Duration
18 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Starting city
Rome
Available
April 2024 / March 2025
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
Dear Traveler: thank you for choosing us to perform this Tour! We hope you enjoy your trip.
Here we give you a guidance on their tour with the information that we believe may be of your interest. The information is indicative, may exist variations on designated hours.
TRANSFER from the airport, if you have it included or purchasing. Our transfer will be waiting for you with a poster on behalf of Europamundo or its name to the output of the custom (after collecting your luggage)..
Remember to inform us by phone if you lost your connection flight or expected delay of their arrival, in your VOUCHER figure the phone of the transfer.
IMPORTANT: If you had additional nights upon arrival the hotel will have your reservation, but his travel guide normally will not be until the night before the start of the tour.
IMPORTANT: Please note that hotel check-in time is typically at 14:00 p.m. If you need early room access, consider booking an additional night at the start of your trip.
If you have booked additional nights, your room will be prepared upon arrival, but your trip guide will generally only contact you when the scheduled activities begin. At reception, you’ll find a sign with contact details and assistance hours for our staff. Until the tour begins, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.
Optional activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. We recommend booking these activities well in advance through the Europamundo app or your "My Trip" link to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability (e.g., tickets, coach seats).
Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
This tour will finish at St. Peter´s Square in the Vatican. The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays, so, if you are interested, we recommend visiting at this time. For the most curious travelers, our guide will offer an optional visit after the city tour, where you’ll be able to see in more detail the most notable rooms of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the Basilica of St. Peter. Free time in the afternoon. Optionally, our guide will offer a tour of the squares and fountains.
06:30 p.m. - In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer to the Trastevere area, known for its traditional little restaurants.
08:30 p.m. - Return to hotel.
Scenery: Beautiful landscapes in Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany; hills and very picturesque villages.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Rome. We’ll head north towards Umbria.
09:15 a.m. - Orvieto. We’ll arrive in this medieval city located on a large summit. First, we’ll visit the marvelous viewpoint offering stunning views of the city and its walls. Then, we’ll take the cable car (included) to the medieval center, where the cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic art, stands proudly. The city also features a network of underground tunnels used as shelters and water reserves during wartime. After that, you’ll have time to explore its charming streets that transport us to another era.
11:30 a.m. - Departure from Orvieto.
01:15 p.m. - Castiglione del Lago. Nestled on the shores of Lake Trasimeno, this picturesque historic village offers spectacular views over the water. Enjoy time to stroll and have lunch in this enchanting setting.
03:00 p.m. - Departure from Castiglione del Lago towards Tuscany.
04:30 p.m. - Siena. We’ll arrive in this magnificent city, rich in medieval history. You’ll have free time to explore the center with its narrow streets, towers, and palaces, including the famous Piazza del Campo and the Cathedral, before we head to the hotel at 07:00 p.m.
Scenery: Pleasant landscapes throughout the journey. Hills adorned with olive groves and vineyards where the famous Chianti wine is produced.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Siena. We’ll travel through the picturesque Tuscan countryside.
09:00 a.m. - Monteriggioni. Time to explore this enchanting medieval walled village.
10:00 a.m. – Departure from Monteriggioni. We’ll continue through the lush vineyards of the Chianti region.
10:45 a.m. - San Gimignano – a charming town, renowned for its towering medieval architecture and beautifully preserved historic center. We’ll have time to stroll and enjoy lunch.
01:30 p.m. – Departure from San Gimignano.
02:45 p.m. - Florence. We’ll stop to take a picture at the Michelangelo viewpoint, offering one of the most stunning views of the city. For those interested in art, we recommend visiting some of Florence´s magnificent museums, such as the Uffizi Gallery (Italy’s finest art gallery) or the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo´s original David.
Today, you’ll have plenty of free time, which we suggest spending with a stroll through the artistic center of the city. Visit the Ponte Vecchio with its shopping arcades and explore the majestic squares.
Scenery: Today is a day by the sea. The Ligurian Rivera coastline offers some of the most beautiful scenery and coastal gems in Europe.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from Florence.
09:15 a.m. - Pisa. We’ll be required to drop you off at the tourist bus parking area. From there, we’ll include a ride on the tourist train to access the monumental site. You’ll have time to explore the impressive complex of Pisa, featuring the Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Cathedral.
11:00 a.m. – Departure from Pisa. We’ll continue traveling along the Mediterranean coast. Along the way, we’ll pass the Carrara Marble Mountains, which appear as if they are covered in snow.
12:45 p.m. - Levanto. We’ll arrive by train (tickets included) to one of its charming towns (normally Vernazza, but on peak tourism dates, it could be Manarola or Corniglia, very similar towns that are somewhat less crowded).
The train is scheduled to depart at 01:05 p.m. (subject to change), taking us through long tunnels next to the sea into the Cinque Terre region. Buses can’t access this area because of its steep, mountainous terrain. The area remained isolated, preserving its traditions. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
01:30 p.m. - Vernazza - Arrival by train. We’ll arrive in one of the five villages of the Cinque Terre region, which retains its coastal character. Highlights include the Santa Margherita Church, built in 1318 on the seashore. Time for lunch.
