Journey Through Italy's Timeless Charms
Spend 16 days travelling from Rome to Palermo, mixing iconic cities with coastal charm and island escapes. Start with Rome’s classics and Trastevere – then roll through Umbria and Tuscany to Siena and Florence, with time for top museums. See Pisa’s Leaning Tower, train into the Cinque Terre, cruise to chic Portofino and pause in Milan. Explore the Italian Lakes – Orta, Maggiore and the Borromean islands – before Verona and Venice’s canalside magic. Fly south to Sicily for Palermo and Monreale’s mosaics, Cefalù, the Aeolian Islands, Taormina’s Greek Theatre and Villa Romana del Casale. A well paced blend of guided visits, free time and scenic journeys.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
16 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
£3,047.25
£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
Caltagirone
Villa Romana del Casale
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Rome
Welcome to Rome – we’ll transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have free time to settle in and explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, please check the notice boards at hotel reception for information 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 tour of Rome, combining a walk through Imperial Rome with a panoramic coach drive to appreciate one of the most influential cities in Western civilisation. We 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 at around 11:00 am.Afterwards, you can choose to join an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, arranged by our guide.In the evening we include a transfer from the hotel to Trastevere – known for its cosy restaurants and lively atmosphere – with return to the hotel scheduled for around 8:30 pm.
Day 3 - Rome
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Rome – explore independently or take time to relax. If you wish, you can join an optional excursion: from April to October, a visit to the island of Capri; from November to March, an excursion to Naples and Pompeii.
Day 4 - Rome - Orvieto - Castiglione del Lago - Siena
Today we travel through Umbria to Orvieto, a medieval city set on a flat summit. We pause at a viewpoint, then take the escalators that connect the lower town with the medieval centre to reach the cathedral – a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. We continue to Castiglione del Lago on Lake Trasimeno – you have free time here to stroll and find lunch. After lunch, we carry on into Tuscany and arrive in Siena, spending the afternoon in its historic centre, known for Piazza del Campo and the Duomo.
Day 5 - Siena - Monteriggioni - San Gimignano - Florence
We depart Siena for Monteriggioni, a charming medieval village with cobbled lanes and ancient walls, then continue to San Gimignano, a delightful small town famed for its tall medieval towers. You’ll have time for lunch before we travel to Florence, the capital of Tuscany. We arrive in the early afternoon at the Vittorio Veneto neighbourhood – due to city traffic regulations our coach cannot enter the centre – and we walk from here into the historic centre to enjoy the Florentine atmosphere. During your free time, you can visit one of the city’s major museums – the Uffizi Gallery, considered the finest art museum in Italy, or the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s original David – please note both are closed on Mondays. The transfer back to the hotel is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., dinner is included, and we recommend comfortable shoes.
Day 6 - Florence
We begin with a photo stop at the Michelangelo viewpoint for panoramic views of the city, then walk to the historic centre for a guided tour of Tuscany’s capital. Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence inspired artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raphael. We’ll see the Gothic Cathedral (Duomo di Firenze), the ancient Ponte Vecchio with its goldsmiths’ shops, and Piazza della Signoria – the city’s political heart with its medieval town hall. Free time follows the tour – you can continue exploring at your own pace. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Day 7 - Florence - Pisa - Cinque Terre - Genoa
We travel to Pisa, where a small tourist train takes us to the Piazza dei Miracoli – home to the famous Leaning Tower. From here we continue to the Ligurian Riviera to visit the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This coastal area comprises five villages, long isolated by road and now largely reliant on tourism. We arrive by train – tickets included – to one of its towns, normally Vernazza, though on busy dates it may be Manarola or Corniglia, similar in character and usually less crowded. You’ll have time for lunch.Afterwards, we take the train to Levanto and continue by bus to Genoa. Here, you’ll have free time to explore the city centre – a reminder of its grandeur as a powerful republic during the Middle Ages.Practical note: the Cinque Terre train is a regular commuter service – not a tourist train – and can be very busy in peak periods. Seats cannot be reserved, waits are possible and you may need to stand.
Day 8 - Genoa - Portofino - Milan
We continue along the coast to Santa Margherita Ligure, where we board a boat to Portofino – one of the most exclusive places in Europe. You’ll have time to stroll by the sea and enjoy the setting at your own pace. After lunch, we travel on to Milan, where you’ll have free time to explore this elegant city – you could visit the stunning Gothic cathedral on Piazza del Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, built in honour of the first king of a unified Italy.From 30 May to 2 November, tourist coaches cannot access Santa Margherita Ligure – during this period we stop in Rapallo and board the boat to Portofino there. In adverse weather or in winter, the boat crossing to Portofino from Santa Margherita or Rapallo may not operate.
