Itinerary
- Day 1
Palermo
You'll be picked up at the airport and driven into Palermo. If you arrive early, there's time to wander through the cathedral and grab some local sweets at the cafes. At 6 pm, you'll meet your group and tour leader for a welcome meeting, then head out together for a traditional Sicilian dinner.
Included Activities
- Airport transfer
- Welcome meeting
- Welcome dinner at local restaurant
Optional Activities
- Explore Palermo cathedral
- Cafe-hop for Sicilian sweets
Landmarks Palermo Cathedral - Day 2
Palermo
The morning is yours to walk through Palermo's alleyways and check out the market squares on your own. After lunch, your local leader takes you on a walking tour focused on anti-Mafia sites like Teatro Massimo and Cape Market, where you'll meet local shop owners involved in ethical consumer initiatives. Later, you'll cook Sicilian dishes with a local chef and enjoy dinner with local wine.
- Meals
- Dinner (Sicilian dishes prepared in cooking class with local wine)
Included Activities
- Free morning in Palermo
- Anti-Mafia walking tour including Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria, Beati Paoli Square
- Sicilian cooking class with local chef
- Dinner with local wine
Landmarks Teatro Massimo Capo Market Piazza della Memoria Beati Paoli Square - Day 3
Palermo - Erice - Trapani - Marsala
You'll leave Palermo and travel to Erice, a medieval town sitting 750m above sea level. There you'll taste traditional Genovesi pastries before taking a cable car down to Trapani. From there, head south toward Marsala, famous for its sweet dessert wines. The evening is free to explore the town or try some local wine.
Included Activities
- Visit Erice
- Genovesi tasting (traditional Sicilian pastries)
- Cable car ride from Erice to Trapani
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting and socializing in Marsala
Landmarks Erice Trapani - Day 4
Marsala - Mazara del Vallo - Scala dei Turchi - Agrigento
Travel east to Mazara del Vallo to see the Arab influences and colorful murals in the kasbah. Stop at Scala dei Turchi to see the white marble cliffs, then continue on to Agrigento. You'll stay at a 13th century boutique hotel and share a meal with your group that evening.
- Meals
- Dinner (Group dinner in Agrigento)
Included Activities
- Visit Mazara del Vallo kasbah (Arab Quarter)
- Visit Scala dei Turchi
- Welcome dinner in Agrigento
Landmarks Mazara del Vallo Scala dei Turchi 
- Day 5
Agrigento
After breakfast, head to the Valley of the Temples, one of the world's largest archaeological sites. Your local guide walks you through the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux, with views across the landscape to the Mediterranean Sea. By afternoon you're back in Agrigento with free time to explore the Old Town or rest at your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Valley of the Temples including temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux
Optional Activities
- Explore Agrigento Old Town
- Visit local cafe
Landmarks Valley of the Temples Temple of Hera Temple of Herakles Temple of Zeus Temple of Castor and Pollux - Day 6
Agrigento - Ragusa - Modica - Noto - Siracusa
Leave Agrigento early and travel east toward Siracusa. You'll stop in Ragusa, a scenic hilltop town, then continue to Modica to taste the local chocolate. Next, join a guided walk through Noto to see its striking limestone architecture, and then arrive in Siracusa for your two-night stay.
Included Activities
- Visit Ragusa
- Visit Modica and chocolate tasting
- Guided walking tour of Noto
Landmarks Ragusa Modica Noto 
- Day 7
Siracusa
Walk through Ortigia, the small island connected to Siracusa, discovering ancient ruins, fountains and trattorias down narrow streets. In the afternoon you return to the main town and it's free to explore. You can visit the Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre and ancient stone quarries, or just relax at your accommodation.
Included Activities
- Orientation walk through Ortigia
Optional Activities
- Visit Neapolis Archaeological Site (Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre, ancient stone quarries)
- Explore Siracusa town
Landmarks Ortigia Neapolis Archaeological Site Greek Theatre of Syracuse Roman Amphitheatre of Syracuse - Day 8
Siracusa - Mt Etna - Catania
Travel to Mt Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. At around 2000m altitude, you'll walk into an extinct crater and explore a lava cave with helmets and torches. Walk among the cold lava streams of Piano Provenzana, a former ski resort destroyed in 2002. Later, continue to Catania to spend the afternoon exploring grand piazzas and UNESCO World Heritage Late Baroque architecture.
