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Grand Italy & Sicily - Classic Group
Art, food, and scenery combine in this 17-day guided tour through Italy. Revel in Renaissance artwork housed in the Vatican Museums and gaze at Michelangelo's famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Visit Rome's iconic Colosseum as a Local Expert shares its history. In coastal Cinque Terre, stop in a fishing village and cruise the rugged Ligurian coast, admiring the colorful homes perched on the cliffs. See statues of Neptune, Hercules and Cacus, and feast on a steak dinner and local wine in Florence. In Sorrento, meet a Local Expert for a cruise to Capri, where you ascend to Capri town for an unapparelled view of the Mediterranean Sea. In the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, meet a restaurateur who will share his farm-to-table philosophy and serve you freshly made orecchiette pasta.
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Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration between December 24, 2024, and December 31, 2025. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Settle in before joining your Travel Director for a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. End the day getting to know your fellow travelers over Roman specialties during dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Hotel St. Martin, Rome
Vatican City and Rome with a Local
Rome is about art, antiquity, piazzas and palaces. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth experience bringing millennia of history to life. Embark on an enriching journey as you explore the Vatican Museums, home to an extraordinary collection of priceless artworks collected by the Popes over centuries. Marvel at Michelangelo's iconic frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, where the election of new Popes takes place, and take in the awe-inspiring beauty of St. Peter's Basilica.Journey from the Vatican City across the Tiber river to ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus. Admire the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine and discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum on a guided visit. As you stroll with your Local Expert, imagine the gladiatorial battles and roaring spectators around the arena. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon and the stunning piazzas and fountains of Rome.
Hotel: Hotel St. Martin, Rome
Pisa and Santa Margherita Ligure
Enjoy a delightful drive to Pisa through rolling countryside dotted with cypress trees, passing vineyards and olive groves. With a Local Expert, view the incredible Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. See the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble. Your journey continues to the pretty seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure.
Hotel: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure
The Charms of the Cinque Terre
Head to the famous Cinque Terre, which translates to Five Lands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on a gorgeously wild yet hospitable part of the coastline. With a Local Expert, approach one of the fishing villages by boat (weather permitting). In Monterosso, spend some time exploring the medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach before continuing to the village of Portofino, famed for its colorful houses. Browse the boutiques and stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbor. Then cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to your hotel in the resort of Santa Margherita.
Hotel: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure
Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start
Head north to beautiful Lake Maggiore in the Italian Lakes District and the town of Baveno, noted for its narrow cobbled streets and charming square. On arrival, settle into your hotel and take in the magical scenery. In the afternoon, why not join an Optional Experience cruise to Isola Bella to explore the palace and admire the stunning and immaculate Italian style gardens.
Hotel: Simplon, Baveno
On to Venice Relaxed Start
Your travels continue past the Soave vineyards, the City of Padua and on to the canals of Venice. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner with your traveling companions.
Hotel: Indigo - Sant'Elena, Venice
Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima Relaxed Start
Cruise by private boat on a journey of discovery past churches and palaces reflecting the rich architectural history of Venice from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Marvel at the intricate facades and learn about the stories behind these historical buildings. Arrive close to St Mark's Square and stroll along the waterfront, passing the iconic Bridge of Sighs and the majestic Doge's Palace. It was from here that the infamous Casanova made his daring escape. Turn the corner into St Mark's Square and be captivated by the grandeur of the basilica. Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience and witness the artistry of expert glassblowers as they create beautiful, handcrafted glass pieces, preserving centuries-old techniques and traditions.
Hotel: Indigo - Sant'Elena, Venice
A Scenic Journey to Florence
Bid farewell to Venice and begin your journey to Renaissance Florence. Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo's David. After, continue on foot to admire the multicoloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue into the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune, Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe, where you will be in the perfect spot to admire the basilica, indulge in people-watching the elegant Florentines and pamper yourself shopping for luxury goods like gold and leather. Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed.
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli
Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance Relaxed Start
Start the day with a traditional Florentine leather-work demonstration, then there is plenty of time to shop with the rest of the day at your leisure. Perhaps join an optional experience to explore the hilltop town of San Gimignano?
