Grand Italy & Sicily - Classic Group
Tour Type: Regional
Brochure Type Europe & Britain Premium 2025 v1
Art, food, and scenery combine in this 17-day guided tour through Italy. Revel in Renaissance artwork housed in the Vatican Museums and gaze at Michelangelo's famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. See Rome's iconic Colosseum as a Local Expert shares its history. In coastal Cinque Terre, stop in two fishing villages and cruise the rugged Ligurian coast, admiring the colorful homes perched on the cliffs. See statues of Neptune, Hercules and Cacus, and feast on a steak dinner and local wine in Florence. In Sorrento, meet a Local Expert for a cruise to Capri, where you take an open-top taxi to Capri town for an unapparelled view of the Mediterranean Sea. In the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, meet a restaurateur who will share his farm-to-table philosophy and serve you freshly made orecchiette pasta.
Additional Included Highlights
Brochure Type Europe & Britain Premium 2025 v1
Art, food, and scenery combine in this 17-day guided tour through Italy. Revel in Renaissance artwork housed in the Vatican Museums and gaze at Michelangelo's famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. See Rome's iconic Colosseum as a Local Expert shares its history. In coastal Cinque Terre, stop in two fishing villages and cruise the rugged Ligurian coast, admiring the colorful homes perched on the cliffs. See statues of Neptune, Hercules and Cacus, and feast on a steak dinner and local wine in Florence. In Sorrento, meet a Local Expert for a cruise to Capri, where you take an open-top taxi to Capri town for an unapparelled view of the Mediterranean Sea. In the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, meet a restaurateur who will share his farm-to-table philosophy and serve you freshly made orecchiette pasta.
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, y
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Rome Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers at a uniquely Roman local restaurant.
- Alberobello After embracing the town as its natives do, you are welcomed into the home of a local for a freshly prepared meal, typical of the region. Dine with the family and learn more about their life.
- Palermo At a local restaurant, enjoy fresh, rustic dishes served with local wine at your Celebration Dinner.
- Florence Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed.
- Florence Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Florence Take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce and immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita of Florence while you enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe.
- 16 Breakfast (B)
- 8 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- Rome Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica's simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior
- Venice Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblow
- Alberobello Led by a Local Expert, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the Trulli of Alberobello. Circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within, built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar.
- Lake Maggiore Step out with your Travel Director to experience the charming traditional social ritual of la passeggiata. All across Italy, in cities, towns and villages people leave their houses to gently walk streets, from babies in strollers to the mos
- Pompeii Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
- Venice With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
- Taormina During your orientation with your Travel Director, visit the courtyard of Palazzo Corvaja, seat of the first Sicilian parliament, and stroll along Corso Umberto to Piazza IX Aprile.
- Taormina Visit the ancient Greek Ampitheatre with your Local Expert. Set on a cliff, open to the sky, take your seats and enjoy the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna.
- Florence Take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce and immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita of Florence while you enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe.
- Portofino Visit this elegant fishing village and admire the colored houses and yachts moored in the harbor.
- Rome Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a passionate local. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, and stand beside the Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
- Capri Cruise by jetfoil to this famous isle through beautiful blue Mediterranean waters to meet your Local Expert.
- Capri Explore Capri town with your Local Expert and see the whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, small cafes, fashionable boutiques and artisans studios.
- Pisa Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th century cathedral and of course, the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
- Venice Delight in the magic of this charming city as you are serenaded, traveling through the atmospheric canals by gondola.
- Alberobello Led by your Travel Director, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the Trulli of Alberobello. Circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within, built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar.
- Capri Relax and enjoy the views as you are driven in an iconic open-top taxi.
- Florence Join a Local Expert 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. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the
- Messina Cross the Straights of Messina to Sicily by ferry.
- Matera With your Local Expert explore this town that Mel Gibson chose as the setting for his film 'The Passion of the Christ.'
- Palermo Discover the Sicilian capital with your Local Expert. See Pretoria Square and the 16th century fountain. View the composite architectural styles of the Palermo Cathedral and visit the Cathedral of Monreale.
- Sorrento Perched upon the cliffs, lookout to see the mighty Mount Vesuvius across the Bay of Naples.
- Cinque Terre Led by your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site with dedicated time to explore two of the five charming fishing villages.
