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Bongiorno! Welcome to Sicily. When you arrive in Palermo, you’ll be met by a local representative for a complimentary airport transfer into the city. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your fellow travellers and local leader. If you arrive early, you might like to get acquainted with the sights and sounds of the old heart of Palermo. Explore the main monuments like the uniquely styled cathedral, or cafe-hop to try the best of Sicily’s sweets. After your meeting tonight, you'll head out for dinner as a group and get to know Palermo’s beloved cuisine at a great local restaurant.

Sicily's unique cuisine sees Spanish, Greek and Arab influences and is known all over the world. Delve deeper into the culture during a hands-on cooking class today. Learn how to create delicious Sicilian dishes with the help of a local chef. As locally sourced products are used in the preparation of these dishes, the menu may differ depending on seasonality and market availability, but whatever you make, you’ll tuck into for lunch. This afternoon, join a walking tour with your local leader and uncover symbolic places of rebellion and anti-mafia racketeering like the Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria and Beati Paoli Square. You’ll personally meet local shop owners who have had the courage to denounce their extortionists and follow the ethical consumer campaign ‘Pago chi non paga’ – a campaign promoted to support those that rebel against the Mafia.

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to beautiful Palermo and head towards the small town of Erice. Located more than 750 m above sea level, this beautifully preserved medieval town showcases architectural styles from its varied history. When you arrive, you’ll head to a special Genovesi (traditional Sicilian pastries filled with custard or ricotta cream) tasting. After, continue south towards Marsala – a coastal town where you’ll be staying tonight. Famous for its sweet dessert wines, you might like to use your free evening to go out and enjoy a sip (or two) or, you can simply stroll the marble paved streets as the sun sets.

This morning, head east as you stop in the old port of Mazara del Vallo. It’s here that some of the Arab influences in Sicily are most clearly visible. As you stroll through the kasbah (Arab Quarter) you’ll witness the artistic and cultural enrichment brought on by the arrival of Tunisian families in the 70s. Wander the winding lanes and alleyways lined with colourful murals, then continue to Agrigento, stopping at Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks) on the way – this coastline with its white marble cliffs offered protection from the severe winds for the pirates that roamed these waters. Finally, make your way to Agrigento, where you’ll stay in a boutique hotel built in the 13th century and share a meal with your fellow travellers.

This morning after breakfast, travel to the nearby Valley of the Temples. One of the largest archaeological sites in the world, this is where the ancient city of Akragas once stood. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. Along the way, enjoy views of the landscape and Mediterranean Sea. Return to Agrigento and enjoy a free afternoon. Maybe head to Agrigento's Old Town and wander the narrow alleyways and courtyards or find a local cafe, grab a panino and sit and watch the world go by.

Today, say goodbye to Agrigento and hit the road to Siracusa. Along the way, you’ll stop in Ragusa – one of the most scenic towns in all of Sicily. Explore the town and then continue to Modica, which is particularly famous for its chocolate. After tasting some of the local produce, continue to Noto and get acquainted with the city on a guided walking tour. Lesser-known Noto has recently gained a reputation as an architectural jewel and its limestone structures sparkle on a sunlit afternoon. Finally, arrive in Siracusa, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

This morning, head out on an orientation walk through Ortigia – a small island just adjacent to the main town of Siracusa. Wandering the narrow streets and laneways will reveal ancient ruins, fountains and trattorias. In the afternoon, head to the Neapolis Archaeological Site with your local guide. Uncover the crumbling ruins of the ancient Greek and Roman town, from the Greek theatre to the Roman amphitheatre and ancient stone quarries. Covering an area of 35 hectares, there’s plenty of land to explore and plenty of history to learn.

Today, come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano on a daytrip up Mt Etna. At an altitude of approximately 2000 m, you’ll walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave that can be explored with helmets and torches. Walk among the cold lava streams of Piano Provenzana – a former ski resort that has been destroyed during the last big eruption of 2002. After exploring this fiery natural wonder, continue to Catania. The city has a unique energy – an interesting blend of young and old. On one hand, there’s a gritty bar culture that fuels the nightlife scene, and on the other hand, there’s the Late Baroque towns – the UNESCO World Heritage site, Val di Noto. This afternoon, you’ll get the opportunity to explore both sides of the city by wandering through its grand piazzas and wide roads.

