Italian Wonders Rome to Palermo Expedition
Starting in Rome and ending in Palermo, this 18–day journey blends Italy’s icons with Sicilian soul. You’ll explore Rome’s ancient highlights and the Vatican, then drift through Tuscany’s medieval gems and Florence’s Renaissance treasures – plus Pisa’s Leaning Tower and the pastel villages of the Cinque Terre. Expect to see Portofino by boat, Milan’s stylish centre and the Italian Lakes – Orta, Maggiore and the Borromean Isles. In Venice, wander St Mark’s and watch Murano glassmaking. Fly south for Sicily’s big hitters – Palermo and Monreale’s mosaics, Cefalù, the Aeolian islands of Vulcano and Lipari, Taormina with Etna views, Syracuse, Agrigento’s temples and the Marsala salt pans to Erice.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
18 daysHotel Rating
4 star hotelsStarts
RomeEnds
PalermoMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Italy that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Country
ItalyPassengers
£3,289.50
£300.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
Rome
Orvieto
Castiglione del Lago
Siena
Monteriggioni
San Gimignano
Florence
Pisa
Cinque Terre
Genoa
Portofino
Milan
Lakes Region
Verona
Venice
Palermo
Cefalù
Castelbuono
Tindari
Milazzo
Vulcano
Lipari
Taormina
Catania
Villa Romana del Casale
Agriento
Marsala
Erice
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Rome
Welcome to Rome. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have some free time to settle in or explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, please check the information boards at hotel reception – they display details about the start of your tour.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - Rome
This morning we take a three–hour guided introduction to the Eternal City – part walking tour of Imperial Rome and part panoramic coach drive. We’ll pass the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius and Castel Sant’Angelo. The tour ends at Vatican City around 11.00 am. Afterwards, your guide will offer an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. In the evening, we include a transfer from the hotel to Trastevere – a neighbourhood known for its cosy restaurants and lively atmosphere – with return to the hotel around 8.30 pm.
Day 3 - Rome
Enjoy a free day in Rome – explore the city at your own pace or, if you wish, join an optional excursion. From April to October, you can visit the island of Capri; from November to March, you can discover Naples and Pompeii.
Day 4 - Rome - Orvieto - Castiglione del Lago - Siena
We leave Rome for Umbria, starting in Orvieto, a medieval hilltop city. Before entering, we pause at the viewpoint to take in the panorama, then ride the escalators that link the lower town with the historic centre to see the cathedral – a fine example of Italian Gothic. We continue to Castiglione del Lago on Lake Trasimeno, where you’ll have free time for a stroll and lunch. Afterward, we travel on to Siena in Tuscany – renowned for Piazza del Campo and the Duomo – and spend the afternoon there.
Day 5 - Siena - Monteriggioni - San Gimignano - Florence
We depart Siena for Monteriggioni, a delightful medieval village of cobbled lanes and ancient walls, then continue to San Gimignano, famed for its striking medieval towers. After lunch, we travel on to Florence, capital of Tuscany.We arrive in the early afternoon at the Vittorio Veneto neighbourhood – due to local traffic regulations, our coach cannot access the historic centre – and we begin a walk into the heart of the city. You’ll have time to stroll and enjoy the Florentine atmosphere, and if you’re keen on art, you may choose to visit the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Gallery today, as both are closed on Mondays. The transfer to the hotel is scheduled for 7:30 pm. Dinner is included. We recommend comfortable shoes.
Day 6 - Florence
We start at the Michelangelo viewpoint for panoramic photos, then walk to the historic centre for a guided tour of Florence – Tuscany’s capital and cradle of the Renaissance, home to artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raphael. We’ll take in the Gothic Cathedral (Duomo di Firenze), the Ponte Vecchio with its goldsmiths’ shops, and Piazza della Signoria – the city’s political heart with its medieval town hall.After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Day 7 - Florence - Pisa - Cinque Terre - Genoa
We leave Florence for Pisa, where a small tourist train takes us to Piazza dei Miracoli – home to the famous Leaning Tower. We then continue to the Ligurian Riviera to visit the Cinque Terre – a UNESCO World Heritage site of five coastal villages once largely cut off by road. We arrive by regular train – tickets included – to one of the villages, usually Vernazza, though on busy dates this may be Manarola or Corniglia, which are similar and less crowded. There will be time for lunch. Later, we take the train to Levanto and rejoin our coach to continue to Genoa, where you have free time to explore the historic centre – a reminder of the city’s power as a medieval republic. Practical note: Cinque Terre trains are standard commuter services, not tourist trains, so in peak periods queues are likely, seats cannot be reserved and you may need to stand.
Day 8 - Genoa - Portofino - Milan
We continue to nearby Santa Margherita Ligure, where we board a boat to Portofino – one of the most exclusive spots in Europe. We’ll enjoy a seaside stroll and some time at leisure. After lunch, we travel on to Milan, where you’ll have free time to wander this elegant northern city – we suggest visiting the Gothic Duomo in Piazza del Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, built in honour of Italy’s first king.Important notes: from 30 May to 2 November, tourist coaches are not permitted to access Santa Margherita Ligure – during this period we stop in Rapallo to board the boat to Portofino. In winter or when conditions are unfavourable, the boat service to Portofino from Santa Margherita or Rapallo may not operate.
