The 18-Day Sicily and Italy tour is the King of Italy and Sicily tours.
The all-encompassing trip includes tours of all of Italy’s sightseeing highlights.
This comprehensive Sicily and Italy tour package travels Italy for over two weeks beginning in Rome in central Italy then to the North, to the South, and finally to the island of Sicily. The Sicily and Italy trip itinerary includes all of Italy and Sicily.
Tour Italy’s best museums in its famed art cities Rome, Florence, Venice. Visit the quintessentially Italian natural beauty destinations the Italian Lake Maggiore and Borromean Islands, the Italian Riviera including Portofino and Cinque Terre, Alberobello in Puglia, Saasi di Matera in Basilicata, the Amalfi Coast, and Taormina. You’ll be immersed in the Italian culture by region.
During your Sicily and Italy vacation you’ll enjoy authentic regional Italian cuisine while enjoying accommodations in comfortable 4-star and 5-star luxury Italian hotels.
For more information about the Sicily and Italy tour departures and for airfare from your preferred departure city submit the form or call ItalianTourism.us today 800-227-1577.
Highlights
Sicily and Italy Tour Itinerary Map
Sicily and Italy Tour Sightseeing Highlights:
- 16-night tour includes first-class Italy and Sicily accommodations
- Vatican Museum: Skip the line entrance to Vatican Museums.
- Vatican Museum: Expert guide through important rooms including Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica
- Rome: Tour ancient Rome and see exterior of Colosseum
- Pisa: Visit this architectural jewel to see the famous ‘Leaning Tower’ and enjoy its piazza.
- Florence: Walking tour of Florence’s center include seeing exterior of Brunelleschi’s Dome, Ghilberti’s ‘Gates of Paradise’, Giotto’s Bell Tower.
- Cinque Terre: Visit the “five lands” with a local expert tour guide.
- Portofino: Visit the Italian Riviera hot spot and enjoy a boat cruise to Santa Margherita.
- Venice: See glassblowing, mask making and gondola making demonstrations by local craftsmen.
- Venice: Enjoy the canals by private boat and by gondola.
- Florence: With local expert art history tour guide visit Accademia Museum to see Michelangelo’s David.
- Pompeii: Walk Pompeii’s cobblestone streets with a local tour guide to learn about Ancient Roman life and culture.
- Isle of Capri: Cruise from Sorrento across the Bay of Naples to Capri for an enjoyable and relaxed day.
- Matera: Visit the ancient Sassi di Matera, the troglodyte cave dwellings, and Rupestral Churches.
- Taormina: Enjoy ancient resort town and tour the Greek Theater.
- Palermo: See Quattro Canti Square and Palermo’s Cathedral.
- Palermo: Visit the world’s finest example of Norman mosaic art.
To review the Italy and Sicily tour daily itinerary click here.
Accommodations
Sicily and Italy Tour Accommodations
All accommodations are 4-star centrally located. Complimentary wifi is available in the lobby of all hotels. Some hotels also offer wifi in the guest rooms. You’re sure to enjoy your Sicily and Italy tour accommodations.
Rome – 2 Nights – Hotel St. Martin
Rome’s modern Hotel St. Martin is conveniently located near the renowned Porta Pia, historic gardens and famous piazzas of the Italian capital.
Santa Margherita Liguria – 2 Nights – Hotel Best Western Regina Elena
Located in Santa Margherita on the Italian Riviera, just a few miles from Portofino and the Cinque Terre, this lovely hotel is located along Ligurian Sea. Enjoy panoramic views of this beautiful Italian region. You may also enjoy the hotel’s private beach, swimming pool, and jacuzzi.
Baveno, Lake Maggiore – 1 Night – Grand Hotel Simplon
Hotel Simplon is located mere minutes from the center of Baveno which is nestled along the banks of Lake Maggiore. Its pink façade showcases the famous local marble, while the interiors provide a classic, luxurious feel. The hotel features a permanent art exhibition of famous paintings displayed along one of its corridors.
Venice – 2 Nights – Hotel Indigo Venice – Sant’Elena
Boutique hotel converted from an old convent, offering guests authentic Venetian charm as it reflects the history and culture of the surrounding area.
Florence – 2 Nights – Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli
Stylish hotel located just north of the city. Spacious rooms are designed with your convenience and comfort in mind.
Sorrento – 2 Nights – Hotel Isabella
Great location with modern furnishings. Guest can relax by the pool or head into the beautiful town of Sorrento which is 1 mile from the Hotel.
