Tour Italy Explorer (21 Destinations)

Transport

Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard Overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples Any public transport used as part of the tour days (excludes free days)

Others

Discover Rome on a guided walking tour Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome Take a funicular ride to historic Orvieto Experience the magic of Venice Stop at Lake Garda; Italy’s biggest lake Explore Florence; the “Jewel of the Renaissance” Learn about the craft of Italian leather-making Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Florence Explore the colourful villages of CinqueTerre See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa Visit the gorgeous hill town of San Gimignano Taste local wine and antipasti in Siena See Mount Vesuvius and explore the ruins of Pompeii Visit Matera; an ancient cave city Explore Alberobello; famous for its conical houses Catch a scenic ferry from mainland Italy to Sicily Discover Taormina; a hilltop town in Sicily Enjoy dinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina Visit Syracuse; a historic Sicilian city Explore the Valley of the Temples Visit Cefalù; home to Italy’s finest beaches See the sights on a walking tour of Palermo

Meals

16 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 6 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Guide

Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

Accommodation

15 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms 1 night’s accommodation in twin share cabin on ferry with private bathrooms Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room/cabin (subject to availability)

Not included:

Optional

Optional excursions are not included in the tour cost. All optional excursions are booked on tour and paid in cash to your tour leader, unless stated otherwise. Please note, certain optional excursions are subject to availability and could change as a result. Some optional excursions need to be pre-booked, please contact us to find out more

Flights

You will be responsible for booking your own international and/or domestic flights. We additionally recommend you do not book your airfare until your place on the tour is confirmed. Please make sure to check the times that your tour will start and end before booking your flights.

Others

International flights Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. Travel insurance For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.  All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Click here for more information.

Insurance

When you sign up for an Expat Explore tour, you are required to secure adequate travel insurance cover for the duration of your trip. If you cannot provide Expat Explore with proof of adequate travel insurance prior to the start of your tour, you will not be permitted to embark on day one. The requirements include the following coverage: Trip Interruption Trip Delay Medical Expenses Quarantine Expenses and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation The insurance must also cover medical costs and a medically imposed quarantine if the insured or someone the insured has come into contact with, tests positive for COVID-19. Before you book your tour, you’re welcome to obtain a quote with Tour Radar’s insurance partner, Cover Genius.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Of Tour In Rome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Of Tour In Rome

Welcome to Rome; the Eternal City! Meet up with your tour leader at the hotel this morning and prepare for the tour of a lifetime! Then, head into the city to see some of the sites that make Rome famous the world over. See ancient Roman architecture, medieval buildings, Renaissance artworks and more remnants of Rome’s illustrious past as capital of this incredible country and the Roman Empire at large. Tonight, taste delicious Italian cuisine and enjoy an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant with your tour group. Then, join a local guide for a guided walking tour to learn more about Rome’s fascinating history.

Walking tour of Rome: This city has so much to see and do, we can’t even list everything here! See the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Arch of Septimus Severus, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona (Fountain of the Quattro Fiumi), the Spanish Steps, and the other attractions that make Rome a perennial favourite with travellers all over the world!

Welcome dinner: Celebrate the first night of your Italy tour with a welcome dinner! Join your tour leader and the rest of the Italy tour group, and head to a nearby local restaurant for a delicious dinner.

Meals: supper
Day 2 Day 2: Rome - Orvieto - Venice
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Rome - Orvieto - Venice

Leaving the capital behind, drive through the scenic Umbria region and look forward to the truly incredible sight of Orvieto. This small but beautiful city is perched atop a sheer vertical volcanic rock. Take the funicular up to the historic centre and enjoy some free time to explore. See the city’s top sights including the 14th-century Cathedral of Orvieto, the papal residence, and the Albornoz fortress. Next, travel on to Venice! The evening is free. Choose to relax at the hotel or join your tour leader on an optional twilight water taxi cruise of the floating city’s iconic canals and see the twinkling lights of Venice!

Funicular ride in historic Orvieto: Take a funicular up to the historic centre. Here, enjoy some free time to explore and see the sights, including the exquisite facade of the Cathedral of Orvieto.

Meals: breakfast
Day 3 Day 3: Venice: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Venice: Free Day

Today is free to explore this magical city at your leisure. A gondola ride, which can be organised by your tour leader, is highly recommended today as no trip to Venice is complete without this quintessential experience! An optional trip further out into the lagoon to visit Murano and Burano is also available today. These islands are famous for their glass-blowing and lace-making crafts respectively, and rows of beautiful multi-coloured houses. Alternatively, if the weather is good, relax and soak up the sun on the sandy beaches at Jesolo or Lido. The choice is yours!

