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Best of Italy and Sicily
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Best of Italy and Sicily
Operated by: Trafalgar
15 Days from $3,893 per person
Locations Visited
Palermo, Monreale, Mondello, Agrigento, Taormina, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Rome, Vatican, Assisi, Pisa, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Florence, Venice ...more Palermo, Monreale, Mondello, Agrigento, Taormina, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Rome, Vatican, Assisi, Pisa, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Florence, VeniceBOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
✓ Lock in this trip with $250 deposit
✓ Refund Guarantee within 30 days of booking
✓ Flexible changes up to 60 days before your tour departs
✓ Lock in this trip with $250 deposit
✓ Refund Guarantee within 30 days of booking
✓ Flexible changes up to 60 days before your tour departs
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Day 1
Welcome to Palermo
The multicultural capital of Palermo launches your journey across Sicily and Italy. You’ll have some free time before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and orientation of the city’s attractions, so why not head straight out to explore its fascinating history on your own?
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Day 2
Enjoy the Views in Monreale
Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour, which includes the Teatro Massimo and old 'La Cala' harbour. Later, travel to Monreale on the slopes of Monte Caputo overlooking the almond, olive and orange groves of La Conca d'Oro. Here you’ll visit the 12th-century Norman Cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
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Day 3
Journey to Ancient Agrigento
Continue to the pretty seaside resort of Mondello. Journey to Agrigento to tour the impressive Greek Valley of the Temples, dating back to the 6th century BC, with a Local Specialist. This evening, dinner is served at your hotel.
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Day 4
Onwards to Scenic Taormina
Travel through the vineyards of the southern hills towards the seaside resort of Taormina, your home for the next two nights. Enjoy spectacular vistas and a taste of la dolce vita in this hillside town, with some free time on arrival.
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Day 5
Taormina Your Way Connect with Locals
Spend the day relaxing at your chic Sicilian resort. Dive into the warm Mediterranean waters, shop for exquisite hand-painted ceramics on Corso Umberto or indulge in a mulberry granita. Consider joining an Optional Experience to Savoca, the village made famous by ‘The Godfather', or Europe's most active volcano, Mount Etna. This evening, Connect With Locals during a Be My Guest experience hosted at a beautiful family owned Sicilian lemon farm overlooking Mount Etna.
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Day 6
Travel to Sorrento
Today we cross the Strait of Messina to mainland Italy by ferry, driving north through rustic Calabria via Salerno. Perhaps consider a visit to the Amalfi Coast and Positano, a Mediterranean landscape with beautiful views. We continue to our hotel in Sorrento where we’ll spend the next two nights.
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Day 7
A Day on the Isle of Capri
We cruise to the Isle of Capri where we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Capri town with a Local Specialist. 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 in one of the town’s many cafés.
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Day 8
Explore Pompeii’s Ruins and Rome Dive Into Culture
This morning, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins of Pompeii where a Local Specialist will take you on a walking tour. For centuries, the city was lost to the world – its rediscovery in the 18th century revealed a time capsule of well-preserved ruins that provides insights into the day-to-day life of a Roman city, centuries ago. Later, admire the dramatic coastline, driving north from Pompeii to the 'Eternal City' of Rome. This evening, an exclusive Trafalgar experience will see you Dive Into Culture and enjoy a visit to the extraordinary Vatican Museums including the famous frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, followed by a special dinner inside the Anima Mundi Museum.
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Day 9
Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
Rome was once the capital of the world and is a city with an irresistible verve. Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour to admire the city's iconic and unexpected highlights. Head to the Vatican and see Michelangelo’s magnificent Pietà inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Your next stop is Ancient Rome, where you’ll see Circus Maximus and visit the Colosseum where gladiators and slaves once fought to their deaths. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city your way.
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Day 10
Off to Historic Assisi Stays With Stories
Today, we drive north to the mystical medieval hilltop town of Assisi, most famous for being the birthplace of St. Francis. Join a Local Specialist for a tour of the Basilica of St. Francis to view its magnificent frescoes and carvings. Tonight, we'll stay at one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.
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Day 11
Admire Pisa and on to La Spezia
We venture to Pisa to visit the Square of Miracles and view the Leaning Tower that bears this city's name. A short drive north takes us to La Spezia, known as the 'Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea'. Tonight is free to explore as you wish.
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Day 12
Enjoy Colourful Cinque Terre and Florence
Join a Local Specialist to visit Cinque Terre, a series of centuries-old seaside villages clinging impossibly to rugged cliffs that plunge into the Ligurian Sea. Continue later to Florence, once a vibrant republic under the rule of the dynamic Medici family, whose love for art and antiquities created one of the world's most cultural cities. You’ll have the night off to see the sights on your own.
