Italy Encompassed (Tour code: 12371)

Departing at 7:15 am from your hotel by a deluxe coach, you will arrive in Assisi, ready to explore, at your leisure, this tiny town surrounded by walls built in the Middle Ages. Take your time to visit the basilica of St. Francis, where you will see masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue and then have free time for lunch (not included).

Board on the bus to reach Siena, a Unesco World Heritage Site, world-known for the Palio, the historical horse race around the shell-shaped town square: Piazza del Campo. Next, you will continue to Florence, where you will check in at your hotel before enjoying dinner and a well-earned night of rest.

Dinner at the hotel is included.

Overnight stay in Florence at Hotel Raffaello or similar.

Assisi

After breakfast, you will spend the day venturing around beautiful Florence, the Cradle of Renaissance, where, with the help of Michelangelo, Italian art reached its pinnacle. Based on Etruscan Roman origins, the city flourished in the Middle Ages as a free Comune and further refined during the Renaissance.

You will be fascinated by the uncountable monuments, churches, and buildings at Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly referred to as the Duomo. On your visit, you will be amazed by its magnificent dome built by Filippo Brunelleschi. Cross a small piazza to see the Campanile tower (partly designed by Giotto) and the Baptistery, with its bronze doors where Michelangelo imagined the Gates of Paradise. 

In the heart of the city, you will see Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo della Signoria (also known as Palazzo Vecchio), and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Lunch in a typical Tuscan restaurant in Piazza Santa Croce. Spend the afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets of Florence on your own or take a short trip to Pisa (optional), one of the four main historical Marine Republics of Italy. There, you will tour the Piazza dei Miracoli with the Duomo, Pisa’s symbol “the Leaning Tower” and the Baptistery.

Overnight stay in Florence at Hotel Raffaello or similar.

Florence

After breakfast in Florence, depart to Bologna. You will discover the elegant city center with its porticos, shopping streets and so on. From Piazza Malpighi, you will walk to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore (Neptune square and Major square) in the heart of the city, then King Renzo’s Palace; Palazzo Podestà and the basilica of San Petronio, one of the biggest in the world. Don’t miss a tasty meal at your leisure with it's real gourmet's heaven at Bologna.

In the afternoon, continue toward Padova, with Sant’Antonio Basilica, one of the most visited churches by pilgrims of the catholic world. Later in the afternoon, we arrive in Mestre.

Dinner at the hotel in Mestre is included.

Overnight stay in Mestre at ​Hotel Delfino or similar.

Neptunes Fountain Bologna

After breakfast, enjoy your transfer to Piazza San Marco and visit the most iconic places of the Floating City: the Palazzo dei Dogi, a symbol of Venice’s glorious past, and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. After this walking tour, let us offer you a spritz or a prosecco to crown your visit to Venice highlights with the company of your tour leader. Spend the afternoon roaming along Venice’s canals at your leisure.

Overnight stay in Mestre at ​Hotel Delfino or similar.

Venice

After breakfast, a departure from Piazzale Roma heading to Tuscany, world-known for its landscapes, churches and castles, and delicious wines. You will proceed to Val di Chiana with a stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town rich in history and art. Known for its “Nobile” wine, on purchase in local wine houses, Montepulciano also hosts an annual Jazz and Wine Festival every July. Lunch in a typical restaurant is included! After lunch, a quick stop to spend some free time.

In the evening, you will arrive in Rome to check in to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Rome at Hotel San Martin or similar.

Tuscany Vineyards

Between 7:45 - 8:00 am, after breakfast, a departure from the hotel for the included tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Square with our exclusive “Skip the Line” access!

No stress to reach the area: upon arrival, your guide will lead you to the museums where you’ll visit one of the most important art collections in the world. Walk along the beautiful Galleries of Tapestries and Geographical Maps before admiring Raphael’s Rooms and, then, the amazing Sistine Chapel. After this incredible masterpiece, the tour ends in St. Peter’s Square where you can admire the astonishing masterpiece of St. Peter’s Basilica: the biggest church in the world! 

Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the city at your own leisure.

Overnight stay in Rome at Hotel San Martin or similar.

St. Peter's Square

Enjoy an energetic breakfast at your hotel before spending the day exploring Rome on your own in the city or its surroundings. Return to the hotel for your last overnight in Rome.

Dinner at the hotel is included.

Overnight stay in Rome at Hotel San Martin or similar.

Fiuggi Ciociaria

After breakfast, pick up at your hotel approximately 7:00 am. Depart by coach heading south, crossing the regions of Lazio and Campania. 