- Florence Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical
Call 410-638-5822 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18545691
- Tour Operator
- Insight Vacations
- Duration
- 17 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Rome | Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome: Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Settle in before joining your Travel Director for a private visit for Insight Vacations guests to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. Gaze in awe at the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics, illuminated for this evening's experience, and see the first sculpture by Bernini. End the day getting to know your fellow travelers over Roman specialties during a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant. Accommodations: Hotel St. Martin, Rome. |
| Day 2 | Vatican | Vatican City and Rome with a Local: Your day is devoted to the Eternal City. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth visit to the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art treasures collected by the Popes. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Continue to St. Peter's Basilica to wonder at another of his works, the emotive ?Pietà,' and stand beneath the dome completed after his death. Cross the Tiber River to enjoy ancient Rome to see the incredible Circus Maximus. Admire the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine, walking on the ancient pavement. Discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum as you stroll around the exterior of this amazing structure. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon, the stunning piazzas and fountains of Rome. Accommodations: Hotel St. Martin, Rome. |
| Day 3 | Santa Margherita Ligure | Pisa and Santa Margherita Ligure: Enjoy a delightful drive to Pisa through rolling countryside dotted with cypress trees, passing vineyards and olive groves. With a Local Expert, view the incredible Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. See the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble. Your journey continues to the pretty seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure. Accommodations: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure. |
| Day 4 | Portofino | The Charms of the Cinque Terre: Head to the famous Cinque Terre, which translates to Five Lands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on a gorgeously wild yet hospitable part of the coastline. With a Local Expert, approach one of the fishing villages by boat (weather permitting). In Monterosso, spend some time exploring the medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach before continuing to the village of Portofino, famed for its colorful houses. Browse the boutiques and stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbor. Then cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to your hotel in the resort of Santa Margherita. Accommodations: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure. |
| Day 5 | Lake Maggiore | Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start: Head north to beautiful Lake Maggiore in the Italian Lakes District and the town of Baveno, noted for its narrow cobbled streets and charming 16th century square. On arrival, settle into your hotel and take in the magical scenery. In the afternoon, why not join an optional cruise to Isola Bella to explore the palace and admire the stunning and immaculate Italian style gardens. Accommodations: Hotel Simplon, Baveno. |
| Day 6 | Venice | Onto Venice Relaxed Start: Your travels continue past the Soave vineyards, the City of Padua and on to the canals of Venice. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner with your traveling companions. Accommodations: Hotel Amadeus |
| Day 7 | Venice | Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima Relaxed Start: Cruise by private boat past historic churches and 13th-century palaces to arrive close to St Mark's Square. Stroll along the waterfront past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace. It was from here Casanova made his daring escape. Turn the corner into St Mark's Square and admire the basilica. Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience during a visit to the island of Murano. See how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. Accommodations: Hotel Amadeus |
| Day 8 | Florence | A Scenic Journey to Florence: Bid farewell to Venice and begin your journey to Renaissance Florence. Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo's David. After, continue on foot to admire the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue into the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local caffè, where you will be in the perfect spot to admire the basilica, indulge in people-watching the elegant Florentines and pamper yourself shopping for luxury goods like gold and leather.Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed. Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli. |
| Day 9 | Florence | Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance Relaxed Start: Start the day with a traditional Florentine leather-work demonstration, then there is plenty of time to shop with the rest of the day at your leisure. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to explore the hilltop town of San Gimignano? Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli. |
| Day 10 | Sorrento | Ill-fated Pompeii and on to Sorrento: Journey south through the volcanic hills of Frascati to Pompeii, which was buried in A.D. 79 by Mount Vesuvius' catastrophic eruption. Walk with a Local Expert through the preserved cobbled streets for a glimpse into the daily life of civilization during the Roman Empire. Follow the clifftop road to the resort town of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples. Accommodations: Hotel Isabella, Sorrento. |
| Day 11 | Capri | Capri, the Isle of Dreams: Meet your Local Expert and cross the Bay of Naples to reach the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean! For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Tiberius Caesar to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town. Explore the narrow alleyways and descend to the port by funicular railway for the return to Sorrento. Later, perhaps explore the Amalfi Coast? Accommodations: Hotel Isabella, Sorrento. |
| Day 12 | Alberobello | Sassi di Matera and Alberobello: After breakfast, discover two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. First, visit Matera for an in-depth guided exploration of the extraordinary Sassi, ancient troglodyte dwellings and churches dug out of the rock. These are the most extensive example of their kind in the Mediterranean and were inhabited by about 20,000 people up until 1950. Matera was also used as the setting for the film 'The Passion of the Christ'. Continue to Alberobello, the second UNESCO World Heritage Site and your home for the next two nights. Accommodations: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello. |
| Day 13 | Alberobello | The Trulli of Alberobello Relaxed Start: Admire another of Italy's record number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a Local Expert. The Trulli of Alberobello are circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within. They are built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar. In the evening, delight at the freshly prepared Farm to Table dinner. Enjoy a typical meal and learn about life in the region through the local food. Accommodations: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello. |
| Day 14 | Taormina | Sicily and the Taormina Riviera: The local roads will take you south, following the shores of the Gulf of Taranto to the mountainous Calabria region. Travel along the Purple Coast to the very 'toe' of Italy and board your ferry bound for Sicily. According to ancient legend, it was here at the Straits of Messina where the twin whirlpools of Scylla and Charybdis carried unwary seafarers away to their doom! After disembarking, continue to the Taormina Riviera. Accommodations: Hellenia Yachting Hotel & SPA |
| Day 15 | Taormina | Taormina and the Dawn Coast of Europe Relaxed Start: Join a Local Expert for a visit to the Greek Theater, graced with the most spectacular of backdrops. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Mt. Etna? Accommodations: Hellenia Yachting Hotel & SPA |
| Day 16 | Palermo | Palermo, Capital of Sicily: Head to the Sicilian capital of Palermo. On arrival, your Local Expert will show you the highlights of the capital. Palermo Cathedral has been altered over the years and a venture inside will help you to appreciate the composite architectural styles. Next, head to the amazing Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Normans. With the outside completely covered in glittering 12th century mosaics, it provides an insight to what's within.Join your traveling companions and Travel Director at a local restaurant for an unforgettable Celebration Dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine. Accommodations: NH Palermo. |
| Day 17 | Palermo | Depart Palermo: Your journey draws to an end. Departure transfers arrive at Palermo Falcone??Borsellino Airport at 06:00 and 08:00. Accommodations: |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
