Best of Italy & Sicily
16 Days from $3,975 per person
A full odyssey of Italy and Sicily, from the meandering calle of Venice to the Grecian remains of Agrigento. See the imperial monuments of Rome, the Romanesque architecture of Pisa and Venetian glassblowing on Giudecca Island. Travel through the heart of Italy to Pompeii, Naples and Sorrento before your Sicilian hop to Palermo, Taormina and the Valley of the Temples.
Overview
A full odyssey of Italy and Sicily, from the meandering calle of Venice to the Grecian remains of Agrigento. See the imperial monuments of Rome, the Romanesque architecture of Pisa and Venetian glassblowing on Giudecca Island. Travel through the heart of Italy to Pompeii, Naples and Sorrento before your Sicilian hop to Palermo, Taormina and the Valley of the Temples.
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive Rome (2 Nights)
Journey to the capital of the world – a city with an irresistible verve that you'll find intoxicating. On arrival to Rome Fiumicino Airport transfers will operate at 9.30am, 12.30pm and 3.30pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Later you'll join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive to admire the city's enchanting cityscape.
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Day 3: Rome Sightseeing
We visit The Vatican this morning, joining an included sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist to see Michelangelo's magnificent Pietà inside of St. Peter's Basilica. Ancient Rome is our next stop. See the Circus Maximus and visit Colosseum where gladiators and slaves fought to their deaths. -
Day 4: Rome – Pisa – Florence
We venture north to the town of Pisa and visit the Square of Miracles and the incredible Leaning Tower that bears this city's name. A short drive takes us to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance, where we'll spend the evening at leisure. -
Day 5: Florence Sightseeing – Venice (2 Nights)
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. Spend some time shopping before leaving Florence for the island city of Venice. -
Day 6: Venice Orientation
Embark on an orientation cruise by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. 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. -
Day 7: Venice – Assisi
We drive south through the golden fields of Umbria to the green heart of Italy, stopping at the mystical medieval hilltop town of Assisi. Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of the town, which includes a visit to St. Francis Basilica to view its magnificent frescoes. -
Day 8: Assisi – Cassino – Pompeii – Naples – At Sea
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. Join a Local Specialist to delve into the fascinating account of the excavations before traveling to Naples for your overnight cruise to Palermo, Sicily's fiery capital. -
Day 9: At Sea – Palermo – Excursion to Monreale and Mondella
We arrive this morning in the Sicilian capital, Palermo where we will join our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour, which includes the Teatro Massimo and Piazza Bellini. Traveling 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 Mondello fishing village before returning to Palermo this afternoon. -
Day 10: Palermo – Agrigento
Join a Local Specialist today in Agrigento to tour the impressive Greek Valley of Temples dating back to 6th century BC. This evening we dine in our hotel. -
Day 11: Agrigento – Taormina (Giardini Naxos) (2 Nights)
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. -
Day 12: Taormina
Spend the day relaxing in this chic Sicilian resort. Consider joining an Optional Experience to Savoca, the village made famous by ‘The Godfather', and Europe's most active volcano, Mount Etna. This evening, join your companions for a special Be My Guest dinner in a vineyard on the slopes of Mount Etna. -
Day 13: Taormina (Giardini Naxos) – Sorrento (2 Nights)
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. -
Day 14: Isle of Capri Excursion
We cruise to the charming Isle of Capri where we will enjoy a guided walking tour of Capri Town with a Local Specialist.
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Day 15: Sorrento – Rome – Vatican Experience
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, painted by Michelangelo in 16th century and the opportunity to observe the array of exquisite artifacts 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.
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Day 16: Depart Rome
For now it's a fond Ciao Roma as we prepare to depart for our journey home. Return transfers will arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport at 7am and 9.30am. Conditions apply.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
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| 5 Jul 18 | 20 Jul 18 |
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$3,975pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 | |||
| 19 Jul 18 | 3 Aug 18 |
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$3,975pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 2 Aug 18 | 17 Aug 18 |
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$3,975pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 30 Aug 18 | 14 Sep 18 |
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$4,095pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 27 Sep 18 | 12 Oct 18 |
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$4,095pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 4 Oct 18 | 19 Oct 18 |
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$4,050pp | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $670 p.p.
Triple Room Discount: $100 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $146 per person.
Airport transfers: On arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport transfers will operate at 9:30 am, 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport at 7:00 am and 9:30 am.
Cruise Connection: This trip starts or ends in a popular cruise port, so you can combine a cruise with a more in-depth guided vacation in Europe.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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Professional Travel Director
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VIP Access
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
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Personal Flight Options
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
Meal Summary
14 nights, 14 hot buffet breakfasts, 6 dinners.
Included Highlights
Be My Guest
- Visit Maria Marano's wine farm at the foot of Mount Etna for a walking tour through the estate and cellars, and enjoy home-made appetizers accompanied by the local wine
Cultural Insight
- 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. Witness the exquisite crafts of inlaid wood in Sorrento and glassblowing on Giudecca Island, a delicate tradition that generations of Venetian craftmen have perfected over the centuries.
- Witness the exquisite crafts of glassblowing on Giudecca Island, a delicate tradition that generations of Venetian craftsmen have perfected over the centuries.