Alberobello – 2 Nights – Chiusa Di Chietri
This 5-star luxury hotel La Chiusa di Chietri is a short distance from the center of Alberobello. Located in the beautiful Puglian countryside. The hotel includes a pool, bar and restaurant.
Taormina – 2 Nights – Hellenia Yachting Hotel & SPA
Located in Giardini Naxos below the resort town of Taormina.
Palermo – 1 Night – Astoria Palace
Astoria Palace Hotel is an impressive building conveniently situated near the harbor of Palermo.
Optional Tours
Optional tours are scheduled during free time and are available at additional cost. Below are examples of the optional tours available during the Sicily and Italy Tour.
Lake Maggiore:
Isola Bella, Borromean Island Trip
Florence:
San Gimignano Excursion – San Gimignano is a classic Tuscan hilltown and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Children and adults love to climb its medieval towers. Often called the “Medieval Manhattan” because the wealthy residents of its day competed with one another to build the tallest tower. You’ll have time to stroll around, shop for the fine ceramics for which San Gimignano is known.
Sorrento:
Amalfi Coast Drive & Positano Visit – Drive along the clear blue waters and picturesque resorts of the Amalfi Coast, arguably the most glamorous and scenic stretch of coast in Europe. Minibuses wind their way down serpentine roads to the exclusive artists’ paradise of Positano, clinging to the cliff face, as if about to cascade into the turquoise waters below. Spend time exploring the elegant shops, watching the artists at work, or enjoying an ‘aperitivo’ in a beach side cafe.
Sorrento Evening – A chance to enjoy a delicious dinner of local specialties. We arrive at one of the area’s top local restaurants for an incredible dining experience featuring some of the famous dishes of this region!
Sicily:
Mt Etna & The Godfather – Join a local expert to experience the unhurried pace of life in this rustic village chosen by Frances Ford Coppola for scenes in his movie “The Godfather”. Amid stunning mountain views, visit the charming wedding church and Bar Vitelli, where Al Pacino fell in love (famous for its ice cold granita di limone!) Then continue to Mt. Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Ascend through the lush fertile foothills to the craters and barren lunar landscapes nearer the top. The views over the eastern Sicilian coast and Ionian Sea are spectacular.
Dinner in the Clouds – With one of the most incredible rides of your lives, you will arrive in the enchanted village of Castelmollo, high above the sea and a world apart from the areas that tourists tread. After free time for a bit of shopping, you arrive in your terraced gourmet restaurant for a truly educational meal of delicious regional specialties, with the accompanying local wines.
Video
Sicily and Italy Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Your Sicily and Italy Tour begins with flight to Rome
Board your overnight flight to Rome – submit form with your preferred departure city for the price of the Sicily and Italy tour with airfare.
Day 2 Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome
Today begin your Sicily and Italy vacation in Rome the “Eternal City.” The Capital of the World for over 700 years, Rome is full of gorgeous architecture, fabulous food, and of course Made in Italy world class fashion and shopping. While walking Rome’s cobblestone streets you’ll marvel Rome’s status as a true living museum of history.
This evening you’ll meet your tour director who will be your Sicily and Italy tour escort. Your expert Italy tour guide will welcome you to Italy and introduce you to your fellow Italy and Sicily vacation travelers. You’ll enjoy an evening first with a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. End the day getting to know your fellow travelers over Roman specialties during dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: St Martin, Rome
Welcome Reception and Dinner
Day 3 Vatican Museum Tour
Rome is about art, antiquity, piazzas and palaces. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth experience bringing millennia of history to life.
First embark on an enriching journey as you explore the Vatican Museums, home to an extraordinary collection of priceless artworks collected by the Popes over centuries. Marvel at Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, where the election of new Popes takes place, and admire the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Afterward journey from the Vatican City across the Tiber river to ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus and the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine and discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum on a guided visit. As you stroll with your Local Expert, imagine the gladiatorial battles and roaring spectators around the arena.
Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon and the stunning piazzas and fountains of Rome.
Hotel: St Martin, Rome
Buffet Breakfast included
Day 4 Rome through Tuscany to Pisa and on to the Italian Riviera
This morning you’ll travel from Rome over the famous rolling hills of Tuscany to the Italian Rivieria in Liguria. Along the way you’ll enjoy classic Italian landscape views: olive trees, cypress trees, and wine vineyards.
The first stop today is Pisa. Well-known for the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Pisa’s central piazza with its Duomo and Baptistry is an architectural masterpiece.
