Fantasia Combo: All Italy 17 Days Rome - Taormina

Explore Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. Visit the Duomo, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and Baptistery. See Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and Santa Croce Basilica. Lunch is in a traditional Tuscan restaurant. In the afternoon, choose between free time in the city or an optional visit (supplement applies) to Pisa, with its Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli. Dinner is at leisure.

Travel to Bologna, a city rich in culture and culinary excellence. Walk from Piazza Malpighi to Piazza Maggiore, admiring San Petronio Basilica and the Palazzo del Podestà. Delight in a light local lunch, savouring regional specialties. Stroll the medieval streets, arcades, and markets. In the afternoon, continue to Venice where accommodation is reserved for two nights. Remainder of day at leisure after check in.  

Transfer to Piazza San Marco and discover the highlights of Venice with a guided tour. View the Doge’s Palace (outside) and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs. Afterwards, sample a glass of spritz or prosecco with cicchetti, traditional Venetian snacks. Spend the afternoon exploring the canals, artisan shops, and hidden corners of the city at your own pace before returning to your hotel.

Depart Venice and travel through the scenic Tuscany Wine Region to Montepulciano, a hilltop town renowned for its “Vino Nobile” wine and beautiful countryside views. Lunch is served at a local restaurant with a glass of fine Tuscan wine, followed by free time to explore before returning to Rome for three nights.

Begin your morning with an included “Skip the Line” tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Square. Discover the Galleries of Tapestries and Maps, Raphael’s Rooms, and Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel. The visit ends in St. Peter’s Square, where you can view the Basilica’s majestic exterior. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Early start for Sorrento. Travel south along the “Autostrada del Sole” through the regions of Lazio and Campania. Along the way, admire breathtaking views of the Italian countryside and the stunning Amalfi Coast, where crystal-clear waters meet rolling hills dotted with lemon groves and picturesque villages. On arrival in Sorrento, the gem of the Amalfi Coast, explore its lively streets, artisanal ceramic workshops, and historic churches. After hotel check-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Optional (supplement applies): Take an excursion to discover more of the spectacular Amalfi Coast.
In the evening, dinner is at the hotel (recommended dress code: jacket for gentlemen).

After breakfast, transfer to the port of Sorrento and board a boat to Capri, an island long admired for its dramatic scenery, mild climate, and lush vegetation. On arrival, board a smaller vessel at Marina Grande for a visit to the Blue Grotto (weather permitting). Spend free time for lunch (not included) and explore Capri at your own pace, whether browsing shops or taking in the island’s sights. In the afternoon, return to the port for the boat journey back to Sorrento. Dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart Sorrento and travel to Pompeii, where a professional local guide will lead a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the remarkably preserved ruins of the ancient Roman city, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Skip-the-line access and personal audio headsets are included to ensure clear commentary throughout the visit.
After the tour, transfer to the Port of Naples and board the overnight ferry to Palermo. No meals are included on board. Overnight stay in a cabin.

Make your own way to your hotel in Palermo for a two-night stay. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Dinner at your hotel in Palermo.

Breakfast at the hotel before a morning excursion to Monreale, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town known for its Norman architecture, ancient agricultural traditions, and the magnificent Cathedral of Monreale. Continue with a visit inside the cathedral, followed by time for local shopping and browsing delicacies and souvenirs. Return to Palermo for a guided walking tour through the historic Old Town, exploring a city with over 3,000 years of history. Visit Palermo Cathedral and step inside to admire its blend of architectural styles, arches, domes, and mosaics reflecting the island’s diverse cultural influences. Free time in the late afternoon before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Early breakfast and departure to Erice, a medieval hilltop village with narrow winding streets and preserved historic character. Continue to Marsala for a wine experience at a traditional winery, including a light lunch featuring regional products. Proceed to Agrigento and visit the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the best-preserved Greek ruins outside Greece, including the Temple of Concordia, Temple of Hercules, and Temple of Jupiter. Check-in to hotel, dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Ragusa Ibla, the historic centre of Ragusa and part of the UNESCO-listed Val di Noto. Explore its Baroque landmarks including the Cathedral of San Giorgio, Giardini Iblei, Piazza Pola, Church of San Giuseppe, Church of the Souls in Purgatory, and Cosentini Palace. Continue to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel and depart for Noto, known for its Baroque architecture, including the Cathedral of San Nicolò. Continue along the coast to Siracusa and cross to the island of Ortigia, the historic heart of the city featuring Baroque churches and medieval palaces. Continue to Taormina, check in to hotel, dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel and excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Explore lava fields, volcanic landscapes, and crater viewpoints up to 1,800 metres (weather permitting). Return to Taormina and have the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight in Taormina.

Commence your own arrangements after breakfast.

• 24/7 local operator support in Italy
• Return airport transfers
• 16 nights hotel accommodation
• Breakfast daily
• 8 dinners
• 1 local food experiences
• 3 lunches
• 1 light lunch and wine tasting
• Modern Air-conditioned touring vehicle
• Guided tours in Rome, Florence, Venice, Verona, Milan (local expert guide)
• Hop-On Hop-Off panoramic sightseeing ticket in Rome
• Traditional Tuscan lunch in Florence
• Local food experience in Bologna
• Light lunch and wine tasting in the Franciacorta wine region
• Traditional Venetian spritz or prosecco with cicchetti tasting
• Bernina Express rail experience including transfers to and from St. Moritz and Tirano
• Scenic boat transfers in Como Lake
• Boat tour in Garda Lake & Lake Como
• Travel along Italy’s oldest wine route through South Tyrol
• Visit to Poli Grappa Museum including grappa tasting session
• English speaking tour escort throughout
• Sightseeing and visits as specified in itinerary
• Italy Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

• International Airfares
• Tourist tax to be paid to the hotels
• Optional tours and excursions
• Entrance fees not mentioned
• Drinks during meals
• Porterage
• Mandatory Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above