Italy offers a dreamlike escape filled with magnificent architecture, ancient ruins, delicious food, breathtaking art, and embracing natural scenery. The opulent waters of the Mediterranean lap at sandy beaches. The power of the Colosseum emanates from the preserved stone walls. The charms of the fabled Romeo and Juliet radiate from a storied courtyard and emanate from hopeful lovers’ handwritten letters decorating the walls. From the Sistine Chapel to Michelangelo’s David, exuberant palaces to...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Rome - The Greatness of Rome
Rome is Italy’s vibrant capital city, evoking a powerful ancient empire and a strong connection to legendary popes and artists. Cathedral domes add to the historic skyline. Narrow cobblestone lanes open up to hidden piazzas. The aroma of fresh pasta filters through a charming local restaurant specializing in family recipes passed down for generations. Ancient wonders lead to Baroque beauty. Your private transfer greets you at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport upon your arrival. Soon you find yourself in a luxurious hotel near the heart of the city.
The Arch of Constantine stands between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. The 4th-century structure frames the Via Triumphalis; the pathway emperors took to enter the city after a military triumph. The arch stands more than 68 feet tall and 84 feet wide. It is the perfect image to welcome you to the city, flouting the grandeur of the ancient empire in the well-preserved friezes detailing the triumphs of the past.
What's Included:
Day 2
Rome - True Splendor of Rome
Day 3
Pisa - Continued Greatness of a Maritime Past
Day 4
Florence - Immersion into the Renaissance
Day 5
Verona - The Home of Star-Crossed Lovers
Day 6
Venice - Looking Around the Lagoon
Day 7
Venice - Power of the Este
Day 8
Taormina - Onward to the Riviera
Day 9
Taormina - Remarkable Riviera
Day 10
Taormina - Endless Sensations of Sicily
Day 11
Taormina - Fond Farewell to the Taormina
Trip Highlights
- Discover the exquisite sight of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the surrounding splendor of the Piazza dei Miracoli
- Relax in the marvelous seaside atmosphere and sensational historic ambiance of the Sicilian city of Taormina
- Witness the unparalleled masterwork decorating the Sistine Chapel, a part of the Vatican Museum
- Tour around exceptional ancient Rome, taking in the Colosseum and Roman Forum on a guided tour
- Relish an intimate view of Michelangelo’s David on a private tour of the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence
- Explore the historic walls and famous grounds of the Este Castle in Ferrara
- Visit the charming courtyard of Juliet (from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet) in Verona
- Traverse the majestic streets of Venice lining the romantic canals
Detailed Description
Visiting Italy is akin to stepping into a picture book. The cities are filled with rich images that you have seen numerous times before, from preserved Roman architecture to artistic masterworks. Your 11-day Italy tour with Sicily accentuates the dreamy qualities of the cities and landscape, immersing you in the vibrant culture and the celebrated majesty of cities like Rome and Venice, along with the natural splendor of the Sicilian Riviera. Your private transfer meets you at the airport in Rome and escorts you to a fabulous hotel in the heart of the city.
The following morning, your guide escorts you on scintillating tour of the city, exploring the depths of the Vatican Museum, Roman ruins, and Baroque décor speckled across the city. You travel to the treasured city of Pisa, home to a historic university and the world famous Piazza dei Miracoli, where you find the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You continue to the extraordinary city of Florence. Spend the next traversing the Renaissance city, visiting the Academy of Fine Arts, the exquisite cathedral, and the open-air museum of Piazza Signoria.
You travel from Florence to Verona, visiting the remnants of the Roman colony, along with the charming medieval villa of Shakespeare’s Juliet. In the evening, you continue to the wondrous city of Venice. Wake up to a city that seems to float on the Grand Canal. You venture to St. Mark’s Square on a private gondola, where your guide meets you. Tour the fabulous square, exploring the depths of the Basilica and the Doge’s Palace before viewing the skills of a glassblowing expert. The next day takes you to the quiet city of Ferrara, once ruled by the Este family, on the banks of the Po River.
After your tour of the city, your private transfer escorts you to Rome. Next, you fly from Rome to Catania, with a brief transfer to the Sicilian Riviera at the city of Taormina. The panorama of the sea and landscape blends harmoniously. Baroque architecture and Greek ruins decorate the cityscape. Your guide escorts you on several Sicily tours along the picturesque streets of Taormina and the heights of the Greco-Roman Amphitheater. The following day is at your leisure to bask in the majesty of the Riviera, soaking in the sun or hiking to the summit of Mount Etna. On your final morning in Sicily, your private transfer meets you at your hotel and escorts you to Catania-Fontanarossa Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$3,020 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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