16 days, 15 nights · Best for Escorted coach tour through Italy's greatest cities and Sicily's ancient sites
Italian Peninsula and Sicily 17 days Escorted Tour
Journey from Rome to Catania, discovering Italy’s iconic cities, ancient ruins, scenic countryside, coastal gems, and Sicily’s cultural treasures on an unforgettable, expertly guided tour.
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 masterworks and the Tuscan countryside by coach
Your tour departs Rome at 7:15 a.m. by motor coach, climbing through Umbria to Assisi, where you walk the medieval lanes and visit the Basilica of St. Francis. The route continues across the rolling Tuscan hills to Siena, home of the Palio horse race and one of Italy's most intact medieval centers, then on to Florence for dinner and two nights. The next morning you tour the Duomo crowned by Brunelleschi's dome, Giotto's campanile, the bronze baptistery doors Michelangelo called the Gates of Paradise, Piazza della Signoria, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. The afternoon is yours to visit the Accademia and see David, explore the Uffizi, or wander the Oltrarno.
Arranged for you: We arrange motor coach transport from Rome, guided city tour of Florence, two nights' accommodation with breakfast, and group dinner on day one.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Florence
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Skip-the-line Uffizi Gallery with art historian Day Trips · Half day
Walk through Botticelli, Leonardo, Caravaggio and Michelangelo with a specialist in Renaissance painting.
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Cooking class in a Florentine kitchen Day Trips · Half day
Make fresh pasta, ribollita and cantucci with a local chef, then sit down to lunch with wine.
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Guided excursion to Pisa Day Trips · Half day
Visit the Leaning Tower, Baptistery and Duomo in the Piazza dei Miracoli, with time to climb the campanile.
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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
Your sightseeing tour begins with a 7:15 a.m. departure by motor coach from the historic center of Rome. The first stop is Assisi, where you’ll have free time to wander the medieval streets; we recommend visiting the Basilica of St. Francis, dedicated to the beloved saint. After lunch on your own, continue through the rolling Tuscan hills to Siena, renowned for its rich medieval history and the Palio horse race in Piazza del Campo. Enjoy time to explore the charming historic center and take plenty of photos. Later in the afternoon, travel on to Florence for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, discover Florence, known as the Cradle of the Renaissance. On your guided tour, you’ll admire the Cathedral (Duomo) crowned by Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery with its bronze doors so beautiful that Michelangelo called them the “Gates of Paradise.” The tour also includes Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Santa Croce Basilica. After lunch on your own, the afternoon is free: you may choose to visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David, explore the Uffizi Gallery, or join an optional excursion to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli (optional activities not included). In the evening, enjoy dinner and a final night in Florence.
Stop 2Venice, Veneto
Venice
Basilicas and canals across the northern plains
After breakfast in Florence, the coach travels north through the plains of Emilia-Romagna, stopping in Bologna to see the Podestà Palace, Piazza del Nettuno and the Basilica of San Petronio beneath the city's famous porticoes. The route continues to Padua, where you visit the Basilica of St. Anthony and its frescoes, then arrives in Venice for dinner and two nights. The next morning you tour St. Mark's Square, stepping inside the basilica to see the golden mosaics, then view the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, which leads to the cells where Casanova was imprisoned. The afternoon is free to shop for Murano glass and papier-mâché masks, ride a vaporetto down the Grand Canal, or sip a Bellini along the water.
Arranged for you: We arrange motor coach transport via Bologna and Padua, guided St. Mark's Square tour with basilica entrance, two nights' accommodation with breakfast, and group dinner on day three.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Venice
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Murano glassblowing demonstration and atelier visit Day Trips · Half day
Watch a master shape molten glass into sculptures, then tour the workshop and showroom.
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Gondola ride through Venice's back canals Day Trips · Half day
Private gondola for your party, gliding under bridges and past hidden gardens.
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Cicchetti and wine tasting walk Day Trips · Half day
Sample small bites and regional wines at three bacari near the Rialto market with a local guide.
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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, board the motor coach for Bologna, a lively city with elegant porticoes and a largely pedestrian historic center. Enjoy time to see landmarks such as the Podestà Palace, Piazza del Nettuno, and the Basilica of San Petronio. After lunch on your own, continue to Padua, home to one of Italy’s oldest universities and the Basilica of St. Anthony, where you’ll admire its architecture and frescoes. The day ends in Venice, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night.
