Viva Italia y Sicilia fin Palermo (2024)

Day 1

Welcome to your tour with Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.

Day 2

Today, we’ll go on a panoramic tour of the capital of Italy and one of the oldest and most influential cities in Western civilization. We’ll see the Colosseum, the Roman Forums, the squares and fountains of the center, and experience the vibrant life of the city. We’ll finish in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, an independent state within the city of Rome and the center of the Catholic Church. You can visit the basilica and the museums.In the evening, we’ll include a transfer to Trastevere, a lively neighborhood known for its traditional little restaurants.

Day 3

Free day to continue exploring the city.

Day 4

Today we’ll embark on an enchanting journey through the beautiful region of Umbria. Our first stop will be Orvieto, a medieval city majestically set atop a flat summit. Before entering the city, we’ll pause to admire the breathtaking views from its viewpoint. We’ll then take the cable car (included) to the medieval center, where we’ll marvel at the cathedral, a stunning masterpiece of Italian Gothic art. The city also boasts a network of underground tunnels, once used as shelters and water reserves during times of war. Next, we’ll travel to Castiglione del Lago, nestled on the banks of Lake Trasimeno. Here, we’ll have time for a leisurely stroll and lunch. After lunch, our journey will continue to Siena, renowned for its famous Piazza del Campo and the impressive Duomo. We’ll spend the afternoon in Siena.

Day 5

We’ll leave Siena and make a stop at Monteriggioni, a magical medieval village with cobbled streets, ancient walls, and quaint little shops. Afterward, we’ll continue to San Gimignano, a charming little city with tall medieval towers. After lunch, we’ll travel to Florence, the capital of Tuscany, arriving in the early afternoon. We recommend an afternoon visit to the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Gallery (both closed on Mondays).

Day 6

After capturing a photo at the Michelangelo viewpoint, where we’ll enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of the city, we’ll embark on a guided tour of the capital of Tuscany, one of the most visited cities in the country. This city, known as the cradle of the Renaissance, has inspired some of the most influential artists and thinkers in history, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. We’ll marvel at the Gothic Cathedral (Duomo di Firenze), the ancient stone bridge (Ponte Vecchio) with its goldsmith stores, and Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city with the town hall in a medieval building. Free time will follow the tour.

Day 7

Today, we’ll travel to Pisa. A little tourist train will take us to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), home of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. After this, we’ll head to the Ligurian Riviera, renowned for some of the prettiest coastlines in Europe. We’ll visit the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area comprises five villages, almost isolated by road, which live on fishing and tourism. We’ll arrive by train, tickets included, to one of its charming towns (normally Vernazza, but on busy tourist dates, it could be Manarola or Corniglia, very similar towns that are somewhat less crowded). We’ll have time for lunch. Afterwards, we’ll travel by train to Levanto, where we’ll take the bus to continue to Genoa. Its center reminds us that it was a thriving republic in the Middle Ages.Note: The train to Cinque Terre is a regular commuter service, not a tourist train. During peak tourism times, there can be long waits as trains may be full, and seat reservations are not available. In some cases, the journey might be done standing. If this happens, we recommend walking to the monumental site, which is approximately 900 meters away.

Day 8

We’ll continue our journey to the nearby city of Santa Margherita Ligure, where we’ll embark for Portofino, one of the most exclusive places in Europe. Enjoy a stroll by the sea and time at leisure. After lunch, we’ll continue to Milan, the busy northern city where we recommend a visit to the cathedral.Note: During winter, weather conditions may prevent the boat to Portofino from operating. In such cases, we’ll spend more time in Santa Margherita. If you wish, you can take an urban minibus to Portofino (service quality may be poor, with long waits).

Day 9

Today we’ll see one of the most beautiful scenic areas in Europe, the region of the Italian Lakes. First, we’ll travel to Lake Orta in Orta San Giulio, a well-preserved medieval city. We’ll take a train ride to reach the medieval center of the town and then a boat to the Island of San Giulio, a little island on the lake with a monastery. After this, we’ll go on to Lake Maggiore, making a stop in Stresa, where we’ll have the option to visit the Borromean Islands. The highlight is Isola Bella, featuring its gardens and palace (closed in the winter). We´ll have some time for lunch and then we’ll head to Verona.Note: During the winter months, the Orta train does not operate. If that is the case, you can access the medieval town by walking approximately 800 meters from the bus parking lot.

