Fantasia All Italy 17 Days / 16 Nights

Day 1:

Departing at 7:15 am from your hotel by a deluxe coach, you will arrive in Assisi, ready to explore, at your own leisure, this tiny town surrounded by walls, built in the Middle Ages. Take your time to visit the basilica of St. Francis, where you will see masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue and, then, have free time for lunch (not included). Board on the bus to reach Siena, a Unesco World Heritage Site, world-known for the Palio, the historical horse race around the shell-shaped town square: Piazza del Campo. Next, you will continue on to Florence, where you will check in at your hotel before enjoying dinner and a well-earned night of rest.

Day 2:

After breakfast, you will spend the day venturing around beautiful Florence, the “Cradle of Renaissance”, where, with the help of Michelangelo, Italian art reached its pinnacle. Based on Etruscan-Roman origins, the city flourished in the Middle Ages as a free “Comune” and was further refined during the Renaissance. You will be fascinated by the uncountable monuments, churches and buildings as Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly referred to as the Duomo. On your visit, you will be amazed by its magnificent dome built by Filippo Brunelleschi. Cross a small piazza to see the “Campanile” tower (partly designed by Giotto) and the Baptistery, with its bronze doors where Michelangelo imagined the “Gates of Paradise.” In the heart of the city, you will see Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo della Signoria (also known as Palazzo Vecchio), and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Lunch in a typical Tuscan restaurant in Piazza Santa Croce. Spend the afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets of Florence on your own or take a short trip to Pisa (optional), one of the four main historical Marine Republics of Italy. There, you will tour the Piazza dei Miracoli with the Duomo, Pisa’s symbol “the Leaning Tower” and the Baptistery. Dinner at leisure, overnight stay in Florence.

Day 3:

After a delightful breakfast in Florence, we depart for the elegant city of Bologna. Upon arrival, the charming city center, adorned with its iconic porticos, awaits your free-time exploration. Begin your walking tour at Piazza Malpighi, leading to the heart of the city at Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore. Here, you can marvel at the historic Palazzo Podestà as well as the Basilica of San Petronio, the largest Gothic church in the world built with bricks. We will then show you why Bologna is often hailed as Italy's gastronomic capital as you delve into its vibrant street food scene, which is as rich and diverse as its culinary heritage. Meandering through the city's medieval streets, you will encounter a delightful array of food stalls and markets, each offering a mouthwatering selection of both traditional and contemporary treats. As you explore the charming alleys and bustling piazzas, you will immerse yourself in a culinary adventure that goes beyond just a meal. With a street food light lunch experience at a local eatery offered by us, this is your chance to savor the authentic flavors and unique dishes that define Bologna's renowned gastronomic identity. Later in the afternoon, we continue our journey to Venice (Mestre). Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a restful overnight stay.

Day 4:

After breakfast, enjoy your transfer to Piazza San Marco, and visit the most iconic places of the “Floating City”: the Palazzo dei Dogi, symbol of Venice’s glorious past, the legendary “Bridge of Sighs”. After the walking tour, allow us to treat you to a spritz or a prosecco, as a delightful conclusion to your visit to the highlights of Venice, in the company of your tour leader. While you sit comfortably and savor your drink, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the famous "cicchetti," a Venetian variation of tapas (light lunch). Spend the afternoon roaming along Venice’s canals at your leisure and then return to the hotel and overnight.

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Day 5:

After breakfast, departure from Piazzale Roma heading to Tuscany, world-known for its landscapes, its churches and castles, and its delicious wines. You will proceed to Val di Chiana with a stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town rich in history and art. Known for its “Nobile” wine, available for purchase in local wine houses, Montepulciano also offers stunning panoramic views and a rich cultural heritage. During lunch in a typical restaurant (included), you will have the pleasure of savoring your meal while enjoying a glass of fine local wine, perfectly paired to enhance the flavors of traditional Tuscan cuisine. After lunch, quick stop to spend some free time. In the evening, you will arrive in Rome, where the tour ends.

