17 days, 16 nights · Best for First-time travelers seeking a comprehensive guided journey
Italian Peninsula and Sicily 17 Day Escorted Tour | Vacation Packages for 2025, 2026
Explore Rome, Florence, Venice and Sicily as art, history and breathtaking landscapes create the ultimate Italian journey.
Your Adventure Starts Here
This is a starting point. Change the nights, choose the style of hotel, add the experiences you want. Your planner takes it from there.
Stop 1Florence, Tuscany
Florence
Renaissance heart and Umbrian pilgrimage en route
We meet you in Rome and cross Umbria to Assisi, where stone walls still hold the medieval quiet. The Basilica of St. Francis shelters frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue, artists who gave sacred figures new emotion and changed Western painting. After lunch in Assisi, we continue to Florence.
In the morning your guide walks you through the Duomo, Brunelleschi's dome, Giotto's campanile, and the Baptistery's gilded doors. Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce follow. The afternoon is yours to shop leather workshops or add a visit to the Accademia for Michelangelo's David or the Uffizi for Botticelli and Leonardo.
Arranged for you: We arrange the journey from Rome through Assisi to Florence, guided entry to the Basilica of St. Francis, walking tour of Florence's cathedral quarter and historic squares, group dinners, and overnight stays.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Florence
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Priority entry to the Uffizi with art historian Day Trips · Half day
Walk through Botticelli, Leonardo, and Caravaggio with a specialist who places each canvas in the city's Renaissance story.
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Tuscan cooking lesson in a countryside villa Day Trips · Half day
Roll pasta by hand, assemble ribollita, and sit down to the meal you prepared, with estate wine.
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Pisa with leaning tower climb and baptistery visit Day Trips · Half day
Climb the marble spiral to the bell chamber and stand on the Piazza dei Miracoli, all white stone and green grass.
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Accademia Gallery Guided Tour, Skip the Line with Advanced Reservation & Tickets Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a DayVisit one of the most important collections of art, including Michelangelo’s David, while skipping the long lines!
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Discovering Florence Walking Tour Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a DayDiscover the highlights of Florence on a guided walking tour that showcases the city’s most iconic sites and artistic treasures.
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Florence and Fiesole Hills Small Group Guided Sightseeing Tour Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a DayFlorence’s Renaissance icons, then a breath of Tuscan air, small-group sightseeing with panoramic Fiesole views and zero big-bus chaos.
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Florence Historical Center Walking Tour Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a DayMeet Florence in a single stroll. Renaissance palazzos, landmark churches, and UNESCO beauty with stories that make it all click.
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Florence Morning Guided Walking Tour Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a DaySee Florence’s greatest hits, Renaissance stories, iconic sights, and a surprise tasting that adds a delicious twist.
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Florence Tour Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a DayFall in love with Florence in a single day. Renaissance streets and churches, Uffizi masterpieces, and a Tuscan lunch to top it off.
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Florence, Tuscany, Cooking Class package with Typical Dinner Food and Wine · Tour in a DayImmerse yourself in the flavors of Tuscany with a hands-on cooking class at a top culinary school, where expert chefs will guide you in creating an authentic Tuscan dinner.
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Florence: Handmade Pasta Cooking Course with Lunch Food and Wine · Tour in a Day
Roll, cut, and taste Tuscany, make fresh pasta from scratch in Florence with local experts.
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Florence’s Art & Gourmet Private Walking Tour Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a Day
Taste and explore Florence like a local. Markets, secret bakeries, historic churches, and hidden corners on a private walk through the city’s heart.
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Guided Visit of Accademia & Uffizi Gallery Skip the Line with Advanced reservation & tickets included Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a Day
Two legendary museums, one seamless day. Skip the lines for Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus with an expert guide.
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Guided Visit of Uffizi Gallery, Skip the Line with Advanced Reservation & Tickets Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a Day
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Horse Riding through the Tuscany Countryside guided Tour Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a DaySaddle up for an unforgettable Tuscan adventure as you spend the morning horseback riding through picturesque vineyards and olive groves surrounding a charming villa.