Local Specialist
- For included sightseeing in Rome, Florence, Assisi, Pompeii, Palermo, Agrigento and Capri
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Sightseeing Highlights
- City tour in Rome, Florence, Pompeii, Palermo, Agrigento, Assisi, Capri
- Orientation of Venice, Taormina, Sorrento
- Visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Roman Colosseum, St. Francis Basilica, the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Cassino, the excavations at Pompeii, the Norman Cathedral at Monreale, the fishing village of Mondello, the Valley of the Temples, the Isle of Capri, the amazing Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice, sail to the Isle of Capri
- View the ancient sites of Rome, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence, the Byzantine St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Palermo Cathedral and the fortress town of Enna, Benedictine Abbey in Monte Cassino
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
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Currency
The currency in Italy is the Euro (€). While it’s a good idea to bring some euros for when you first arrive in Italy, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate when you arrive in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in Italy. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
One of the most enjoyable parts of traveling is sampling the local cuisine. While pizza and pasta are national favorites, few travelers understand just how varied Italy’s cuisine actually is. In fact, each of the country’s 20 regions has its own distinctive cuisine. Lunch (pranzo) is traditionally the most substantial meal of the day. A full meal consists of antipasto (starter), a primo piatto (pasta, rice or soup), a secondo piatto (meat or fish) with a side, or contorno (vegetable or salad), then fruit. Finish with espresso and maybe a splash of liqueur. Wine is usually served with the meal, accompanied by mineral water. Tap water is safe to drink, but not always tasty. We recommend you buy bottled mineral water. ‘Acqua non potabile’ means the water is not safe to drink. Find out about some local specialties to try in Italy’s top destinations below.
Throughout Southern Italy, you can enjoy a variety of fresh and dried pasta with tomato sauce, vegetables marinated in olive oil, seafood, limoncello (lemon liqueur), and a selection of delicious desserts. In Rome, you can try humble pasta dishes such as carbonara, amatriciana, aglio e olio (garlic and olive oil) and cacio e peppe (pecorino cheese and pepper). Other foods to try include pizza, a variety fried foods called fritti that come stuffed with everything from salted cod to zucchini flours, and and a selection of cheeses including the popular pecorino Romano. You’ll also find traditional desserts such as Rome’s crostata di ricotta, Italy’s version of cheesecake, deep-fried zeppole rolled in sugar, as well as Sicily’s famous cannoli.
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Packing
In Italy, the weather changes very quickly, with temperatures varying from morning to night. We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
At bars and restaurants, tipping is less common or generous as in the U.S. When dining out, it’s appropriate, although not required, to leave an extra euro or two for your waiter.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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.
Rome
Piazzas and Fountains of Rome
Adult Price: €33.00
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 centre, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Roman Evening with Dinner
Adult Price: €61.00
Spend a light-hearted evening with us in Rome. Relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine with drinks and music. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a drive and provide a glimpse into how Romans enjoy their city.
Florence
Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli
Adult Price: €65.00
A scenic drive into the Chianti hills, past vineyards, brings us to a delightful hamlet overlooked by an imposing castle. 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 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. This is the essence of all great things Tuscan, past and present, condensed into one memorable evening!
Dinner, Wine And Music In The Tuscan Hills
Adult Price: €64.00
Join us for a scenic drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside. We will enjoy a meal at a charming restaurant where a selection of regional favourites is served, accompanied by a selection of local wines and live music. A truly unforgettable experience, with an atmosphere that is the essence of all things Tuscan.
Venice
Gondolas and the Grand Canal
Adult Price: €70.00
Join us for a scenic cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You’ll admire the magnificent palazzi, as well as catching 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.
Venice's Secrets and St. Mark's Basilica
Adult Price: €36.00
Explore the hidden maze of streets which 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 have a chance to view some of the prized trophies looted by the Venetians in their rise to power. Alternatively, we’ll visit the outside terrace for exceptional vistas.
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks
Adult Price: €70.00
Join us as we discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You will enjoy a delicious meal with a selection of drinks on the fishermen's island of Burano, famous for its multi-coloured houses - a real photographer's paradise.
Palermo
A Visit to Cefalu
Adult Price: €36.00
Take a drive along the blue coastal highway to the quaint medieval village of Cefalu. You'll have the chance to stroll from the long golden beaches into the winding Arab streets with your Local Specialist.
Colors and Traditions of Palermo
Adult Price: €30.00
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.
Sferracavallo With Lunch Or Dinner
Adult Price: €60.00
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 fishermen’s feast, accompanied by wine and soft drinks.
Taormina
Sicilian Dinner and Entertainment
Adult Price: €64.00
A fantastic Sicilian evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner of Southern Italian specialties, with musical entertainment.
Dinner in Castelmola, the Most Dramatically Located Village in Sicily
Adult Price: €68.00
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, dine in a restaurant that has the best view in Sicily, with wine included.
Mt Etna, Savoca And The Godfather
Adult Price: €56.00
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.
Sorrento
Sorrento Farmhouse Dinner
Adult Price: €49.00
A scenic drive takes you through the Sorrentino countryside to an 18th century Olive Oil mill. You’ll enjoy a guided visit of the gardens, mill and wine cellar, followed by a simple meal of traditional pizza and wine. And there'll also be the chance to see how mozzarella and pizza are made.
Discover The Isle Of Capri
Adult Price: €41.00
Experience Capri's spectacular cliffs, famous turquoise waters and white grotto the best way: by boat. In Capri town, enjoy a lemon granita, a specialty of the island. Or if the weather doesn't allow, we'll take you on a tour of the island to Anacapri, and a visit to Villa San Michele.
Neapolitan Dinner and Dance
Adult Price: €61.00
Join us for an evening of Neapolitan specialities at one of our favourite family-run restaurants. While you’re wined and dined, enjoy a cultural experience performed by local artists who'll take centre stage and demonstrate the famous Tarantella dance.
Amalfi Coast and Positano
Adult Price: €43.00
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.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
