Best of Italy and Sicily
Operated by: Trafalgar
15 Days from $3,862 per person
Locations Visited
Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento, Giardini Naxos, Piedimonte Etneo, Sorrento, Pompeii, Capri, Rome, Vatican City, Assisi, Viareggio, La Spezia, Florence, Venice ...more Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento, Giardini Naxos, Piedimonte Etneo, Sorrento, Pompeii, Capri, Rome, Vatican City, Assisi, Viareggio, La Spezia, Florence, Venice"Excellent from start to finish!"Just when I thought the scenery, food, experiences, etc, couldn’t get any better or prettier, they did. Wonderful experience.
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Day 1
Arrive Palermo (2 Nights)
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
Palermo Sightseeing and Excursion to Monreale
Join your 'Local Specialist' for a sightseeing tour, which includes the Teatro Massimo and old 'La Cala' harbour. Then 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
Palermo – Mondello – Agrigento
Continue your journey to the pretty fishing village of Mondello, where locals pay tribute to Palermo's patron saint at the Sanctuario di Santa Rosalia, a unique cave church where the saint's remains were found in the 17th century. Journey to Agrigento to tour the impressive Greek Valley of Temples with a 'Local Specialist', dating back to 6th century BC. This evening, dinner is served at your hotel.
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Day 4
Agrigento - Taormina (Giardini Naxos) (2 Nights)
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 Free Day
Spend the day relaxing at your chic Sicilian resort. Dive into the warm Mediterranean waters, shop for exquisite handmade lace on Via Corso 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' dinner hosted at a vineyard on the slopes of Mount Etna.
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Day 6
Taormina – Pompeii – Sorrento (2 Nights)
Today we cross the Strait of Messina to mainland Italy by ferry, driving north through rustic Calabria via Salerno to UNESCO-listed 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. We continue to our hotel in Sorrento where we'll spend the next two nights.
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Day 7
Isle of Capri Excursion
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 at Piazza Tasso, with its many cafés.
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Day 8
Sorrento – Rome – Vatican Experience (2 Nights)
Admire the dramatic coastline, driving north from Sorrento to the 'Eternal City' of Rome. This evening, an exclusive Trafalgar experience will see you 'Dive Into Culture' and enjoy an al fresco dinner against the spectacular backdrop of St. Peter's in Rome. Admire Michelangelo's magnificent 16th-century frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and see 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.
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Day 9
Rome Sightseeing and Free Time
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
Rome - Assisi
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 walking tour of the town, which includes a visit to 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 convent.
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Day 11
Assisi – Pisa – Viareggio
We venture to Pisa and visit the Square of Miracles and view the Leaning Tower that bears this city's name. A short drive north takes us to Viareggio, known as the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Tonight is free to explore as you wish.
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Day 12
Viareggio – Cinque Terre – 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
Florence Sightseeing – Venice (2 Nights)
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
Venice
'Dive into Culture' and witness the centuries-old craft of glassblowing on Giudecca Island. Then, 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. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore more of the sights. 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
Depart Venice
For now, it's a fond ciao Venice as you say goodbye to new friends and prepare to depart for our journey home. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Price Includes
Dining Highlights
- 14 breakfasts
- 6 dinners (including Be My Guest)
First class travel Highlights
- Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Daily breakfast and up to half your evening meals
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Return cruise to the Isle of Capri
- Ferry across the Straits of Messina to mainland Italy
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Optional Experiences and free time
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Handcrafted Highlights
- VIP entry to many sights
Sightseeing Highlights
- VIP ADMISSION to the Vatican Museums
- ORIENTATION of Taormina, Sorrento and Venice
- VISIT the Norman Cathedral at Monreale, the fishing village of Mondello, the Valley of the Temples, the Isle of Capri, the excavations at Pompeii, the amazing Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica and the Roman Colosseum
- 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 St. Mark's Square in Venice
Dates & Prices
Airfare is not included, but can be added to quote upon request-
Definite Departure
| Price | Discount | Availability | Price | |||
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Start Date:
Thu, Apr 23, 2020
Return Date:
Thu, May 7, 2020
