Italian Roundabout and Sicily with Aeolian Islands (2026)

Day 1

Welcome to ROME! Upon your arrival at the airport, we will be there to transfer you to your hotel. You will find all the details you need to meet your guide at the hotel on the information boards. In the late afternoon, we will provide a transfer to the Esquilino neighborhood, an excellent introduction to Rome with its grand basilicas and the Colosseum. Dinner will be included.

Day 2

In the morning, we´ll enjoy a three-hour guided tour of the Eternal City, combining a walking tour of Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus ride to admire one of the oldest and most influential cities of Western civilization. During the tour, we’ll see iconic sites such as 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 will end in VATICAN CITY around 11:30 a.m. Free time in the afternoon.

Day 3

Free day. Today, we suggest an optional excursion to Naples, Capri, and Pompeii.

Day 4

We’ll travel to PISA, where we’ll take a train from the parking area to the monumental Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the famous Leaning Tower. You´ll have free time for lunch. Afterward, we’ll head to SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE, where we’ll take a boat to PORTOFINO, one of the most exclusive destinations in Europe. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll along the waterfront and enjoy some leisure time. We’ll then continue to GENOA, a city whose downtown reflects its rich history as a powerful republic during the Middle Ages.Note: From May 30th to November 2nd, tourist buses are not allowed access to Santa Margherita Ligure. During this period, the stop will be in RAPALLO, another stunning coastal destination in the Liguria region, where we will board the boat to Portofino.Additional note: Due to adverse weather conditions or during winter, the boat crossing to Portofino (whether from Santa Margherita or Rapallo) may not be operational due to weather conditions.

Day 5

Today, we’ll discover one of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes: the Italian lakes nestled in the valleys of the Alps. We’ll travel to LAKE ORTA, where we’ll visit the medieval town of ORTA SAN GIULIO, known for its remarkably well-preserved architecture. Our visit includes a train ride to the center of this charming village and a boat trip to San Giulio Island, which is home to a monastery. Afterward, we’ll head to MILAN, the main financial and economic hub of Italy. You’ll have free time to explore the downtown area, visit Milan´s renowned cathedral, and have lunch. We’ll then continue our journey through the Po Valley to VERONA, where you’ll have free time for dinner.

Day 6

In VERONA, you’ll have free time to explore the city of Romeo and Juliet. We’ll then continue to VENICE, with an expected arrival around noon. We’ll include a boat transfer to St. Mark’s Square, where a local guide will lead us on a walking tour through the city of canals. You’ll also have the opportunity to admire Murano glasswork. Enjoy free time for lunch and be sure to take a ride on one of the famous gondolas. We’ll be spending the night in the Mestre area or nearby.

Day 7

After crossing the picturesque landscapes of the Apennines, we’ll arrive in FLORENCE. Our first stop will be Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers a breathtaking view of the city. You´ll have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, we´ll walk to the city center where we´ll have a tour of the city center with a local guide, seeing iconic sites like the Ponte Vecchio, Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria. This city is truly an open-air museum. Enjoy some additional free time to explore at your leisure.

Day 8

We’ll travel to SIENA, where we’ll have the chance to see the stunning Piazza del Campo and its beautiful cathedral. Next, we’ll head to ASSISI for an included visit to the Basilica with a local guide or a Franciscan monk. Free time for lunch. Arrival in ROME in the evening.

Day 9

At the time informed by the guide, we will make a transfer to the airport to catch a domestic flight included in your trip. On arrival at destination we will give you another hotel transfer. Your guide will contact you at the end of the afternoon or you can consult the information in your hotel reception. Note: remember that on domestic flights, the luggage normally allowed is one suitcase of up to 20 kg in the hold. Passengers must pay for all excess luggage directly to the airline.

Day 10

We’ll leave Palermo and follow the scenic Tyrrhenian Sea coastline, taking in beautiful landscapes along the way. We’ll head inland to Castelbuono, a little picturesque mountain town that captures the tranquility of Sicily’s interior with its ancient walls, castle, and charming central streets. Our next stop will be Cefalù, a charming coastal town. Its Norman cathedral, renowned for its unique architecture and mosaics, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic center is a delightful mix of narrow streets, sea views, and commercial and tourist life. After some time for lunch, we’ll continue along the coast and visit Tindari, where the Sanctuary of Tindari stands atop a mountain, offering breathtaking views of the sea. This famous pilgrimage site is home to the Black Madonna. Nearby, you’ll find the ruins of an ancient Greek polis. Our journey will conclude in Milazzo, a lively port city overlooking the volcanic Aeolian Islands.

Day 11

Our day will be filled with unforgettable experiences as we explore two islands in the Aeolian archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Sites renowned for their continuous volcanic activity. We’ll start with a hydrofoil boat ride to Vulcano, where you’ll immediately be struck by the smell of sulfur from the island’s active fumaroles. Dominated by its crater, Vulcano is famous for its hot water beaches. We highly recommend indulging in the sulfurous hot springs, as the mud is said to have great benefits for the skin. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience! Next, we’ll take a 15-minute hydrofoil boat ride to Lipari, the largest and most charming of the Aeolian Islands, with its historic center, castle, and vibrant tourist scene. You’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely stroll. Afterward, we’ll return by boat to Milazzo and continue to Taormina, arriving by the end of the day. Dinner will be included.Note: During the summer or on special dates, accommodation may be arranged in Messina instead of Taormina.

Day 12

At the foot of Mount Etna lies the enchanting city of Taormina, once described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. You´ll have time to explore the lively historic quarter, with its Greek theater dominating the mesmerizing landscape. You can also relax on the beach. Dinner will be included.

Day 13

After breakfast, we will head to CATANIA, at the foot of Mount Etna, a city that combines history, art, and Mediterranean life. Its Baroque center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impresses with beautiful squares and palaces, as well as the bustling fish market, one of the most picturesque in Sicily.Afterwards, we continue to SYRACUSE, an ancient city of Magna Graecia on the Ionian Sea. The city has also been declared a World Heritage Site; its island of Ortigia, connected by bridges, is the oldest part of town, with lively narrow streets, the cathedral, the ancient castle, seaside terraces, and markets. Free time to stroll and have lunch.In the afternoon, we will travel inland toward AGRIGENTO. Before reaching the hotel, from the coach, we will admire the magnificent complex of the Valley of the Temples. Dinner included.

Day 14

We’ll visit the Valley of the Temples with a local guide, an impressive archaeological site known as the most complete complex of Greek temples (admission included). Then, we’ll travel to Marsala, a historic city renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and famous wine, where we’ll have time for lunch. Our journey will continue around the scenic Marsala salt pans to Erice, a charming Phoenician town overlooking the sea, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Finally, we’ll head to Palermo. Dinner will be included.

Day 15

After breakfast, we’ll visit Palermo, including a transfer to the beautiful village of Monreale, now part of the city outskirts, and home to an architectural complex that is a World Heritage Site. The Sicilian capital is a city full of contrasts, with rich histories of Arabs, Normans, and Baroque splendor. Highlights include the Cathedral (admission included) and the Royal Palace with its Palatine Chapel.Our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful and lasting memories.Please, check the time of your flight in case you might need an additional night.