Journey from Rome to Catania, discovering Italy’s iconic cities, ancient ruins, scenic countryside, coastal gems, and Sicily’s cultural treasures on an unforgettable, expertly guided tour.
Starting from $.
Italian Peninsula and Sicily 17 days Escorted Tour
17 Days/16 Nights
Starting from
$
per person*
Unforgettable Italian Journeys, Designed for You
Curated by passionate Italy experts, this sample itinerary is just the beginning of your Italian adventure. Every journey we design is unique, crafted around your interests, pace, and dreams so you can experience Italy’s beauty and culture like a true insider. Let us transform your vision into a one-of-a-kind travel experience, filled with authentic moments and lasting memories
Day 1
ROME, ASSISI, SIENA, FLORENCE
Stone Ruins, Painted Walls, Brick Squares, Marble Dreams’
- 7:15 a.m. pickup by motor coach at an assigned meeting point in central Rome
- Drive through the countryside to Assisi
- Free time to stroll Assisi’s historic center
- Suggested visit: Basilica of St. Francis, dedicated to the famous saint
- Lunch on your own (not included)
- Continue through the Tuscan hill country to Siena
- Free time in Siena: medieval center and Piazza del Campo (Palio horse race square)
- Evening arrival in Florence
- Group dinner and overnight stay in Florence
Day 2
FLORENCE
Where The Streets Feel Like A Gallery
- Breakfast at your hotel in Florence
- Guided city tour of Florence
- See the Duomo with Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery (“Gates of Paradise”)
- Visit Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and Santa Croce Basilica (per program)
- Lunch on your own (not included)
- Afternoon at leisure:
- Optional Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo’s David) or Uffizi Gallery (not included)
- Optional excursion to Pisa (Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Piazza dei Miracoli – not included)
- Group dinner and second overnight stay in Florence
Day 3
FLORENCE, BOLOGNA, PADUA, VENICE
A Day That Ends With A City Built On Water
- Breakfast at the hotel in Florence
- Depart by motor coach to Bologna
- Free time to explore Bologna’s mostly pedestrian center: Podestà Palace, Piazza del Nettuno, Basilica of San Petronio
- Lunch on your own (not included)
- Continue to Padua
- Visit the Basilica of St. Anthony and see its frescoes
- Evening arrival in Venice
- Group dinner and overnight stay in Venice
Day 4
VENICE
Where Reflections Do Half The Decorating
- Breakfast at your hotel in Venice
- Walk to St. Mark’s Square
- Interior visit of St. Mark’s Basilica
- External visit of the Doge’s Palace and view of the Bridge of Sighs
- Learn about the prison where Casanova was held
- Afternoon at leisure: shopping, optional Murano tour, Bellini on the Grand Canal, museums (not included)
- Group dinner and overnight stay in Venice
Day 5
VENICE, TUSCANY, MONTEPULCIANO, ROME
From Sangiovese Elegance To Roman Evenings
- Breakfast at the hotel in Venice
- Depart by motor coach through the Tuscan countryside
- Scenic views of rolling hills, farmhouses, churches, and castles
- Stop in Montepulciano, a town rich in art, history, and wine traditions
- Free time to explore and taste local wines and specialties (optional, not included)
- Continue by coach to Rome
- Evening arrival in Rome and hotel check‑in
- Dinner on your own
- Overnight stay in Rome
Day 6
ROME
Every Turn Delivers Another Century
- Breakfast at your hotel in Rome
- Guided Vatican Tour with skip‑the‑line access
- Visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica and Square
- Free time for lunch
- Afternoon at leisure: shopping, gelato, optional Colosseum & Roman Forum visit (not included)
- Dinner on your own
- Overnight stay in Rome
Day 7
ROME
Ancient Roads, Modern Footsteps
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Full free day in Rome
- Suggested activities: Campo de’ Fiori market, cooking class, Catacombs visit, additional museums or neighborhoods
- Dinner on your own
- Overnight stay in Rome
Day 8
ROME, NAPLES, POMPEII, SORRENTO
Ancient Tragedy, Coastal Comfort
- Breakfast at your hotel in Rome
