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The adventure

Make your way to the Mediterranean to discover all the natural beauty, warm hospitality and cuisine Italy and Sicily have to offer. On this 17-day adventure, you’ll travel from Rome to postcard-perfect Venice. From visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Colosseum – to driving up the flank of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, this trip goes the extra mile to deliver experiences that go beyond the guidebooks. Visit the famous spots like the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, then go off the path to a local’s favourite restaurant. Get ready to tuck into local eats, explore iconic sites and brush up on your ancient history, all with an experienced local by your side.

At a glance

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

Italy

Showing Days 1-7

9-day itinerary

Day 1PalermoBongiorno! Welcome to Sicily. When you arrive in Palermo, you’ll be met by a local representative for your airport transfer into the city. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your fellow travellers and local leader. If you arrive early, you might like to get acquainted with the sights and sounds of the old heart of Palermo. Explore the main monuments like the uniquely styled cathedral, or cafe-hop to try the best of Sicily’s sweets. After your meeting tonight, you'll head out for a traditional Sicilian dinner as a group and get to know the city’s beloved cuisine at a great local restaurant.

Palermo

Bongiorno! Welcome to Sicily. When you arrive in Palermo, you’ll be met by a local representative for your airport transfer into the city. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your fellow travellers and local leader. If you arrive early, you might like to get acquainted with the sights and sounds of the old heart of Palermo. Explore the main monuments like the uniquely styled cathedral, or cafe-hop to try the best of Sicily’s sweets. After your meeting tonight, you'll head out for a traditional Sicilian dinner as a group and get to know the city’s beloved cuisine at a great local restaurant.

Day 2PalermoEnjoy a free morning to see more of Palermo’s small alleyways and buzzing market squares. In the afternoon, join a walking tour with your local leader to see some of the symbolic places of rebellion and anti-Mafia racketeering like the Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria and Beati Paoli Square. You’ll meet local shop owners who have had the courage to denounce their extortionists and follow the ethical consumer campaign ‘Pago chi non paga’ – a campaign promoted to support those that rebel against the Mafia. Then, delve deeper into the local cuisine and learn how to create Sicilian dishes with the help of a local chef. As locally sourced products are used, the menu may differ depending on seasonality and market availability, but whatever you make, you’ll tuck into for dinner with a glass of local wine.

Palermo

Enjoy a free morning to see more of Palermo’s small alleyways and buzzing market squares. In the afternoon, join a walking tour with your local leader to see some of the symbolic places of rebellion and anti-Mafia racketeering like the Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria and Beati Paoli Square. You’ll meet local shop owners who have had the courage to denounce their extortionists and follow the ethical consumer campaign ‘Pago chi non paga’ – a campaign promoted to support those that rebel against the Mafia. Then, delve deeper into the local cuisine and learn how to create Sicilian dishes with the help of a local chef. As locally sourced products are used, the menu may differ depending on seasonality and market availability, but whatever you make, you’ll tuck into for dinner with a glass of local wine.

Day 3MarsalaToday, it’s time to say goodbye to Palermo and head towards the small town of Erice. Located more than 750 m above sea level, this beautifully preserved medieval town showcases architectural styles from its varied history. When you arrive, you’ll head to a Genovesi tasting (traditional Sicilian pastries filled with custard or ricotta cream). After, take a cable car back down to the town of Trapani, then continue south towards Marsala – a coastal town where you’ll be staying tonight. Famous for its sweet dessert wines, you might like to use your free evening to go out and enjoy a sip (or two) or, you can simply stroll the marble paved streets as the sun sets.

Marsala

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to Palermo and head towards the small town of Erice. Located more than 750 m above sea level, this beautifully preserved medieval town showcases architectural styles from its varied history. When you arrive, you’ll head to a Genovesi tasting (traditional Sicilian pastries filled with custard or ricotta cream). After, take a cable car back down to the town of Trapani, then continue south towards Marsala – a coastal town where you’ll be staying tonight. Famous for its sweet dessert wines, you might like to use your free evening to go out and enjoy a sip (or two) or, you can simply stroll the marble paved streets as the sun sets.

Day 4Mazara del Vallo – AgrigentoThis morning, head east as you stop in the old port of Mazara del Vallo. It’s here that some of the Arab influences in Sicily are most clearly visible. As you stroll through the kasbah (Arab Quarter) you’ll witness the artistic and cultural enrichment brought on by the arrival of Tunisian families in the 70s. Wander the winding lanes and alleyways lined with colourful murals, then continue to Agrigento, stopping at Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks) on the way – this coastline with its white marble cliffs offered protection from the severe winds for the pirates that roamed these waters. Finally, make your way to Agrigento, where you’ll stay in a boutique hotel built in the 13th century and share a meal with your fellow travellers.