After breakfast, begin your day in iconic St. Mark’s Square. Visit the interior of St. Mark’s Basilica, then admire the exterior of the Doge’s Palace and the nearby Bridge of Sighs, which connects to the former prison where Casanova was once held. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy Venice at your own pace: shop for glass and masks, take an optional excursion to Murano’s glass workshops, sip a Bellini along the Grand Canal, or visit one of the city’s many museums (optional activities not included). Dinner is with the group, followed by an overnight stay in Venice.
Stop 3Rome, Lazio
Rome
Vatican treasures and the ancient capital
Leave Venice by motor coach and drive south across Tuscany, stopping in the hilltop town of Montepulciano to walk the medieval streets and sample Vino Nobile before continuing to Rome for dinner and three nights. The next morning you join a guided Vatican tour with skip-the-line entrance, walking through the Vatican Museums to see Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, then visiting St. Peter's Basilica and the square. The afternoon is yours to explore, whether the Colosseum and Forum, the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, or a neighborhood trattoria. Day seven is entirely free: you might visit the Catacombs, take a cooking class, wander the Campo de' Fiori market, or discover the city's lesser-known churches and piazzas. Dinner is on your own both evenings.
Arranged for you: We arrange motor coach transport from Venice via Montepulciano, skip-the-line Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour with licensed guide, three nights' accommodation with breakfast, and entrance to St. Peter's Basilica.
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 and Forum with archaeologist Day Trips · Half day
Skip-the-line entrance to the arena floor and underground chambers, then walk the Via Sacra with a specialist.
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Borghese Gallery private viewing Day Trips · Half day
Reserved-time entrance to see Caravaggio, Bernini and Titian in the villa's frescoed rooms.
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Trastevere food and wine walk Day Trips · Half day
Sample supplì, cacio e pepe, porchetta and gelato at family-run shops with a local guide.
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Private after-hours Sistine Chapel Day Trips · Half day
Small-group evening access to the chapel and select museum galleries after the public has left.
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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, then leave Venice by motor coach bound for Tuscany. As you travel, admire postcard‑perfect landscapes of rolling hills, vineyards, farmhouses, and hilltop churches and castles. Stop in Montepulciano, a historic town known for its art, architecture, and renowned wines. You’ll have free time to explore and, if you wish, sample local wine and food. In the evening, continue to Rome, check in at your hotel, and enjoy dinner on your own.
After breakfast, join a guided Vatican tour with skip‑the‑line access. Explore the Vatican Museums and their vast collections, then admire Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel before continuing to St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square. Enjoy free time for lunch, then spend the afternoon as you wish, shop, savor a gelato, or visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum to immerse yourself in ancient Rome (optional, not included). Dinner is on your own, and you’ll spend the night at your hotel in Rome.
Enjoy breakfast, then take advantage of a full free day to discover Rome at your own pace. You might stroll through the characteristic market of Campo de’ Fiori, join a cooking class, visit the Catacombs, or explore lesser‑known neighborhoods and churches. With countless options, you can tailor the day to your interests. Dinner is on your own, and you’ll spend another night in Rome.
Stop 4Sorrento, Campania
Sorrento
Vesuvius ruins and a ferry to the Blue Grotto
After breakfast in Rome, the coach travels south along the Sun Route motorway through Lazio and Campania. In Naples you tour the waterfront, passing Castel dell'Ovo, Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace, Maschio Angioino and the port before stopping for lunch. The route continues to Pompeii for a guided walk through the excavations, where you see the Forum, the House of the Faun, frescoed villas and the plaster casts of residents frozen by Vesuvius in AD 79. Late afternoon you drive along the clifftop coast road to Sorrento for dinner and two nights. The next morning you board the ferry to Capri (conditions permitting) and transfer to small rowboats to enter the Blue Grotto, where sunlight turns the water an electric blue. You have free time on the island before lunch with the group at a local restaurant, then return to Sorrento. Day ten is yours to shop or stroll the town before an afternoon transfer to Naples and an overnight ferry crossing to Palermo in a private cabin.
Arranged for you: We arrange motor coach transport from Rome, guided Naples panoramic tour, guided Pompeii excavation visit with entrance, ferry to Capri and Blue Grotto rowboat transfer (weather permitting), lunch on Capri, return ferry to Sorrento, two nights' accommodation with breakfast, group dinners on days eight and nine, transfer to Naples port, and overnight ferry to Palermo with private cabin.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Sorrento
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Amalfi Coast drive to Positano and Ravello Day Trips · Full day
Private car along the coastal road, stopping in Positano for lunch and Ravello for Villa Rufolo's gardens.