Experience Venice: Look forward to a full free day in this unique floating city. Venice is full of iconic sights including St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco. For the ultimate Venice experience, join today’s optional excursions!

Meals: breakfast
Day 4 Day 4: Lake Garda - Florence - Tuscany
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Lake Garda - Florence - Tuscany

Today, travel to Florence and the beautiful region of Tuscany. Along the way, stop at the gorgeous Lake Garda. This is the biggest lake in Italy, and a destination that has inspired artists of all persuasions for centuries. On arrival in Florence, join a passionate local guide and explore the iconic sights and landmarks of this magnificent city. A cultural and political focal point during the Renaissance, the city is endowed with a huge variety of Renaissance artworks and Roman ruins. Next, it’s time to visit Leonardo Leather for a leather-making demonstration. Later, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Stop at Lake Garda: Stop at the gorgeous town of Sirmione on the shores of Lake Garda, the biggest lake in Italy, to take some keepsake photos.

Locally guided tour of Florence: See some of the cultural and historic sights that have made the city of Florence a favourite among travellers. Discover top sights including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David. Known as the ‘Jewel of the Renaissance’, Florence boasts a huge variety of important buildings and famous artworks.

Leather-making demonstration: Step inside the world of Italian leather crafting; visit a local leather shop and factory, Leonardo Leather and Gold, for insight into how bespoke Italian leather goods are produced. Italy has been famous for leather production for centuries!

Dinner at a restaurant in Florence: Join the group for a delicious meal at a local restaurant in Florence.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 5 Day 5: Cinque Terre - Pisa - Tuscany
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Cinque Terre - Pisa - Tuscany

This morning, drive north to La Spezia in the Liguria region. This city is the gateway to Cinque Terre; five picturesque fishing villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. The harbours are filled with fishing boats, vines climb the terraces and the houses are painted in bright colours. It’s a photographer’s dream! Each village is linked by hiking trails and a railway, allowing for exploration without any cars or traffic. This afternoon, head back to Tuscany, stopping off on the way at the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. A highlight of any tour to Italy, enjoy snapping photos of this legendary structure and explore the grounds that include a cathedral and baptistery.

Explore Cinque Terre: Make your way along the cobbled walkways that link the five picturesque villages to experience life in the slow lane, as the locals do. This beautiful region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts some of the best seafood in Italy.

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa: See the famous architectural marvel up close, and take those must-have travel pictures. Be sure to get a classic picture of you ‘holding up’ the tower!

Meals: breakfast
Day 6 Day 6: San Gimignano - Siena - Rome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: San Gimignano - Siena - Rome

Today, the tour makes its way through Tuscany’s idyllic countryside. During the drive, admire rolling hills complete with Tuscan farmhouses, vineyards and olive groves. The first stop is the walled hilltop town of San Gimignano. Known as the ’Town of Fine Towers’, San Gimignano is home to incredible Romanesque and Gothic architecture and 14 well-preserved medieval tower houses. Then, drive to Siena; a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the Palio horse race. Here, taste some local Italian wines. Then, travel back to Rome and round off the day with an included dinner.

Visit San Gimignano: Enjoy a comfort stop to admire the beautiful scenery and drink in the restful ambience of this stunning town. San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its 14 well-preserved medieval towers which create an unforgettable skyline.

Wine tasting in Siena: Taste some local wines in the ultimate Italian setting. Siena is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the Palio horse race. This bareback horse race has taken place since the 14th century in the main town square of Siena, and the 17 participants represent local families.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 7 Day 7: Rome: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Rome: Free Day

Enjoy a free day to explore Rome and discover more of the city’s famous sights. Wander the streets, do some shopping and be sure to sample local food. An optional excursion to the ancient Colosseum and Roman Forum is highly recommended. Join an expert local guide and walk in the footsteps of gladiators! Alternatively, use this time to take a short trip to the Vatican City, the world’s smallest country and home of the Pope! Visit the Vatican museums and marvel at the artistic masterpieces, as well as Michaelangelo’s incredible frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. The “Eternal City” is your oyster today and no matter what you choose to do, this free day is sure to include many memorable sights and moments.

