DAY 1: Start of tour in Rome
![Start of tour in Rome]()
Welcome to Rome; the Eternal City! Meet up with your tour leader at the hotel this morning and prepare for the tour of a lifetime! Then, join a local guide for a guided walking tour to see some of the sites that make Rome famous the world over. See ancient Roman architecture, medieval buildings, Renaissance artworks and more remnants of Rome’s illustrious past as capital of this incredible country and the Roman Empire at large. Tonight, taste delicious Italian cuisine and enjoy an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant with your tour group.
Experiences
Walking tour of Rome: This city has so much to see and do, we can’t even list everything here! See the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Arch of Septimus Severus, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona (Fountain of the Quattro Fiumi), the Spanish Steps, and the other attractions that make Rome a perennial favourite with travellers all over the world!
Welcome dinner: Celebrate the first night of your Italy tour with a welcome dinner! Join your tour leader and the rest of the Italy tour group, and head to a nearby local restaurant for a delicious dinner.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Warmthotel
Excel Roma Montemario
B&B Hotel Roma San Lorenzo Termini
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 2: Rome: Free Day
![Rome: Free Day]()
Enjoy a free day to explore Rome and discover more of the city’s famous sights. Wander the streets, do some shopping and be sure to sample local food. There is an opportunity to join a Roman Food Tour today to discover some of the city’s top foodie hidden gems! Alternatively, join the optional excursion to the Vatican City, the world’s smallest country and home of the Pope! Visit the Vatican museums and marvel at the artistic masterpieces, as well as Michaelangelo’s incredible frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. An expert local guide will provide great insight into the history and significance of this fascinating microstate.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Warmthotel
Excel Roma Montemario
B&B Hotel Roma San Lorenzo Termini
Optional Excursions
- Vatican City and Museums guided tour i TBC
- Roman Food Tour i €75
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 3: Rome - Orvieto - Venice
![Rome - Orvieto - Venice]()
Leaving the capital behind, drive through the scenic Umbria region and look forward to the truly incredible sight of Orvieto. This small but beautiful city is perched atop a sheer vertical volcanic rock. Take the funicular up to the historic centre and enjoy some free time to explore. See the city’s top sights including the 14th-century Cathedral of Orvieto, the papal residence, and the Albornoz fortress. Next, travel on to Venice! The evening is free. Choose to relax at the hotel or join your tour leader on an optional twilight water taxi cruise of the floating city’s iconic canals and see the twinkling lights of Venice!
Experiences
Funicular ride in historic Orvieto: Take a funicular up to the historic centre. Here, enjoy some free time to explore and see the sights, including the exquisite facade of the Cathedral of Orvieto.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Venezia
Hotel Ambasciatori & Delfino
Russott Hotel
Hotel Residence Elite
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 4: Venice
![Venice]()
Start this full day in Venice with an orientation tour led by your tour leader. The rest of the day is free to explore this magical city at your leisure. A gondola ride, which can be organised by your tour leader, is highly recommended today as no trip to Venice is complete without this quintessential experience! An optional trip further out into the lagoon to visit Murano and Burano is also available today. These islands are famous for their glass-blowing and lace-making crafts respectively, and rows of beautiful multi-coloured houses. Alternatively, if the weather is good, relax and soak up the sun on the sandy beaches at Jesolo or Lido. The choice is yours!
Experiences
Orientation tour of Venice: Follow your tour guide to get your bearings in Venice before setting out on a full day of solo exploration.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Venezia
Hotel Ambasciatori & Delfino
Russott Hotel
Hotel Residence Elite
Optional Excursions
- Venice Gondola Ride i €25
- Murano, Burano & Venetian lagoon i €40
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 5: Lake Garda - Florence - Tuscany
![Lake Garda - Florence - Tuscany]()
Today, travel to Florence and the beautiful region of Tuscany. Along the way, stop at the gorgeous Lake Garda. This is the biggest lake in Italy, and a destination that has inspired artists of all persuasions for centuries. On arrival in Florence, join a passionate local guide and explore the iconic sights and landmarks of this magnificent city. A cultural and political focal point during the Renaissance, the city is endowed with a huge variety of Renaissance artworks and Roman ruins. Next, it’s time to visit Leonardo Leather for a leather-making demonstration. Later, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Experiences
Stop at Lake Garda: Stop at the gorgeous town of Sirmione on the shores of Lake Garda, the biggest lake in Italy, to take some keepsake photos.
Locally guided tour of Florence: See some of the cultural and historic sights that have made the city of Florence a favourite among travellers. Discover top sights including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David. Known as the ‘Jewel of the Renaissance’, Florence boasts a huge variety of important buildings and famous artworks.
Leather-making demonstration: Step inside the world of Italian leather crafting; visit a local leather shop and factory, Leonardo Leather and Gold, for insight into how bespoke Italian leather goods are produced. Italy has been famous for leather production for centuries!
