Best of Italy and Sicily
15 Day Italy & Sicily Tour from Palermo | Operated by Trafalgar
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15 Days
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2 Countries
Italy, Vatican City -
15 Cities
Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento, Taormina, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Rome, Vatican, Assisi, Pisa, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Florence, Venice -
20 Meals
6 Dinners, 14 Breakfasts -
Pace: Active
Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.
Trip Itinerary
The multicultural capital of Palermo is the launchpad for your journey across Sicily and Italy. You’ll have some free time before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner and orientation of the city’s attractions, so why not head straight out to explore its fascinating streets on your own?
Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour, which includes the Teatro Massimo and old 'La Cala' harbor. 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.
Take it easy this morning or explore further on the Optional Experience taking in different views of the city. Later, journey onwards 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.
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.
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', and 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.
Today we cross the Strait of Messina to mainland Italy by ferry, driving north through rustic Calabria and past Salerno to our hotel in Sorrento where we’ll spend the next two nights. Tonight perhaps consider an Optional Experience to explore the famous culinary culture of Southern Italy.
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. This afternoon perhaps consider a drive along the famed Amalfi Coast to Positano, a true Mediterranean gem. You will have the evening at leisure to indulge in a little limoncello in one of Sorrento's many cafés.
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 this city was lost to the world, but its rediscovery in the 18th century revealed a time capsule of well-preserved ruins, providing insights into the day-to-day life of a Roman city centuries ago. Later, admire the dramatic coastline as we drive north from Pompeii to the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Head to the Vatican City and visit the Vatican Museums with works of art collected over the centuries, admire Michaelangelo's spectacular frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. This evening, Roman flavors and ancient ruins take center stage as you dine at Ristorante Pancrazio, built over the ruins of the first-century-BC Theater of Pompey. Indulge in a selection of signature Roman dishes handed down over four generations since 1922.
Rome was once the capital of the world and is a city with an irrepressible spirit. Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour including Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the magnificent Pietà inside St. Peter’s Basilica and marvel at the city's iconic and unexpected highlights. Head to Ancient Rome, where you’ll see Circus Maximus and experience an in-depth walking experience around the walls of the Colosseum. Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain on an Optional Experience discovering piazzas and fountains of Rome with a Local Specialist this afternoon. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city your way.
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.
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.
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. Tonight perhaps consider dinner in the famed Tuscan Hills.
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 historic streets. Later, journey north to Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic'.
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 Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners would have one last look at their beloved city before facing imprisonment. Next, witness the centuries-old craft of glassblowing. Your unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps keep alive this delicate tradition for which Venice is justifiably famous, and you’ll watch in awe as master craftsmen shape molten glass into the exquisite pieces that adorn homes all over the world.The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore more of the sights or consider an Optional Experience, navigating the city's elegant canals aboard a traditional gondola. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner and toast to shared memories that will linger long after the evening ends.
For now, it's a fond ciao Venezia as you say goodbye to new friends and prepare to depart for your journey home.
Price Includes
What's 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
- - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- - 6 Dinners (D)
- - 14 Breakfasts (B)
- Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for an introductory orientation of Palermo's highlights.
- 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.
- 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.
- Join a Local Specialist on a walk through elegant Capri to gain insight into the island's local culture and historic landmarks.
- Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
- Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums.
- Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you past the city's most iconic sites.
- Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a Local Specialist. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, and stand beside the Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
- Visit Vatican City and tour St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.
- 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.
- During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- 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.
- Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
- Join a family-owned lemon farm and enjoy a Be My Guest dinner overlooking Mount Etna.
- Learn about the history and ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.
Optional Experiences
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.
A Visit to Cefalù (Available on Day 2)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: €40 Hidden Palermo and Local Colorful Market (Available on Day 2)Your local specialist will take you for a stroll through the heart of Palermo with some hidden gems. This discovery will take you to the most exciting local market where you will taste some of the Palermitano street food.
Adult Price: €33 Sferracavallo with Dinner (Available on Day 2)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: €69 Colors and Traditions of Palermo (Available on Day 3)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: €33 Dinner in Castelmola (Available on Day 4)Climb by minibus to the heights of Castelmola, above Taormina, to enjoy a tasty Sicilian Dinner with local wine in a characteristic restaurant with some of the best views of this magical part of the island. Then enjoy a tasty Sicilian Dinner with wine.
Adult Price: €90 Sicilian Dinner and Entertainment (Available on Day 4)Join us for a fantastic Sicilian evening where we’ll enjoy a dinner of Southern Italian specialties with musical entertainment.
Adult Price: €80 Mt Etna, Savoca and The Godfather (Available on Day 5)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. (Footwear such as trainers or boots advised)
Adult Price: €61 Sorrento Countryside and Farmhouse Meal (Available on Day 6)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. Afterwards, 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: €59 Dinner Neapolitan Style (Available on Day 6)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: €74 Discover The Isle Of Capri (Available on Day 7)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 either the Villa San Michele or the Anacapri chairlift.
Adult Price: €52 Amalfi Coast and Positano (Available on Day 7)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: €66 Piazzas and Fountains (Available on Day 9)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, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Adult Price: €46 Roman Evening with Dinner (Available on Day 9)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: €71 Umbrian Countryside and Spello (Available on Day 10)Enjoy a drive through the charming Umbrian countryside to Spello, one of the treasures of the region. We'll explore this unspoilt medieval village with our Local Specialist, strolling through its narrow cobbled streets with ancient arches and its quaint houses, with their hanging flower pots. Spello, with its historic and cultural allure, is also a photographer’s paradise, with its enveloping Roman walls and stunning panoramas. An unforgettable experience.
Adult Price: €38 Wine Tasting and Sarzana Visit (Available on Day 11)Near the ancient Via Aurelia, we'll visit a winery to learn about vermentino grapes, the pride of Liguria. We'll taste several wines paired with local snacks and tour the 18th century country farmhouse. Then, we'll continue on to Sarzana, a small town on the old pilgrimage route of the Via Francigena, with a rich history and heritage.
Adult Price: €54 Sarzana Dinner and Drive (Available on Day 11)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: €73 Portofino Cruise and Aperitivo (Available on Day 11)By private boat we will cruise Portofino's bay. After some free time to explore this Mediterranean gem, we will enjoy a very special Italian aperitivo sitting in an exclusive cafè. Please note: during inclement weather minibuses will be used to visit Portofino.
Adult Price: €69 Dinner in the Tuscan Hills (Available on Day 12)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: €74 Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli (Available on Day 12)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: €74 Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks (Available on Day 13)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: €82 Venice's Secrets (Available on Day 14)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 discover tucked away squares and back streets local Venetians use to side-step the tourist throng and give you a sense of authentic life on the island of Venice.
Adult Price: €42 Gondolas & the Grand Canal (Available on Day 14)Join us for a breathtaking cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You'll admire the magnificent palazzi, 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: €85