Grand Italy: Venice to Sicily Journeys (Tour code: 17030)

Welcome to Venice! Meet your driver at the airport and enjoy your included transfer to the hotel.

In the afternoon, meet your tour guide at the hotel, who will introduce you to your journey and give you the chance to meet the other members of your group, with whom you’ll spend these wonderful days exploring Italy.

After the meeting, enjoy a glass of spritz or prosecco with cicchetti, traditional Venetian snacks. Relax and soak in the atmo sphere. Rest of the evening at your own pace. Feel free to wander through the charming alleys, visit the iconic squares, or relax at a local café. Return to the hotel on your own for an overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Venice at Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal or similar.

Venice

After breakfast, together with your tour leader, set off on a pleasant walk to discover the authentic soul of Venice.

Strolling through picturesque calli, charming bridges, and lively Venetian squares, you will make your way to the monumental heart of the city while experiencing the unique atmosphere of La Serenissi ma. Along the route, admire glimpses of the Grand Canal, elegant historic palaces, traditional artisan shops, and the vibrant daily life of Venice.

Upon arrival in St. Mark’s Square, the tour will continue with a local guide who will lead you through the city’s most iconic landmarks, symbols of the grandeur of the Venetian Republic. Admire the majestic Doge’s Palace from the outside and listen to fascinating stories and legends surrounding the famous Bridge of Sighs. At the end of the guided visit, enjoy some free time to soak up the atmosphere of the city. We suggest relaxing in a traditional Venetian bacaro while savouring a refresh ing spritz or a glass of prosecco accompanied by typical cicchetti, delicious local Venetian snacks.

The afternoon is at leisure to further explore Venice at your own pace: wander through hidden canals, artisan boutiques, and peaceful corners away from the crowds, letting yourself be enchanted by the timeless charm of the lagoon city. Return to the hotel at your leisure.

Overnight stay in Venice at Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal or similar.

Bridge of Sighs

Travel to Bologna, a city rich in culture and culinary excellence. Walk from Piazza Malpighi to Piazza Maggiore, admiring San Petronio Basilica and the Palazzo del Podestà. Take your time to explore the medieval streets, arcades, and bustling markets of this charming city. We suggest enjoying some of Bologna’s famous street food during your free time—perfect for a quick, authentic taste of the local flavours.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Florence. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and unwind.

Overnight stay in Florence at Grand Hotel Mediterraneo or similar

San Petronio Basilica

After breakfast meet your guide and explore Florence: cradle of the Renaissance. Visit the Duomo, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and Baptistery. See Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and Santa Croce Basilica. Enjoy free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, choose between free time in the city or an optional visit to Pisa, with its Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner at ristorante I Tre Pini in Impruneta, located in the heart of the Chianti region. Indulge in authentic Tuscan dishes made with fresh, local ingredients and paired with the finest regional wines. The cozy, rustic atmosphere makes this an unmissable experience to savour true Tuscan cuisine.

Overnight stay in Florence at Grand Hotel Mediterraneo or similar

Florence

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will depart from Florence and head towards the Eternal City, Rome. Along the way, we will make a stop in San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers and picturesque historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will have free time to wander through its charming streets and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Lunch will be at leisure, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore local eateries or relax in one of the town’s charming cafés.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Rome, arriving in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight stay in Rome at Hotel St. Martin or similar.

San Gimignano Duomo

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the lobby and set off on an exciting walking tour towards Vatican City.

Enjoy an included “Skip the Line” guided visit to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Square. Discover the stunning Galleries of Tapestries and Maps, Raphael’s Rooms, and Michelangelo’s world-famous masterpiece inside the Sistine Chapel. The tour concludes in St. Peter’s Square, where you will admire the majestic exterior of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The afternoon will be at leisure, giving you time to further explore the city independently or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere of Rome.

In the evening, savour a special dinner at a traditional Roman restaurant, accompanied by live music, for a truly authentic and memorable experience in the Eternal City.

Overnight stay in Rome at Hotel St. Martin or similar.

St. Peter's Square

Breakfast at the hotel. Start your day with a pleasant stroll towards the Castel Sant’Angelo, where you will discover its fascinating history while enjoying panoramic views over the city. Continue along the Tiber River, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sant’Angelo.

The tour continues to Piazza Navona, with its stunning Fountain of the Four Rivers, before heading to the magnificent Pantheon, an ancient temple and symbol of Rome. You can’t miss the Trevi Fountain, where you can throw a coin to ensure your return to the Eternal City.