Meals: breakfast
Day 8 Day 8: Rome: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Rome: Free Day

It’s another free day in Bella Roma! By now you will have likely seen most of the city’s top tourist attractions so today offers a great opportunity to explore at a more leisurely pace. Why not visit one of Rome’s many celebrated museums or simply relax at a local café. Later on, meet back up with your tour leader and fellow travellers, including those joining from the Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily Tour. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 9 Day 9: Rome - Pompeii - Amalfi Coast
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Rome - Pompeii - Amalfi Coast

Leaving Rome, head to the spectacular Amalfi Coast region, stopping off along the way to see Mount Vesuvius and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, destroyed in 79 AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Get transported to a different time and gain fascinating insight into life during the Roman empire during a guided tour before enjoying an included lunch. Later this afternoon, settle in for a two-night stay in the Amalfi Coast. This area is famous for limoncello (a sweet lemon liqueur); the perfect way to say cheers to the end of a fun-filled day! Join this evening’s optional excursion to Amalfi and experience a breathtaking ferry ride followed by an orientation tour of Amalfi and an authentic Italian dinner.

See Mount Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii: See Mount Vesuvius, and stop off to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii with a local guide. Pompeii was famously destroyed in 79 AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site provides a fascinating insight into the ancient Roman Empire.

Meals: breakfast,lunch
Day 10 Day 10: Amalfi Coast: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Amalfi Coast: Free Day

Enjoy a full free day in the Amalfi Coast! Make the most of this area’s stunning coastline and spend a day on the beach soaking up the sun or explore the quaint and colourful surrounding towns. Or, choose to join the optional excursion to the famous Isle of Capri. Here, look forward to an orientation tour before spending some free time exploring the rugged coastline, ancient Roman ruins and stylish piazzas of this glamorous island. A cruise around the island and its crystal clear waters and grottos is a definite highlight of this day trip!

Meals: breakfast
Day 11 Day 11: Amalfi Coast - Matera - Alberobello
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Amalfi Coast - Matera - Alberobello

Today, head southeast to explore the southern Italian region of Apulia, taking a comfort stop along the way in the ancient cave city of Matera. Known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City), it is famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts; the ‘Sassi’. Later, arrive in Alberobello, and enjoy a walking tour with a local guide to see the region’s famous ‘trulli’ houses. These beautiful 14th-century whitewashed stone huts have iconic conical roofs and are specific to the Itria Valley. This evening, enjoy free time to further explore Alberobello - check out the trullo church of St Anthony and the Trulli Museum!

See the ancient cave city of Matera: Known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City), it is famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts; the ‘sassi’.

Walking tour of Alberobello: Discover the area’s beautiful 14th-century whitewashed stone huts that have iconic conical roofs, and are specific to the Itria Valley, with a local guide.

Meals: breakfast
Day 12 Day 12: Alberobello - Taormina
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Alberobello - Taormina

This morning, take a coastal drive beside the Ionian Sea before leaving the mainland. Take a short ferry ride over to the island of Sicily; home to the spectacular Mount Etna. Prepare for stunning views as the tour makes its way to Taormina. Upon arrival, your tour leader will guide an orientation walk of this hilltop town, pointing out some of the highlights that can be explored further on the free day tomorrow. Top attractions include the historic Porta Catania and the Villa Comunale. This evening, get your first taste of Sicilian cuisine with an included dinner at tonight’s beachside hotel.

Ferry ride to Sicily: Take a scenic ferry ride to the island of Sicily; the home of Mount Etna. Admire the views as the ferry makes its way to Taormina.

Orientation tour of Taormina: Your tour guide will take the group on an orientation tour of this charming hilltop town. See top sights including the historic Porta Catania and the Villa Comunale. Explore more attractions on the free day tomorrow!

Dinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina: Taste authentic Sicilian cuisine and join the group for dinner at a restaurant overlooking the ocean.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 13 Day 13: Taormina: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Taormina: Free Day

Enjoy a free day to relax on Sicily’s beautiful beaches or explore the island’s quaint towns. The town of Taormina is one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations. Perched on the side of a mountain, Taormina is home to medieval churches, a castle and a Greek amphitheatre. Today also offers two top optional excursions. The first is a trip to the towering Mount Etna. Take a funicular up the mountain, walk in Volcanic ash and marvel at the otherworldly views. Afterwards, enjoy an indulgent lunch at a local Enoteca featuring local wine and delicious produce grown in volcanic soil. The perfect way to end this memorable day is with a sunset cruise with swim stops back in Taormina!

