Best of Italy and Sicily

Journey to the capital of the world - a city of gods and goddesses, and an irresistible verve that you'll find intoxicating. Explore the Eternal City today before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception this evening. Your introduction to Rome will see you embark on an orientation drive to admire the city's enchanting cityscape which you will have an opportunity to explore tomorrow.

We cross Ponte Sant'Angelo into The Vatican, joining an included sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist to see Michelangelo's magnificent Pietà inside of St. Peter's Basilica. Walk in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims and into the Centre of Christianity to St. Peters Square. Ancient Rome is our next stop. Imagine the enthusiastic cries of thousands of spectators cheering their favourites to victory at Circus Maximus and visit the impressive Colosseum where gladiators and slaves fought to their deaths. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon to explore the city on your own, or simply relax on the Spanish Steps watching the world go by. 

We venture north to the town of Pisa and visit the Square of Miracles with its medieval Cathedral, Romanesque Baptistery and the incredible Leaning Tower that bears this city's name. A short drive takes us to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance, once a vibrant republic under the rule of the dynamic de'Medici family whose love for art and antiquities created one of the world's most cultural cities. 

The magnificent marble Duomo, Santa Croce Basilica, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria feature on our walking tour with a Local Specialist through Florence's grand boulevards and quaint cobblestone lanes. Learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city’s historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. Spend some time shopping for high-quality leather goods and gold, before leaving Florence for the island city of Venice. This evening, wander through the labyrinthine lanes and quiet piazze  soaking up the charming atmosphere of the Queen of the Adriatic or perhaps glide through its elegant canals from the comfort of a traditional gondola.

Embark on an orientation cruise by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square, which Napoleon once called the 'drawing room of Europe'. See the ornate Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Cathedral and the Bridge of Sighs, before venturing to Giudecca Island for a fascinating Cultural Insight into the centuries-old craft of glassblowing. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore more of the sights. Visit the Peggy Guggenheim collection, spend the afternoon shopping in the city's chic boutiques or consider a boat trip to the colourful fishing island of Burano for a delicious local meal.

We drive south through the golden fields of Umbria to the green heart of Italy, stopping at the mystical medieval hilltop town of Assisi, most famous for being the birthplace of St. Francis. Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of the town, which include a visit to St. Francis Basilica to view its magnificent frescoes and carvings.

We pay homage to the thousands of brave souls who lost their lives during the Battle of Monte Cassino, stopping at the Commonwealth War Cemetery en route to the tragic city of Pompeii, which was engulfed during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. For centuries, the city was lost to the world - its rediscovery in the 17th century revealing a time capsule of well-preserved ruins that provides unique insights into the day-to-day life of a Roman city so many centuries ago. Join a Local Specialist to delve into the fascinating account of the excavations before travelling to Naples for your overnight cruise to Palermo, Sicily's fiery capital. 

We arrive this morning in the Sicilian capital, Palermo - the city of delights known for its lavish architecture and gardens. We join our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour, which includes the Teatro Massimo and Piazza Bellini, located in the heart of the city. Travelling to the town of Monreale on the slopes of Monte Caputo overlooking the orange, olive and almond groves of La Conca d'Oro, we visit the magnificent 12th century Norman Cathedral. Continue your journey to the beautiful fishing village of Mondello fishing village before returning to Palermo this afternoon. 

Join a Local Specialist today in Agrigento, once a leading city in Magna Graecia, to tour the impressive Greek Valley of Temples dating back to 6th century BC. Admire some of the grandest Grecian remains outside Athens. This evening we dine in our hotel. 

We travel through the vineyards of the southern hills towards the charming seaside resort of Taormina, your home for the next two nights. Enjoy spectacular vistas and a taste of la dolce vita  in this quaint hillside town, enjoying free time on arrival to see the sights, including its Duomo and Teatro Antico. 

Spend the day relaxing in this chic Sicilian resort. Dive into the warm Mediterranean waters, shop for exquisite handmade lace on Via Corso and indulge in a mulberry granita. Consider joining an Optional Experience to Savoca, the village made famous by 'The Godfather', and Europe's most active volcano, Mount Etna, widely regarded as one of the most impressive in the world. This evening, join your companions for a special Be My Guest dinner in a vineyard on the slopes of Mount Etna.

Today we cross the Straits of Messina to mainland Italy by ferry, driving north through rustic Calabria via Salerno to our hotel in the charming town of Sorrento where we spend the next two nights. Spend your evening at leisure, soaking up the elegant seaside atmosphere and picturesque water views. 

The exquisite craft of inlaid wood is explored today during a Cultural Insight in Sorrento before we cruise to the charming Isle of Capri where we will enjoy a guided walking tour of Capri Town with a Local Specialist. The expansive views across the sea and quaint Marina Piccola provide a stunning backdrop for a day spent in sophistication. Saunter along its glamorous lanes, window shop along Via Camerelle and watch the beautiful people in the Piazzetta, before returning to Sorrento, where you will have the evening at leisure to indulge in a little limoncello at Piazza Tasso, with its many cafés, and shop in chic boutiques on the Corso Italia.

Admire the dramatic coastline, driving north from Sorrento to the Eternal City of Rome. This afternoon, we gain priority access to the Vatican Museums where a Local Specialist will take us on a fascinating guided tour. Admire the magnificent frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, pained by Michelangelo in 16th century and the opportunity to observe the array of exquisite artefacts at the Museo Gregoriano Profano, founded in the Lateran Apostolic Palace at the behest of Gregory XVI Cappellari in 1844. You'll also enjoy an exclusive al fresco Farewell Dinner under Vatican summer skies boasting spectacular views of St Peter’s - a treat for the senses. Should there be adverse weather; a contingency is provided in a newly-created dining space within the Cortile della Pigna.

For now it's a fond Ciao Roma  as we prepare to depart for our journey home. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.