Day 9 - Milan - Lakes Region - Verona
From Milan, we journey into the Italian Lakes – one of Europe’s most scenic regions. We begin at Lake Orta and the town of Orta San Giulio, reaching its medieval centre by train before taking a boat to the tiny Island of San Giulio, home to a monastery. We then continue to Lake Maggiore, stopping in Stresa – you may choose to visit the Borromean Islands; the highlight is Isola Bella with its gardens and palace (closed in winter). There will be time for lunch before we travel on to Verona.
Day 10 - Verona - Venice
This morning we’ll have time to explore Verona – the city of Romeo and Juliet – before departing for Venice, where we arrive at about 1 pm. We’ll board a boat to St Mark’s Square and set off on a guided walking tour of the canalside heart of the city, including a visit to see Murano glasswork.After the tour, you’ll have free time to make the most of Venice – perhaps a gondola ride or a leisurely stroll. We stay overnight in the Mestre district.
Day 11 - Venice - Palermo
At the time advised by your guide, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your included domestic flight from Venice to Palermo. On arrival, we’ll provide a transfer to your hotel. Your guide will get in touch later in the afternoon – or you can check the information at reception. Please note that domestic flights usually allow one piece of hold luggage up to 20 kg – any excess must be paid directly to the airline.
Day 12 - Palermo
This morning, we explore Palermo on a guided tour, taking in the Cathedral – with its blend of architectural styles and royal tombs – the Norman Palace, and the city’s fountains, markets and gardens. We then continue to Monreale to visit its Cathedral – admission included – a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its golden mosaics. We return to Palermo and the afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Note: in some cases – if the group size is very small – the tour may be operated with other travellers by a local company rather than as a private tour.
Day 13 - Palermo - Cefalù - Castelbuono - Tindari - Milazzo
We leave Palermo and follow the Tyrrhenian Sea coastline before heading inland to Castelbuono – a picturesque mountain town with ancient walls, a castle and characterful central streets. We then continue to Cefalù, a charming coastal town whose Norman cathedral is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have time to explore the historic centre’s narrow lanes and sea views, and to have lunch, before we continue along the coast.In the afternoon we visit Tindari, where the sanctuary stands high above the sea – a well-known pilgrimage site home to the Black Madonna – with the ruins of an ancient Greek polis nearby. Our day ends in Milazzo, a lively port city overlooking the Aeolian Islands.
Day 14 - Milazzo - Vulcano - Lipari - Taormina
From Milazzo, we board a hydrofoil to Vulcano in the Aeolian Islands – a UNESCO World Heritage site recognised for its ongoing volcanic activity. On arrival, you’ll notice the sulphur scent from active fumaroles. Dominated by its crater, the island is known for its hot water beaches. During your free time, you can try the sulphurous hot springs and mineral-rich mud if you wish.We then continue by hydrofoil – a 15 minute ride – to Lipari, the largest of the islands, with a historic centre, castle and a lively atmosphere. You’ll have time for lunch and a relaxed stroll before we return by boat to Milazzo and travel on to Taormina, arriving towards the end of the day. Dinner is included. Note: on some summer or special dates, the overnight stay may be in Messina instead of Taormina.
Day 15 - Taormina - Giardini Naxos - Villa Romana del Casale - Palermo
Set at the foot of Mount Etna, Taormina makes a memorable start to the day. We begin early, travelling to nearby Giardini Naxos – the first Greek settlement in Sicily, founded in 734 BC – to enjoy its seafront promenade and beaches. Back in Taormina, you’ll have time to wander the lively old town and take in the views from the ancient Greek Theatre.After lunch, we continue inland to Villa Romana del Casale – admission and guided tour included – a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the 4th century architectural layout and outstanding mosaics are remarkably preserved. In the Roman Empire, villas symbolised agricultural wealth and exploitation. We then cross the mountainous heart of the island and arrive in Palermo at the end of the day – dinner included.
Day 16 - Palermo
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Palermo. The tour ends here – please allow time to check out and make your onward travel arrangements. We hope you leave with lasting memories.
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.
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