Ultimate Italy
This is the ultimate experience of Italy. A balanced blend of sightseeing, guided touring, and time for leisure, this tour is ideal for travelers of all experience levels, from the novice European visitor to seasoned travelers who’ve already scoped out their favorite parts of this remarkable country. From beginning to end, this tour provides you with memories that last a lifetime, all wrapped up in one neat little package – Italy!
Day 1: Rome – Assisi – Siena – Florence
Day 2: Florence
Day 3: Florence – Bologna – Venice
Day 4: Venice
Day 5: Venice – Montepulciano – Rome
Day 6: Rome
Day 7: Rome
Day 8: Rome – Pompeii – Sorrento
Day 9: Sorrento – Capri – Sorrento
Day 10: Sorrento – Palermo – Overnight on boat
Day 11: Palermo
Day 12: Palermo – Monreale
Day 13: Palermo – Erice – Agrigento
Day 14: Agrigento – Ragusa Ibla – Ragusa
Day 15: Ragusa – Noto – Siracusa – Taormina
Day 16: Taormina
Day 17: Taormina
Rise and shine for an early departure (7:15am from Hotel St Martin) via deluxe motor coach to your next destination, ASSISI. Today, you will meet your tour guide and get to know your fellow guests. Relax, enjoy the ride, and welcome to the Ultimate Italy tour!
Assisi: Arrive in Assisi, in Italy’s Umbrian region, and enjoy some leisure time in this tiny town surrounded by ancient walls and graced by grand castles and historic ancient churches. A visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, a World Heritage Site, will provide visitors with a chance to view the frescoes of Giotto and Cimabue as well as many other beautiful works of art. Departure from ASSISI to SIENA.
Siena: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Tuscan hill town includes magnificent cathedrals, pretty botanical gardens, Gothic palazzos, and the shell–shaped Piazza del Campo, the town square and favored gathering place, home to the Palio horse race, an excellent art museum, and plenty of opportunity for people-watching.
Departure from SIENA to our destination of the evening, magnificent Florence. Florence: Arrive at your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely dinner and comfortable overnight accommodations.
Rise and shine for an early departure from Rome via deluxe motor coach to your next destination, Assisi. Today, you will meet your tour guide and get to know your fellow guests. Relax, enjoy the ride, and welcome to the “Classic Italy” tour!
Arrive in Assisi, in Italy’s Umbrian region, and enjoy some leisure time in this tiny town surrounded by ancient walls and graced by grand castles and historic ancient churches. A visit of the Basilica of St. Francis, a World Heritage Site, will provide visitors with a chance to view the frescoes of Giotto and Cimabue as well as many other beautiful works of art.
Departure from Assisi to Siena.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Tuscan hill town includes magnificent cathedrals, pretty botanical gardens, Gothic palazzos, and the shell–shaped Piazza del Campo, the town square and favored gathering place, home to the Palio horse race, an excellent art museum, and plenty of opportunity for people-watching.
Departure from Siena to our destination of the evening, magnificent Florence.
Arrive at your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely dinner and comfortable overnight accommodations.
After breakfast, we’ll spend the morning exploring this popular city of Etruscan- Roman origins, which flourished in the Middle Ages as a free commune. Now the most populated city in Tuscany, Florence is recognized as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and is lauded for its magnificent sites. You’ll visit the architectural gem of Florence, the domed cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as The Duomo (outside visit). This 14th century masterpiece is visible throughout the city and is the most-visited attraction in Florence. The tour will then proceed to the Campanile (bell tower), partly designed by Giotto, and the accompanying Baptistery, graced with spectacular bronze doors that artist Michelangelo dubbed “The Gates of Paradise.
Lunch in a typical restaurant in Santa Croce Square.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, with the option of visiting nearby Pisa (46 euros per person to be paid directly to the tour guide). Known, of course, for its famous Leaning Tower, Pisa achieved notoriety as one of Italy’s four 11th century Maritime Republics and was the birthplace of physicist/astronomer Galileo. While in Pisa, we’ll take time to admire the Square of Miracles where we’ll find the lovely Duomo, the quirky Leaning Tower, and many other notable sites.
Upon return to Florence, settle in for an overnight stay
After breakfast you will depart Florence by a deluxe coach and head to Bologna.
Upon arrival, the charming city center, adorned with its iconic porticos, awaits your free-time exploration. Begin your walking tour at Piazza Malpighi, leading to the heart of the city at Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore. Here, you can marvel at the historic Palazzo Podestà as well as the Basilica of San Petronio, the largest Gothic church in the world built with bricks. We will then show you why Bologna is often hailed as Italy’s gastronomic capital as you delve into its vibrant street food scene, which is as rich and diverse as its culinary heritage. Meandering through the city’s medieval streets, you will encounter a delightful array of food stalls and markets, each offering a mouthwatering selection of both traditional and contemporary treats. As you explore the charming alleys and bustling piazzas, you will immerse yourself in a culinary adventure that goes beyond just a meal. With a street food light lunch experience at a local eatery offered by us, this is your chance to savor the authentic flavors and unique dishes that define Bologna’s renowned gastronomic identity. Later in the afternoon, we continue our journey to Venice (Mestre).