Arrive in Naples and have a short panoramic tour. Climb up to Vomero hill to enjoy beautiful views over the Gulf of Naples with the Vesuvius, Capri, Ischia, and Procida and the city below and take some nice pictures. Descending towards the port of Mergellina, you will leave the city and travel south toward Mount Vesuvius, and once you reach the town of Pompeii, you will have lunch with Neapolitan pizza! 

After lunch, you will enter one of the most important archaeological sites in the world: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of Pompeii, with Skip the Line entrance and a guided tour. Visit the haunting ruins of Pompeii, traveling back in time to the tragic days in 79 AD when the silent Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted, covering the prosperous Roman city in deadly volcanic ashes and poisonous gases, leaving this city crystallized until our days. You'll learn how people lived at that time, visiting houses and bars of the time, admiring frescoes and mosaics to imagine how prosperous was the city before the dreadful day.

After the visit, you will drive along the Sorrentine Coast, arriving in Sorrento for dinner (dress code: jacket for men)

Overnight stay in Sorrento at ​Hotel Michelangelo or similar.

Pompeii

After breakfast, get ready for an exciting excursion to the island of Capri: one of the most exclusive summer destinations of the Mediterranean! Depending on the weather and sea conditions, you will admire the dreamy Blue Grotto on a small rowboat. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and roam the island at your own pace. 

Once back on the mainland, return to the hotel for dinner and your last overnight in Sorrento.

Overnight stay in Sorrento at ​Hotel Michelangelo or similar.

Capri

Breakfast at your hotel, then spend a leisurely morning exploring Sorrento.

In the afternoon, you will reach the port of Naples, where you will board the Tirrenia/Snav ferry to Palermo. Let the waves rock you to sleep. Dinner and breakfast are not included on the ferry.

Overnight onboard the Tirrenia/Snav Ferry to Palermo.

Amalfi Coast

Arrive in Palermo and transfer to your hotel. That night, have dinner in the hotel and rest for the adventure that lies ahead.

Overnight stay in Palermo at Hotel Mercure or similar.

Palermo

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 shopping at the 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, cupolas, and mosaics - with an incredible mix of influences coming from several dominations on the island. Enjoy free time in the late afternoon.

Dinner at the hotel is included.

Overnight stay in Palermo at Hotel Mercure or similar.

Cathedral of Monreale

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.

Continue to visit the Saline, an extraordinary lagoon, where history, nature, and archeology find a perfect synthesis and allow the visitor to try different, unique and charming experiences. Afterward, we’ll set off to Marsala, whose lands are known for its Marsala wine. You’ll take part in a delectable experience, for you will visit a traditional tavern and taste regional wine and products during a light but unforgettable lunch. 
Return to your coach and travel to Agrigento, your last 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.

Dinner at the hotel is included.

Overnight stay in Agrigento at Hotel Della Valle or similar.

Valley of Temples

Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Piazza Armerina, a pretty and historic town nestled into the heart of Sicily. Entrance to Villa Romana del Casale to admire the largest, richest, and most complex Roman mosaics and one of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy since 1997. The mosaics spread over 3,500 sq m show mythological scenes and portrayals of daily life.

Depart to Ragusa and visit the enchanting historical center Ibla with its stunning baroque palaces and churches; together with 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, where we will 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 Cosentini palace, one of the most interesting Late Baroque palaces in Sicily! 

Dinner at the hotel is included.

Overnight stay in Ragusa at Hotel Poggio del Sole or similar.

Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Noto, a picturesque fishing town popular for its stately Baroque architecture. Visit the Cathedral of San Nicolò, recently restored after an earthquake, and then have a nice walk in the town’s center.

Continue along the south coast to Syracuse, on Sicily’s southeastern tip. Visit Parco Archeologico della Neapoli, Syracuse’s famous archaeological area, home to a vast collection of Greek and Roman ruins from all over Sicily. Head inside to see impressive landmarks such as the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, and the Ear of Dionysius - an artificial limestone cave.

After the visit, cross one of the city’s bridges to visit 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 Hotel Olimpo Le Terrazze or similar.

Siracusa, Sicily

Breakfast at your 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).

Lastly, return to Taormina, the beautiful and romantic town on Mount Tauro. Return to Taormina in the afternoon and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Dinner at the hotel is included.

Overnight stay in Taormina at Hotel Olimpo Le Terrazze or similar.

Etna View

Enjoy one final breakfast before the tour comes to an end.