Christmas Markets: Venice, Florence & Rome

Italy is calling, book the trip! We recommend booking as soon as possible, this not only secures your spot on the trip, it also allows you the most time to pay for your trip.  The closer we get to departure the more challenging securing your reservation becomes. 

Visa Requirement:

U.S. and Canadian citizens can enter Italy without a visa for tourism purposes and stay for up to 90 days. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.   

  
Passport Validity:
We recommend that your passport is valid at least 6 months beyond the date you return home. For specific passport validity rules, you can refer to the US department of State, Government of Canada, or Countries consulate website. 

Italy is the ultimate travel playground for young adventurers looking for stunning scenery, incredible food, and nonstop vibes. Picture yourself strolling through the ancient streets of Rome, snapping pics at the Colosseum, or tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain. Whether you're exploring the canals of Venice, climbing to the top of the Duomo in Florence, or partying on the beaches of the Italian Riviera, every day is a new adventure.

Summers are hot and buzzing with energy, especially if you're all about festivals and beach days. Winters bring cooler vibes, Christmas markets, and fewer tourists, making cities like Rome and Milan feel extra magical. No matter when you go, expect unreal food, epic history, and unforgettable nights out with your travel crew. Italy is waiting—are you in?

Note: 2025 is a Jubilee year in Rome as the Roman Catholic Church celebrates their 25 year celebration at the Vatican. While this is an exciting time, there will be many visitors in the Vatican. Read here for more information on what to expect while visiting during the Jubilee.

• Libreria Acqua Alta: Venice’s most photogenic bookstore, famous for its staircase made of old books, cozy reading nooks, and books stored in gondolas, bathtubs, and boats to protect them from flooding. Resident cats roam freely, adding to the charm of this quirky, Instagram-worthy literary treasure.
• Glass blowing at Vecchia Murano: Venetian glassblowing isn’t just a craft—it’s an art form passed down for generations. At Vecchia Murano, you’ll meet the Maestri, master glassblowers who have dedicated their lives to shaping molten glass into breathtaking works of art. With skill, precision, and a little bit of magic, they transform raw materials into delicate vases, intricate sculptures, and shimmering jewelry. Watching them work is like stepping into history—an ancient tradition still alive today, in the hands of true artisans.
• Rosa Salva: We’re all about teaming up with locals to bring you the most authentic (and delicious) experiences. That’s why we grab fresh pastries from Rosa Salva, a legendary, family-run Venetian bakery that’s been serving up the good stuff since 1870. Passed down through six generations, the Rosa Salva family continues to craft traditional Venetian treats with the same passion and quality that made them famous. Whether it’s a flaky croissant or a perfect sfogliatella, every bite is a taste of real Venice.
• St. Mark's Basilica is always worth a visit but requires planning to navigate when to go as there are often long lines. Entry costs 3 Euro.  Inside there are several additional entrances that are extra, such as the balcony and the treasury.
• The Campanile at St Mark's is also an incredible viewpoint, there is an elevator to the top and their are options to skip the the line. Chat with your Tour Director about how best to plan your visit.

Row Venice 
Beginning in 2025, EF Ultimate Break is partnering with Row Venice to give travelers a firsthand experience of cultura acquea—Venice’s unique water-based heritage. Row Venice is a non-profit organization led by passionate, expert women vogatrici—Venetian rowers who preserve and promote the tradition of voga alla veneta, the standing, forward-facing rowing style made iconic by gondoliers. Many of the women are athletes and regatta competitors, and they’re devoted to keeping this centuries-old sport alive.

Follow the Ultimate Wine Window Trail— These once-forgotten windows are now one of the city’s most unique ways to explore local neighborhoods, enjoy Tuscan wine, and soak up authentic Florentine culture. Check out the full blog post for our mapped-out route and insider tips for every stop along the trail

If you are interested in visiting any of Florence’s many museums during your free time, we recommend that you make reservations in advance. See uffizi.org for the Uffizi Gallery or accademia.org for the Accademia Gallery. Please note that the museums are closed on Mondays.

Florence's Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo) requires some planning as it is a very busy attraction. The cathedral is free but visiting the other points of interest require purchasing a pass from the ticket office or reserving online in Advance. Check with your Tour Director about timings and how to plan to your ideal visit.

• Colosseum & Roman Forum: Take note if your tour itinerary includes an entrance to the Colosseum.  If included, you will also have a 24-hour ticket for visiting the nearby Roman Forum independently.  If the Colosseum entrance is not included in your itinerary, booking it yourself is easy and your Tour Director can advise you on the best time to visit.
• Trastevere: Trastevere is one of Rome’s most enchanting neighborhoods, where ivy-covered buildings, cobbled streets, and glowing lanterns create a romantic, old-world atmosphere. By day it’s full of charm and hidden corners; by night, it transforms into a lively maze of wine bars, trattorias, and street musicians you’ll never want to leave.
• Trevi Fountain: The Trevi Fountain feels like stepping into a dream — a masterpiece of marble and water where every detail is more dramatic than the last. Tossing a coin into its turquoise pool isn’t just tradition; it’s a promise to return to Rome.
• Beach day trips: If you’re ready to get out of the city there are several beaches you can reach via. Public transit from Rome. We recommend Anzio for it’s long sandy beaches, Santa Marinella (a favorite with the locals), or Lido di Ostia (the closest beach to the city).