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Limoncello tasting and farm visit Day Trips · Half day
Walk a family lemon grove, learn the liqueur-making process, and sample three varieties.
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Cooking class with a Sorrentine cook Day Trips · Half day
Make gnocchi alla sorrentina, parmigiana di melanzane and delizia al limone in a home kitchen.
Day by day in Sorrento
After breakfast, travel south along the Sun Route motorway through the regions of Lazio and Campania. In Naples, enjoy a panoramic tour featuring Mergellina, Castel dell’Ovo, Plebiscito Square, the Royal Palace, Maschio Angioino, and the port. After lunch, continue to Pompeii for a guided visit of the famous archaeological excavations, where you’ll see the remarkably preserved remains of the ancient city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. In the late afternoon, drive along the scenic Sorrentine coast to Sorrento for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, board the ferry to the Isle of Capri (sea conditions permitting). Weather and sea permitting, transfer to small rowboats to visit the famous Blue Grotto, where sunlight creates an otherworldly blue glow inside the cave. Enjoy free time to explore Capri’s charming streets and boutiques, and share lunch with the group at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, return to Sorrento for dinner and another overnight stay.
Enjoy breakfast and a free morning in Sorrento, perfect for last‑minute shopping, a leisurely lunch, or writing postcards. In the afternoon, transfer to the port of Naples and board the overnight ferry to Palermo (operated by Tirrenia or SNAV). You’ll spend the night in a private cabin; dinner and breakfast on board are not included.
Stop 5Palermo, Sicily
Palermo
Arab-Norman mosaics and the island's chaotic capital
After breakfast on your own aboard the ferry, you arrive in Palermo and transfer to your hotel. The rest of day eleven is free to rest from the crossing or begin exploring the city's markets, baroque churches and Arab-Norman palaces. In the evening you gather for dinner with the group. The next morning you travel to Monreale to visit the cathedral, famous for its golden 12th-century Byzantine mosaics covering the walls and apse, and the adjoining Benedictine cloister. Return to Palermo for a guided city tour of its architectural landmarks and artistic heritage, then spend the afternoon on your own before dinner at the hotel.
Arranged for you: We arrange transfer from Palermo port to hotel, two nights' accommodation with breakfast, Monreale Cathedral visit and guided Palermo city tour, and group dinners on days eleven and twelve.
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 walk through the markets Day Trips · Half day
Sample panelle, arancine, sfincione and cannoli at stands in Vucciria and Ballarò with a local guide.
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Cappella Palatina and Norman Palace guided visit Day Trips · Half day
Skip-the-line entrance to see the mosaics and Moorish ceiling in the royal chapel.
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Teatro Massimo backstage tour Day Trips · Half day
Walk the stage and dressing rooms of Italy's largest opera house, where The Godfather III was filmed.
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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
After breakfast on your own, arrive in Palermo and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest or start exploring Sicily’s colorful capital, with its markets, churches, and eclectic architecture. In the evening, enjoy dinner with the group and spend the night at your hotel.
After breakfast, travel to Monreale to visit its magnificent Cathedral, renowned for its golden 12th‑century mosaics, and the adjoining Benedictine abbey. Return to Palermo for a guided city tour showcasing the city’s rich artistic and architectural heritage. The afternoon is free to continue exploring on your own before returning to the hotel for dinner and another overnight stay.
Stop 6Agrigento, Sicily
Agrigento
Greek temples and medieval hilltop towns
After breakfast, the coach climbs to Erice, a medieval town perched high above the western coast with sweeping views and Norman and Phoenician remains. Continue to the seaside resort of Marsala, famous for its fortified wine, with free time to explore before passing the fishing port of Mazara del Vallo on the way to Agrigento. Late afternoon you visit the Valley of the Temples, one of the ancient Greek world's most important sites, walking among the temples dedicated to Juno, Concordia, Hercules and Jupiter. Entrance is included. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Agrigento.
Arranged for you: We arrange motor coach transport from Palermo via Erice and Marsala, Valley of the Temples guided visit with entrance, one night's accommodation with breakfast, and group dinner.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Agrigento
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Private sunset tour of the temples Day Trips · Half day
Return to the Valley of the Temples in late afternoon with your own archaeologist, when the stones glow gold.
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Wine tasting at a Nero d'Avola estate Day Trips · Half day
Visit a family winery in the hills, tour the cellars and sample three wines with local cheeses.