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Day 13
Journey to Venice
The magnificent marble Duomo, Santa Croce Basilica, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria feature on your walking tour with a Local Specialist through Florence's grand boulevards and narrow lanes. Head north to Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic'.
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Day 14
Cruise the Canals of Venice Make Travel Matter
Witness the centuries-old craft of glassblowing. Your unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps keep this delicate tradition for which Venice is justifiably famous alive and you’ll watch enchanted how the master craftsmen shape the molten glass into the exquisite pieces that adorn homes all over the world. Next, 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 Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Cathedral and the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners would have one last look at their beloved city before facing imprisonment. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore more of the sights or consider an Optional Experience, navigating the city's elegant canals from the comfort of a traditional gondola. Tonight, you'll join your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner and toast to shared memories that will linger long after the evening ends.
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Day 15
Farewell Venice
For now, it's a fond ciao Venezia as you say goodbye to new friends and prepare to depart for our journey home. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Price Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Ferry across the Straits of Messina to mainland Italy
- Return cruise to the Isle of Capri
- Optional Experiences and free time
Dining Summary
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 14 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
- 1 Regional Dinner (RD)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Be My Guest
- Acireale: Join a family-owned lemon farm and enjoy a Be My Guest dinner overlooking Mount Etna.
Dive Into Culture
- Rome: Enjoy a private visit inside the Vatican where you will tour the Museo Gregoriano Profano featuring Roman and Ancient Greek antiquities before an exclusive private dinner.
Iconic Experience
- Palermo: Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for an introductory orientation of Palermo's highlights.
- Palermo: Discover the Sicilian capital with your Local Specialist. See Pretoria Square and the 16th-century fountain. View the composite architectural styles of the Palermo Cathedral and visit the Cathedral of Monreale.
- Mondello: Take a moment to soak up the relaxing atmosphere of coastal Mondello.
- Agrigento: A Local Specialist will lead you through the magnificent remains of the Greek colony in the Valley in the Temples. See the massive Temple of Concord and clifftop Temple of Juno.
- Salerno: Travel through the alluring landscapes of Calabria and stop in Salerno for sweeping coastal views.
- Capri: Join a Local Specialist on a walk through elegant Capri to gain insight into the island's local culture and historic landmarks.
- Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
- Rome: Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you past the city's most iconic sites.
- Rome: Visit the Colosseum, still echoing with the thronging crowds and ghostly cries of gladiatorial combat.
- Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artisitic achievements of 13th-century Europe.
- Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Specialist, visit this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked away on the mountainous Italian Riviera coastline. Admire the charming fishing villages and perhaps snap some memorable pictures.
- Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Venice: Learn about the history and ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.
Must-see Highlights
- : VIP Admission to the Vatican Museums
- : Explore Palermo, Agrigento, Pompeii, Capri, Rome, Assisi, Cinque Terre and Florence with a Local Specialist
- : Discover Taormina, Sorrento and Venice
- : Visit the Norman Cathedral at Monreale, the fishing village of Mondello, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Isle of Capri, the excavations at Pompeii, the amazing Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica and Colosseum in Rome and a glassblowing factory in Venice
- : View Palermo Cathedral, the ancient sites of Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence and the Byzantine St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
- : Scenic Cruise to the Isle of Capri and by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
Trafalgar Difference
- Assisi: Built to welcome pilgrims visiting Assisi, Hotel Cenacolo is a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery in nearby Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Whats Included
- : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- : Ferry across the Straits of Messina to mainland Italy
- : Return cruise to the Isle of Capri
- : Optional Experiences and free time
Dates & Prices
Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.
Online Booking Process
Financing from $/month
Optional Add-Ons
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Palermo
Available on Day 2
A Visit To Cefalù
Take a drive along the blue coastal highway to the quaint medieval village of Cefalù. You'll have the chance to stroll from the long golden beaches into the winding Arab streets with your Local Specialist.
Adult Price: € 36
Sferracavallo With Dinner
Join us for a drive to the coast of Sicily, where we’ll arrive at the quaint fishing village of Sferracavallo. You’ll have the chance to sample a delicious feast of local Palermo specialties, accompanied by wine and soft drinks.
Adult Price: € 60
Available on Day 3
Colors and Traditions of Palermo
A panoramic drive through verdant forest with spectacular views over the city of Palermo brings us to the summit of Mt. Pellegrino. Here we visit the grotto of Santa Rosalia, Palermo's patron saint. Later, with a Local Specialist, we explore and sample Palermitano street food at one of the most famous and colorful markets with its stalls of olives and spices. A wonderful opportunity to enjoy picturesque Sicilian everyday life.
Adult Price: € 30
Taormina
Available on Day 4
Dinner in Castelmola
Climb by minibus to the heights of Castelmola, above Taormina, to enjoy the best views of this magical part of Sicily. You'll enjoy wandering the cobbled streets with interesting shops and cafes. Then, enjoy a tasty Sicilian Dinner with wine and musical entertainment in a characteristic restaurant.
