17 Days | Explore the magical heart of the Mediterranean and discover the treasures of Tuscany
Make your way to the heart of the Mediterranean to discover the wonders of Sicily before embarking on an adventure from iconic Rome to Venice. This trip combines culture, cuisine and natural beauty to unveil the best of Italy. From visiting a nobleman at his home in Rome during an exclusive tour to driving up the flank of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, this trip goes the extra mile to deliver experiences that go beyond the guidebooks. So, get ready to tuck into delicious Italian eats, explore iconic sites and brush up on your ancient history during this 17-day premium adventure.
Trip overview
- Start
- Palermo, Italy
- Finish
- Venice, Italy
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Italy
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Premium
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- ZMPLC
- Visit the home of a Roman nobleman during an Exclusive Experience. Your aristocratic host will show you around the opulent interiors and explain the rich history of the residence, before sitting down for lunch in his dining room.
- Get a taste for Italy’s incredible cuisine and viticulture during a trip to celebrated wine-growing region, San Gimignano, plus enjoy a traditional cooking class in Palermo, a genovesi tasting in Erice and mouth-watering cheese and chocolate tastings (yes, please) on your way to Siracusa
- Stay in awe-inspiring accommodation nestled in the rolling vineyards of Tuscany and in the Sicilian countryside.
- Discover Palermo’s most symbolic places of rebellion and meet the local people who are taking a stance against the Mafia on an Anti-Mafia Movement tour.
- Discover incredible landscapes across Sicily including Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna, as you walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave.
- Summer temperatures can be extreme in this region (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
- During your trip you will visit numerous religious sites. You will need to bring clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. A light scarf is a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot. Your leader will be able to advise when such clothing is necessary.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
Itinerary
Inclusions
15 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners
Private vehicle, train, flight
Comfortable Hotel (12 nights), Feature Stay (4 nights)
- Arrival airport transfer
- Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
- Luggage transfer
- Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
- 24/7 on-ground support
- Palermo -Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Palermo - Welcome Meeting
- Palermo - Welcome Dinner
- Palermo - Anti-Mafia Tour
- Palermo - Sicilian Cooking Class
- Erice - Town Visit
- Erice - Genovesi Tasting
- Erice - Cable Car
- Mazara del Vallo - Kasbah Visit
- Scala dei Turchi - Visit
- Agrigento - Guided visit Valley of the Temples
- Modica - Visit and Chocolate Tasting
- Noto - Guided Walk
- Siracusa - Ortigia Orientation Walk
- Catania - Mount Etna Visit
- Taormina - Guided Walk
- Taormina - Greek Theatre Admission
- Rome - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Rome – Coffee Granita (Coffee semi-frozen dessert)
- Rome – Guided walking tour
- Rome – Nobleman’s home visit and lunch (Exclusive Experience)
- Siena - Orientation Walk
- Monteriggioni - Orientation Walk
- Chianti Region - Gourmet Dinner
- San Gimignano - Agriturismo Winery Tour & Tasting
- Florence - Orientation Walk
- Pisa - Pisa Visit & Orientation walk
- Lucca - City Walls & Orientation Walk
- Florence - Galleria dell ’Accademia admission
- Florence – Highlights of Florence Guided walk
- Venice -Traghetto boat ride
- Venice - Farewell Dinner at Local Restaurant
- Venice - Academy of Music Visit
- Vatican City - Vatican Museum - EUR22
- Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR10
- Rome - Venezia Palace - EUR17
- Rome - Galleria Borghese - EUR16
- Rome - Pantheon - EUR5
- Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR14
- Rome - Christian Catacombs - EUR10
- Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR6
- Rome – Colosseum - EUR18
- Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa - EUR27
- Florence - Museo dell'Opera di S.Maria del Fiore - EUR15
- Florence - Pitti Palace (Boboli Gardens, Museo Argenti, Costume Gallery, Porcellain Museum) - EUR15
- Florence - Bargello Museum - EUR14
- Florence - Palazzo Vecchio - EUR12
- Florence - Uffizi Gallery - EUR24
- Florence - Medici Chapels - EUR17
- Florence - Baptistry - EUR10
- Florence - Duomo & Campanile - EUR15
- Florence - Accademia - EUR17
- Venice - Museum of St Mark's Basilica - EUR5
- Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
- Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
- Venice - Glass Museum Murano - EUR11
- Venice - Ca' Rezzonico Museum of Eighteenth Century Art - EUR11
- Venice - Scuola Grande di San Rocco - EUR14
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection - EUR17
- Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
- Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti - EUR15
- Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
- Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. The flight from Barcelona to Lisbon has a 20kg checked luggage allowance, plus a personal item (i.e. handbag or small bad) which can be taken into the cabin.
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