Commence your journey at 7:15 a.m. departing from your hotel via a deluxe coach. Upon arrival in Assisi, take the opportunity to explore this medieval town at your own pace, enveloped by ancient walls. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis to admire renowned works by Giotto and Cimabue, followed by free time for lunch (not included). Subsequently, journey to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for the Palio, a historic horse race around the distinctive town square, Piazza del Campo.
Conclude the day in Florence, where you will check in at your hotel, relish a delightful dinner, and retire for the night.
Embark on a day of discovery in Florence, renowned as the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” a time when Italian art achieved its zenith under the guidance of Michelangelo. This city, rooted in Etruscan-Roman heritage, blossomed in the Middle Ages as a free “Comune” and further flourished during the Renaissance era. Marvel at the myriad monuments, churches, and landmarks such as Santa Maria del Fiore, known as the Duomo, featuring the remarkable dome crafted by Filippo Brunelleschi. Explore the Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo della Signoria (Palazzo Vecchio), and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Relish lunch at a typical Tuscan restaurant in Piazza Santa Croce. Spend the afternoon wandering the charming streets of Florence or opt for an excursion to Pisa to marvel at the Piazza dei Miracoli, the iconic Leaning Tower, the Duomo, and the Baptistery.
Enjoy dinner and stay overnight in Florence.
Following breakfast in Florence, proceed to Bologna to explore its refined city center featuring elegant “porticos” and vibrant shopping streets. Visit Piazza del Nettuno, Piazza Maggiore, King Renzo’s Palace, Palazzo Podestà, and the grand Basilica of San Petronio. Indulge in Bologna’s renowned culinary delights at your leisure.
In the afternoon, journey to Padua to behold the magnificent Sant’ Antonio Basilica, a significant pilgrimage site. Conclude the day in Venice (Mestre), where you will check in at your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, relish a transfer to Piazza San Marco and explore Venice’s iconic landmarks, including the Palazzo dei Dogi and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. Following a guided walking tour, savor a spritz or prosecco in the company of your tour leader.
Spend the afternoon leisurely exploring Venice’s enchanting canals before returning to the hotel for the night.
Commencing the day after breakfast, depart from Piazzale Roma en route to Tuscany, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, historic churches, castles, and exquisite wines. Journey through Val di Chiana with a stop in Montepulciano, an ancient medieval town steeped in art and history. Famed for its “Nobile” wine, available for purchase in local wine establishments, Montepulciano also hosts an annual Jazz and Wine Festival every July. A delightful lunch at a traditional restaurant is included.
Following lunch, enjoy a brief respite for personal leisure.
In the evening, arrive in Rome to check in at your designated hotel.
Between 7:45 – 8:00 am, post-breakfast, depart from the hotel for an inclusive tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Square with exclusive “Skip the Line” access, eliminating the stress of queuing. Upon arrival, a knowledgeable guide will lead you through the museums, showcasing one of the world’s most significant art collections. Explore the captivating Galleries of Tapestries and Geographical Maps before marveling at Raphael’s Rooms and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. The tour culminates in St. Peter’s Square, offering a glimpse of the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church globally.
Concluding in St. Peter’s Square, the remainder of the day is yours to explore the city at your pace or opt for one of our curated tours for the afternoon or evening.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a day of independent exploration in Rome or selecting from our range of guided tours in the city or its environs.
Return to the hotel for your final overnight stay in Rome.
Following breakfast, depart from your hotel around 7:00 am for a coach journey south, traversing the regions of Lazio and Campania. Upon arrival in Naples, enjoy a brief panoramic tour ascending Vomero Hill for panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples, encompassing the sights of Vesuvius, Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Descend towards Mergellina port, departing for Mount Vesuvius. Arriving in Pompeii, savor lunch featuring authentic Neapolitan pizza before exploring the ruins of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Skip the Line access and a guided tour. Delve into the haunting remnants of Pompeii, transporting back to the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Wander through houses, “bars,” exquisite frescoes, and mosaics, offering insights into the city’s opulence before tragedy struck.
Journey along the Sorrentine Coast, arriving in Sorrento for a jacket-required dinner and overnight stay in your new accommodation.
After breakfast, embark on an enchanting excursion to the captivating island of Capri, a premier Mediterranean summer retreat. Weather permitting, marvel at the enchanting Blue Grotto from a small rowboat.
Indulge in lunch at a local eatery and savor leisure time exploring the island at your leisure. Upon returning to the mainland, head back to your hotel for dinner, marking your final night in Sorrento.
Commence the day with breakfast at your hotel, followed by a relaxed morning to explore Sorrento.
In the afternoon, proceed to the Port of Naples to embark on the Tirrenia/Snav ferry bound for Palermo, allowing the gentle motion of the waves to lull you to sleep.
Please note that dinner and breakfast are not provided on the ferry.
Upon arrival in Palermo, transfer to your hotel.
Enjoy dinner at the hotel and prepare for the forthcoming adventures.
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a morning excursion to Monreale, a historic royal town recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its almonds, olive oil, citrus fruits, and splendid Norman architecture, Monreale boasts the elaborate Cathedral of Monreale. Following this visit, explore local delicatessens and souvenir shops.
Return to Palermo for a guided walking tour of the Old Town, immersing yourself in the city’s rich 3,000-year history. Discover Palermo Cathedral, a testament to various cultural influences on the island, featuring captivating arches, cupolas, and mosaics.
Enjoy free time in the late afternoon before returning to your hotel for dinner.
An early breakfast precedes a journey to Erice, a picturesque medieval village nestled on the slopes of Monte San Giuliano. Known for its unchanged appearance since the sixth century, Erice offers meandering lanes perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. Subsequently, visit the Saline della Laguna, an extraordinary lagoon blending history, nature, and archaeology. Following this, proceed to Marsala, renowned for its Marsala wine, where a sensory experience awaits at a traditional tavern during a light yet memorable lunch.
Conclude the day with a visit to Agrigento, exploring the Valley of Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient Greek monuments like the Temple of Concord, the Temple of Hercules, and the Temple of Jupiter.
Check in at your hotel in the evening for dinner and accommodation.
Start the day with breakfast before departing for Piazza Armerina, a charming town in the heart of Sicily. Explore the Villa Romana del Casale, home to the world’s largest, richest, and most intricate Roman mosaics, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Journey to Ragusa to visit the enchanting historical center of Ibla, boasting stunning baroque architecture and listed among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore notable sites like the gate of San Giorgio, the Giardini Iblei, Piazza Pola, the church of San Giuseppe, the Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Church of the Souls in Purgatory, and the Cosentini Palace.
Conclude the day with dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, travel to Noto, a picturesque town celebrated for its Baroque architecture. Explore the restored Cathedral of San Nicolò and stroll through the town center. Continue to Syracuse, home to the renowned archaeological site of Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, showcasing Greek and Roman ruins. Visit landmarks like the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, and the Ear of Dionysius. Cross a bridge to Ortygia, Syracuse’s ancient district, featuring Baroque churches and medieval palaces.
Later, arrive in Taormina, check in at your hotel, and savor dinner.
Start the day with breakfast before embarking on a trip to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano and Italy’s highest peak. Explore volcanic activity, marvel at the lava fields, and observe the black magma rock formations. Weather permitting, consider ascending to the summit at 1800 meters.
Return to Taormina in the afternoon to enjoy the romantic town nestled on Mount Tauro at your leisure.
Conclude the day with dinner and overnight accommodation.
Conclude your journey with a final breakfast before departing.