- Depart by motor coach along the “Sun Route” motorway through Lazio and Campania
- Panoramic city tour of Naples: Mergellina, Castel dell’Ovo, Plebiscito Square, Royal Palace, Maschio Angioino, port area
- Lunch en route (included as per program)
- Guided visit of Pompeii archaeological site (admission included)
- Continue along the Sorrentine coast to Sorrento
- Group dinner and overnight stay in Sorrento
Day 9
SORRENTO, CAPRI, SORRENTO
A Day For Blue Water And Bold Scenery
- Breakfast at the hotel in Sorrento
- Ferry crossing to the Isle of Capri (sea conditions permitting)
- Small rowboats to enter the Blue Grotto (sea and weather permitting)
- Free time to explore Capri
- Group lunch at a local restaurant on the island
- Afternoon return to Sorrento
- Group dinner and overnight stay in Sorrento
Day 10
SORRENTO, PALERMO with overnight Ferry transfer
Sea Journey With A Cultural Landing
- Breakfast at the hotel in Sorrento
- Free morning for shopping, lunch, or relaxation in Sorrento
- Afternoon transfer to Naples port
- Board overnight ferry (Tirrenia or SNAV) to Palermo
- Private cabin on board
- Dinner and breakfast not included during the ferry crossing
- Overnight on the ferry
Day 11
PALERMO
Mediterranean Sun On Ancient Stone
- Breakfast on your own before docking (not included)
- Morning arrival in Palermo
- Transfer to your hotel and check‑in
- Free day to rest and explore Palermo at leisure
- Group dinner and overnight stay in Palermo
Day 12
PALERMO, MONREALE
Gold Mosaics That Cameras Can’t Explain
- Breakfast at the hotel in Palermo
- Excursion to Monreale
- Visit Monreale Cathedral and Benedictine abbey (famous mosaics)
- Return to Palermo for a guided city tour
- Afternoon at leisure in Palermo
- Group dinner and overnight stay in Palermo
Day 13
PALERMO, ERICE, MARSALA, AGRIGENTO
Wine Stories Midday, Ancient Stories After Dark
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Depart for Erice (about 700 m above sea level) with stunning panoramas
- Visit the historic center with Phoenician and Norman remains
- Continue to Marsala, seaside town known for its wines
- Free time in Marsala
- Drive past the fishing port of Mazara del Vallo
- Arrive in Agrigento, home of the Valley of the Temples
- Guided visit of the Valley of the Temples: Juno, Concordia, Hercules, Jupiter, etc. (admission included)
- Group dinner and overnight stay in Agrigento
Day 14
AGRIGENTO, NOTO, SIRACUSA, TAORMINA (GIARDINI NAXOS or surroundings)
Golden Stone, Blue Water, and White Columns
- Breakfast at the hotel in Agrigento
- Depart for Noto, baroque town with elegant churches and palaces
- Free time to stroll and take photos in Noto
- Continue to Siracusa
- Visit the archaeological area: Greek Amphitheater, Ear of Dionysus, Roman Theater (admission included)
- Visit Ortigia Island, the baroque and medieval heart of Siracusa
- Afternoon arrival in Taormina area (Giardini Naxos or Letojanni)
- Group dinner and overnight stay in Taormina area
Day 15
TAORMINA (GIARDINI NAXOS or surroundings)
Volcano Views In The Distance
- Breakfast with the group at the hotel
- Excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano
- Ascent to about 1,800 m (weather permitting)
- Free time to enjoy the volcanic landscape and views
- Return to Taormina area
- Group dinner and overnight stay
Day 16
TAORMINA (GIARDINI NAXOS or surroundings); SAVOCA and FORZA D’AGRÒ, CATANIA
Stone Lanes With A Cinematic Reputation
- Breakfast at the hotel in Taormina area
- Drive to Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, small villages featured in “The Godfather” films
- Experience authentic Sicilian small‑town life and traditions
- Taste Sicilian lemon granita (suggested)
- Continue to Catania
- Check in at your hotel in Catania
- Free afternoon to explore Catania’s historic center (UNESCO‑listed)
- Final group dinner and overnight stay in Catania
Day 17
CATANIA
A Finale Built On Flavor And Fire
- Breakfast at your hotel in Catania
- Check-out
- End of tour and services
MAKE THIS ITINERARY YOURS
Turn this sample itinerary into your dream Italy vacation – tailored to your pace, passions, and budget.