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli
Ill-fated Pompeii and on to Sorrento
Journey south through the volcanic hills of Frascati to Pompeii, which was buried in A.D. 79 by Mount Vesuvius' catastrophic eruption. Walk with a Local Expert through the preserved cobbled streets for a glimpse into the daily life of civilization during the Roman Empire. Follow the clifftop road to the resort town of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples.
Hotel: Isabella, Sorrento
Capri, the Isle of Dreams
Meet your Local Expert and cross the Bay of Naples to reach the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean! For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Tiberius Caesar to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town. Explore the narrow alleyways and descend to the port by funicular railway for the return to Sorrento. Later, perhaps explore the Amalfi Coast?
Hotel: Isabella, Sorrento
Sassi di Matera and Alberobello
After breakfast, discover two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. First, visit Matera for an in-depth guided exploration of the extraordinary Sassi, ancient troglodyte dwellings and churches dug out of the rock. These are the most extensive example of their kind in the Mediterranean and were inhabited by about 20,000 people up until the 1950s. Matera was also used as the setting for the film 'The Passion of the Christ'. Continue to Alberobello, the second UNESCO World Heritage Site, and your home for the next two nights.
Hotel: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello
The Trulli of Alberobello Relaxed Start
Admire another of Italy's record number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a Local Expert. The trulli of Alberobello are circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within. They are built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar. In the evening, delight at the freshly prepared Farm-to-Table dinner. Enjoy a typical meal and learn about life in the region through the local food.
Hotel: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello
Sicily and the Taormina Riviera
The local roads will take you south, following the shores of the Gulf of Taranto to the mountainous Calabria region. Travel along the Purple Coast to the very 'toe' of Italy and board your ferry bound for Sicily. According to ancient legend, it was here at the Straits of Messina where the twin whirlpools of Scylla and Charybdis carried unwary seafarers away to their doom! After disembarking, continue to the Taormina Riviera.
Hotel: Hellenia Yachting Hotel & SPA
Taormina and the Dawn Coast of Europe Relaxed Start
Spend the day at leisure to enjoy at your own pace. Perhaps join an optional experience to Mt. Etna?
Hotel: Hellenia Yachting Hotel & SPA
Palermo, Capital of Sicily
Head to the Sicilian capital of Palermo. On arrival, your Local Expert will show you the highlights of the capital. Palermo Cathedral has been altered over the years and a venture inside will help you to appreciate the composite architectural styles. Next, head to the amazing Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Normans. With the outside completely covered in glittering ancient mosaics, it provides an insight to what's within. Join your traveling companions and Travel Director at a local restaurant for an unforgettable dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine.
Hotel: Astoria Palace, Palermo
Depart Palermo
Your journey draws to an end. Departure transfers arrive at Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport.
Departure Dates
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Start: April 4, 2025 End: April 20, 2025 Price: $7,325 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: April 25, 2025 End: May 11, 2025 Price: $7,875 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: May 9, 2025 End: May 25, 2025 Price: $7,875 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: May 23, 2025 End: June 8, 2025 Price: $7,675 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: May 30, 2025 End: June 15, 2025 Price: $7,675 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: June 13, 2025 End: June 29, 2025 Price: $7,425 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: June 20, 2025 End: July 6, 2025 Price: $7,295 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: July 4, 2025 End: July 20, 2025 Price: $6,795 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: July 11, 2025 End: July 27, 2025 Price: $6,795 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: July 18, 2025 End: August 3, 2025 Price: $6,795 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: August 1, 2025 End: August 17, 2025 Price: $6,795 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: August 15, 2025 End: August 31, 2025 Price: $7,195 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: August 22, 2025 End: September 7, 2025 Price: $7,295 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: August 29, 2025 End: September 14, 2025 Price: $7,395 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: September 5, 2025 End: September 21, 2025 Price: $7,750 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: September 12, 2025 End: September 28, 2025 Price: $7,750 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: September 19, 2025 End: October 5, 2025 Price: $7,795 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: September 26, 2025 End: October 12, 2025 Price: $7,795 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: October 3, 2025 End: October 19, 2025 Price: $7,895 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
Price My Trip
Product Code: IVUSAS-E921ZN20
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