Day by day in Florence
Leaving Rome behind, journey into the green heart of Umbria to reach Assisi, a hilltop medieval town wrapped in ancient stone walls and timeless atmosphere. Here, you’ll step into one of Italy’s most moving pilgrimage sites: the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Inside, the story of San Francesco comes alive through extraordinary frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue, artists who helped change the course of Western art by giving sacred figures a new sense of humanity, emotion, and realism.
After time to explore and enjoy lunch in Assisi, continue on to Siena, one of Tuscany’s most captivating UNESCO World Heritage cities. Stroll into the famous, shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, the dramatic stage of the legendary Palio horse race, where neighborhood pride and centuries-old tradition still set the city’s pulse.
Later, travel through the rolling Tuscan countryside, vineyards, olive groves, and postcard-perfect hills on your way to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Check in at your hotel and settle in for an overnight in Florence.
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Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before joining a guided walking tour of Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. Marvel at the architectural wonders of the Florence Duomo, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery’s Gates of Paradise. Stroll through Piazza della Signoria, admire the Palazzo Vecchio, and visit the Basilica of Santa Croce. Spend your afternoon shopping for Italian leather or choose an optional tour to see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery, masterpieces at the Uffizi, or the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Enjoy dinner and your final night in Florence.
Stop 2Venice, Veneto
Venice
Bologna's porticoes and Padua's basilica northbound
After breakfast we travel north through Bologna, where porticoed streets frame Podestà Palace and the Basilica of San Petronio. Lunch is your own among tortellini makers and mortadella counters. We continue to Padua for the Basilica of St. Anthony, a pilgrimage site since the thirteenth century, then arrive in Venice as the lagoon light softens.
Your guide leads you through St. Mark's Basilica, past the Doge's Palace and across the Bridge of Sighs. The afternoon is yours to shop mask ateliers, ride a gondola through the side canals, or add a boat to Murano to watch glass rods pulled and shaped in furnace heat. Group dinners both nights, the second after a day on your own schedule.
Arranged for you: We arrange the journey from Florence through Bologna and Padua to Venice, guided basilica visit in Padua, walking tour of St. Mark's and the Doge's quarter, group dinners, and overnight stays.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Venice
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Private evening gondola with serenade Day Trips · Half day
Glide through lamplit canals while a singer and accordionist perform Venetian ballads from the prow.
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Doge's Palace and secret itineraries route Day Trips · Half day
Enter chambers closed to general visitors, including Casanova's prison cell and the interrogation rooms above the Bridge of Sighs.
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Burano lace workshop and Torcello basilica Day Trips · Half day
Watch lace makers work centuries-old patterns, then cross to Torcello's Byzantine mosaics, the lagoon's oldest.
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Cicchetti tasting tour with local guide Day Trips · Half day
Stand at bacari counters in Cannaregio for salt cod, sarde in saor, and prosecco, the Venetian aperitivo ritual.
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Ca’ Rezonico, the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica Shore Excursions · Tour in a DayImmerse yourself in the rich history and breathtaking beauty of Venice on this 5-hour tour, where you’ll explore iconic landmarks such as the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Ca’ Rezzonico.
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Doge’s Palace and Gondola Ride Shore Excursions · Tour in a Day -
Murano and Burano Shore Excursions · Tour in a DayThis 4-hour tour gives you an up close and personal look at the stunning glass factories of Murano Island, as well as a tour of the brightly painted houses on Burano Island.
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San Giorgio, Murano Glass Factory and Gondola Ride Shore Excursions · Tour in a DayThis 5-hour tour allows you to explore a working Murano glass factory, takes you through stunning San Giorgio and lets you relax and unwind with a magical gondola ride through the canals of Venice.