Mazara del Vallo

This morning, head east as you stop in the old port of Mazara del Vallo. It’s here that some of the Arab influences in Sicily are most clearly visible. As you stroll through the kasbah (Arab Quarter) you’ll witness the artistic and cultural enrichment brought on by the arrival of Tunisian families in the 70s. Wander the winding lanes and alleyways lined with colourful murals, then continue to Agrigento, stopping at Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks) on the way – this coastline with its white marble cliffs offered protection from the severe winds for the pirates that roamed these waters. Finally, make your way to Agrigento, where you’ll stay in a boutique hotel built in the 13th century and share a meal with your fellow travellers.

Day 5AgrigentoThis morning after breakfast, travel to the nearby Valley of the Temples. One of the largest archaeological sites in the world, this is where the ancient city of Akragas once stood. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. Along the way, enjoy views of the landscape and Mediterranean Sea. Return to Agrigento and enjoy a free afternoon. Maybe head to Agrigento's Old Town and wander the narrow alleyways and courtyards or find a local cafe, grab a panino and sit and watch the world go by.

Agrigento

This morning after breakfast, travel to the nearby Valley of the Temples. One of the largest archaeological sites in the world, this is where the ancient city of Akragas once stood. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. Along the way, enjoy views of the landscape and Mediterranean Sea. Return to Agrigento and enjoy a free afternoon. Maybe head to Agrigento's Old Town and wander the narrow alleyways and courtyards or find a local cafe, grab a panino and sit and watch the world go by.

Day 6Modica – Noto – SiracusaToday, say goodbye to Agrigento and hit the road to Siracusa. Along the way, you’ll stop in Ragusa – one of the most scenic towns in all of Sicily. Explore the town and then continue to Modica, which is particularly famous for its chocolate. After tasting some of the local produce, continue to Noto and get acquainted with the city on a guided walking tour. Lesser-known Noto has recently gained a reputation as an architectural jewel and its limestone structures sparkle on a sunlit afternoon. Finally, arrive in Siracusa, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Modica

Today, say goodbye to Agrigento and hit the road to Siracusa. Along the way, you’ll stop in Ragusa – one of the most scenic towns in all of Sicily. Explore the town and then continue to Modica, which is particularly famous for its chocolate. After tasting some of the local produce, continue to Noto and get acquainted with the city on a guided walking tour. Lesser-known Noto has recently gained a reputation as an architectural jewel and its limestone structures sparkle on a sunlit afternoon. Finally, arrive in Siracusa, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Day 7SiracusaThis morning, head out on an orientation walk through Ortigia – a small island just adjacent to the main town of Siracusa. Wandering the narrow streets and laneways will reveal ancient ruins, fountains and trattorias. Return to Siracusa in the afternoon and enjoy a free afternoon to explore. You might like to head to the Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre and ancient stone quarries of the Neapolis Archaeological Site, see more of the Siracusa town or simply relax at your accommodation.

Siracusa

This morning, head out on an orientation walk through Ortigia – a small island just adjacent to the main town of Siracusa. Wandering the narrow streets and laneways will reveal ancient ruins, fountains and trattorias. Return to Siracusa in the afternoon and enjoy a free afternoon to explore. You might like to head to the Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre and ancient stone quarries of the Neapolis Archaeological Site, see more of the Siracusa town or simply relax at your accommodation.

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Your journey through

Austria

Day 10RomeBuongiorno! Welcome to Rome. When you arrive, you’ll take a complimentary transfer to your hotel and settle in. If you arrive early, and it’s recommended that you do to soak in all this incredibly historic city has to offer, maybe grab an espresso and hit the streets. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. When the formalities are out of the way, get your first taste of Italy with an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Rome

Buongiorno! Welcome to Rome. When you arrive, you’ll take a complimentary transfer to your hotel and settle in. If you arrive early, and it’s recommended that you do to soak in all this incredibly historic city has to offer, maybe grab an espresso and hit the streets. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. When the formalities are out of the way, get your first taste of Italy with an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 11RomeFrom ancient monuments to romantic restaurants, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today, join a private guide for a trip to the Spanish steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Piazza Navona and inside the Pantheon before reaching Campo de Fiori, where a local fresh produce market has been held since 1869. Join your leader for a quick stop at a local bar for a granita (an iced Italian espresso) then have lunch at a classic local restaurant that’s frequented by Romans. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Colosseum – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – then the evening is free for you to explore at your own pace.

Rome

From ancient monuments to romantic restaurants, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today, join a private guide for a trip to the Spanish steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Piazza Navona and inside the Pantheon before reaching Campo de Fiori, where a local fresh produce market has been held since 1869. Join your leader for a quick stop at a local bar for a granita (an iced Italian espresso) then have lunch at a classic local restaurant that’s frequented by Romans. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Colosseum – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – then the evening is free for you to explore at your own pace.