After Pisa you’ll continue traveling up the Tuscan coast. Up in the mountains you’ll drive past the famous marble quarries of Carrara where Michelangelo found his perfect white marble for his sculptures and on to Santa Margherita Liguria. This seaside resort town is located on the Ligurian coast juat a few miles from Portofino and the Cinque Terre.
Hotel: Best Western Hotel Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Liguria
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 Italian Riviera: Cinque Terre and Portofino
This morning begins with a journey to the beautiful Cinque Terre. Cinque in Italian means “five” and this area is names because of the five hamlets built right on the cliffs along the Ligurian Sea. These villages are now UNESCO World Heritage sites. Your tour includes visiting a picturesque fishing village.
After Cinque Terre you’ll travel up the Ligurian coastl to Portofino. Here you’ll have time to stroll around and enjoy this jetsetters resort paradise. Little boutique shops with Made in Italy fashions dot the harbor. After peeking in a few you’ll have time to enjoy one of the outdoor cafes while admiring the harbor and giant yachts.
Later, and weather permitting, you’ll return to Santa Margherita by boat from which you’ll have breathtaking vistas of the shoreline.
Hotel: Best Western Hotel Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure
Buffet Breakfast
Day 6 Northern Italy and the Italian Lake Maggiore
This morning your tour continues further North to Italy’s gorgeous Italian Lakes region. Your destination is the town of Baveno on Lake Maggiore. The Italian Lakes are world-renown for their natural beauty. The Italian Lakes are Located at the foot of the Italian Alps where the scenery is guaranteed to blow you away while you breathe the fresh air.
When you arrive you’ll have time to relax and settle into your hotel. This afternoon you may want to join an optional tour to one of the most beautiful Borromean Islands, Isola Bella, which literally translates to “Beautiful Island.” Here you’ll tour its incredible privately-owned palace and have free-time to enjoy its stunning Botanical Gardens.
This evening, take part with other locals on the nightly passeggiata ritual, which means “a stroll”.
Hotel: Simplon, Baveno
Buffet Breakfast
Optional Lake Maggiore Tour:
Isola Bella, Borromean Island Trip –
Day 7 Cross Northern Italy: Lombardy to Venice
Today you’ll drive across Northern Italy in the region of Lombardy following the southern fringes of the Alps to the Veneto region and Venice.
After settling-in to your Venice accommodations you’ll enjoy an authentic Venetian dinner with the group.
Hotel: Indigo – Sant’Elena, Venice
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 Day of Venice Tours and Enjoy the Magical Canal City
This morning you’ll wake up in the magical city Venice. Enjoy a visit to the artistic and talented Venetian glassblowers. Enjoy a private cruise of Venice’s canals. From the private boat you’ll wind through Venice’s canals and ornate palaces. Then you’ll tour St Mark’s Square to see extrior of the Basilica, the Doges’ Palace, and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs.
Later, step aboard your glossy black gondola for a serenade through the beautiful canals. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere, music and songs as you drift along in romantic awe.
Then you’ll enjoy a glass blowing demonstration. You’ll see the artistry of expert glassblowers as they create beautiful, handcrafted glass pieces, preserving centuries-old techniques and traditions.
Hotel: Indigo – Sant’Elena, Venice
Buffet Breakfast
Day 9 Northern Italy to Central Italy: Venice to Tuscany
Today you’ll embark on a journey from magical Venice to Renaissance Florence. Both of the cities boast being at one time the wealthiest city in the worlds.
Upon arrival you’ll have a choice to join one of two activites.
First you may choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo’s David. After, continue on foot to admire the multicoloured 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, 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 café, 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. The Basilica where some of the most illustrious Italians are buried, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Foscolo, Gentile and Rossini, thus it is known also as the Temple of the Italian Glories (Tempio dell’Itale Glorie).
This evening enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed.
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli, Florence
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 Florence
This morning your day begins with a demonstration of Florence’s native craft leather work. The rest of the day in Florence is for you to enjoy the Renaissance city at leisure.
Tis afternoon you may join an optional excursion to San Gimignano.
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli, Florence
Buffet Breakfast
Optional Florence Tours:
San Gimignano Excursion – San Gimignano is a classic Tuscan hilltown and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Children and adults love to climb its medieval towers. Often called the “Medieval Manhattan” because the wealthy residents of its day competed with one another to build the tallest tower. You’ll have time to stroll around, shop for the fine ceramics for which San Gimignano is known.
