From Top to Toe of Italy: Venice to Sicily

Upon arrival in Venice (at the airport or rail station), take a shared boat transfer to the city center and check into your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to explore Venice and its stunning lagoon. For added comfort, an optional private transfer is also available.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then dedicate a full day to discovering Venice or exploring its lagoon. You can choose a guided walking tour through the city's most famous sites, including Piazza San Marco with the Basilica and the Clock Tower, and the Rialto Bridge. Alternatively, opt for a skip-the-line guided tour of the Doge's Palace, where you can explore the Doge's luxurious apartments and the famous Bridge of Sighs. For a different experience, consider a boat trip to the islands of the Venice lagoon. Visit Murano, renowned worldwide for its glass craftsmanship; Burano, famous for its lace and the brightly painted fishermen's houses; and Torcello, the first settlement in the lagoon. In the afternoon, enjoy an included 30-minute gondola ride.

After breakfast at the hotel, head to Venice Santa Lucia station to board a high-speed train to Florence. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the 'Cradle of the Renaissance' on your own.

The rest of the day is yours to continue discovering Florence. Consider visiting one of the city's renowned museums (please note that museums in Florence are closed on Mondays), such as the Uffizi Galleries, which houses masterpieces by Italian Renaissance masters like Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, Botticelli, and others. Alternatively, you might visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's famous statue of David or take a half-day trip to Pisa to view its iconic Leaning Tower.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on an unforgettable journey through Florence, guided by a local expert who will reveal the city's rich history spanning over two thousand years. This half-day tour will take you to the most beautiful squares and monuments, showcasing why Florence is one of the world's most visited destinations.

After the guided tour, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. Visit more of Florence's stunning monuments and museums or organize an excursion to the surrounding areas. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Santa Maria Novella rail station to board a high-speed train to Roma Termini. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival in Rome, check-in at your hotel and enjoy some free time for independent exploration.

Take this opportunity to discover Rome's most iconic landmarks, such as Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps.

Alternatively, you can join optional activities like a cooking lesson to learn how to make pizza, pasta, and gelato. For dinner, we recommend trying a typical Roman restaurant to experience authentic local cuisine.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out for another day of exploring Rome. Today, you'll join an Imperial Tour of Rome to admire the monuments of the Roman Forum, enter the Colosseum, and listen to your guide's presentation of the evocative history of ancient Rome and the gladiator battles that took place there.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to continue exploring the Eternal City. Consider joining an optional afternoon tour to visit the Vatican Museums, an unforgettable experience with its vast collection of art and history, including the renowned Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and much more.

This morning, make your way to Rome Termini Rail Station to board a high-speed train to Naples, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to Pompeii for a 2-hour visit to the archaeological site, with entrance tickets included. This ancient Roman city was buried under volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, preserving it for nearly 1700 years. After exploring Pompeii, transfer to Sorrento, known for its charming old town and the picturesque fisherman’s village of Marina Grande, one of the city’s most authentic treasures. Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Sorrento.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today, join a small group tour of Capri and Anacapri, which includes a visit to the famous Blue Grotto (weather permitting). This excursion allows you to experience the stunning Blue Grotto, renowned for its captivating colors and atmosphere. Afterward, explore Anacapri and Capri and discover the island's many attractions (lunch not included). In the afternoon, return to Sorrento. Meals: B

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Naples Afragola station to board a high-speed train bound for Reggio Calabria. This scenic journey will offer views of the beautiful landscapes of Southern Italy as you approach the tip of the Italian boot.

Upon arrival in Reggio Calabria, a city rich in myths, legends, and culture, you'll find one of the most beautiful and captivating destinations in Southern Italy. Stroll along the Lungomare Falcomatà, one of the longest and most romantic promenades in Italy, and take in stunning views of Sicily across the Strait of Messina.

Explore Reggio's elegant historic center, which boasts attractions such as the magnificent city Basilica, the Aragonese Castle, and several historical museums. The city is also home to excellent restaurants that preserve the traditional flavors and recipes of Calabria, a region known for its culinary heritage and warm hospitality. Meals: B

After breakfast at the hotel, make your way independently to the port of Reggio Calabria to board a ferry to Messina, bidding farewell to Calabria. The ferry will cross the legendary Strait of Messina, celebrated in ancient Greek poetry and lore. Upon arrival in Messina, a private transfer will take you directly to Taormina, one of Sicily's most enchanting cities.

Upon reaching Taormina, check-in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Visit the magnificent Greco-Roman theatre, renowned as one of the largest and best-preserved ancient theatres, offering spectacular views of Mount Etna and the sea. Wander along the main street of Taormina, lined with shops, cafes, and ice cream parlors. Meals: B

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day of leisure in Taormina. For those seeking relaxation, take advantage of the town's beautiful beaches and serene seaside.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a half-day trip to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Explore the craters and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

In the afternoon, return to Taormina and unwind on the stunning Isola Bella beach, easily accessible by cable car from the city center. Meals: B

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out. You have the option to book a private transfer to the airport or train station as an additional service or continue your journey by joining another one of our itineraries. Meals: B