Your journey through

Italy

Day 12Siena / Monteriggioni / San Gimignano RegionToday you’ll take a private vehicle to the city of Siena, where your leader will show you the most interesting sights on an orientation walk. At the city’s heart is Piazza del Campo – home to the biannual Palio horse race and nearby the Siena Cathedral. Next, visit Monteriggioni – a medieval walled town with over a dozen towers once used to defend Sienese territory from the Florentines. You’ll have time to explore this tiny hilltop spot before arriving at your Feature Stay accommodation near San Gimignano. This country hotel with views of a tree-studded landscape geatures an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant. Tonight, indulge in an included gourmet dinner made with local ingredients that pays homage to traditional Tuscan dishes, with a modern twist.

Siena

Today you’ll take a private vehicle to the city of Siena, where your leader will show you the most interesting sights on an orientation walk. At the city’s heart is Piazza del Campo – home to the biannual Palio horse race and nearby the Siena Cathedral. Next, visit Monteriggioni – a medieval walled town with over a dozen towers once used to defend Sienese territory from the Florentines. You’ll have time to explore this tiny hilltop spot before arriving at your Feature Stay accommodation near San Gimignano. This country hotel with views of a tree-studded landscape geatures an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant. Tonight, indulge in an included gourmet dinner made with local ingredients that pays homage to traditional Tuscan dishes, with a modern twist.

Day 13San Gimignano RegionStart the day with a visit to San Gimignano – the 'Town of Fine Towers'. Explore the medieval Old Town centre and its Gothic and Romanesque architecture with your leader. This region is also renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Your group will visit a local agriturismo, where you’ll explore the vineyards and sample some of their celebrated wine, before enjoying an included lunch featuring regional cheese, fine olive oil and bruschetta. Return to your Feature Stay accommodation for another delicious dinner.

San Gimignano Region

Start the day with a visit to San Gimignano – the 'Town of Fine Towers'. Explore the medieval Old Town centre and its Gothic and Romanesque architecture with your leader. This region is also renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Your group will visit a local agriturismo, where you’ll explore the vineyards and sample some of their celebrated wine, before enjoying an included lunch featuring regional cheese, fine olive oil and bruschetta. Return to your Feature Stay accommodation for another delicious dinner.

Your journey through

France

Day 14Pisa / Lucca / FlorenceToday you’ll visit Pisa. It’s not always possible to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa due to its precarious state, but as your leader shares the history of this legendary building, you’ll have the opportunity to take a photo from the ground. Your next stop is historic Lucca – one of Italy’s most beautiful but underrated cities – where you’ll take a short walk along the city’s beautifully preserved Renaissance walls. From here you’ll take the short journey to Florence where the evening is yours to walk the cobbled streets, eat gelato and soak up the unmistakenly Tuscan atmosphere.

Pisa

Today you’ll visit Pisa. It’s not always possible to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa due to its precarious state, but as your leader shares the history of this legendary building, you’ll have the opportunity to take a photo from the ground. Your next stop is historic Lucca – one of Italy’s most beautiful but underrated cities – where you’ll take a short walk along the city’s beautifully preserved Renaissance walls. From here you’ll take the short journey to Florence where the evening is yours to walk the cobbled streets, eat gelato and soak up the unmistakenly Tuscan atmosphere.

Your journey through

Austria

Day 15FlorenceThis morning, join a private guided walk of Florence, including a visit to the Galleria dell‘Accademia – an art museum renowned for its collection of sculptures, including the iconic statue of David by Michelangelo. You then have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Visiting the Uffizi is highly recommended as it’s one of the oldest galleries in the world. Maybe head to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of Florence’s timeless skyline and sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany, with dishes known for their freshness, simplicity and quality. Olive oil, beans and herbs are a feature here.

Florence

This morning, join a private guided walk of Florence, including a visit to the Galleria dell‘Accademia – an art museum renowned for its collection of sculptures, including the iconic statue of David by Michelangelo. You then have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Visiting the Uffizi is highly recommended as it’s one of the oldest galleries in the world. Maybe head to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of Florence’s timeless skyline and sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany, with dishes known for their freshness, simplicity and quality. Olive oil, beans and herbs are a feature here.

Day 16VeniceIn the morning, head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get acquainted with the city’s maze of canals and learn about its unique history. Then, make your way to Palazzo Pisani, which was once home to one of the most powerful Venetian dynasties and now houses the Music Conservatory of Venice. You can also take the stairs to rooftop for a spectacular aerial view of the city. Venice is renowned for its glass, so end the walk with a visit to a glass blowing factory to learn about the art of its production. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore before joining back up with your group in the evening for a Venetian dinner.

Venice

In the morning, head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get acquainted with the city’s maze of canals and learn about its unique history. Then, make your way to Palazzo Pisani, which was once home to one of the most powerful Venetian dynasties and now houses the Music Conservatory of Venice. You can also take the stairs to rooftop for a spectacular aerial view of the city. Venice is renowned for its glass, so end the walk with a visit to a glass blowing factory to learn about the art of its production. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore before joining back up with your group in the evening for a Venetian dinner.

Day 17VeniceWith no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent to arrange additional accommodation.

Venice

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent to arrange additional accommodation.

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