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Tour Venice by Gondola Shore Excursions · Tour in a DayExperience Venice in the most iconic way, gliding through its enchanting canals aboard a traditional gondola.
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Venetian Costumes Tour Shore Excursions · Tour in a Day
Uncover Venice’s most elegant legacy, where master tailors, lavish fabrics, and palace-ready fashion shaped centuries of style.
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Venetian Lagoon Cruise Shore Excursions · Tour in a Day
See Venice the way it was meant to be seen, by water, gliding through the lagoon with postcard views at every turn.
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Venice and Jewish Ghetto Shore Excursions · Tour in a DayStep into Venice beyond the postcards. Discover the Jewish Ghetto’s living history, vibrant squares, and authentic neighborhood soul.
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Venice with Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Cathedral Shore Excursions · Tour in a DayFor travelers eager to experience Venice’s top sights, this 6-hour guided tour provides exclusive access to two of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
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Walking Tour of Venice Shore Excursions · Tour in a Day
Wander Venice’s legendary squares and secret lanes on a relaxed 4-hour walk filled with bridges, beauty, and unforgettable stories.
Day by day in Venice
After breakfast, travel to Bologna, renowned as Italy’s food capital and the city of elegant porticoes. Discover architectural gems like Podesta’ Palace, Piazza del Nettuno, and the Basilica of San Petronio. Continue to Padua, home to the revered Basilica of St. Anthony and the world’s oldest botanical garden. Arrive in magical Venice, where you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in this iconic city of art, romance, and winding canals.
Begin your day with breakfast and a guided tour of Venice’s most famous landmarks. Visit the awe-inspiring St. Mark’s Basilica, see the Doge’s Palace from the outside, and cross the legendary Bridge of Sighs. The afternoon is yours to shop for Venetian masks, enjoy a gondola ride, or take an optional excursion to Murano Island to see master glassblowers at work. Savor dinner with your group and spend another night in Venice.
Stop 3Rome, Lazio
Rome
Montepulciano wine country and three Roman days
We leave Venice and cross into Tuscany, stopping in Montepulciano for lunch among the medieval towers. Wine cellars tunnel beneath the town, aging Vino Nobile in oak. We continue to Rome and deliver you to your hotel with the evening free for dinner at a neighborhood trattoria.
In the morning we walk you past the Vatican ticket lines into the museums, the Sistine Chapel's vaulted ceiling overhead, then St. Peter's Basilica for Michelangelo's Pietà. The afternoon is yours to add the Colosseum and Forum or wander the centro storico. Day seven is unguided: Campo de' Fiori market, a cooking class, the Catacombs, or simply gelato and people-watching. Group dinner the first night, your choice the next two.
Arranged for you: We arrange the journey from Venice through Montepulciano to Rome, skip-the-line guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, one group dinner, and overnight stays.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Rome
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Colosseum underground and arena floor with archaeologist Day Trips · Half day
Walk the hypogeum tunnels where gladiators waited, then stand on the arena sand as they did, with the tiers rising above.
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Borghese Gallery with art historian Day Trips · Half day
Bernini's Apollo and Daphne, Caravaggio's David, and Canova's reclining Venus, all in a villa built for a cardinal's collection.
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Roman cooking class in a chef's kitchen Day Trips · Half day
Learn carbonara, cacio e pepe, and maritozzo, then sit down to the four-course meal with wine.
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Catacombs and Appian Way with guide Day Trips · Half day
Descend into the Christian burial tunnels, then walk the ancient road past tombs and aqueduct arches.
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Ancient and Old Rome Walking Tour, Skipping the line at Colosseum Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a DayUnlock the secrets of the Eternal City, skip the lines and step into the world of emperors, gladiators, and gods on this lively, story-filled Roman adventure.
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Full Day Rome Tour Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a DaySee Rome your way in one unforgettable day. Vatican treasures, Imperial ruins, and iconic monuments with the ease of a dedicated tour escort.