03:44 p.m. – Departure from Vernazza (time subject to change). We’ll return by train to Levanto, where our bus will continue along the coast towards Genoa.
Note: The train to Cinque Terre is a regular commuter service, not a tourist train. During peak tourism times, there can be long waits as trains may be full, and seat reservations are not available. In some cases, the journey might be done standing. If this happens, we recommend walking to the monumental site, which is approximately 900 meters away.
05:45 p.m. - Genoa - Arrival. The city where Christopher Columbus was born. Time to explore its monumental center.
Note: By boat, we’ll reach the enclave of Portofino. It’s advisable to wear warm clothing to enjoy the trip on deck.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Genoa. We’ll travel along the stunning Italian Riviera.
09:00 a.m. - Santa Margherita Ligure.
10:15 a.m. - We’ll take a boat for a 20-minute crossing to Portofino, one of the most exclusive destinations in Europe. Enjoy some free time to explore this charming town.
12:00 p.m. - We’ll return to Santa Margherita, a delightful coastal town. There will be time for a leisurely walk and lunch.
Note: During winter, weather conditions may prevent the boat to Portofino from operating. In such cases, we’ll spend more time in Santa Margherita. If you wish, you can take an urban minibus to Portofino (service quality may be poor, with sometimes long waits).
02:00 p.m. – Departure from Santa Margherita.
04:30 p.m. – Milan. Free time until 07:30 p.m. We recommend a stroll through its historic center, bustling with commercial life, and home to the magnificent Gothic cathedral.
Scenery: We’ll see the beautiful region of the Italian Lakes; the mountain scenery with snow-peaked summits and large Alpine lakes surrounded by picturesque villages is unforgettable.
Note: Bring some warm clothes; you may need them for the boat trips. On days with bad weather, our stop in Stresa might be shorter.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from Milan. We’ll take the motorway to the great lakes. First, we’ll travel to Lake Orta; its isolated position and smaller size give it a special charm.
09:00 a.m. - Orta San Giulio - A beautiful, intact medieval town by the lake. In the center of the lake, we’ll immediately see the Island of San Giulio with its monastery. We’ll take a small tourist train to the town and then sail across the lake on hired boats to the island. We’ll have time to explore the town and the island.
11:00 a.m. – Departure from Orta San Giulio. We’ll travel to Lake Maggiore.
11:45 a.m. - Stresa - Arrival in this tourist town by Lake Maggiore. You’ll have time to stroll and enjoy lunch. If you wish, there’s also an opportunity to take a boat trip to the Borromean Islands located just off the town’s shore.
03:45 p.m. – Departure from Stresa. We’ll leave the mountains and travel through the industrious areas of the Po Valley.
07:30 p.m. - Verona.
Note: During the winter months, the Orta train does not operate. If that is the case, you can access the medieval town by walking approximately 800 meters from the bus parking lot.
Scenery: A picturesque entrance to Verona over its large bridge.
Verona – You’ll have some time to explore the enchanting city of Romeo and Juliet.
11:30 a.m. - Departure from Verona.
Note: Depending on the time of year, sunlight, and traffic conditions, we might visit Verona upon arrival from the lakes. In these cases, we’ll leave for Venice earlier.
01:00 p.m. - Venice. We’ll arrive at the port of Tronchetto and take a short boat ride to Venice. To get to know this magical city, we’ll include a visit to St. Mark’s Square with a local guide. You will also see the famous Murano glasswork. Afterwards, enjoy some free time—perhaps a gondola ride?
07:30 p.m. - Evening transfer to the hotel, normally in Mestre or Marghera.
Scenery: The highlight is the arrival in San Marino, with its fortress perched atop the mountain. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes while crossing the Apennines.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from Venice.
08:15 a.m. - Padua. We are in the city of San Antonio, home to a beautiful medieval basilica that receives many pilgrims, with bustling streets in the center. Time to visit the Basilica.
09:30 a.m. – Departure from Padua. We’ll travel to the Adriatic coast and then to San Marino, a tiny independent country surrounded by Italy.
01:30 p.m. - San Marino. Free time at the top of the heavily fortified mountain. Time to stroll, have lunch, and do some shopping.
04:00 p.m. – Departure from San Marino. Beautiful countryside crossing the Apennines.
06:15 p.m. - Gubbio. A small, marvelously preserved city, where the Palace of Consuls and the twelfth-century cathedral stand out. Time for a walk.
07:30 p.m. – Departure from Gubbio
08:30 p.m. – Perugia. Arrival and accommodation.
Scenery: Pleasant landscapes of Umbria.
Note: Modest dress code is required in the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi; please keep this in mind for this part of the trip.