Enjoy an overnight stay in the city the New York Times called “undoubtedly the most beautiful city ever built by man”.
Eat breakfast and then transfer by vaporetto to St Mark Square. You’ll tour the square and see some famous sights such as St Mark’s Cathedral and Doge’s Palace (outside), a symbol of the glory and authority of Venice, former residence of the Dukes, and seat of the government and the Court of Justice. We’ll cross the famous Bridge of Sighs, where it is said prisoners would catch their last glimpse of Venice before being incarcerated in the attached prison.
After the walking tour, allow us to treat you to a spritz or a prosecco, as a delightful conclusion to your visit to the highlights of Venice, in the company of your tour leader. While you sit comfortably and savor your drink, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the famous “cicchetti,” a Venetian variation of tapas (light lunch).
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure and the chance to visit numerous other Venetian sites such as Ca d’Oro – one of the city’s most magnificent palazzi, or the Basilica de Santa Maria della Salute. Return to the hotel on your own and overnight.
Eat breakfast at your hotel and depart by motor coach from Piazzale Roma to the famous Montepulciano in Tuscany.
Known for its pork, cheese, pasta, honey, and famous Vino Nobile wine, this attractive ancient city is situated in southern Tuscany. A medieval and Renaissance hill town, it’s a great place to enjoy a little wine tasting. A pedestrian-friendly, car-free town, Montepulciano also boasts several handsome churches and a small palazzo designed by Michelozzo.Lunch in a typical restaurant. Spend the afternoon exploring Montepulciano at your own pace.
Departure from Montepulciano to our last destination, Rome.
Evening arrival in Rome and an overnight stay.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and depart at approximately 7:30 am for a walking tour of Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica and jump the lines! No stress to reach the area: upon arrival, your guide will lead you into the museums where you will visit one of the most important art collection in the world.
Admire the beautiful spiral stairway, the gallery of tapestries and geographical maps, before arriving at the famous Sistine Chapel. The tour also includes the visit of St. Peter’s Basilica.
After lunch, meet the group by the Colosseum for an afternoon guided tour. The Romans built an empire of truly gigantic proportions. The testimony of its greatness is still visible in the places where the city was built, more than 2772 years ago, by the legendary twin brothers Romulus and Remus.
To see it with your own eyes, join us and our professional guide on this 3- hour-tour: we’ll provide you with a pocket radio receiver and earphones, and let you access the Colosseum skipping the long line. You’ll walk inside the Flavian Amphitheater, seeing the places where the Ancient Romans used to watch a variety of events, such as gladiatorial shows or staged animal hunts, and you’ll learn more about the way Romans used to enjoy their leisure time.
You’ll stroll around the Palatine Hill, the place where Rome was founded and where Roman emperors used to live: the view is spectacular from here, so get your camera ready for some perfect shots from above! You’ll also reach the Roman Forum, the pulsating heart of ancient Roman life, to see some very well preserved ruins of that time: let the tour guide take you back in time and try to imagine how it was like to be a Roman citizen.
Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure exploring more sites, eating gelato, or hobnobbing with the friendly locals.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and depart at approximately 7:00 a.m. Departure by coach heading south crossing the regions of Lazio and Campania. Once you reach the town of Pompeii, you will have lunch with the real Neapolitan pizza! After lunch, you will enter into one of the most important archaeological sites in the world: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of Pompeii, with Skip the Line entrance and a guided tour. Visit the haunting ruins of Pompeii, traveling back in time to the tragic days in 79 AD when the silent Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted, covering the prosperous Roman city in deadly volcanic ashes and poisonous gases, leaving this prosperous city crystallized until our days. You’ll learn how people lived at that time, visiting houses and “bars” of the time, admiring frescoes and mosaics to imagine how rich and prosperous was the city before the dreadful day. After the visit, you will drive along the Sorrentine Coast, arriving in Sorrento for dinner (dress code: jacket for men) .After a delicious dinner, you’ll turn in for the evening
Eat breakfast at the hotel and depart for the port, where we board a boat for the Island of Capri.
After breakfast, get ready for an exciting excursion to the island of Capri: one of the most exclusive summer destinations of the Mediterranean! Depending on weather and sea conditions, you will admire the dreamy Blue Grotto on a small rowboat. Afterward, free time for lunch (lunch not included) and then roam the island at your own pace. Once back on the mainland, return for dinner and your last overnight in Sorrento
Eat breakfast at your hotel and enjoy a morning of leisure. In the afternoon you will depart towards the Naples harbor to take the ferry to Palermo.Overnight on boat (Dinner and breakfast not included).
Early arrival in Palermo by boat and transfer to hotel. Today you will have the day to explore Palermo at your leisure. Dinner and overnight.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and then head out on a morning excursion to Monreale, recently included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, an ancient royal town famous for its almonds, olive oil and citrus fruits, as well as for its fine Norman architecture. Visit the elaborate Cathedral of Monreale and then enjoy some shopping of local delicatessen and souvenirs.