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Papal Audience in Saint Peter’s, Vatican City Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a DayWitness a truly unforgettable moment in Rome, attend a Papal Audience and receive the Pope’s blessing.
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Rome by Bicycles Tour with English Speaking Guide Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a DaySee more of Rome with less effort, cruise past iconic landmarks on a fun, guided bike ride made for everyone.
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Rome by Night Guided Tour Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a Day
See Rome at its most magical, an evening stroll through illuminated fountains, grand piazzas, and ancient ruins.
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Rome by Night guided Tour with Dinner & Show Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a Day
Fall for Rome after dark. Glowing landmarks, a romantic evening stroll, and dinner with live music to seal the moment.
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Rome: The Eternal & Ancient Rome Tour Combo Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a DayExperience the magic of the Eternal City with a full-day tour showcasing Rome’s most iconic historical sites.
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Rome: The Eternal City Tour Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a Day
Discover Rome’s most iconic monuments in comfort on this tour.
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Skip the Line: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Guided tours Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a Day
Skip the lines and step straight into the Vatican’s greatest masterpieces. Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica with an expert guide.
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The Ancient Rome Tour Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a Day
Walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators, discover the power, passion, and innovation that shaped the world in Ancient Rome.
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The Ancient Rome Walking Tour, Skipping the line at Colosseum Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a Day
Experience the ancient highlights of the Eternal City with a guided walking tour that takes you through Rome’s most iconic landmarks.
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The Christian Rome & Catacombs Tour with Hotel Pick Up Guided Tours and Sightseeing · Tour in a DayJourney through Rome’s spiritual heart, explore ancient basilicas, sacred relics, and the origins of Christianity in the Eternal City.
Day by day in Rome
Enjoy breakfast before departing Venice for the rolling hills of Tuscany. Stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town renowned for its art, history, and the celebrated Montepulciano wine. Wine enthusiasts can visit local wineries for tastings. Continue to Rome, where you’ll check into your hotel and have free time for dinner at one of the city’s famed trattorias.
Start your day with breakfast, then enjoy a skip-the-line guided tour of the Vatican Museums, marveling at the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling and the treasures of St. Peter’s Basilica, including Michelangelo’s Pietà. Spend your afternoon exploring Rome’s vibrant neighborhoods, sampling gelato, or visiting the Colosseum and Roman Forum to immerse yourself in ancient history. Dine at your leisure and relax at your Rome hotel.
After breakfast, enjoy a full day to explore Rome at your own pace. Wander through the bustling market at Campo de’ Fiori, join a hands-on Italian cooking class, or visit the Catacombs for a glimpse into Rome’s underground history. Shop in the city’s elegant boutiques or discover masterpieces at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art. Savor dinner wherever you choose and spend the night in your Rome hotel.
Stop 4Sorrento, Campania
Sorrento
Pompeii's frozen streets and Capri's blue cave
After breakfast we travel south through Naples for a panoramic drive past Castel dell'Ovo, Plebiscito Square, and the Royal Palace. At Pompeii your guide walks you through streets, houses, and frescoes preserved by Vesuvius ash in 79 AD, daily life held in volcanic stone. The Sorrentine coast follows, cliffs and lemon groves to your hotel.
In the morning we take the ferry to Capri. When the sea is calm, rowboats enter the Blue Grotto, sunlight filtered through water to electric blue. The afternoon is yours to ride the chair lift between Capri town and Anacapri, shop the piazzetta, or walk the coastal paths. Lunch with the group at a local restaurant, then the return ferry. Both dinners included.
Arranged for you: We arrange the journey from Rome through Naples and Pompeii to Sorrento, guided tour of Pompeii, ferry to Capri with Blue Grotto entry when conditions allow, group lunch on Capri, group dinners, and overnight stays.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Sorrento
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Positano and Ravello along the Amalfi Drive Day Trips · Half day
Stop in Positano's stacked village, then climb to Ravello for Villa Rufolo's gardens and views over the coast.