Perugia, in the heart of the Umbria region, is a captivating medieval city. With a local guide, we’ll embark on a city tour (usually departing from the hotel at 08:00 a.m.). Using escalators, we’ll go up the rocky hills to explore the charming historic center. Should you buy chooclate? Absolutely! This city is known for its chocolate!
Note: Occasionally, the tour of Perugia may be done when you return from Assisi.
10:15 a.m. - Departure from Perugia.
11:00 a.m. - Assisi. We’ll have time for lunch and to explore this artistic jewel of Umbria. You can use this time to visit the basilicas.
01:30 p.m. - Departure from Assisi. We’ll pass through Rome on our way to southern Italy.
08:00 p.m. - Naples.
Scenery: Stunning landscapes in the Bay of Naples and Sorrento.
Notes: Part of this trip will be by boat, so we recommend bringing warm clothes. Don’t forget your camera in case you want to photograph the breathtaking views. Due to weather conditions, ships connecting Naples with Capri or Capri with Sorrento may not operate. In such cases, the route will be modified to arrive at Sorrento by highway and visit Amalfi instead of Capri.
09:30 a.m. - Departure from Naples by ferry. The boat trip will last approximately one hour, offering picturesque views.
10:40 a.m. - Capri. Free time for lunch on the island. Optionally, you can take a boat to visit Grotta Bianca and the faraglioni or take the funicular to go up to Capri city.
03:15 p.m. - We’ll take a ferry (schedules may vary) to Sorrento, enjoying beautiful scenery along the way.
04:00 p.m. - Sorrento. We’ll explore this charming and lively town perched on a cliff, with its port located in the lower area.
06:00 p.m. - Departure from Sorrento.
07:45 p.m. - Salerno. Arrival and accommodation. Would you like to take a stroll through this vibrant southern Italian city?
Note: During the winter months, the schedules will be modified (departing earlier from Naples) to make the most of the daylight.
Scenery: Mountains, sea, and picturesque villages en route.
Note: We recommend taking warm clothes to enjoy the ferry crossing between the Italian Peninsula and Sicily.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Salerno. We’ll journey to southern Italy, marveling at the mountain and village scenery along the way. Our route will lead us to the picturesque coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
11:30 a.m. - Sanctuary of St. Francis of Paola. Time to explore this exciting sanctuary nestled in beautiful surroundings; be sure to visit the cave! Afterwards, you can go for a stroll and have lunch in the picturesque old quarter of Paola.
02:00 p.m. - Departure from Paola. We’ll continue to Villa San Giovanni, where we’ll take a short 20-minute ferry crossing to the island of Sicily.
05:30 p.m. - Messina. Time to wander around the city center and experience your first encounter with the island of Sicily.
06:30 p.m. - Departure from Messina.
07:30 p.m. - Taormina.
Note: In some cases, the included lunch the next day will be substituted with dinner upon arrival in Taormina.
Note: In some cases, the included lunch for this day will be replaced by dinner upon arrival in Taormina the previous night.
Scenery: Hills, perched villages, olive trees, and stunning sea views.
08:30 a.m. - Departure from Taormina. We’ll travel through beautiful Mediterranean landscapes.
10:30 a.m. - Syracuse. Our guide will tell you all about this city, which once rivaled Athens and Rome for its power and splendor. You’ll have time to visit the impressive archaeological site and explore the magnificent historic center, which is extremely well-preserved. There will be a break for lunch.
02:00 p.m. - Departure from Syracuse.
02:45 p.m. - Noto. Guided walk through this baroque jewel of a city. Although not widely known as a tourist destination, it boasts a magnificently preserved monumental heritage and historical center from the baroque period.
04:30 p.m. - Departure from Noto. We’ll take scenic roads through the island’s interior.
08:00 p.m. - Agrigento. From the coach, we’ll admire the magnificent complex of the Valley of the Temples. Dinner will be included.
Today we’ll explore archaeological sites that highlight the influence of ancient Greece in Sicily. Accompanied by a local guide, we’ll visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, an impressive archaeological site renowned for its well-preserved Greek temples (admission included).
11:00 a.m. - Departure from Agrigento.
01:30 p.m. - Marsala. Arrival in this historic city known for its vibrant atmosphere and famous wine. We’ll have time for lunch.
03:00 p.m. - Departure from Marsala. We’ll continue our journey around the scenic Marsala salt pans.
04:15 p.m. - Erice. This picturesque Phoenician town, perched atop a hill and surrounded by ancient walls, invites us to take a leisurely stroll.
05:15 p.m. - Departure from Erice.
07:15 p.m. - Palermo. Dinner and accommodation.
Please, check the time of your flight in case you might need an additional night. Our guide will advise you on the best public transportation for your transfers.
If you need to book an external service (like a plane or train) on the last day of your tour, which includes activities, please note that the detailed itineraries are based on "planned" schedules and could be affected by various factors such as traffic, customer delays, mechanical issues, etc. It´s advisable not to book a flight or train with a tight schedule without considering these factors. Always allocate extra time in your schedule for unexpected events.