Back to Palermo and continue with a walking tour of the city. Wander the streets of the Old Town, hearing tales of Palermo’s 3,000-year history and discovering attractions like Palermo Cathedral. Walk inside the impressive-looking place of worship and marvel at its arches, cupolas and mosaics – with an incredible mix of influences coming from several dominations on the island. Enjoy free time in the late afternoon and return to your hotel for dinner. Overnight
Early breakfast and departure to Erice, a medieval village stacked into the side of Monte San Giuliano. Many say that little has changed in the village since the sixth century, and its labyrinth-like twist of lanes is perfect for a cool and pleasant morning amble. Continue to visit the Saline, an extraordinary lagoon, where history, nature, archeology find a perfect synthesis and allow the visitor to try different, unique and charming experiences.
Afterwards, we’ll set off to Marsala, whose lands are known for its Marsala wine. You’ll take part in a sensorial experience, for you will visit a traditional tavern and taste regional products during a light but unforgettable lunch. Return to your coach and travel to Agrigento, your final destination of the day. Visit Ancient Greek monuments and ruins at the Valley of Temples (entrance included) – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and learn about archaeological relics like the Classical Temple of Con- cord the Temple of Hercules; the Temple of Jupiter, one of the largest Doric-style buildings. Check in to your hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight
Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Ragusa and visit of the enchanting historical center “Ibla”, with its stunning baroque palaces and churches; together with other seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the old gate of San Giorgio, the Giardini Iblei and then walk to Piazza Pola where we will visit the church of San Giuseppe: a little gem. Be enchanted by the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Church of the Souls in Purgatory and the magnificent Cosentini palace, one of the most interesting Late Baroque palaces in Sicily! Arrive at the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Noto, a picturesque fishing town popular for its stately Baroque architecture. Visit Cathedral of San Nicolò, recently restored after a earthquake, and then have a nice walk in the town’s center.
Continue along the south coast to Syracuse, on Sicily’s southeastern tip. Visit “Parco Archeologico della Neapolis”, Syracuse’s famous archaeological area, home to a vast collection of Greek and Roman ruins from all over Sicily. Head inside to see impressive landmarks such as the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater and the Ear of Dionysius – an artificial limestone cave.
After the visit, cross one of the city’s bridges for a visit to the island of Ortygia – the most ancient part of Syracuse – home to a wealth of Baroque churches and medieval palaces. In the late afternoon arrive in Taormina, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner.
Breakfast at your hotel and then head off to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and the highest mountain in Italy. Learn about volcanic activity and marvel at the old lava fields and black magma rock that comprises Etna’s landscape. If weather permits, you have a chance to climb to the summit (1800 m).
After, return to Taormina, the beautiful and romantic town located on Mount Tauro. Return to Taormina in the afternoon and spend the rest of your day at leisure. Dinner and overnight.
Your fun-filled Sicilian adventure will always be a part of your vacation experiences. Enjoy your final breakfast as you take your last pictures of Italy. Transfer from the hotel to the airport on your own. Ciao! We hope to see you again for your next Italy vacation.
PRICING & DATES
| Departure Date | Cost* |
|---|---|
|
Mar-17-2025 |
$ 4900.00 |
|
Mar-31-2025 |
$ 5150.00 |
|
Apr-07-2025 |
$ 5150.00 |
|
Apr-28-2025 |
$ 5150.00 |
|
May-05-2025 |
$ 5150.00 |
|
May-12-2025 |
$ 5150.00 |
|
May-26-2025 |
$ 5150.00 |
|
Jun-09-2025 |
$ 5150.00 |
|
Jun-23-2025 |
$ 5150.00 |
|
Jul-07-2025 |
$ 5150.00 |
|
Aug-11-2025 |
$ 5150.00 |
|
Aug-25-2025 |
$ 5150.00 |
|
Sep-01-2025 |
$ 5150.00 |
|
Sep-15-2025 |
$ 5150.00 |
|
Sep-22-2025 |
$ 5150.00 |
|
Sep-29-2025 |
$ 5150.00 |
|
Oct-13-2025 |
$ 5150.00 |
|
Oct-27-2025 |
$ 5150.00 |
|
Mar-16-2026 |
$ 5150.00 |
TOUR INCLUSION
- Transportation by deluxe motor coach
- Multilingual tour guide and escort
- Accommodation at the hotels
- Meals as per itinerary
- Entrance to Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s Basilica
- Entrance to Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatin Hill
- Entrance to the Archaeological site of Pompeii
- Visit of the Blue Grotto in Capri (weather permitting)
- Entrance to the Archeological Sites in Sicily as per itinerary
- Panoramic visits as per itinerary
- Luggage service: 1 piece of luggage and 1 carry-on per person
- US Taxes and fees
- 24 hour emergency hotline
The tour does not include:
- Transfers to/from airport
- Tips
- Drinks and extras at the hotel
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums not mentioned on the itinerary
- Extra luggage may occur additional fee
- Rome Hotel Taxes (6 euros per person per day)to be paid directly to hotel
- Florence Hotel Taxes (6 euros per person per day) to be paid directly to hotel
- Venice Hotel Taxes (4.50 euros per person per day) to be paid directly to hotel
- Sorrento Hotel Taxes (2.50 euros per person per day) to be paid directly to hotel