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Scala dei Turchi and coastal drive Day Trips · Half day
Walk the white marl cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, then stop in a fishing village for lunch.
Day by day in Agrigento
After breakfast, depart for Erice, a medieval town perched high above sea level with breathtaking views and a rich Phoenician and Norman heritage. Continue to Marsala, a seaside resort famous for its wine production, where you’ll have free time to explore. Passing by the fishing port of Mazara del Vallo, you’ll arrive in Agrigento, where you’ll visit the Valley of the Temples, one of the most important archaeological sites of the ancient Greek world. Explore temples dedicated to Juno, Concordia, Hercules, Jupiter, and more (admission included). Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Agrigento.
Stop 7Taormina, Sicily
Taormina
Baroque towns and the lunar slopes of Etna
After breakfast, travel east to Noto, a baroque jewel of honey-colored stone where you walk the streets past churches and palazzi built after the 1693 earthquake. Continue to Siracusa to visit the archaeological park, including the Greek amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysus and the Roman theater (entrance included), then cross to Ortigia Island to see its baroque and medieval heart. Late afternoon you arrive in the Taormina area (Giardini Naxos or Letojanni) for dinner and three nights. Day fifteen is an excursion to Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. Weather permitting, you ascend by coach to around 1,800 meters, where you walk the lunar landscape and look out over the countryside and the Ionian Sea. On day sixteen you leave the main tourist routes to visit Savoca and Forza d'Agrò, two inland villages made famous by The Godfather films, where you taste Sicilian lemon granita. The afternoon is free in Catania to explore its UNESCO-listed baroque center, then you gather for a final dinner with the group.
Arranged for you: We arrange motor coach transport from Agrigento via Noto and Siracusa, Siracusa archaeological park entrance and Ortigia visit, three nights' accommodation with breakfast, Mount Etna excursion (weather permitting), Savoca and Forza d'Agrò village visits, and group dinners on days fourteen, fifteen and sixteen.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Taormina
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Taormina Greek Theater and Corso Umberto walk Day Trips · Half day
Guided visit to the ancient theater with Etna views, then stroll the medieval main street for shopping.
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Boat trip along the coast to Isola Bella Day Trips · Half day
Private boat to the nature reserve island, with time to swim and snorkel in the clear water.
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Etna wine tasting on the volcano's slopes Day Trips · Half day
Visit a winery on the northern face, tour the vineyards and taste Etna Rosso and Bianco with antipasti.
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Cooking class in a Sicilian home Day Trips · Half day
Learn to make pasta alla Norma, caponata and cassata with a local cook, then sit down to lunch.
Day by day in Taormina
After breakfast, travel to Noto, an exquisite baroque town filled with beautiful churches and palazzi. Enjoy free time to wander its streets and capture its architectural details. Continue to Siracusa to visit the archaeological park, including the Greek Amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysus, and the Roman Theater (admission included). Then explore Ortigia Island, the baroque and medieval heart of the city. In the afternoon, arrive in the Taormina area (Giardini Naxos or Letojanni) for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, set out on an excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Weather permitting, you’ll ascend to around 1,800 meters, where you can admire the lunar‑like landscape and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside and sea. Return to the Taormina area in the afternoon for dinner and a well‑earned night’s sleep.
After breakfast, leave the main tourist routes to discover Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, two unspoiled villages made famous by “The Godfather” films. Here you can experience the slow pace and traditions of inland Sicily and, of course, taste a refreshing Sicilian lemon granita. Later, head to Catania, check in at your hotel, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore its UNESCO‑listed historic center with its baroque architecture and lively streets. In the evening, share a final dinner with your travel companions and spend the night in Catania.
Day 16
Catania
After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Catania. Your grand journey from Rome through mainland Italy and Sicily comes to an end, leaving you with unforgettable memories of art cities, coastal landscapes, ancient ruins, and rich Sicilian 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
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Questions travelers ask
What will we see on this journey?
Over 17 days this journey brings you to Capri, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Bologna, Rome, and Agrigento. Each stop is woven into the itinerary with time for the landmarks, the views, and the local flavor that make it special.
How do we get between the destinations?
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.
Is this package a good fit for our group?
It suits travelers who enjoy the ease of an escorted experience, with sightseeing arranged and a group to share it with.
Is this package customizable?
It is. This itinerary is a sample built to spark ideas, and every element can be customized to your wishes and needs by your travel consultant. A minimum of 2 travelers applies.
When should we travel on this package?
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.