Best of Italy
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 17-day journey through Italy's most iconic cities and landscapes. From the medieval walls of Assisi to the romantic canals of Venice, the awe-inspiring ruins of Pompeii to the vibrant streets of Palermo, this multi-day tour offers an immersive exploration of Italy's rich history, culture, and cuisine. Marvel at the architectural wonders of Florence, savor the world-renowned wines of Tuscany, and lose yourself in the charming streets of Rome. Experience the unique allure of Sicily, with its stunning baroque architecture and enchanting coastal towns. This tour provides a perfect blend of guided visits and free time, allowing you to customize your experience to your interests. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply in love with Italian culture, this tour promises a memorable and enriching adventure.
Included
Accommodation in 4 stars hotels
Overnight Ferry from Naples to Palermo
Florence: Hotel Raffaello or similar
Venice (Mestre): Hotel Delfino or similar
Rome: Hotel St. Martin or similar
Sorrento: Michelangelo Hotel or similar
Palermo: Hotel Mercure, or similar
Agrigento: Hotel Della Valle or similar
Ragusa: Poggio del Sole Hotel or similar
Taormina Area: Antares Hotel or similar
Hotels listed will be used on almost all departures. If changes become necessary for any reason, substitute hotels will be similar to those listed.
Meals as per itinerary (please inform us at the moment of the booking, in case of any food allergy or dietary restrictions)
vegetarian
This tour includes the professional services of an experienced English-speaking tour-escort and visits with English-speaking local guides. Not only will the tour-escort and local guides offer their local knowledge and share hidden gems and stories with you, but they will act as the logistical organizer, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and that you’re having a good time during your holiday. As an expert and a local, your guide will be a valuable resource for questions about local customs, language, food and other practical travel information. In a guided tour, you will get a personal experience for your adventure.
Traditional Tuscan lunch in Montepulciano
Venetian Cicchetti (Aperitif)
Visits to Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Padua, Venice, Tuscany Wine Region, Rome, Amalfi Coast & Sicily
Tour of Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica (with exclusive “Skip the Line” tickets)
Tour of Pompeii with "Skip the Line" tickets and Neapolitan Pizza lunch with 1 drink
Visit the Blue Grotto in Capri (weather permitting)
Entrance tickets to all archaeological sites in Sicily as per the itinerary
Saline Della Laguna boat trip with lunch
Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard to be in touch with family and friends
Headsets to follow the information provided by the tour leader and local guides
Stretch your legs with extra legroom on the coaches! More space is provided on board to pamper travellers with the most comfortable trip
Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Assisi - Siena - Florence
- Rome
- Assisi
- Siena
- Florence - Arrival day
- More
- Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi
- More
Begin your journey in the medieval town of Assisi, where you'll explore the famous Basilica of St. Francis. From there, travel to Siena, known for its Palio horse race and the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. End the day in Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, where you'll settle into your hotel before enjoying a delicious dinner.
Day 2 – Day 2: Florence - Pisa - Florence
- Florence
- Pisa
- More
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano
- Giotto's Bell Tower
- Sanctuary of Montenero
- Porta Camollia, Siena
- Florence Baptistery
- piazza della Signoria
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- More
After breakfast, explore the architectural wonders of Florence, including the Duomo, Giotto’s bell tower, the Baptistery, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and Santa Croce. In the afternoon, opt for an excursion to Pisa, where you'll tour the Square of Miracles and the famed Leaning Tower.
Day 3 – Day 3: Florence - Bologna - Padua - Venice
- Florence
- Bologna
- Padua
- Venice
- More
- Piazza Municipio
- Piazza Maggiore
- Diamanti Palace
- More
Depart Florence for Bologna, where you'll wander through elegant porticos and visit Piazza del Nettuno, Piazza Maggiore, King Renzo Palace, and the Basilica of San Petronio. In the afternoon, continue to Padua and then Venice, renowned for its canals and gondola boats.
Day 4 – Day 4: Venice Exploration
- Venice
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- Doge's Palace
- Piazza San Marco
- Bridge of Sighs
- More
After breakfast, take a water taxi to the famous St. Mark’s Square, where you'll visit the exterior of the Doge’s Palace and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy a Venetian spritz or a prosecco with a light lunch of 'cicchetti', a Venetian take on tapas. Spend the afternoon at your own pace, strolling along Venice's enchanting canals.
Day 5 – Day 5: Venice - Montepulciano - Rome
- Venice
- Rome
- More
- Fortezza Medicea
- More
Depart for Tuscany, known for its romantic churches, castles, and wine. Stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town known for its 'Nobile' wine and the annual jazz festival. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and spend the afternoon exploring Montepulciano before continuing to Rome.
