Italian Roundabout and Sicily with Aeolian Islands (2025)

Jour 1

Welcome to Rome! Upon your arrival at the airport, we will be there to transfer you to your hotel. You will find all the details you need to meet your guide at the hotel on the information boards. In the late afternoon, we will provide a transfer to the Esquilino neighborhood, an excellent introduction to Rome with its grand basilicas and the Colosseum. Dinner will be included.

Jour 2

In the morning, we´ll begin with a panoramic tour that will introduce us to the “Eternal City.” This tour includes admission to the Imperial Forums, an impressive architectural complex of monumental buildings and squares that served as the center of political activity in ancient Rome. Afterward, we’ll go to St. Peter´s Basilica in the Vatican, where you´ll have free time. The afternoon will be at your leisure.

Jour 3

Free day. Today, we suggest an optional excursion to Naples, Capri, and Pompeii.

Jour 4

We’ll travel to Pisa, where we’ll take a train from the parking area to the monumental Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the famous Leaning Tower. You´ll have free time for lunch. Afterward, we’ll head to Santa Margherita Ligure, where we’ll take a boat to Portofino, one of the most exclusive destinations in Europe. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll along the waterfront and enjoy some leisure time. We’ll then continue to Genoa, a city whose downtown reflects its rich history as a powerful republic during the Middle Ages.Note: Occasionally, due to weather conditions, the boat to Portofino may not operate in winter. In such cases, additional free time will be provided in Santa Margherita. Alternatively, you can reach Portofino by public microbus (please keep in mind that the service can be limited, and there may be longer waiting times).

Jour 5

Today, we’ll discover one of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes: the Italian lakes nestled in the valleys of the Alps. We’ll travel to Lake Orta, where we’ll visit the medieval town of Orta San Giulio, known for its remarkably well-preserved architecture. Our visit includes a train ride to the center of this charming village and a boat trip to San Giulio Island, which is home to a monastery. Afterward, we’ll head to Milan, the main financial and economic hub of Italy. You’ll have free time to explore the downtown area, visit Milan´s renowned cathedral, and have lunch. We’ll then continue our journey through the Po Valley to Verona, where you’ll have free time for dinner.

Jour 6

In Verona, you’ll have free time to explore the city of Romeo and Juliet. We’ll then continue to Venice, with an expected arrival around noon. We’ll include a boat transfer to St. Mark’s Square, where a local guide will lead us on a walking tour through the city of canals. You’ll also have the opportunity to admire Murano glasswork. Enjoy free time for lunch and be sure to take a ride on one of the famous gondolas. We’ll be spending the night in the Mestre area or nearby.

Jour 7

After crossing the picturesque landscapes of the Apennines, we’ll arrive in Florence. Our first stop will be Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers a breathtaking view of the city. You´ll have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, we´ll include a guided tour of the city center with a local guide, seeing iconic sites like the Ponte Vecchio, Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria. This city is truly an open-air museum. Enjoy some additional free time to explore at your leisure.

Jour 8

We’ll travel to Siena, where we’ll have the chance to see the stunning Piazza del Campo and its beautiful cathedral. Next, we’ll head to Assisi for an included visit to the Basilica with a local guide or a Franciscan monk. Free time for lunch. Arrival in Rome in the evening.

Jour 9

At the time informed by the guide, we will make a transfer to the airport to catch a domestic flight included in your trip. On arrival at destination we will give you another hotel transfer. Your guide will contact you at the end of the afternoon or you can consult the information in your hotel reception. Note: remember that on domestic flights, the luggage normally allowed is one suitcase of up to 20 kg in the hold. Passengers must pay for all excess luggage directly to the airline.

Jour 10

We’ll leave Palermo and follow the scenic Tyrrhenian Sea coastline, taking in beautiful landscapes along the way. Our first stop will be Cefalù, a charming coastal town. Its Norman cathedral, renowned for its unique architecture and mosaics, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic center is a delightful mix of narrow streets, sea views, and commercial and tourist life. After some time for lunch, we’ll head inland to Castelbuono, a little picturesque mountain town that captures the tranquility of Sicily’s interior with its ancient walls, castle, and charming central streets. Next, we’ll return to the coast and visit Tindari, where the Sanctuary of Tindari stands atop a mountain, offering breathtaking views of the sea. This famous pilgrimage site is home to the Black Madonna. Nearby, you’ll find the ruins of an ancient Greek polis. Our journey will conclude in Milazzo, a lively port city overlooking the volcanic Aeolian Islands.

Jour 11

Prepare for a day full of excitement as we explore two islands in the Aeolian archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ongoing volcanic activity. We’ll take a ferry to Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands and the most charming town in the archipelago, with its historic center, castle, and vibrant tourist life. After lunch and some leisure time to explore, we’ll board another ferry for a short 30-minute trip to Vulcano. Next, we’ll take a short ferry ride, less than 30 minutes, to Vulcano, where you’ll immediately notice the distinct smell of sulfur from the island’s active fumaroles. Vulcano is dominated by its crater and known for its unique hot water beaches. We highly recommend experiencing the sulfurous hot springs— the mud is said to be very beneficial for the skin. This is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss. Afterward, we’ll take a ferry back to Milazzo (just over an hour’s journey) and continue to Taormina, arriving by the end of the day.Note: During the summer or on special dates, accommodation may be arranged in Messina instead of Taormina.

Jour 12

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.

Jour 13

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.

Jour 14

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.

Jour 15

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.