Included Activities
- Mount Etna visit including crater walk and lava cave exploration
Landmarks Mount Etna Piano Provenzana - Day 9
Catania - Taormina - Catania
Take a day trip to Taormina where your guide points out Greek influences in the architecture while walking through back streets and gardens to the famous Greek theatre and cathedral. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace, grab a drink, try traditional Sicilian pasta, or just wander around. You return to Catania for your final night and a farewell dinner with your group.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell dinner with travel group)
Included Activities
- Guided walk of Taormina
- Greek theatre visit
- Cathedral visit
- Farewell dinner in Catania
Landmarks Greek Theatre of Taormina Taormina Cathedral - Day 10
Catania - Alberobello - Polignano a Mare - Bari
Travel inland to Alberobello, a town filled with unique beehive-shaped trulli dwellings built from limestone in the 14th century. Your local guide explores Rione Monti Old Town and Rione Aia Piccola, explaining the spire shapes and religious roof symbols. You'll visit the Church de Sant'Antonio built in trulli style, then continue to coastal Polignano a Mare to explore beaches and clifftop dwellings. Return to Bari for an orientation walk and a free evening.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner in local restaurant)
Included Activities
- Local guide tour of Alberobello including Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola
- Visit Church de Sant'Antonio
- Visit Polignano a Mare
- Orientation walk of Bari
Optional Activities
- Dinner at local restaurant in Bari Vecchia
- Passeggiata (evening stroll) along seafront promenade
Landmarks Alberobello Rione Monti Rione Aia Piccola Church de Sant'Antonio Polignano a Mare 
- Day 11
Bari
Travel inland to Alberobello, a town filled with unique beehive-shaped trulli dwellings built from limestone in the 14th century. Your local guide explores Rione Monti Old Town and Rione Aia Piccola, explaining the spire shapes and religious roof symbols. You'll visit the Church de Sant'Antonio built in trulli style, then continue to coastal Polignano a Mare to explore beaches and clifftop dwellings. Return to Bari for an orientation walk and a free evening.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner in local restaurant)
Included Activities
- Local guide tour of Alberobello including Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola
- Visit Church de Sant'Antonio
- Visit Polignano a Mare
- Orientation walk of Bari
Optional Activities
- Dinner at local restaurant in Bari Vecchia
- Passeggiata (evening stroll) along seafront promenade
Landmarks Alberobello Rione Monti Rione Aia Piccola Church de Sant'Antonio Polignano a Mare - Day 12
Bari - Ostuni - Nardo
Visit a local olive oil producer on a farm that's been active since Roman times, learning how production techniques changed over centuries. Taste the olive oil and have an included lunch of regional dishes. Later, explore the small city of Ostuni with its whitewashed streets and Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine buildings. Travel to Nardo for a walking tour through the Old Town with over a dozen grand palazzos. Stay at a converted 13th century Baronial Palace complex with an on-site restaurant.
- Meals
- Lunch (Regional favourites at olive oil farm), Dinner (Gourmet dinner in Palazzo Mignano restaurant with local ingredients, Salento dishes with modern twist, panoramic view from terrace)
Included Activities
- Olive oil farm visit with tasting (active since Roman times)
- Lunch at olive oil farm
- Ostuni visit
- Nardo Old Town walking tour
- Gourmet dinner with local ingredients honoring traditional Tuscan dishes with modern twist
Landmarks Ostuni Nardo Old Town - Day 13
Nardo
If you'd like, take an optional walk through your Feature Stay's historic 'secret garden' before breakfast. Travel to Lecce and explore ornate baroque buildings, the lively university and ancient Roman ruins. Your local guide shows you hidden corners and shares the city's history. There's free time to wander before returning to Nardo for an afternoon cooking class on traditional Puglia regional cuisine.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Lecce guided city tour
- Cooking class on traditional Puglia regional cuisine
Optional Activities
- Walk through Feature Stay's historic 'secret garden' before breakfast
Landmarks Lecce - Day 14
Nardo - Matera
Enjoy a final morning at your Feature Stay with coffee and scenery. Travel to Matera, an ancient city perched on a rocky outcrop. Stop at a local winery for wine tasting and lunch. Matera is believed to be the third-longest continuously inhabited human settlement in the world. That evening, take a walk through the city to discover its churches, traditional restaurants and thousands of years of history.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local winery)
Included Activities
- Winery visit with wine tasting and lunch
Optional Activities
- Evening walk around Matera to explore churches, traditional restaurants and history
Landmarks Matera 
- Day 15
Matera
Dive into Matera's Old Town made famous by the sassi, over 3000 stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs, some dating to the 8th century. Your local guide leads you through staircases and alleyways through limestone ravines, visiting ancient sassi houses. Learn how the sassi were once considered the 'Shame of Italy' until government intervention. Visit an ancient underground neighbourhood with houses, streets, cisterns and churches.
Included Activities
- Local guide tour through Old Town sassi district
- Ipogeo underground cistern visit
Landmarks Sassi of Matera - Day 16
Matera - Pompeii - Naples
Drive to Pompeii and join a local guide exploring one of Europe's most well-known archaeological sites. Walk among well-preserved villas, temples, theatres, markets and chariot-marked streets from the Roman trading centre buried by Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. See the Roman Forum, basilica, temples, public baths and Odeon. Travel to Naples for a final dinner and group reflection.