Day 11 Tuscany to Southern Italy: Pompeii Tour and on to Sorrento
From Tuscany to Sorrento you’ll travel right down the “spine of Italy.” Italy’s natural beauty and delicious food begins beneath its fertile soil in its volcanic earth.
As you drive from Tuscany to Southern Italy you’ll enter the more volcanic zone of Italy beginning right outside Tuscany in the region of Lazio.
As you pass Mount Vesuvius the tour continues to Pompeii, which was covered and preserved in 79 A.D by the volcano’s massive eruption.
In Pompeii you’ll be escorted by a local expert guide who, while you walk its cobblestone streets and among its ruins, will give you an in-depth look into Ancient Roman and its culture.
After your tour of Pompeii you’ll drive along the clifftop road to the resort town Sorrento.
Hotel: Isabella, Sorrento
Buffet Breakfast
Day 12 Cruise to Capri
Begin the day in Sorrento boarding a boat for a cruise from Sorrento to the Island of Capri. Mt Vesuvius and its slopes to the city of Naples is yet another gorgeous Italian backdrop as you cruise to Capri. Upon arrival in Capri you’ll be transferred to the main piazza where you may browse the fashionable and exclusive Made in Italy shopping boutiques.
After a day in Capri you’ll return to Sorrento by boat, once again enjoying the beautiful southern Italian vistas along the way.
Hotel: Isabella, Sorrento
Buffet Breakfast
Day 13 Southern Italy: Basilicata’s Sassi di Matera and Puglia’s Alberobello
Today your Italy tour takes you to the off-the-beaten track southern Italian regions of Basilicata and Puglia. With Northern Italy and Central Italy covered you’ll notice a distinct difference in the landscape and culture of Southern Italy.
First your southern Italy tour travels to the UNESCO Worlds Heritage site Matera for an in-depth exploration of the extraordinary ‘Sassi’ – troglodyte dwellings and churches dug out of the rock. This area is backdrop to many Hollywood films including Mel Gibson’s film ‘The Passion of the Christ’.
After touring the Sassi di Matera you’ll continue touring Southern Italy to Alberobello in the region of Puglia, known for its conical houses painted in white.
Hotel: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14 Alberobello Sightseeing and Free Time
Today you have time to stroll around Alberobello to explore the Trulli of Alberobello – circular structures with conical roofs and domed within. The architecture arose from the need for locals to be able to drop the roofs quickly in order to avoid devastating taxes levied against citizens. Today they make for one more of Italy’s unique towns fabulous for strolling and enjoying its distinct local culture.
After a morning tour you have the day in Alberobello at leisure for you to enjoy in town. 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.
Hotel: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello
Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
Day 15 Southern Italy: Sicily’s Taormina Riviera
Today you travel along Italy’s famous and picturesque southern Italian roads along the Gulf of Taranto to the mountainous Calabria region. The tour continues along the Calabrian coast to the toe of Italy where you will board your ferry bound for Sicily. Upon arrival in Messina, Sicily your Sicily tour continues on to the resort town Taormina. Your hotel is located below Taormina on the coast.
Hotel: Hellenia Yachting Hotel & SPA
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
Day 16 Sicily: Taormina Free Day
Taormina’s old town is set high up clinging to the side of Mount Tauro, overlooking the Ionian Sea and the snowy peak of Mt. Etna. Inhabited for over 3000 years-old, the resort town was first enjoyed by the ancient Greeks. Today you’ll have a free day to enjoy this area.
There is an optional tour to Mt Etna.
Alternatively enjoy Taormina on your own. Perhaps visit the 3000 year-old Greek Theater. There you’ll be amazed by the ancient architecture and mesmerized by its spectacular Mt. Etna backdrop.
Afterward you may stroll around Taormina’s center the Corso Umberto, where there are elegant Italian boutiques, gelato shops, and cafes to enjoy an espresso. Also you have time to enjoy the magnificent views from the Piazza IX Aprile.
Hotel: Hellenia Yachting Hotel & SPA
Buffet Breakfast
Day 17 Sicily: 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.
This evening join your traveling companions and Travel Director at a local restaurant for an unforgettable dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine.
Hotel: Astoria Palace, Palermo
Buffet Breakfast, Celebration Dinner
Day 18 Depart Palermo
Today your Italy and Siicly tour comes to an end in Palermo. You’ll catch an early flight leaving with fantastic memories of more than two weeks touring all of Italy and Sicily. A true Italy and Sicily vacation for the record books. Buon viaggio!
Buffet Breakfast
For more Sicily vacation options click Sicily tours packages.