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Limoncello tasting and lemon grove tour Day Trips · Half day
Walk terraced groves above the sea, learn how the liqueur is made, and taste three varieties at the family distillery.
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Herculaneum with archaeologist guide Day Trips · Half day
The smaller site buried by Vesuvius, with intact wooden beams, mosaics, and frescoes that Pompeii lost.
Day by day in Sorrento
Begin with breakfast before traveling south to Naples for a panoramic city tour featuring Castel dell’Ovo, Plebiscito Square, and the Royal Palace. Continue to Pompeii for a guided tour of the ancient Roman city preserved by volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius. Experience daily life in ancient Rome as you explore remarkably preserved streets and houses. End your day with a scenic drive along the Sorrentine coast, arriving in Sorrento for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, board the ferry to the enchanting island of Capri. Weather permitting, take a rowboat into the magical Blue Grotto. Enjoy free time exploring Capri’s picturesque villages, connected by a scenic chair lift, and soak up breathtaking Mediterranean views. Relish a group lunch at a local restaurant, then return to Sorrento for dinner and a restful night.
Stop 5Palermo, Sicily
Palermo
Overnight ferry south and Monreale's golden mosaics
Your morning in Sorrento is unguided: shop ceramics, write postcards, or walk to the marina. In the afternoon we transfer you to Naples and board the overnight ferry to Palermo. Settle into your cabin as the ship crosses the Tyrrhenian. We dock in the morning, transfer you to your hotel, and leave the day free to explore the capital's markets, street food counters, and baroque palazzi. Group dinner that evening.
After breakfast we travel to Monreale, a hilltop town above Palermo, for the Norman cathedral built in the twelfth century. Inside, six thousand square meters of gold mosaic cover the walls and dome, Byzantine craft in a Sicilian church. We return to Palermo for a guided walk through the Palatine Chapel, the cathedral, the opera house, and Praetorian Square. The afternoon is yours, then group dinner and overnight.
Arranged for you: We arrange the afternoon transfer to Naples, overnight ferry to Palermo in private cabin, morning transfer to your Palermo hotel, excursion to Monreale Cathedral, guided city tour of Palermo's historic sites, group dinners, and overnight stays.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Palermo
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Street food tour with local guide Day Trips · Half day
Stand at market counters for arancini, panelle, and sfincione, then pani ca' meusa in the Vucciria quarter, the city's fried bread tradition.
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Cappella Palatina mosaics with art historian Day Trips · Half day
Enter the royal chapel where Norman kings worshiped, gold tesserae covering every surface in Byzantine iconography.
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Mondello beach and seaside lunch Day Trips · Half day
Drive to the city's white-sand beach, swim in the turquoise bay, and sit down to grilled fish and Sicilian white wine.
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Teatro Massimo opera house tour Day Trips · Half day
Walk the neoclassical theater's royal boxes, backstage corridors, and main auditorium, the largest opera house in Italy.
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City Tours with Coffee and Tasting Shore Excursions · Tour in a DayExperience Palermo with all your senses; taste, sip, and stroll through the city’s vibrant streets and flavors.
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Puppet Theatre Shore Excursions · Tour in a DaySee Palermo’s most scenic landmarks, then step into Sicily’s storytelling tradition with a spellbinding Puppet Theatre performance.
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Walking Tour of Palermo Shore Excursions · Tour in a DayMeet Palermo at street level, 3 hours of bold architecture, layered history, and lively Sicilian energy.
Day by day in Palermo
Start your day with breakfast and enjoy a leisurely morning in Sorrento. Shop for local crafts, write postcards, or relax by the sea. In the afternoon, transfer to Naples and board the overnight ferry to Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital. Settle into your private cabin and prepare for the next chapter of your Italian adventure.
Arrive in Palermo and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Spend the day discovering Palermo’s colorful markets, stunning architecture, and renowned street food scene. In the evening, gather for a group dinner and enjoy an overnight stay in the heart of Sicily’s capital.
