Grand Tour of Italy - from Venice to Sicily

Day 1 - Bassano del Grappa

Join your tour group at the hotel.

Day 2 - Venice

Depart early this morning to travel into Venice on a local train. Enjoy a guided walk that reveals the main sights, including the Piazza San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs. This afternoon, there will be free time to explore at leisure. Perhaps view the stately arcades that line Piazza San Marco; or stroll through the warren of backstreets and discover the ‘local’ Venice. Alternatively, an optional excursion (pre-bookable only) visits the Doge’s Palace, with its grand façades and ornamentation – a reflection of the city’s 14th-century wealth and power, portrayed with elaborate, Venetian Gothic flair.

Day 3 - Bassano del Grappa

Today, you have free time to explore your surroundings independently.

Day 4 - Ferrara - Bologna - Montecatini Terme or Pistoia

Today, we travel into the region of Emilia-Romagna en route to Tuscany. We’ll visit Ferrara, one of the greatest walled cities in Italy. And we’ll stop by the regional capital Bologna, renowned for its food (though the porticoed red-brick buildings and ancient university are also worth a mention).

Day 6 - Pisa - Lucca

Visit Pisa and Lucca on a full-day excursion. Pisa’s UNESCO-listed Miracle Square is home to the famous Leaning Tower, the white marble cathedral and baptistery. In the walled medieval town of Lucca, enjoy a guided walk to Piazza del Mercato, also known as Piazza dell’Anfiteatro – where a Roman amphitheatre once stood.

Day 5 - Florence

Board a local train this morning for the journey to Florence. From towering, frescoed buildings, Gothic churches and the red-tiled Duomo, the Renaissance city of Florence has many attractions. A guided walking tour reveals the city’s highlights and includes entrance to the Basilica di Santa Croce, the burial place of some of the most eminent Italians. Brunelleschi and Vasari were involved in the architectural design of the basilica. Spend the rest of your time in Florence at leisure, before returning to your hotel later in the afternoon.

Day 7 - Siena - Rome

Depart early this morning to begin the journey to Rome, stopping in Sienna to spend some time exploring the ‘contrade’ (districts) of one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval cities. Then continue south, pausing to sample wine in one of the best grape-growing areas of Tuscany, before arriving in Rome late afternoon.

Day 8 - Rome

Known as the Eternal City, Italy’s capital has an extensive history dating back some 3,000 years. Its iconic sights include the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon. This introduction to Rome includes a guided walk, a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, and entrance to the Colosseum.

Day 9 - Rome

Spend the morning exploring independently. This afternoon, visit the world-renowned Vatican and Sistine Chapel and see iconic artworks, including those of Michelangelo.

Day 10 - Pompeii - Salerno

Today’s tour takes you to Pompeii for a walking tour. This once wealthy town was buried and frozen in time in AD 79, following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is arguably Europe’s most compelling archaeological site. Next, continue to Salerno for a two-night stay.

Day 11 - Sorrento - Gragnano

Head to Sorrento this morning, for some free time to explore this pretty town on the Gulf of Naples. Then continue to Gragnano, renowned for its distinct type of pasta. Visit a pasta factory for a demonstration and tasting lunch, before returning to Salerno.

Day 12 - Giardini Naxos

Continue south, covering lots of mileage, from Naples through Calabria - the ‘toe’ of Italy - down to Sicily. Along the way, visit a mozzarella producer for a tasting of this buffalo milk cheese - you may glimpse the buffalo herds as you travel through the countryside. Then, enjoy a short sea crossing from Reggio di Calabria to Messina, on Sicily’s north-eastern tip.

Day 13 - Giardini Naxos

Enjoy a day at leisure in this relaxed Italian coastal town.

Day 14 - Giardini Naxos

Spend another day enjoying your surroundings or join a full-day optional excursion to Mount Etna and Taormina, where there will be a guided walk and entrance to the ancient Greek theatre.

Day 15 - Giardini Naxos

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.