Dinner at a restaurant in Florence: Join the group for a delicious meal at a local restaurant in Florence.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Terme Pellegrini
DAY 6: Cinque Terre - Pisa - Tuscany
![Cinque Terre - Pisa - Tuscany]()
This morning, drive north to La Spezia in the Liguria region. This city is the gateway to Cinque Terre; five picturesque fishing villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. The harbours are filled with fishing boats, vines climb the terraces and the houses are painted in bright colours. It’s a photographer’s dream! Each village is linked by hiking trails and a railway, allowing for exploration without any cars or traffic. This afternoon, head back to Tuscany, stopping off on the way at the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. A highlight of any tour to Italy, enjoy snapping photos of this legendary structure and explore the grounds that include a cathedral and baptistery.
Experiences
Explore Cinque Terre: Make your way along the cobbled walkways that link the five picturesque villages to experience life in the slow lane, as the locals do. This beautiful region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts some of the best seafood in Italy.
Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa: See the famous architectural marvel up close, and take those must-have travel pictures. Be sure to get a classic picture of you ‘holding up’ the tower!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Terme Pellegrini
Optional Excursions
- An Evening in Montecatini i €45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 7: San Gimignano - Siena - Rome
![San Gimignano - Siena - Rome]()
Today, the tour makes its way through Tuscany’s idyllic countryside. During the drive, admire rolling hills complete with Tuscan farmhouses, vineyards and olive groves. The first stop is the walled hilltop town of San Gimignano. Known as the 'Town of Fine Towers', San Gimignano is home to incredible Romanesque and Gothic architecture and 14 well-preserved medieval tower houses. Then, drive to Siena; a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the Palio horse race. Here, taste some local Italian wines. Then, travel back to Rome and round off the day with an included dinner.
Experiences
Visit San Gimignano: Enjoy a comfort stop to admire the beautiful scenery and drink in the restful ambience of this stunning town. San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its 14 well-preserved medieval towers which create an unforgettable skyline.
Wine tasting in Siena: Taste some local wines in the ultimate Italian setting. Siena is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the Palio horse race. This bareback horse race has taken place since the 14th century in the main town square of Siena, and the 17 participants represent local families.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Warmthotel
Excel Roma Montemario
B&B Hotel Roma San Lorenzo Termini
DAY 8: Rome: Free Day
![Rome: Free Day]()
Welcome back to Rome! Enjoy a free day to explore any of the sights you may have missed on your first visit to this historic city. Later on, meet back up with your tour leader and fellow travellers, including those joining from the Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily Tour. Experience Rome by night and explore some of the iconic sights of the Eternal City illuminated in the evening. These sights include the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon on a driving tour. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight.
Experiences
Rome by night: Explore some of the iconic sights of the Eternal City, including the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon on a nighttime driving tour.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Warmthotel
Excel Roma Montemario
B&B Hotel Roma San Lorenzo Termini
DAY 9: Rome - Pompeii - Sorrento
![Rome - Pompeii - Sorrento]()
Leaving Rome, head to the Sorrento peninsula, stopping off along the way to see Mount Vesuvius and to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, destroyed in 79AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Then, choose the option to explore the Amalfi Coast for the rest of the day, or simply explore the area at your own pace! Later this afternoon, settle in for a two-night stay on the Sorrento peninsula. This area is famous for limoncello (a sweet lemon liqueur), the perfect way to finish off your included dinner this evening!
Experiences
See Mount Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii: See Mount Vesuvius, and stop off to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii with a local guide. Pompeii was famously destroyed in 79 AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site provides a fascinating insight into the ancient Roman Empire.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Delle Palme
Sisters Hotel
Hotel Aequa
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 10: Sorrento: Free Day
![Sorrento: Free Day]()
Enjoy a full free day in Sorrento! A gorgeous old town hugging the coastline, the Sorrento Peninsula is the base for the day. Explore the town in your own time, or choose to join the optional excursion to the famous Isle of Capri. Here, spend some free time exploring the rugged coastline, ancient Roman ruins and stylish piazzas of this glamorous island. A private cruise around the island with swim stops in the island’s crystal clear waters is a definite highlight of this trip!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Delle Palme
Sisters Hotel
Hotel Aequa
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 11: Sorrento - Matera - Alberobello
![Sorrento - Matera - Alberobello]()
Today, head southeast to explore the southern Italian region of Apulia, taking a comfort stop along the way in the ancient cave city of Matera. Known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City), it is famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts; the ‘sassi’. Later, arrive in Alberobello, and enjoy a walking tour with a local guide to see the region's famous ‘trulli’ houses. These beautiful 14th-century whitewashed stone huts have iconic conical roofs and are specific to the Itria Valley. This evening, enjoy free time to further explore Alberobello - check out the trullo church of St Anthony and the Trulli Museum!
Experiences
See the ancient cave city of Matera: Known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City), it is famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts; the ‘sassi’.
