Best of Italy Small-Group Tour: Venice to Sicily

Discover Italy on a 15-day small-group tour from Venice to Sicily, featuring Florence, Rome, Palermo, Mount Etna, local cuisine and wine
Experience Italy from north to south on an unforgettable 15-day small-group journey from Venice to Sicily. Wander Venice’s romantic canals, taste the flavours of Bologna, discover Renaissance Florence and explore the legendary landmarks of Rome before flying to Sicily. From vibrant Palermo and the ancient Valley of the Temples to Mount Etna and beautiful Taormina, enjoy guided sightseeing, regional cuisine, wine tastings and authentic cultural experiences at every turn
15 Days from $8299/person CAD
Family
Food & Wine
Guided
Honeymoon & Anniversary
Premium
Romantic
Small Group
UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Primary Location

Italy, Europe

Departures

2027 Dates: March 17, April 14, May 12, June 9 & September 22

Included:

  • Accommodation in 4-star hotels
  • Daily Breakfast, 1 lunch and 6 dinners
  • Visits and tours with English-speaking local guides as outlined in the itinerary
  • Professional services of an experienced English-speaking tour leader as per the itinerary
  • Transportation by deluxe motorcoach as per the itinerary
  • Arrival transfer from Venice Airport to the hotel
  • Spritz and “cicchetti” experience in Venice
  • Visits to Bologna and San Gimignano
  • Guided sightseeing tours of Venice and Florence
  • Guided tour of Rome Highlights
  • Guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Square with skip-the-line admission
  • Assisted transfer from the hotel in Rome to Rome Fiumicino Airport
  • Flight from Rome to Palermo
  • Arrival transfer from Palermo Airport to the hotel
  • Visit to a historic winery and wine tasting with light lunch in Marsala
  • Guided tours in Palermo and Agrigento
  • Visit to the Cathedral of Monreale (entrance ticket included)
  • Entrance to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento
  • Excursion to Mount Etna
  • Discover Baroque Sicily including Ragusa Ibla, Noto, and Siracusa
  • Entrance tickets to all archaeological sites as per the itinerary
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board to be in touch with family and friends
  • Headsets to follow the information provided by the tour leader and local guides
  • Stretch your legs with extra legroom on the coaches! More space is provided on board to pamper travellers with the most comfortable trip

Not Included:

  • International or domestic airfare
  • Gratuities to guides and drivers
  • Travel insurance
  • Additional meals when not mentioned on the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned on the itinerary
  • Local city tax for overnight stays
  • Visas required for entry into the country as necessary
  • Anything of a personal nature or that is not mentioned in included

Pricing Details

Click Book Online for pricing!

  • Escorted tour with a maximum of 25 travelers
  • From price is CAD per person, based on double occupancy
  • The final price will vary and is also based on the month of travel
  • Prices are subject to change

Optional Extras:

  • Pre and Post-Accommodation
  • Optional excursions are available, including a gondola ride in Venice, museum visits in Florence, a Pisa excursion, a tour of the Colosseum in Rome, and culinary experiences. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us for availability and pricing. Advance booking is strongly recommended
  • All optional excursions per the itinerary are subject to change and are based on availability

Itinerary

DAY 1: WELCOME TO VENICE

Arrive in Venice and meet your driver at the airport for your included transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, meet your tour guide and fellow travellers for an introduction to the journey ahead.

Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Venetian welcome with a glass of Spritz or Prosecco accompanied by cicchetti, Venice’s famous small bites.

Spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Wander through charming alleys, visit iconic squares, or relax at a local café before returning to the hotel independently.

Accommodation at the Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal, Venice, or similar

DAY 2: VENICE WALKING TOUR & ST. MARK’S SQUARE

After breakfast, join your tour leader for a walk through the heart of Venice. Stroll along picturesque *calli*, cross charming bridges, and discover lively squares, historic palaces, artisan shops, and glimpses of the Grand Canal.

Upon reaching St. Mark’s Square, meet your local guide and discover the city’s most iconic landmarks. Admire the exterior of the magnificent Doge’s Palace and hear fascinating stories about the legendary Bridge of Sighs.

After the tour, enjoy free time to experience Venice at your own pace or add an afternoon gondola ride. Return to the hotel independently. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal, Venice, or similar

DAY 3: BOLOGNA & FLORENCE EXPERIENCE

Travel to Bologna, a city celebrated for its rich history and exceptional cuisine. Walk from Piazza Malpighi to Piazza Maggiore, admiring the Basilica of San Petronio and Palazzo del Podestà along the way.

Enjoy free time to explore Bologna’s medieval streets, famous porticoes, and lively markets. For an authentic taste of the city, sample some of its renowned street food and traditional local specialities.

In the afternoon, continue to Florence. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Mediterraneo, Florence, or similar

DAY 4: FLORENCE CITY TOUR & TUSCAN DINNER

After breakfast, meet your guide and discover Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. See the magnificent Duomo, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce.

Enjoy free time for lunch, followed by an afternoon at leisure or an optional excursion to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli.

In the evening, travel to Ristorante I Tre Pini in Impruneta, in the heart of the Chianti region. Enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner featuring local ingredients and regional wines in a warm, rustic setting. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Hotel Mediterraneo, Florence, or similar

DAY 5: SAN GIMIGNANO & ROME

After breakfast, depart Florence and travel through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to San Gimignano. Famous for its medieval towers and UNESCO-listed historic centre, this charming hilltop town offers picturesque streets and spectacular countryside views.

Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, browse local shops, and have lunch at one of the town’s cafés or restaurants.

In the afternoon, continue to Rome, arriving in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel St. Martin, Rome, or similar

DAY 6: VATICAN MUSEUMS, SISTINE CHAPEL & ROMAN DINNER

After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and walk to Vatican City for an included skip-the-line tour. Explore the Vatican Museums, including the Galleries of Tapestries and Maps and Raphael’s Rooms, before admiring Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel.

The tour concludes in St. Peter’s Square, where you can admire the magnificent exterior of St. Peter’s Basilica. Spend the afternoon exploring Rome independently or relaxing at your leisure.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a traditional Roman restaurant accompanied by live music. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Hotel St. Martin, Rome, or similar

DAY 7: ROME WALKING TOUR: CASTEL SANT’ANGELO TO THE SPANISH STEPS

After breakfast, begin your walking tour at Castel Sant’Angelo, where you will learn about its fascinating history and enjoy panoramic views of Rome. Continue along the Tiber River and cross the picturesque Ponte Sant’Angelo.

Visit Piazza Navona and admire the Fountain of the Four Rivers before continuing to the ancient Pantheon. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, then conclude at Piazza di Spagna, home to the Spanish Steps and the Fountain of the Barcaccia.

Enjoy free time to explore or relax at a local café. The afternoon is at leisure, with the option to join an additional guided experience, such as a tour of the Colosseum. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel St. Martin, Rome, or similar

DAY 8: ROME AT LEISURE & OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in the Eternal City. Wander through Rome’s charming streets, explore neighbourhoods such as Trastevere or Monti, and experience the city like a local.

You may also choose from a selection of optional experiences, including a cooking class, pizza-making class, street food tour, or an excursion to Tivoli. Let us know what interests you, and we’ll take care of the rest! Meals: B

Important note: Optional activities are subject to availability, and advanced booking is strongly recommended.

Accommodation at the Hotel St. Martin, Rome, or similar

DAY 9: ROME TO PALERMO: WELCOME TO SICILY

After breakfast, meet your driver at the scheduled time for your transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport. Board your included flight to Palermo and, upon arrival in Sicily, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

In the late afternoon, meet your tour leader for a welcome briefing and an introduction to the journey ahead. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel and relax before beginning your Sicilian adventure. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Hotel Mercure, Palermo, or similar

DAY 10: MONREALE & PALERMO CITY TOUR

After breakfast, travel to the historic town of Monreale, renowned for its Norman architecture and local products, including almonds, olive oil, and citrus fruits. Visit the magnificent UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Monreale, famous for its dazzling mosaics, before enjoying time to shop for local delicacies and souvenirs.

Return to Palermo for a guided walking tour through the Old Town. Discover the city’s fascinating 3,000-year history and visit Palermo Cathedral, where arches, domes, and mosaics reflect the many cultures that have shaped Sicily.

Enjoy some free time in the late afternoon before returning to your hotel for dinner. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Hotel Mercure, Palermo, or similar

DAY 11: ERICE, MARSALA WINE EXPERIENCE & VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES

After an early breakfast, depart for Erice, a beautifully preserved medieval village perched on Monte San Giuliano. Stroll through its maze of narrow lanes and admire the timeless atmosphere and panoramic views.

Continue to Marsala, a region celebrated for its famous fortified wine. Visit a traditional wine cellar and enjoy a tasting accompanied by a light lunch featuring regional products.

In the afternoon, travel to Agrigento and explore the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples. Discover remarkable ancient Greek ruins, including the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Hercules, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Check in to your hotel in the evening and enjoy dinner. Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation at the Hotel Della Valle, Agrigento, or similar

DAY 12: BAROQUE RAGUSA IBLA

After breakfast, travel to Ragusa and explore the enchanting historic centre of Ragusa Ibla. Along with seven other towns in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its magnificent Late Baroque architecture.

See the historic Portal of San Giorgio and stroll through the beautiful Giardini Iblei. Continue to Piazza Pola to visit the charming Church of San Giuseppe, followed by the impressive Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Church of the Souls in Purgatory, and the magnificent Palazzo Cosentini.

After the tour, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Poggio del Sole Hotel, Ragusa, or similar

DAY 13: NOTO, SYRACUSE & ORTYGIA

After breakfast, travel to Noto, a picturesque town renowned for its magnificent Sicilian Baroque architecture. Visit the beautifully restored Cathedral of San Nicolò and enjoy a walk through the elegant historic centre.

Continue along Sicily’s southeastern coast to Syracuse. Cross the bridge to the island of Ortygia, the city’s ancient heart, and discover its charming streets, Baroque churches, and medieval palaces.

In the late afternoon, travel to Taormina, check in to your hotel, and enjoy dinner. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Hotel Splendid, Taormina, or similar

DAY 14: MOUNT ETNA & TAORMINA AT LEISURE

After breakfast, depart for Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Learn about its volcanic activity while exploring a dramatic landscape shaped by ancient lava flows and black volcanic rock.

Weather permitting, ascend to approximately 1,800 metres for impressive views of the surrounding landscape. Afterwards, return to Taormina, a beautiful hilltop town overlooking the Ionian Sea.

Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure, exploring Taormina at your own pace. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Splendid, Taormina, or similar

DAY 15: DEPARTURE FROM SICILY

Enjoy one final breakfast at the hotel before your journey comes to an end. At the scheduled time, transfer to Catania Airport for your onward flight. Meals: B

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