Italy Explorer - 16 Days

Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City! This morning, meet your tour leader at the hotel before we set off to explore the city. Our guided walking tour takes you through Rome's captivating past and vibrant cultural heritage, from ancient Roman architecture to Renaissance masterpieces.

You may choose to further explore by joining an optional excursion to the iconic Colosseum and Roman Forum, where a knowledgeable local guide will transport you to the era of gladiators. This evening, savour authentic Italian cuisine at a local restaurant during our welcoming group dinner.

Depart the capital, venturing through the scenic Umbria region to the hilltop town of Orvieto. Nestled atop a sheer volcanic rock, we’ll ascend via funicular to explore the quaint historic centre at your leisure. Key sites include the stunning 14th-century Cathedral, the Papal Residence, and the imposing Albornoz Fortress, reflecting the town’s rich medieval past.

Later, we head to Venice, where your evening is free to relax at the hotel or opt for a twilight water taxi cruise. This optional excursion offers a charming way to experience Venice's canals illuminated at night.

Spend a full day exploring the enchanting city of Venice at your own pace. We highly recommend experiencing a gondola ride—a quintessential activity here. Your tour leader can help arrange this unforgettable journey through Venice's historic canals.

For those keen to explore further, consider an optional excursion to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is famed for its exquisite glass-blowing art, while Burano captivates visitors with its colourful houses and lace-making tradition.

If relaxation is your priority, head to the sandy shores of Jesolo or Lido, perfect for soaking up the sun on a bright day. The decision is entirely yours!

Today, we set off to explore Florence and the picturesque region of Tuscany, with an en route visit to Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake. This captivating destination has long sparked the creativity of countless artists.

Upon arrival in Florence, a local guide will lead us through the city's renowned sights and landmarks. You'll marvel at the Renaissance artworks and Roman influences that highlight Florence’s cultural and political significance during that period.

We will then visit Leonardo Leather, where you'll witness a leather-making demonstration and learn about this quintessential Italian craft. Conclude the day with a delightful included dinner at a local restaurant.

This morning, we travel north to La Spezia in the Liguria region, the gateway to Cinque Terre. This area comprises five picturesque fishing villages, each adorned with colourful houses. These villages, perched along the rugged Italian Riviera, are interconnected by scenic hiking trails and a railway, allowing for car-free exploration.

Later today, we head back to Tuscany, stopping to visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Capture memorable photos of this renowned landmark and explore the adjacent cathedral and baptistery grounds. This is a quintessential Italian experience not to be missed.

Today, we travel through Tuscany's picturesque countryside, featuring rolling hills adorned with Tuscan farmhouses, vineyards, and olive groves. Our first destination is the charming town of San Gimignano. Often referred to as the 'Town of Fine Towers', it boasts remarkable Romanesque and Gothic architecture and 14 well-preserved medieval tower houses.

Our journey continues to Siena, a city celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known for the exhilarating Palio horse race. Here, you'll have the opportunity to experience local Italian wines. We then return to Rome, where our day concludes with an included dinner.

Today, you have the freedom to explore the captivating city of Rome at your leisure. Stroll through charming streets, indulge in shopping, and savour the diverse local cuisine.

Alternatively, you might opt for a guided tour of Vatican City, the world's smallest sovereign state and the heart of the Catholic Church. Here, you can explore the Vatican Museums, admire renowned artworks, and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.

Whether you're uncovering Rome's ancient past or discovering Vatican treasures, this day is set to create unforgettable memories in the "Eternal City".

Our journey departs from Rome and takes us to the stunning Amalfi Coast, with captivating stops along the way. We will pause to admire the imposing Mount Vesuvius before exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii—preserved since the eruption in 79 AD. Our guided tour will provide intriguing insights into life during the Roman Empire. Following the tour, we will enjoy lunch together.

In the afternoon, we'll check into our accommodation for a two-night stay in the scenic Amalfi Coast. This evening, you have the option to join the "Evening in Salerno" excursion. Discover this charming town, sample local cuisine, and enjoy spectacular views. Don’t forget to try the region's renowned limoncello liqueur as a fitting conclusion to an exciting day.