- Meals
- Dinner (Final dinner in Naples with group)
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Pompeii archaeological site
- Dinner in Naples
Landmarks Pompeii Roman Forum at Pompeii Mount Vesuvius - Day 17
Naples - Rome
You'll arrive in Rome and receive a complimentary transfer to your hotel. If you get there early, spend time exploring the historic city. At 6 pm, meet your local leader and fellow travellers at your welcome meeting. After that, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner at local restaurant)
Included Activities
- Complimentary airport transfer
- Welcome meeting
- Welcome dinner at local restaurant
Optional Activities
- Explore Rome if arriving early (visit espresso bar, explore streets)
- Day 18
Rome
With your private guide, visit Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and inside the Pantheon, then reach Campo de Fiori where the fresh produce market has operated since 1869. Stop at a local bar for a granita (iced Italian espresso) then have lunch at a classic local restaurant frequented by Romans. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Colosseum, one of the Seven Wonders. The evening is free to explore.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Snack (Granita (iced Italian espresso) at local bar), Lunch (Lunch at classic local restaurant frequented by Romans)
Included Activities
- Private guide walking tour including Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, and Campo de Fiori
- Visit local bar for granita
- Lunch at classic local restaurant
- Guided tour of Colosseum
Optional Activities
- Free evening exploration
Landmarks Spanish Steps Trevi Fountain Piazza Navona Pantheon Campo de Fiori Colosseum - Day 19
Rome - Siena - Monteriggioni - San Gimignano Region
Take a private vehicle to Siena for an orientation walk showing the most interesting sights. See Piazza del Campo, home to the biannual Palio horse race, and the Siena Cathedral nearby. Continue to Monteriggioni, a medieval walled town with over a dozen towers built to defend against Florentines. Arrive at your Feature Stay country hotel near San Gimignano with views, pool and on-site restaurant. That evening, enjoy an included gourmet dinner with local ingredients in modern Tuscan style.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Gourmet dinner with local ingredients, traditional Tuscan dishes with modern twist)
Included Activities
- Siena orientation walk
- Monteriggioni orientation walk
- Gourmet dinner with local ingredients, traditional Tuscan dishes with modern twist
Landmarks Siena Piazza del Campo Siena Cathedral Monteriggioni - Day 20
San Gimignano Region
Visit San Gimignano, the 'Town of Fine Towers', and explore the medieval Old Town centre with its Gothic and Romanesque architecture. This region is famous for Vernaccia grapes used in one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Visit a local agriturismo to explore vineyards and sample their wine before an included lunch with regional cheese, fine olive oil and bruschetta. Return to your Feature Stay for another delicious dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Regional cheese, fine olive oil and bruschetta at agriturismo), Dinner
Included Activities
- San Gimignano visit with leader
- Local agriturismo vineyard tour with wine tasting
- Lunch with regional cheese, fine olive oil and bruschetta
- Dinner at Feature Stay
Landmarks San Gimignano - Day 21
San Gimignano Region - Pisa - Lucca - Florence
Visit Pisa where your leader shares the history of the legendary Leaning Tower. While climbing may not always be possible, you'll have a chance to photograph it from the ground. Continue to historic Lucca, an underrated Italian city, for a short walk along its beautifully preserved Renaissance walls. Take the short journey to Florence where the evening is yours to walk cobbled streets, eat gelato and soak up the Tuscan atmosphere.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Pisa visit and orientation walk
- Lucca city walls walk
Landmarks Leaning Tower of Pisa Lucca Lucca Renaissance Walls 
- Day 22
Florence
Join a private guided walk of Florence including the Galleria dell'Accademia with its sculpture collection including Michelangelo's David. You then have a free afternoon to explore on your own pace. The Uffizi Gallery is highly recommended as one of the world's oldest galleries. Visit Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of Florence's skyline and sample Tuscan culinary specialties featuring olive oil, beans and herbs.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Private guided walking tour of Florence
- Galleria dell'Accademia visit including Michelangelo's David
Optional Activities
- Visit Uffizi Gallery
- Visit Piazzale Michelangelo for views
- Sample Tuscan food
Landmarks Galleria dell'Accademia Uffizi Gallery Piazzale Michelangelo - Day 23
Florence - Venice
Head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice. Your leader gives an orientation walk through the city's maze of canals. You'll visit Atelier Lunardelli, a historical atelier combining glass and timber design, and Palazzo Pisani, once home to a powerful Venetian dynasty and now housing the Music Conservatory. Climb to the rooftop for spectacular aerial views, then end at a glass blowing factory to learn about Venetian glass production. Free afternoon before a Venetian dinner with your group.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Venetian dinner with group)
Included Activities
- High-speed train to Venice
- Orientation walk through Venice's canals
- Visit Atelier Lunardelli
- Visit Palazzo Pisani with rooftop access
- Glass blowing factory visit
- Venetian dinner
Landmarks Palazzo Pisani 
- Day 24
Venice
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast with no activities planned. If you'd like to extend your stay, contact your booking agent about additional accommodation options.
- Meals
- Breakfast