Walking tour of Alberobello: Discover the area’s beautiful 14th-century whitewashed stone huts that have iconic conical roofs, and are specific to the Itria Valley, with a local guide.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Astoria
DAY 12: Alberobello - Taormina
![Alberobello - Taormina]()
This morning, take a coastal drive beside the Ionian Sea before leaving the mainland. Take a short ferry ride over to the island of Sicily; home to the spectacular Mount Etna. Prepare for stunning views as the tour makes its way to Taormina. Upon arrival, your tour leader will guide an orientation walk of this hilltop town, pointing out some of the highlights that can be explored further on the free day tomorrow. Top attractions include the historic Porta Catania and the Villa Comunale. This evening, get your first taste of Sicilian cuisine with an included dinner at tonight’s beachside hotel.
Experiences
Ferry ride to Sicily: Take a scenic ferry ride to the island of Sicily; the home of Mount Etna. Admire the views as the ferry makes its way to Taormina.
Orientation tour of Taormina: Your tour guide will take the group on an orientation tour of this charming hilltop town. See top sights including the historic Porta Catania and the Villa Comunale. Explore more attractions on the free day tomorrow!
Dinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina: Taste authentic Sicilian cuisine and join the group for dinner at a restaurant overlooking the ocean.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Kennedy
DAY 13: Taormina: Free Day
![Taormina: Free Day]()
Enjoy a free day to relax on Sicily's beautiful beaches or explore the island's quaint towns. The town of Taormina is one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations. Perched on the side of a mountain, Taormina is home to medieval churches, a castle and a Greek amphitheatre. For those looking to explore further afield on their Italian tour, speak to your tour leader for their recommendations. Options include a Mount Etna day trip, boat tours of the beautiful coastline, paragliding and The Godfather tours!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Kennedy
Optional Excursions
- Taormina Sunset Cruise i €40
- Mount Etna Day Trip i €125
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 14: Taormina - Syracuse - Agrigento
![Taormina - Syracuse - Agrigento]()
Drive through the heart of Sicily, enjoying a visit to the enchanting city of Syracuse along the way. Syracuse is a city that was founded as a Greek colony in 734 BC. Today, it boasts a UNESCO-listed historic centre and beautiful Baroque buildings. Later this afternoon, get your cameras ready for a tour of the ‘Valle dei Templi’ (Valley of the Temples) led by an expert local guide. This is one of the world’s most outstanding examples of Magna Grecia art and architecture! Afterwards, travel to tonight’s accommodation near Agrigento.
Experiences
Visit Syracuse: The historically significant Sicilian city of Syracusa (as the locals call it) is located on the southeast coast of Sicily. Syracuse was originally a Greek colony, and today is home to a number of Greek remains. Its Greek theatre dates back to the 5th century BC. Be transported back in time while meandering cobbled lanes, pavement cafes and baroque architecture. While here, shop locally-grown pistachios, almonds and sun-dried pachino (tomatoes).
Explore the Valley of the Temples: The ‘Valle dei Templi’ is a national monument of Italy and an archaeological site in Agrigento. The Valley includes the remains of seven temples built in the Doric style. It is famous for being home to incredible examples of Magna Grecia art and architecture.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Dioscuri
DAY 15: Agrigento - Cefalù - Palermo
![Agrigento - Cefalù - Palermo]()
Leaving Agrigento this morning, take a scenic drive through central Sicily en route to the town of Cefalù. Embark on an orientation tour of the town before enjoying free time for lunch. This historic town boasts some of Italy’s finest beaches so don’t miss the chance to enjoy a meal by the sea! Arriving in Palermo in the early afternoon, enjoy a walking tour which will showcase the city’s highlights. Founded more than 2,700 years ago by the Phoenicians, Palermo is noted for its history, culture, architecture and food. Top sights on the walking tour include the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova (The New Gate) and the Cathedral of Palermo.
Experiences
Visit Cefalù: Travel to the historic city of Cefalù where you have free time to find a place to enjoy lunch. This coastal city is famous for its incredible beaches as well as its Norman cathedral complete with soaring towers and Byzantine mosaics.
Walking tour of Palermo: Enjoy a guided walking tour of Palermo. Look out for popular attractions like the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova (The New Gate) and the Cathedral of Palermo.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Villa d'Amato
Optional Excursions
- Scenic Cefalù: Guided tour & lunch i €50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 16: Palermo: Free Day
![Palermo: Free Day]()
Make the most of this full day to further explore Sicily’s capital. Over the centuries, Palermo has been colonised by many different rulers, including the Greeks, Romans and Normans, making it a melting pot of cultures and architectural styles. Palermo is an enticing mix of ancient relics, Italian history, rich culture and mouthwatering cuisine - it’s a fantastic destination for travellers to enjoy! Revisit top sights from yesterday’s tour, explore the markets and historic old town, visit the art galleries, tuck into authentic Sicilian dishes such as arancini and cannoli, and much more! This evening, the group will take an overnight ferry back to the Italian mainland.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Villa d'Amato
DAY 17: End of tour in Rome
![End of tour in Rome]()
The ferry will arrive in Naples this morning. Continue on the coach with the tour leader and travel back to Rome, where the coach will drop off the group. After 17 days of unforgettable Italian adventures, the tour concludes back in Rome. Arrivederci!