Day 6 – Day 6: Rome Exploration
- Rome
- More
- St. Clement Basilica
- Roman Forum
- Capitoline Museums
- Palatine Hill
- More
After breakfast, depart for a morning tour of the Vatican Museums, Raphael’s Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel with our exclusive 'Skip the Line' access! Then pass through an exclusive entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica, the biggest church in the world. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore Rome on your own.
Day 7 – Day 7: Rome at Leisure
- Rome
- More
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, seize the opportunity to explore Rome at your own pace or opt for one of our guided tours in the city or its picturesque surroundings. Later, return to the hotel for your final night in Rome.
Day 8 – Day 8: Rome - Naples - Pompeii - Sorrento
- Rome
- Naples
- Pompei
- Sorrento
- More
- Mount Vesuvius
- Amphitheatre of Pompeii
- More
After breakfast, depart by coach heading south to Naples for a panoramic tour of the city. Then, travel towards Mount Vesuvius and the town of Pompeii. Upon arrival, enjoy a traditional Neapolitan pizza lunch. After lunch, explore one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, the ruins of Pompeii. After the visit, drive along the Sorrentine Coast, arriving in Sorrento for dinner.
Day 9 – Day 9: Sorrento - Capri - Sorrento
- Sorrento
- Capri
- More
- Casa Malaparte
- More
After breakfast, get ready for an exciting excursion to the island of Capri, one of the most exclusive summer destinations in the Mediterranean! Depending on the weather and sea conditions, you will admire the dreamy Blue Grotto on a small rowboat. Afterward, enjoy roaming the island at your own pace. Once back on the mainland, return back to your hotel in Sorrento.
Day 10 – Day 10: Sorrento - Naples - Palermo
- Sorrento
- Naples
- More
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Sorrento. In the afternoon, you will transfer to the port of Naples, where you will board the ferry to Palermo. Let the waves rock you to sleep. Dinner and breakfast are not included on the overnight ferry.
Day 11 – Day 11: Arrival in Palermo
- Palermo
- More
Arrive in Palermo and transfer to your hotel. That night, have dinner and rest up for your Sicilian adventure.
Day 12 – Day 12: Palermo - Monreale - Palermo
- Monreale
- More
- Norman Palace
- Castello di Maredolce
- Palermo Cathedral
- More
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and then head out on a morning excursion to Monreale, an ancient royal town famous for its almonds, olive oil, and citrus fruits. Visit the stunning Cathedral of Monreale and then enjoy some shopping for local delicatessen and souvenirs. Back to Palermo and continue with a walking tour of the city, including a visit to the Palermo Cathedral.
Day 13 – Day 13: Palermo - Erice - Marsala - Agrigento
- Erice
- Agrigento
- More
- Valle dei Templi
- Donnafugata
- Piazza Madrice
- More
Early breakfast and departure to Erice, a medieval village stacked into the side of Monte San Giuliano. Continue to visit the Saline, an extraordinary lagoon, and then set off to Marsala, known for its Marsala wine. Enjoy a light lunch and then travel to Agrigento, your final destination of the day. Visit Ancient Greek monuments and ruins at the Valley of Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 14 – Day 14: Agrigento - Ragusa
- Agrigento
- Piazza Armerina
- Ragusa
- More
- Nicolaci Palace
- Giardino Ibleo
- More
Embark on a captivating day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting off for Ragusa. The historical center of 'Ibla' awaits, adorned with its awe-inspiring baroque palaces and churches. Explore the ancient charm of the old gate of San Giorgio and the serene Giardini Iblei. A leisurely stroll leads to Piazza Pola, where the hidden gem, the church of San Giuseppe, awaits your discovery.
Day 15 – Day 15: Ragusa - Noto - Syracuse - Taormina
- Ragusa
- Noto
- Syracuse
- Taormina
- More
- Cathedral of Syracuse
- Netum
- Island of Ortigia
- More
Indulge in a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a scenic journey to Noto, a charming fishing town renowned for its magnificent Baroque architecture. Continue your journey along the enchanting south coast, heading towards Syracuse, nestled on the southeastern tip of Sicily. Upon arrival, cross one of the city’s iconic bridges to reach the captivating island of Ortygia, the ancient nucleus of Syracuse. As the day draws to a close, make your way to Taormina, where you’ll be welcomed at your centrally located hotel.
Day 16 – Day 16: Taormina - Mount Etna - Taormina
- Taormina
- More
After breakfast, head off to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and the highest mountain in Italy. Learn about volcanic activity and marvel at the old lava fields and black magma rock that comprises Etna’s landscape. If weather permits, you have a chance to climb to the summit (1800 m). After, return to Taormina, the beautiful and romantic town located on Mount Tauro. Spend the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 17 – Day 17: Departure from Taormina
- Taormina
- Catania - Departure day
- More
Enjoy one final breakfast before the tour comes to an end. Optional private transfer to Catania airport is available upon request.
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