Meals: breakfast
Day 14 Day 14: Taormina - Syracuse - Agrigento
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Taormina - Syracuse - Agrigento

Drive through the heart of Sicily, enjoying a visit to the enchanting city of Syracuse along the way. Syracuse is a city that was founded as a Greek colony in 734 BC. Today, it boasts a UNESCO-listed historic centre and beautiful Baroque buildings. Later this afternoon, get your cameras ready for a tour of the ‘Valle dei Templi’ (Valley of the Temples) led by an expert local guide. This is one of the world’s most outstanding examples of Magna Grecia art and architecture! Afterwards, travel to tonight’s accommodation near Agrigento.

Visit Syracuse: The historically significant Sicilian city of Syracusa (as the locals call it) is located on the southeast coast of Sicily. Syracuse was originally a Greek colony, and today is home to a number of Greek remains. Its Greek theatre dates back to the 5th century BC. Be transported back in time while meandering cobbled lanes, pavement cafes and baroque architecture. While here, shop locally-grown pistachios, almonds and sun-dried pachino (tomatoes).

Explore the Valley of the Temples: The ‘Valle dei Templi’ is a national monument of Italy and an archaeological site in Agrigento. The Valley includes the remains of seven temples built in the Doric style. It is famous for being home to incredible examples of Magna Grecia art and architecture.

Meals: breakfast
Day 15 Day 15: Agrigento - Cefalù - Palermo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Agrigento - Cefalù - Palermo

Leaving Agrigento this morning, take a scenic drive through central Sicily en route to the town of Cefalù. Embark on an orientation tour of the town before enjoying free time for lunch. This historic town boasts some of Italy’s finest beaches so don’t miss the chance to enjoy a meal by the sea! Arriving in Palermo in the early afternoon, enjoy a walking tour which will showcase the city’s highlights. Founded more than 2,700 years ago by the Phoenicians, Palermo is noted for its history, culture, architecture and food. Top sights on the walking tour include the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova (The New Gate) and the Cathedral of Palermo.

Visit Cefalù: Travel to the historic city of Cefalù where you have free time to find a place to enjoy lunch. This coastal city is famous for its incredible beaches as well as its Norman cathedral complete with soaring towers and Byzantine mosaics.

Walking tour of Palermo: Enjoy a guided walking tour of Palermo. Look out for popular attractions like the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova (The New Gate) and the Cathedral of Palermo.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 16 Day 16: Palermo: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Palermo: Free Day

Make the most of this full day to further explore Sicily’s capital. Over the centuries, Palermo has been colonised by many different rulers, including the Greeks, Romans and Normans, making it a melting pot of cultures and architectural styles. Palermo is an enticing mix of ancient relics, Italian history, rich culture and mouthwatering cuisine - it’s a fantastic destination for travellers to enjoy! Revisit top sights from yesterday’s tour, explore the historic old town and visit the art galleries. Alternatively, join today’s optional excursion to visit some of the city’s fascinating hidden gems featuring intricate artworks, diverse architecture and even a bakery in a convent! This evening, the group will take an overnight ferry back to the Italian mainland.

Meals: breakfast
Day 17 Day 17: End Of Tour In Rome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: End Of Tour In Rome

The ferry will arrive in Naples this morning. Continue on the coach with the tour leader and travel back to Rome, where the coach will drop off the group. After 17 days of unforgettable Italian adventures, the tour concludes back in Rome. Arrivederci!

Meals: breakfast

+14

17 days tour

Italy Explorer (21 Destinations)

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Italy Explorer (21 Destinations)

Day 1: Start Of Tour In Rome

Day 2: Rome - Orvieto - Venice

Day 3: Venice: Free Day

Day 4: Lake Garda - Florence - Tuscany

Day 5: Cinque Terre - Pisa - Tuscany

Day 6: San Gimignano - Siena - Rome

Day 7: Rome: Free Day

Day 8: Rome: Free Day

Day 9: Rome - Pompeii - Amalfi Coast

Day 10: Amalfi Coast: Free Day

Day 11: Amalfi Coast - Matera - Alberobello

Day 12: Alberobello - Taormina

Day 13: Taormina: Free Day

Day 14: Taormina - Syracuse - Agrigento

Day 15: Agrigento - Cefalù - Palermo

Day 16: Palermo: Free Day

Day 17: End Of Tour In Rome

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