Day 9 - Milan - Lakes Region - Verona
From Milan, we travel into the Italian Lakes. Our first stop is Lake Orta and the village of Orta San Giulio, a well preserved medieval centre. We take a train to reach the centre, then board a boat to the Island of San Giulio, which has a monastery. We continue to Lake Maggiore and stop in Stresa, where you can choose an optional visit to the Borromean Islands – the highlight is Isola Bella with its gardens and palace, which are closed in winter. We allow time for lunch before we head on to Verona.
Day 10 - Verona - Venice
You’ll have time this morning to explore Verona at your own pace before we continue to Venice, arriving around 13:00. We’ll take a boat to St Mark’s Square and set off on a guided walking tour of the City of Canals, during which we’ll also see Murano glasswork. Afterwards, you’ll have free time – you might choose to take a gondola ride or simply wander the alleyways and bridges. We stay overnight in the Mestre district.
Day 11 - Venice - Palermo
At the time advised by your guide, we transfer to the airport for our included domestic flight to Palermo. On arrival, we provide a transfer to your hotel. Your guide will contact you by late afternoon, or you can check the information posted at reception.Note: On domestic flights, the checked luggage allowance is one suitcase of up to 20 kg – any excess must be paid directly to the airline.
Day 12 - Palermo
We begin with a guided tour of Palermo, taking in the Cathedral – a striking blend of styles with royal tombs – and the Norman Palace, along with the city’s fountains, markets and gardens. We then continue to Monreale to visit its Cathedral – admission included – a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its golden mosaics. We return to Palermo and you have the afternoon free to explore at your own pace. Note: if the group is very small, this visit may operate with other travellers through a local company rather than as a private tour.
Day 13 - Palermo - Cefalù - Castelbuono - Tindari - Milazzo
We leave Palermo to follow the Tyrrhenian coast, then head inland to Castelbuono – a small mountain town with ancient walls, a castle and quiet central streets. We continue to Cefalù on the coast to see its Norman cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and explore the historic centre with its narrow lanes and sea views. You will have time for lunch before we carry on along the coast to Tindari, where the hilltop Sanctuary of Tindari overlooks the sea and houses the Black Madonna; nearby are the remains of an ancient Greek city. We finish the day in Milazzo, a lively port facing the Aeolian Islands.
Day 14 - Milazzo - Vulcano - Lipari - Taormina
We travel by hydrofoil from Milazzo to Vulcano to explore the Aeolian archipelago – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its active volcanic landscapes. On arrival, you’ll notice the distinctive smell of sulphur from the island’s fumaroles. Dominated by its crater, Vulcano is famous for its hot water beaches and sulphurous mud baths – you can choose to try the thermal pools in your free time.We then take a short hydrofoil crossing of about 15 minutes to Lipari, the largest of the islands, with its historic centre, castle and lively atmosphere. You’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely stroll.Afterwards, we return by boat to Milazzo and continue to Taormina, arriving by the end of the day. Dinner is included. Note: during summer or on special dates, overnight accommodation may be in Messina instead of Taormina.
Day 15 - Taormina
At the foot of Mount Etna sits Taormina, famously described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. You’ll have a full day at leisure – explore the lively historic centre with its impressive Greek Theatre or take time to relax on the beach. We include dinner this evening.
Day 16 - Taormina - Catania - Syracuse
After breakfast we leave Taormina for Catania, set at the foot of Mount Etna. Its Baroque centre – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is known for elegant squares and palaces, and a lively fish market, one of the most picturesque in Sicily. We then continue to Syracuse, an ancient city of Magna Graecia on the Ionian Sea. Ortigia – the island linked by bridges and the oldest part of the city – offers narrow lanes, the cathedral, an ancient castle, seafront terraces and markets. You’ll have free time to wander and have lunch. In the afternoon we travel inland to Agrigento and, before reaching the hotel, we’ll admire from the coach the magnificent Valley of the Temples complex. Dinner is included.
Day 17 - Marsala - Erice - Palermo
We begin in Agrigento with a guided visit to the Valley of the Temples – admission included – exploring one of the most complete collections of ancient Greek temples. We then travel by coach to Marsala, a historic city famed for its wine, where you’ll have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, we follow the scenic route past the Marsala salt pans to Erice, a former Phoenician town overlooking the sea – you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through its atmospheric streets. We continue to Palermo, where dinner is included.
Day 18 - Palermo
After breakfast, we conclude the tour in Palermo – our services end here and no further activities are planned. We hope you’ve enjoyed the journey and wish you a smooth onward trip.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Palermo
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Rome
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Looking for a date not yet released?
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in Italy to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
On The Go Tours
Our agents are waiting to chat to you...
Are you a Travel Agent or Customer?
Do you have an booking reference?