Day 1
ROME, ASSISI, SIENA, FLORENCE
Stone Ruins, Painted Walls, Brick Squares, Marble Dreams’
Your sightseeing tour begins with a 7:15 a.m. departure by motor coach from the historic center of Rome. The first stop is Assisi, where you’ll have free time to wander the medieval streets; we recommend visiting the Basilica of St. Francis, dedicated to the beloved saint. After lunch on your own, continue through the rolling Tuscan hills to Siena, renowned for its rich medieval history and the Palio horse race in Piazza del Campo. Enjoy time to explore the charming historic center and take plenty of photos. Later in the afternoon, travel on to Florence for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2
FLORENCE
Where The Streets Feel Like A Gallery
After breakfast, discover Florence, known as the Cradle of the Renaissance. On your guided tour, you’ll admire the Cathedral (Duomo) crowned by Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery with its bronze doors so beautiful that Michelangelo called them the “Gates of Paradise.” The tour also includes Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Santa Croce Basilica. After lunch on your own, the afternoon is free: you may choose to visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David, explore the Uffizi Gallery, or join an optional excursion to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli (optional activities not included). In the evening, enjoy dinner and a final night in Florence.
Day 3
FLORENCE, BOLOGNA, PADUA, VENICE
A Day That Ends With A City Built On Water
After breakfast, board the motor coach for Bologna, a lively city with elegant porticoes and a largely pedestrian historic center. Enjoy time to see landmarks such as the Podestà Palace, Piazza del Nettuno, and the Basilica of San Petronio. After lunch on your own, continue to Padua, home to one of Italy’s oldest universities and the Basilica of St. Anthony, where you’ll admire its architecture and frescoes. The day ends in Venice, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night.
Day 4
VENICE
Where Reflections Do Half The Decorating
After breakfast, begin your day in iconic St. Mark’s Square. Visit the interior of St. Mark’s Basilica, then admire the exterior of the Doge’s Palace and the nearby Bridge of Sighs, which connects to the former prison where Casanova was once held. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy Venice at your own pace: shop for glass and masks, take an optional excursion to Murano’s glass workshops, sip a Bellini along the Grand Canal, or visit one of the city’s many museums (optional activities not included). Dinner is with the group, followed by an overnight stay in Venice.
Day 5
VENICE, TUSCANY, MONTEPULCIANO, ROME
From Sangiovese Elegance To Roman Evenings
Enjoy breakfast, then leave Venice by motor coach bound for Tuscany. As you travel, admire postcard‑perfect landscapes of rolling hills, vineyards, farmhouses, and hilltop churches and castles. Stop in Montepulciano, a historic town known for its art, architecture, and renowned wines. You’ll have free time to explore and, if you wish, sample local wine and food. In the evening, continue to Rome, check in at your hotel, and enjoy dinner on your own.
Day 6
ROME
Every Turn Delivers Another Century
After breakfast, join a guided Vatican tour with skip‑the‑line access. Explore the Vatican Museums and their vast collections, then admire Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel before continuing to St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square. Enjoy free time for lunch, then spend the afternoon as you wish—shop, savor a gelato, or visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum to immerse yourself in ancient Rome (optional, not included). Dinner is on your own, and you’ll spend the night at your hotel in Rome.
Day 7
ROME
Ancient Roads, Modern Footsteps
Enjoy breakfast, then take advantage of a full free day to discover Rome at your own pace. You might stroll through the characteristic market of Campo de’ Fiori, join a cooking class, visit the Catacombs, or explore lesser‑known neighborhoods and churches. With countless options, you can tailor the day to your interests. Dinner is on your own, and you’ll spend another night in Rome.