Adult Price: € 77
Sicilian Dinner and Entertainment
Join us for a fantastic Sicilian evening where we’ll enjoy a dinner of Southern Italian specialties with musical entertainment.
Adult Price: € 64
Available on Day 5
Mt Etna, Savoca And The Godfather
Discover rustic village life with your Local Specialist as we visit Savoca, the Sicilian setting for 'The Godfather.' Enjoy the stunning views before a visit to Vitelli's bar, featured in the film and famous for 'granita di limone.' Later, you’ll journey up Mt Etna, one of the most intriguing volcanoes in the world.
Adult Price: € 56
Sorrento
Available on Day 6
Amalfi Coast and Positano
Come with us for a drive along the famous Amalfi Coast. You’ll have a chance to visit the exclusive artists’ paradise of Positano, which is magnificently positioned on the Mediterranean coast.
Adult Price: € 56
Available on Day 7
Discover The Isle Of Capri
Experience the spectacular cliffs and famous turquoise waters of Capri during a relaxing cruise to the most beautiful part of the island, the southern side. View the beautiful grottoes and unique coastline before ascending to Capri town. This optional experience is weather dependent and may be replaced by a minibus tour of the Island with a visit to Anacapri and the Villa San Michele.
Adult Price: € 42
Dinner Neapolitan Style
Join us for an evening of Neapolitan specialties at one of our favorite family-run restaurants. Savor local dishes all served up with the famous Neapolitan hospitality and zest for life.
Adult Price: € 61
Sorrento Countryside and Farmhouse Meal
Join us at a traditional farm in the Sorrento countryside, where you'll visit the lemon groves, olive oil mill and see first-hand how mozzarella is made. Afterward, enjoy the authentic flavors of home-produced cold cuts, marinated vegetables, fresh olives and more - all washed down with the local wine. The atmosphere is informal, as the family are welcoming you into their home.
Adult Price: € 53
Rome
Available on Day 9
Piazzas and Fountains
Discover the most charming areas in the city with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares of Rome's historic center, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Adult Price: € 33
Roman Evening with Dinner
Tonight, spend a lively evening with us in Rome. After a short drive, we'll arrive at a characteristic trattoria to relax and enjoy a typical Italian meal, soaking up The Eternal City's unique atmosphere all the while.
Adult Price: € 62
Available on Day 10
Tivoli And Gardens Of The Villa D’Este
Visit the ancient Sabine town of Tivoli with our Local Specialist to enjoy the gardens and fountains of the Villa D’Este. We'll see its grottos and pavilions, the Avenue of a Hundred Fountains, and the Dragon Fountain of the Organ.
Adult Price: € 46
La Spezia
Available on Day 11
Sarzana Dinner and Drive
Tonight we'll go off the beaten track to the alluring medieval town of Sarzana, a hidden gem. We’ve chosen an elegant venue, where you’ll enjoy dinner with drinks. Its distinctive ambiance is brimming with charm and unique character which make it a firm favorite with the locals.
Adult Price: € 68
Florence
Available on Day 12
Dinner, Wine And Music In The Tuscan Hills
This evening we'll take a scenic drive to experience a fun and relaxed evening at a friendly, typical restaurant in the countryside. The chef will delight our senses with regional dishes, made with freshly-bought ingredients from the local farmers' markets. Your delicious meal will be accompanied by excellent wines from the vineyards for which this area is so well known. In short, a Tuscan dream come true in an authentic setting.
Adult Price: € 65
Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli
Through the Chianti hills, we'll drive past vineyards to a delightful hamlet. Our destination is the ancient stone house of Machiavelli, where the great political theorist wrote his immortal work, ‘The Prince.' After a welcome drink and a visit of the villa and its wine-cellars, we'll enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine accompanied by great music and drinks, including of course, Chianti from the Villa's own vines.
Adult Price: € 68
Venice
Available on Day 13
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks
This afternoon, discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You'll enjoy a delicious meal, with a selection of drinks, on the fisherman's island of Burano, famous for its multi-colored houses - a photographer's paradise.
Adult Price: € 72
Available on Day 14
Gondolas & the Grand Canal
Join us for a breathtaking cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You'll admire the magnificent palazzi, as well as catch a glimpse of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Later on, you'll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice's dreamy, narrow waterways.
Adult Price: € 76
Venice's Secrets and St. Mark's Basilica
Explore the hidden maze of streets that make up this unique city as your Local Specialist gives you a fascinating insight into Venice's past and present. You’ll visit the majestic Basilica of St Mark, where you'll admire magnificent mosaics in one of the most ornate churches in the world.
Adult Price: € 38
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