Make the most of your free day on the Amalfi Coast today. You can relax on its sunlit beaches or explore the charming local towns at your own pace. Alternatively, join a cruise along the Amalfi Coast, taking in the spectacular views of Positano and Amalfi from the water.

Enjoy lunch featuring local cuisine, then visit a nearby limoncello factory to learn about this traditional lemon liqueur. Conclude your journey with a stop at a paper museum, offering insights into the region’s rich craft heritage. Breakfast is provided.

Today, we journey southeast to the captivating region of Apulia, stopping en route at the ancient cave city of Matera. Known for its ‘Sassi’ districts, Matera offers a fascinating glimpse into history with its extensive cave dwellings. This UNESCO World Heritage site truly lives up to its nickname, 'the Subterranean City'.

After soaking in the unique landscape of Matera, we continue to Alberobello. Here, a local guide will lead us on a walking tour through the town's distinctive ‘Trulli’ houses. These charming, whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs date back to the 14th century and are a highlight of the Itria Valley.

This evening, you're free to explore Alberobello further at your own pace. Consider visiting the intriguing Trullo Church of St. Anthony or the fascinating Trulli Museum to deepen your understanding of this unique architectural style.

This morning, we'll embark on a scenic coastal drive along the Ionian Sea, eventually leaving the mainland behind. A short ferry ride will then transport us to the enchanting island of Sicily, renowned for the imposing Mount Etna.

As we travel towards Taormina, expect to be captivated by stunning views. Upon arrival, we'll delve into the town's rich history and identify key attractions to explore during your free day, such as the historic Porta Catania and the serene Villa Comunale.

This evening, savour your first taste of Sicilian cuisine with an included dinner at our beachside hotel.

Today is yours to enjoy as you wish, with the beautiful beaches of Sicily at your doorstep or the chance to explore its picturesque towns. Taormina, a favoured summer spot, boasts medieval churches, a castle, and a remarkable Greek amphitheatre.

If you're seeking adventure, consider our optional excursions. Journey up Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest and most active volcano, via funicular, and discover its unique volcanic landscape. Afterwards, relish a local lunch at a nearby Enoteca, featuring wine and produce nurtured by the fertile volcanic soil.

For a perfect end to the day, why not take a refreshing sunset swim back in Taormina?

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Sicily, with our first stop at the charming city of Syracuse. Founded by Greek settlers in 734 BC, Syracuse is home to a UNESCO-listed historical centre, renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture.

In the afternoon, we will marvel at the "Valle dei Templi" (Valley of the Temples) on a guided tour. This extraordinary archaeological site is one of the finest examples of Magna Graecia art and architecture. After the tour, we will travel to Agrigento for an overnight stay.

Embark on a picturesque drive through central Sicily to the delightful town of Cefalù. On arrival, we'll begin with an orientation tour, leaving you free to choose where to enjoy lunch. With some of Italy's best beaches close by, consider a seaside meal to soak up the coastal atmosphere.

In the early afternoon, we continue to Palermo for an engaging walking tour, revealing the city's key attractions. Founded by the Phoenicians over 2,700 years ago, Palermo captivates with its rich history, vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. Discover top sites such as Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova, and the impressive Cathedral of Palermo, fully immersing yourself in the timeless charm of this historic city.

Enjoy a free day in Palermo to further explore Sicily's vibrant capital. With a history influenced by the Greeks, Romans, and Normans, Palermo offers a unique blend of cultural and architectural wonders. Visit ancient ruins, delve into Italian history, and indulge in the city's rich culture and delicious cuisine.

Return to yesterday's highlights or take a leisurely stroll through the historic old town and visit art galleries featuring local artists. You can also choose to join an optional excursion to uncover some of the city's lesser-known architectural gems. This evening, we will embark on an overnight ferry back to the Italian mainland.

This afternoon, our ferry arrives in Naples, where we will board a coach for the return journey to Rome. As we reach Rome later today, our memorable 16-day Italian adventure draws to a close, filled with delightful experiences and memories to cherish.

Please be aware that ferry schedules can vary throughout the year, so consider this when organising your outbound flight. With warm farewells, we conclude our journey. Arrivederci!