After breakfast, visit the ancient town of Monreale to admire its hilltop cathedral and dazzling 12th-century mosaics. Return to Palermo for a guided tour of the city’s top attractions, including the Palatine Chapel, historic Cathedral, grand Opera House, and lively Praetorian Square. Enjoy free time in the afternoon before a delicious group dinner and overnight stay.
Stop 6Agrigento, Sicily
Agrigento
Erice's hilltop ruins and Marsala's fortified wine
After breakfast we climb to Erice, a medieval town perched above the western coast. Stone streets, Norman castle ruins, and views across the sea to Africa on clear days. We continue to Marsala for a tasting of the amber fortified wine that carries the town's name, then pass the fishing port of Mazara del Vallo. Late afternoon brings you to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO ridge of Greek ruins. Your guide walks you past the Temple of Concordia, intact Doric columns against the sky, and the temples of Juno and Heracles. Group dinner and overnight stay.
Arranged for you: We arrange the journey from Palermo through Erice, Marsala, and Mazara del Vallo to Agrigento, wine tasting in Marsala, guided tour of the Valley of the Temples, group dinner, and overnight stay.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Agrigento
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Sunset tour of the Valley of the Temples Day Trips · Half day
Return to the ridge as the day softens, the Doric columns gold in the last light, with fewer visitors.
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Scala dei Turchi beach and coastal drive Day Trips · Half day
Walk the white marl cliff terraces that descend into the sea, then swim in the turquoise cove below.
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Marsala wine cellar and historic center Day Trips · Half day
Tour the cellars where fortified wine ages in oak, taste three expressions, and walk the baroque center with a local guide.
Day by day in Agrigento
Begin your day with breakfast before traveling to Erice, a medieval town perched high above the sea, offering stunning vistas and ancient ruins. Continue to Marsala to sample its world-renowned wine and enjoy the seaside atmosphere. Pass by the fishing port of Mazara del Vallo before arriving in Agrigento. Here, explore the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring majestic Greek ruins. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Agrigento.
Stop 7Taormina, Sicily
Taormina
Noto's baroque stone and Siracusa's Greek theater
After breakfast we travel to Noto, a UNESCO town rebuilt in baroque style after the 1693 earthquake. Honey-colored limestone facades line Corso Vittorio Emanuele. We continue to Siracusa for the Greek amphitheater carved into the hillside, the Ear of Dionysus cave, and the Roman theater. Your guide walks you through Ortigia Island, the medieval core of the city, before we drive north to the Taormina coast. Dinner and overnight with views of the Ionian Sea.
In the morning we take you up the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. When conditions allow, we ascend for panoramic views across the lava fields and the Sicilian interior. The afternoon is yours in Taormina town: the Greek theater, boutique shops, or the beach at Isola Bella. Group dinner both nights.
Arranged for you: We arrange the journey from Agrigento through Noto and Siracusa to the Taormina area, guided tours of Noto, Siracusa, and Ortigia Island, excursion to Mount Etna's slopes, group dinners, and overnight stays.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Taormina
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Etna crater ascent with volcanologist guide Day Trips · Half day
Climb to the summit craters when volcanic activity permits, walking lunar landscapes with a specialist who explains the geology.
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Godfather villages: Savoca and Forza d'Agrò Day Trips · Half day
Visit the Bar Vitelli where Michael Corleone met Apollonia's father, taste lemon granita, and walk the slow hilltop streets.
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Siracusa cooking class with market visit Day Trips · Half day
Shop Ortigia's market stalls, then learn swordfish involtini and pasta alla Norma in a home kitchen, sitting down to the meal.
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Alcantara Gorge hike and swim Day Trips · Half day
Wade through the basalt canyon carved by glacial water, the black rock walls rising twenty meters overhead.