Day 10

We’ll have time to explore Verona, the enchanting city of Romeo and Juliet, before departing for Venice, arriving around 01:00 p.m. A delightful boat trip to St. Mark’s Square is included, followed by a guided walking tour of the City of Canals, including a visit to see Murano glasswork. Afterwards, enjoy some leisure time—perhaps a gondola ride? Accommodation will be in the Mestre district.

Day 11

We’ll embark on our journey to Padua, a revered destination for many pilgrims, where we’ll visit the magnificent Saint’s Basilica. Our adventure will continue to the stunning Adriatic coast, bringing us to San Marino, a charming independent country perched atop a fortified mountain. After lunch, we’ll traverse the picturesque Apennines, soaking in the breathtaking mountain scenery as we head to Gubbio, a beautifully preserved town known for the impressive Palace of Consuls and the 12th-century cathedral. Finally, we’ll arrive in the enchanting city of Perugia.

Day 12

We’ll embark on a panoramic tour of the historic city of Perugia, famously known as the city of chocolate. Ascending to the city on its escalators that traverse the rocky hills, we’ll be captivated by its charming squares and cobblestone streets. Afterwards, we’ll head to Assisi, where we’ll have time for lunch and a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our journey south (sometimes stopping in Rome to drop off passengers). We’ll arrive in Naples in the evening.

Day 13

We’ll have free time to explore Naples before boarding a boat for a trip to the Island of Capri, where you can choose to take a boat to Grotta Bianca or the funicular to Capri city. After lunch, we’ll reboard and head to Sorrento, a charming tourist town nestled at the base of a cliff, where you’ll have free time to wander. Our journey will then take us to the Gulf of Salerno, where we’ll stay in the city of Salerno.

Day 14

We’ll journey to the south of “the boot”, marveling at the stunning southern Italian scenery as we cross the Cilento National Park. We’ll arrive in Paola, located on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, where we’ll visit the Sanctuary of St. Francis of Paola and enjoy free time for lunch in its charming historic center. Our adventure will continue to Villa San Giovanni for a short ferry crossing to the island of Sicily. In Messina, we’ll have time for a leisurely near the cathedral before heading to Taormina.Note: Accommodation will normally be in the region of Taormina, but on certain dates it may be in Messina.

Day 15

At the foot of Mount Etna lies the enchanting city of Taormina, once described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. You´ll have time to explore the lively historic quarter, with its Greek theater dominating the mesmerizing landscape. You can also relax on the beach. Lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 16

We’ll journey to Syracuse, a city that once rivaled Athens and Rome in power and splendor. You’ll have time to explore its magnificent historic center and have lunch. Then, we’ll head to Noto, a charming city frozen in time, renowned as the Baroque jewel of Sicily. After, we’ll continue to Agrigento, where we’ll admire the stunning Valley of the Temples from the coach. Dinner will be included.

Day 17

We’ll visit the Valley of the Temples with a local guide, an impressive archaeological site known as the most complete complex of Greek temples (admission included). Then, we’ll travel to Marsala, a historic city renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and famous wine, where we’ll have time for lunch. Our journey will continue around the scenic Marsala salt pans to Erice, a charming Phoenician town overlooking the sea, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Finally, we’ll head to Palermo. Dinner will be included.

Day 18

After breakfast, we’ll visit Palermo, including a transfer to the beautiful village of Monreale, now part of the city outskirts, and home to an architectural complex that is a World Heritage Site. The Sicilian capital is a city full of contrasts, with rich histories of Arabs, Normans, and Baroque splendor. Highlights include the Cathedral (admission included) and the Royal Palace with its Palatine Chapel.Our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful and lasting memories.Please, check the time of your flight in case you might need an additional night.