Day 8
ROME, NAPLES, POMPEII, SORRENTO
Ancient Tragedy, Coastal Comfort
After breakfast, travel south along the Sun Route motorway through the regions of Lazio and Campania. In Naples, enjoy a panoramic tour featuring Mergellina, Castel dell’Ovo, Plebiscito Square, the Royal Palace, Maschio Angioino, and the port. After lunch, continue to Pompeii for a guided visit of the famous archaeological excavations, where you’ll see the remarkably preserved remains of the ancient city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. In the late afternoon, drive along the scenic Sorrentine coast to Sorrento for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 9
SORRENTO, CAPRI, SORRENTO
A Day For Blue Water And Bold Scenery
After breakfast, board the ferry to the Isle of Capri (sea conditions permitting). Weather and sea permitting, transfer to small rowboats to visit the famous Blue Grotto, where sunlight creates an otherworldly blue glow inside the cave. Enjoy free time to explore Capri’s charming streets and boutiques, and share lunch with the group at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, return to Sorrento for dinner and another overnight stay.
Day 10
SORRENTO, PALERMO with overnight Ferry transfer
Sea Journey With A Cultural Landing
Enjoy breakfast and a free morning in Sorrento—perfect for last‑minute shopping, a leisurely lunch, or writing postcards. In the afternoon, transfer to the port of Naples and board the overnight ferry to Palermo (operated by Tirrenia or SNAV). You’ll spend the night in a private cabin; dinner and breakfast on board are not included.
Day 11
PALERMO
Mediterranean Sun On Ancient Stone
After breakfast on your own, arrive in Palermo and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest or start exploring Sicily’s colorful capital, with its markets, churches, and eclectic architecture. In the evening, enjoy dinner with the group and spend the night at your hotel.
Day 12
PALERMO, MONREALE
Gold Mosaics That Cameras Can’t Explain
After breakfast, travel to Monreale to visit its magnificent Cathedral, renowned for its golden 12th‑century mosaics, and the adjoining Benedictine abbey. Return to Palermo for a guided city tour showcasing the city’s rich artistic and architectural heritage. The afternoon is free to continue exploring on your own before returning to the hotel for dinner and another overnight stay.
Day 13
PALERMO, ERICE, MARSALA, AGRIGENTO
Wine Stories Midday, Ancient Stories After Dark
After breakfast, depart for Erice, a medieval town perched high above sea level with breathtaking views and a rich Phoenician and Norman heritage. Continue to Marsala, a seaside resort famous for its wine production, where you’ll have free time to explore. Passing by the fishing port of Mazara del Vallo, you’ll arrive in Agrigento, where you’ll visit the Valley of the Temples, one of the most important archaeological sites of the ancient Greek world. Explore temples dedicated to Juno, Concordia, Hercules, Jupiter, and more (admission included). Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Agrigento.
Day 14
AGRIGENTO, NOTO, SIRACUSA, TAORMINA (GIARDINI NAXOS or surroundings)
Golden Stone, Blue Water, and White Columns
After breakfast, travel to Noto, an exquisite baroque town filled with beautiful churches and palazzi. Enjoy free time to wander its streets and capture its architectural details. Continue to Siracusa to visit the archaeological park, including the Greek Amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysus, and the Roman Theater (admission included). Then explore Ortigia Island, the baroque and medieval heart of the city. In the afternoon, arrive in the Taormina area (Giardini Naxos or Letojanni) for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 15
TAORMINA (GIARDINI NAXOS or surroundings)
Volcano Views In The Distance
After breakfast, set out on an excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Weather permitting, you’ll ascend to around 1,800 meters, where you can admire the lunar‑like landscape and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside and sea. Return to the Taormina area in the afternoon for dinner and a well‑earned night’s sleep.
Day 16
TAORMINA (GIARDINI NAXOS or surroundings); SAVOCA and FORZA D’AGRÒ, CATANIA
Stone Lanes With A Cinematic Reputation
After breakfast, leave the main tourist routes to discover Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, two unspoiled villages made famous by “The Godfather” films. Here you can experience the slow pace and traditions of inland Sicily and, of course, taste a refreshing Sicilian lemon granita. Later, head to Catania, check in at your hotel, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore its UNESCO‑listed historic center with its baroque architecture and lively streets. In the evening, share a final dinner with your travel companions and spend the night in Catania.
Day 17
CATANIA
A Finale Built On Flavor And Fire
After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Catania. Your grand journey from Rome through mainland Italy and Sicily comes to an end, leaving you with unforgettable memories of art cities, coastal landscapes, ancient ruins, and rich Sicilian culture.