Finally, the tour will conclude in Piazza di Spagna, with the famous Spanish Steps and the Fountain of Barcaccia, where you’ll have free time to explore or relax at one of the local cafés. The afternoon will be at leisure. Alternatively, you may enhance your stay with an optional guided tour, such as a visit to the Colosseum.

Overnight stay in Rome at Hotel St. Martin or similar.

Piazza di Spagna

After breakfast, the entire day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Take the opportunity to experience more of the Eternal City, wander ing through Rome’s charming streets and discovering the unique atmosphere of neighborhoods such as Trastevere or Monti.

Make your day even more special by choosing from our selection of optional experiences, available at an additional cost and upon reservation: join a cooking class or a street food tour, or venture beyond Rome on a full-day excursion to Pompeii, Capri or Florence. You can even take the opportunity to discover Venice with one of our day tours. Whether you prefer to slow down and enjoy Rome like a local or add another unforgettable Italian destination to your journey, today is entirely yours.

Overnight stay in Rome at Hotel St. Martin or similar.

The Colosseum

After breakfast, at the scheduled time, meet your driver for the transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport and board your included flight to Palermo. Upon arrival in Sicily, transfer to your hotel and check in. In the late afternoon, meet your Tour Leader for a welcome briefing and an introduction to the journey ahead. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel and relax before beginning your Sicilian adventure.

Overnight stay in Palermo at Hotel Mercure Palermo Centro or similar.

Sicily

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and then head out on a morning excursion to Monreale, recently included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, an ancient royal town famous for its almonds, olive oil and citrus fruits, as well as for its fine Norman architecture.

Visit the elaborate Cathedral of Monreale and then enjoy some shopping of local delicatessen and souvenirs. Back to Palermo and continue with a walking tour of the city. Wander the streets of the Old Town, hearing tales of Palermo’s 3,000-year history and discovering attractions like Palermo Cathedral. Walk inside the impressive-looking place of worship and marvel at its arches, cu polas and mosaics - with an incredible mix of influences coming from several dominations on the island.

Enjoy free time in the late afternoon and return to your hotel for dinner.

Overnight stay in Palermo at Hotel Mercure Palermo Centro or similar.

Monreale Cathedral

Early breakfast and departure to Erice, a medieval village stacked into the side of Monte San Giuliano. Many say that little has changed in the village since the sixth century, and its labyrinth-like twist of lanes is perfect for a cool and pleasant morning amble.

Afterwards, set off to Marsala, whose lands are known for its Marsala wine. Take part in a sensorial experience, visit a traditional tavern and taste regional wine and products during a light but unforgettable lunch.

Return to your coach and travel to Agrigento, the final destination of the day. Visit Ancient Greek monuments and ruins at the Valley of Temples (entrance included) - a UNESCO World Heritage site - and learn about archaeological relics like the Classical Temple of Concord the Temple of Hercules; the Temple of Jupiter, one of the largest Doric-style buildings.

Check in to your hotel in the evening and enjoy dinner.

Overnight stay in Agrigento at Hotel Della Valle or similar.

Marsala Vineyards

Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Ragusa and visit of the enchanting historical centre “Ibla”, with its stunning baroque palaces and churches; together with other seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Visit the old gate of San Giorgio, the Giardini Iblei and then walk to Piazza Pola, and visit the church of San Giuseppe: a little gem. Be enchanted by the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Church of the Souls in Purgatory and the magnificent Cosenti ni palace, one of the most interesting Late Baroque palaces in Sicily!

Check in and enjoy your dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Ragusa at Poggio Del Sole Resort or similar.

Ragusa

Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Noto, a picturesque fishing town popular for its stately Baroque architecture. Visit Cathedral of San Nicolò, recently restored after a earthquake, and then have a nice walk in the town’s center. Continue along the south coast to Syracuse, on Sicily’s southeastern tip.

Arrived in Syracuse, cross one of the city’s bridges for a visit to the island of Ortygia - the most ancient part of Syracuse - home to a wealth of Baroque churches and medieval palaces. In the late afternoon arrive in Taormina, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner.

Overnight stay in Taormina at Splendid Hotel or similar.

Syracuse

Breakfast at your centrally located hotel and then 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. Return to Taormina in the afternoon and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Overnight stay in Taormina at Splendid Hotel or similar.

Taormina

Enjoy one final breakfast before the tour comes to an end. Transfer to the airport of Catania and Arrivederci!