After breakfast today, take a day trip to the city of Taormina. Start things off with a guided walk, where you’ll notice Greek influence in the architecture. Walk through the back streets, gardens and the world-famous Greek theatre and cathedral. The afternoon is free, so there's plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Have a drink in the Mediterranean sun or dig into some traditional Sicilian pasta before heading back for your final night in Catania. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with your newfound travel friends and group leader.

Catch an unescorted flight to the coastal city of Bari to begin the next stage of your Italian adventure in Puglia. When you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You’ll then have another welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your new local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not wander the maze-like Old Town or see the 11th-century Basilica di San Nicola – a key pilgrimage site that holds some of St. Nicholas’ remains. You could also pop into a local cornetteria for a decadent Italian croissant. After your meeting, get to know your new group over an included dinner, where your local leader will introduce you to Puglia’s cuisine.

Leave the coastline behind as you travel inland by private vehicle to the little town of Alberobello. Set among a tranquil landscape of olive groves, the town is famed for its unique beehive-shaped trulli; dwellings built from limestone in the 14th century. While the origins of the buildings are unclear, one theory suggests the houses were created to be easily dismantled in a feudal tax-evasion scheme. Whatever their purpose, the buildings truly are a sight to behold and make the Apulia region unlike anywhere else in the world. Join a local guide for an insider’s look at the town, wandering through the old town quarter of Rione Monti, dotted with thousands of trulli, and Rione Aia Piccola, where trulli still serve as family homes. Your guide will point out the different shapes of spires and the religious and mystic symbols adorning the roofs. Finally, stand in awe of the Church de Sant’Antonio, a huge cathedral built in the trulli style. Return to Polignano a Mare for the afternoon at leisure – your leader will have tips on the best places to grab dinner tonight.

This morning visit a local olive oil producer on a farm that has been active since Roman times. Here you’ll learn how production techniques have changed over the centuries, taste some of the olive oil for yourself, and enjoy an included lunch of regional favourites. Then you will visit the small city of Ostuni and explore its whitewashed streets flanked with Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine buildings. From here, travel to the quiet town of Nardo and join an expert local guide for a walking tour through this charming old town where there are more than a dozen grand palazzos, as well as Piazza Salandra, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful baroque squares in the whole of southern Italy. Tonight, you’ll settle into your Feature Stay accommodation, three 13th century Baronial Palaces, once home to aristocracy from the Kingdom of Naples, which have been converted into a spectacular hotel by a local architect. Spend the evening exploring the palaces and grounds which feature artwork and sculptures by local artists. In Palazzo Mignano you will find an excellent on-site restaurant offering Salento dishes and the panoramic view from the terrace.

Before breakfast, you may like to take a walk through your Feature Stay’s historic ‘secret garden’ where it seems as if figures from days gone by could walk around the corner at any minute. Today head to the beautiful city of Lecce. With its ornate baroque buildings, lively university and ancient Roman ruins, Lecce’s narrow streets are a delight to explore. Let a local guide show you hidden corners and share the city’s history with you this morning, You will also have some free time to explore this historic city on your own before heading back to Nardo. Later this afternoon, perhaps head to the beach, which is only 15 minutes away, or join a pasta making or wine tasting class at your hotel.

Enjoy a final morning at your Feature Stay hotel, sitting back with a coffee and soaking up the scenery. Then it’s time to say goodbye and travel on to Matera, an ancient city perched on a rocky outcrop. Along the way stop at a local winery for some wine tasting and lunch before continuing onto Matera. Matera is believed to be the third-longest continuously inhabited human settlement in the world. You’ll be exploring the city’s famous sassi houses in depth tomorrow, so this evening why not take a walk around Matera to discover its churches, traditional restaurants and thousands of years of human history.

Today you will dive into Matera’s incredible old town, made famous by sassi; more than 3000 stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs, some dating back as far as the 8th century. Join a local guide who will lead you through a labyrinth of staircases and alleyways that cut their way through limestone ravines, dipping in and out of ancient sassi houses as you go. Up until the late 1950s, the sassi were considered the ‘Shame of Italy’ due to the gruelling living conditions and poverty suffered by those who lived here – a result of the city’s rapid population growth. The Italian government intervened, and 15,000 inhabitants were forcibly relocated. Today, the sassi are undergoing extensive restoration, with some dwellings featuring exhibits that recreate inhabited caves. You’ll also pay a visit to an ancient underground neighbourhood, made up of houses, streets. cisterns, and churches.

