The Best of Italy Tour

Departing at 7:15am from your hotel by deluxe coach, you will arrive in Assisi, ready to explore, at your own 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 enjoy lunch in Assisi. Continue to Siena, UNESCO-listed and famous for its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and Palio horse race. Later, travel through Tuscany’s countryside to reach Florence. Check in at your hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel Raffaello, Hotel Una Vittoria or similar. (L)

After breakfast, spend the day venturing around beautiful Florence, the “Cradle of Renaissance”. You will be fascinated by the uncountable monuments, churches and buildings such as Santa Maria del Fiore, (the Duomo). 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 Vecchio), and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Lunch in a typical Tuscan restaurant. Spend the afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets of Florence or take a short trip to Pisa (optional). There, you can tour the Piazza dei Miracoli with the Duomo, Pisa’s symbol “the Leaning Tower” and the Baptistery. Dinner at leisure, overnight stay at Raffaello Hotel, Hotel Una Vittoria or similar. (B, L)

Depart for Bologna and enjoy a walking tour through its arcaded streets, visiting Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, and historic landmarks. Delight in a light local lunch, savouring regional specialties. Continue to Venice for hotel check-in and overnight at Hotel B&B Venezia Laguna (Tronchetto), Hotel Delfino (Mestre) or similar. (B, L)

After breakfast, transfer to Piazza San Marco, and visit the most iconic places of the “Floating City”: the Palazzo dei Dogi, symbol of Venice’s glorious past, the legendary “Bridge of Sighs”. End the tour with a Venetian aperitif and cicchetti. Spend the afternoon roaming along Venice’s canals at your leisure and then return to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel B&B Venezia Laguna (Tronchetto), Hotel Delfino (Mestre) or similar. (B, L)

After breakfast, departure for Tuscany, world-known for its landscapes, churches and castles and its delicious wines. We stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town rich in history and art. Known for its “Nobile” wine, available to purchase in local wine houses. Montepulciano also hosts an annual Jazz and Wine Festival every July. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, paired with a glass of fine Tuscan wine. After lunch, take some free time before heading back to Rome. Overnight at St. Martin Hotel, Hotel Diana Roof Garden or similar. (B, L)

After breakfast, 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! Walk along the beautiful Galleries of Tapestries and Geographical Maps mbefore admiring Raphael’s Rooms and, then, the amazing Sistine Chapel. The tour ends in St. Peter’s Square where you can admire the incredible 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 or get any one of our selected tours for the afternoon or at night! Overnight at St. Martin Hotel, Hotel Diana Roof Garden or similar. (B)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before spending the day exploring Rome on your own or by selecting one of our regular tours in the city or its surroundings. Overnight at St. Martin Hotel, Hotel Diana Roof Garden or similar. (B)

Depart early for Sorrento via Lazio and Campania. Enjoy stunning views of the Amalfi Coast. Arrive in Sorrento and check in. Afternoon at leisure or join an optional tour. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay in Sorrento at Grand Hotel Vesuvio or similar. (B, D)

After breakfast, get ready for an exciting excursion to the island of Capri: one of the most exclusive summer destinations of the Mediterranean! Weather permitting, visit the stunning Blue Grotto by rowboat. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Capri’s scenic lanes and boutiques. Once back on the mainland, return to your hotel for dinner and last overnight in Sorrento. Overnight at Grand Hotel Vesuvio or similar. (B, D)

Depart for Pompeii and enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological site with skip the-line access and headsets. After the visit, transfer to Naples port and board the overnight ferry to Palermo. No meals provided on board. Overnight inside cabin with private bathroom. (B)

Arrive in Palermo and transfer to your hotel. Remainer of day is at leisure. That night, have dinner in the hotel and rest up for the adventure that lies ahead. Overnight Hotel Mercure Palermo Centro or similar. (D)

Enjoy breakfast at hotel, then head out on a morning excursion to Monreale, 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, cupolas and mosaic. Enjoy free time in the late afternoon and return to your hotel for dinner. Overnight at Mercure Hotel Palermo Centro or similar. (B, D)

Travel to Erice, a well-preserved medieval village with ancient charm. Continue to Marsala for a light lunch and wine tasting in a traditional winery. After this flavorful experience, head to Agrigento. Visit the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO site, and explore ruins like the Temple of Concord, Hercules, and Jupiter. Check in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Agrigento at Hotel Della Valle or similar. (B, L, D)

Breakfast at hotel and travel to Ragusa and visit the enchanting historical centre “Ibla”, with its stunning baroque palaces and churches. Ragusa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. 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 and overnight at Hotel Poggio Del Sole or similar. (B, D)

Visit Noto, known for its baroque architecture and restored Cathedral. Continue to Syracuse and explore Ortygia Island with its churches and palaces. Arrive in Taormina and check-in to your central hotel in Taormina. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Splendid, Hotel Caesar Palace, or similar. (B, D)

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). Return to Taormina in the afternoon and spend the rest of your day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Caesar Palace or similar. (B)

Enjoy one final breakfast before the tour services comes to an end. (B)