Day by day in Taormina
After breakfast, journey to Noto, renowned for its stunning baroque architecture and UNESCO-listed city center. Continue to Siracusa to visit the ancient Greek Amphitheater, the mysterious Ear of Dionysus, and the Roman Theater. Explore Ortigia Island, the historic core of Siracusa. Arrive in the Taormina area for dinner and an overnight stay with views of the Ionian Sea.
Enjoy breakfast before heading out for an unforgettable excursion to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. Weather permitting, ascend the slopes for panoramic views of the Sicilian landscape. Spend your afternoon discovering Taormina’s charming town center, boutique shops, and beautiful beaches. Dinner and overnight in the Taormina area.
Catania, Sicily
Catania
Godfather villages and a UNESCO port city
After breakfast we take you to Savoca and Forza d'Agrò, the hilltop villages where Francis Ford Coppola filmed The Godfather. Bar Vitelli in Savoca still serves lemon granita as it did in Michael Corleone's wedding scene. Walk the stone streets, meet villagers, and feel the slow tempo of interior Sicily. We arrive in Catania in the afternoon, a UNESCO port city rebuilt in baroque style after the 1669 lava flow. Check into your hotel, then gather for a farewell dinner with your travel companions in this vibrant university city built from black volcanic stone.
Arranged for you: We arrange the journey from the Taormina area through Savoca and Forza d'Agrò to Catania, guided village visits with lemon granita tasting, hotel check-in, and farewell group dinner.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Catania
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Catania fish market and street food tour Day Trips · Half day
Walk the volcanic-stone stalls of La Pescheria, then taste arancini, horse meat cutlets, and cipollina at historic counters.
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Baroque Catania walking tour with art historian Day Trips · Half day
Trace the city's reconstruction after the earthquake and eruption, from Piazza Duomo to the Benedictine monastery.
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Private farewell dinner at countryside masseria Day Trips · Half day
Drive into the Etna foothills for your final meal, estate wine and farm-to-table Sicilian courses in a stone farmhouse.
Day by day in Catania
After breakfast, venture off the beaten path to the picturesque villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, best known as filming locations for The Godfather movies. Experience the slow pace of Sicilian village life and sample refreshing lemon granita. Arrive in Catania in the afternoon, check into your hotel, and enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel companions in this vibrant, UNESCO-listed city.
Day 17
Catania
Enjoy your final breakfast in Catania before concluding your grand tour of Italy and Sicily. Depart with lasting memories of ancient ruins, breathtaking coastlines, vibrant cities, and authentic Italian culture.
Why plan with Trips 2 Italy?
Designed around you by Italian-born planners
Guides, drivers and boats for your party alone
Hand-selected hotels in every destination
Local English-speaking guides who know their city
Met at the airport, private transfers throughout
Testimonials
Hear from travelers who have planned Italy with us
They took the time to understand our preferences and designed an itinerary that was comfortable, personalized, and enjoyable. They offered thoughtful recommendations while never being pushy.
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Questions travelers ask
What destinations does this package visit?
Over 17 days this journey brings you to Amalfi, Amalfi Coast, Capri, Naples, Positano, Ravello, and Sorrento. Each stop is woven into the itinerary with time for the landmarks, the views, and the local flavor that make it special.
How is transportation handled on this trip?
Transportation is arranged as part of the itinerary, with comfortable train segments between the cities and vehicle transfers where they serve you best. Every connection is planned for you, so you can focus on the scenery instead of the logistics.
Who will enjoy this itinerary most?
It suits travelers who enjoy the ease of an escorted experience, with sightseeing arranged and a group to share it with.
Can we tailor this trip to our wishes?
Yes. This sample itinerary is a starting point, and every Trips 2 Italy package is fully customizable. Your travel consultant will adjust the destinations, hotel category, pace, and experiences to fit your plans. A minimum of 2 travelers applies.
When is the best time to take this trip?
The package is available all year around on request. Late spring through early fall is prime time on the coast, with warm seas and long evenings, while April, May, September, and October pair gentle weather with quieter towns.