Begin the day by driving to the storied town of Pompeii, home to one of Europe’s most well-known archaeological sites – the ruins of Pompeii, caused by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. Today you will join a local guide to discover the remains of this once thriving Roman trading centre. After the eruption, the city was covered in a layer of ash and remained undisturbed until the 18th century, when the ruins were rediscovered. Walk among well-preserved villas, temples, theatres, markets and chariot-marked streets as your expert guide helps you to imagine what life here once looked like. You can also visit the Roman Forum and basilica, temples, public baths, and the tiny Odeon created for music recitals. Later in the day, travel to the buzzing city of Naples where you will join your group for a final dinner and a chance to look back on all you’ve seen on your journey.

This morning, you will catch a train to Italy's iconic capital city, Rome. If you arrive early maybe grab an espresso and hit the streets. This portion of your adventure begins with a meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your new local leader and fellow travellers. When the formalities are out of the way, get your first taste of Italy with an included dinner at a local restaurant.

From ancient monuments to romantic restaurants, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today, join a private guide for a trip to the Spanish steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona before reaching Campo de Fiori, where a local fresh produce market has been held since 1869. Join your leader for a quick stop at a local bar for a granita (an iced Italian espresso), then visit a local aristocrat in his home close to the Campo de Fiori. Much of the apartment is still in its original state, including the painted ceiling. Chat with the owner before sitting down for an included lunch in the dining room. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe follow in the footsteps of gladiators and Roman emperors with a visit to the iconic Colosseum – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Today you’ll take a private vehicle to the city of Siena, where your leader will show you the most interesting sights on an orientation walk. At the city’s heart is Piazza del Campo – home to the biannual Palio horse race and nearby the Siena Cathedral. Next, visit Monteriggioni – a medieval walled town with over a dozen towers once used to defend Sienese territory from the Florentines. You’ll have time to explore this tiny hilltop spot before arriving at your Feature Stay accommodation near San Gimignano. This country hotel with views of a tree-studded landscape geatures an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant. Tonight, indulge in an included gourmet dinner made with local ingredients that pays homage to traditional Tuscan dishes, with a modern twist.

Start the day with a visit to San Gimignano – the 'Town of Fine Towers'. Explore the medieval Old Town centre and its Gothic and Romanesque architecture with your leader. This region is also renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Your group will visit a local agriturismo, where you’ll explore the vineyards and sample some of their celebrated wine, before enjoying an included lunch featuring regional cheese, fine olive oil and bruschetta. Return to your Feature Stay accommodation for another delicious dinner.

Today you’ll visit Pisa. It’s not always possible to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa due to its precarious state, but as your leader shares the history of this legendary building, you’ll have the opportunity to take a photo from the ground. Your next stop is historic Lucca – one of Italy’s most beautiful but underrated cities – where you’ll take a short walk along the city’s beautifully preserved Renaissance walls. From here you’ll take the short journey to Florence where the evening is yours to walk the cobbled streets, eat gelato and soak up the unmistakenly Tuscan atmosphere.

This morning, join a private guided walk of Florence, including a visit to the Galleria dell‘Accademia – an art museum renowned for its collection of sculptures, including the iconic statue of David by Michelangelo. You then have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Visiting the Uffizi is highly recommended as it’s one of the oldest galleries in the world. Maybe head to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of Florence’s timeless skyline and sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany, with dishes known for their freshness, simplicity and quality. Olive oil, beans and herbs are a feature here.

In the morning, head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get acquainted with the city’s maze of canals and learn about its unique history. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. The Grand Canal, the shopfronts that line the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco are all worthy sights to visit, or you can simply meander around the tiny, cobbled streets and discover the local markets, cafes, galleries and churches. A Venetian gondola ride down the canals is a must, as is a taste of the region’s dessert speciality – tiramisu. Later in the evening, join your leader for a Venetian dinner.

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent to arrange additional accommodation.