel mates, many new friends and fantastic tour guide. Wish I had known about this way to travel earlier, I now definitely have the travel bug'

Teena, 48 years, Queensland
Since 2006
Since 2006 leading the way for solo travellers. As a boutique tour operator, we delight in detail, delivering personal service and finding your next best memory.©
Australian Owned
100% Australian, created by Australians for Australians; we 'get' the Australian travel style. And, better still, our arms are open to welcome our friends from other countries around the world, who'd like to travel with friendly Aussies.©
Small Group Tours
Travel solo, not alone when you join one of our small group tours. Share your journey, without the drawbacks of big coach tours or the solitude of being alone.©
Age-Matched Tours
From our traveller feedback we know that our age-matched holidays are one of the main reasons that solo travellers choose to join us. All our 'Solos Only ' tours are age-matched, making for a better chance that you'll be travelling other like minded single travellers. ©