Groups average around 30 travelers but can range from 20 up to 44. Generally, the average age is 25. The group size allows for plenty of opportunities to socialize and explore together, making it a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and form lasting connections. Whether you're a solo traveler or coming with friends, you'll find a supportive and energetic group atmosphere. Check out our Rules of the Road and the role all travelers play in creating a fun and inclusive group.

When you book flights with us you’ll get:

• The ability to roll the cost of your airfare into our interest free monthly payment plan.
• One checked bag per traveler included.
• Expert guidance on how to work with the airline when flight delays and cancellations occur.
• Transfers to and from the airport on your tour's arrival and departure dates.
• Flexible rebooking options if your itinerary changes.
• Flexibility around your arrival and departure airports. You’ll have the option to fly in or out of most airports if you want to add any independent travel before or after your tour.
• Assurance that you will only be booked on airlines that meet our rigorous safety standards.

If you have preferences regarding an airline or are traveling with someone and wish to be on the same flight as them, you can read more about flying with your friend here. We're always happy to look into it however we can't guarantee we will always be able to accommodate.

Flight details are released for preview 60 days before departure and your e-ticket and confirmation number will be available 30 days before you depart.

When you book flights on your own, you’re responsible for:

• Transfers to and from the airport on your tour’s arrival and departure dates.
• Rebooking your flight and any associated fees if your flight is cancelled or delayed.
• Rebooking your flight and any associated fees if your itinerary changes or the tour is cancelled.
• Arriving and departing on time; no compensation will be provided for missed tour inclusions.

We recommend you avoid checking a bag, but if that’s not possible, you should ensure that you bring extra clothes and essentials in a carry-on bag as a precaution. You'll need to refer to your airline’s website for weight limits.

For more information on flying with Ultimate Break, check out the Flights section of our Help Center

Generally, expect to depart your home gateway in the afternoon or evening on Day 1. All overnight flights from the US to Europe will arrive mid-morning to early afternoon on Day 2.

Worried about jetlag, delayed flights, or just want more time to explore, we strongly encourage extending your stay to arrive early or stay late. This way you can settle in without the stress of missing anything.

When you arrive in Italy, you'll head through baggage claim and customs before being greeted by your Tour Director. They'll set a designated place for you to meet as the trip gets closer. For travelers who booked flights through Ultimate Break, you'll then be transported to your first accommodation to freshen up before the Welcome Dinner. 

We recommend budgeting $80-$100 per day to cover tipping, food, and shopping. You know your spending habits best, if you want to do it all budget on the higher end. 

The local currency will be the Euro. We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards (ideally with a chip), which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed. Make sure to check with your bank or credit card company about withdrawal fees and/or foreign exchange fees. While better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, ordering currency from your local bank may be an option.

Your Tour Director is with you during your entire trip. They're part logistics master, making sure you get to see all that we have planned; part rockstar, sharing with your local hotspots; and part guru, sharing and inviting you into the culture. Our Tour Directors are fully trained and ready to support you in making your journey safe, seamless, and unforgettable!

In some locations you will be met by a local guide who will lead you through our traveler-inspired walking tour. You'll get some local history and culture while also making sure you hit the photo stops. You'll walk away with an insider's perspective and some great pictures.

Roommates are assigned randomly unless a specific roommate is requested in advance, you can do this at the time of booking or in your online account up to 60 days before departure. Rooms may accommodate 4+ travelers of the same gender. Please note that rooming upgrades and mixed gender rooming are not available.

Italy is considered safe for travelers, but like any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow basic safety guidelines. Pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious with strangers offering unsolicited help or deals.  

Here are a few additional points:

• Health and Safety: Talking with your healthcare provider about any vaccinations or medication you may want to consider. Here are some additional tips for traveling with medication and traveling with allergies.
• International Data Plan: In the event you need to get in touch with your Tour Director or Ultimate Break while abroad, it’s important to invest in an international data plan. Call your cell phone provider to understand their plans or look into purchasing a sim card.
• Transportation Safety: When getting a taxi, make sure to agree on a price before getting in. At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi, Uber of Uber like service, and always have cash on hand.
• Nightlife: As with anywhere in the world, watch your drink, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

You can learn more about our safety commitment here.

Excursions are available for purchase at a discounted rate prior to departure. Some excursions may be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app but are subject to availability and will be more expensive.  

We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.

When you travel with Ultimate Break, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.

Learn more about EF's Impact approach here.

Venice is a city unlike any other, which is why we're committed to helping maintain its beauty while helping you experience its magic. As we encourage travelers to travel with care, we're excited to learn from local initiatives that support sustainable tourism. Read more about Venice's sustainable tourism initiative #EnjoyRespectVenice here and explore Venice responsibly.