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$4,175$3,862pp | SAVE: $313Pay by Feb 27AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Thu, Apr 30, 2020
Return Date:
Thu, May 14, 2020
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$4,175$3,862pp | SAVE: $313Pay by Feb 27AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Thu, May 21, 2020
Return Date:
Thu, Jun 4, 2020
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$4,175$3,862pp | SAVE: $313Pay by Feb 27AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Thu, Jun 4, 2020
Return Date:
Thu, Jun 18, 2020
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$4,175$3,862pp | SAVE: $313Pay by Feb 27AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Thu, Jun 11, 2020
Return Date:
Thu, Jun 25, 2020
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$4,175$3,862pp | SAVE: $313Pay by Feb 27AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Thu, Jun 18, 2020
Return Date:
Thu, Jul 2, 2020
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$4,175$3,862pp | SAVE: $313Pay by Feb 27AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Thu, Jun 25, 2020
Return Date:
Thu, Jul 9, 2020
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$4,195$3,880pp | SAVE: $314Pay by Feb 27AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Thu, Jul 2, 2020
Return Date:
Thu, Jul 16, 2020
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$4,195$3,880pp | SAVE: $314Pay by Feb 27AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Thu, Jul 16, 2020
Return Date:
Thu, Jul 30, 2020
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$4,195pp | AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Thu, Jul 30, 2020
Return Date:
Thu, Aug 13, 2020
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$4,195$3,880pp | SAVE: $314Pay by Feb 27AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Thu, Aug 13, 2020
Return Date:
Thu, Aug 27, 2020
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$4,195$3,880pp | SAVE: $314Pay by Feb 27AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Thu, Aug 27, 2020
Return Date:
Thu, Sep 10, 2020
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$4,195pp | AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Thu, Sep 3, 2020
Return Date:
Thu, Sep 17, 2020
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$4,195$3,880pp | SAVE: $314Pay by Feb 27AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Thu, Sep 10, 2020
Return Date:
Thu, Sep 24, 2020
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$4,195$3,880pp | SAVE: $314Pay by Feb 27AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Thu, Sep 17, 2020
Return Date:
Thu, Oct 1, 2020
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$4,195$3,880pp | SAVE: $314Pay by Feb 27AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Thu, Sep 24, 2020
Return Date:
Thu, Oct 8, 2020
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$4,195$3,880pp | SAVE: $314Pay by Feb 27AARP members save an additional $100 |
|
Request Quote Book Now |
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.
Rome
Piazzas and Fountains of Rome
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.
Adult Price: €33
Roman Evening with Dinner
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.
Adult Price: €61
Florence
Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli
A scenic drive into the Chianti hills, past vineyards, brings us 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 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!
Adult Price: €65
Dinner, Wine And Music In The Tuscan Hills
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.
Adult Price: €65
Venice
Gondolas & the Grand Canal
On arrival in Venice, a private boat will be waiting to take you to St Mark's Square, where you’ll enjoy a gondola ride while being serenaded by local musicians. Later, private water taxi's will take you along Venice's Grand Canal, where you’ll admire the magnificent palazzos and Rialto Bridge.
Adult Price: €70
Gondolas and the Grand Canal
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.
Adult Price: €70
Venice's Secrets and St. Mark's Basilica
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.
Adult Price: €36
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks
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.
Adult Price: €72
Palermo
A Visit to Cefalu
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.
Adult Price: €36
Colours 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 colourful markets with its stalls of olives and spices. A wonderful opportunity to enjoy picturesque Sicilian everyday life.
Adult Price: €30
Sferracavallo With Lunch Or 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 fishermen’s feast, accompanied by wine and soft drinks.
Adult Price: €60
Taormina
Sicilian Dinner and Entertainment
A fantastic Sicilian evening, you’ll enjoy a dinner of Southern Italian specialities with musical entertainment.
Adult Price: €64
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
Dinner in Castelmola, the Most Dramatically Located Village in Sicily
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.
Adult Price: €68
Sorrento
Discover The Isle Of Capri
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.
Adult Price: €42
Neapolitan Dinner and Dance
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.
Adult Price: €61
Sorrento Farmhouse Dinner
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.
Adult Price: €49
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: €43
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