Day 6:

After breakfast, departure from the hotel for the included tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Square with our exclusive “Skip the Line” access! No stress to reach the area: upon arrival, your guide will lead you into the museums where you’ll visit one of the most important art collections of the world. Walk along the beautiful Galleries of Tapestries and Geographical Maps before admiring Raphael’s Rooms and, then, the amazing Sistine Chapel. After this incredible masterpiece, the tour ends in St. Peter’s Square where you can admire the incredible masterpiece St. Peter’s Basilica (outside): the biggest church in the world! The tour ends in St. Peter’s Square. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the city at your own leisure or get any one of our selected tours for the afternoon or at night! Overnight stay.

Day 7:

Enjoy an energetic breakfast at your hotel before spending the day exploring Rome on your own or by selecting one of our regular tours in the city or its surroundings. Return to the hotel for your last overnight in Rome.

Day 8:

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, at 7:00 a.m., departure by coach heading south along the “Autostrada del Sole,” passing through the regions of Lazio and Campania. Along the way, marvel at the stunning landscapes of the Italian countryside and the spectacu­lar views of the Amalfi Coast, where crys­tal-clear waters meet hills dotted with lemon trees and charming villages. Upon arrival in Sorrento, the jewel of the Amalfi Coast, you'll be captivated by its vibrant streets, artisan ceramic workshops, and historic churches. After checking into your hotel, enjoy the af­ternoon at leisure. If you're looking for more adventures, you can opt for an optional tour to explore the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at the hotel (dress code recommended: jacket for men), followed by an overnight stay in Sorrento

Day 9:

After breakfast, get ready for an exciting excursion to the island of Capri: one of the most exclusive summer destinations of the Mediterranean! Depending on weather and sea conditions, you will admire the dreamy Blue Grotto on a small rowboat. Afterward, free time for lunch (lunch not included) and then roam the island at your own pace. Once back on the mainland, return to the hotel for dinner and your last overnight in Sorrento.

Day 10:

After breakfast, get ready to leave Sorrento and head toward Pompeii, the last visit in the beautiful territory of the Campania region. Ac­companied by our expert tour guide, we will head to Pompeii, where a professional local guide will lead you on a fascinating walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the remarkably well-preserved ruins of this ancient Roman city, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. We will have skip-the-line access, personal head­sets, and a radio receiver so you won't miss a single detail as history comes to life. After the visit, departure by bus to the port of Naples to board the TIRRENIA/SNAV ferry boat bound for Palermo. Overnight on board without din­ner or breakfast.

Day 11:

Arrive in Palermo and transfer to your hotel. That night, have dinner in the hotel and rest up for the adventure that lies ahead.

Day 12:

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and then head out on a morning excursion to Monreale, recently included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, an ancient royal town famous for its almonds, olive oil and citrus fruits, as well as for its fine Norman architecture. Visit the elaborate Cathedral of Monreale and then enjoy some shopping of local delicatessen and souvenirs. Back to Palermo and continue with a walking tour of the city. Wander the streets of the Old Town, hearing tales of Palermo’s 3,000-year history and discovering attractions like Palermo Cathedral. Walk inside the impressive-looking place of worship and marvel at its arches, cupolas and mosaics - with an incredible mix of influences coming from several dominations on the island. Enjoy free time in the late afternoon and return to your hotel for dinner. Overnight.

Day 13:

Early breakfast and departure to Erice, a medieval village stacked into the side of Monte San Giuliano. Many say that little has changed in the village since the sixth century, and its labyrinth-like twist of lanes is perfect for a cool and pleasant morning amble. Afterwards, we’ll set off to Marsala, whose lands are known for its Marsala wine. You’ll take part in a sensorial experience, for you will visit a traditional tavern and taste regional wine and products during a light but unforgettable lunch. Return to your coach and travel to Agrigento, your final destination of the day. Visit Ancient Greek monuments and ruins at the Valley of Temples (entrance included) - a UNESCO World Heritage site - and learn about archaeological relics like the Classical Temple of Concord the Temple of Hercules; the Temple of Jupiter, one of the largest Doric-style buildings. Check in to your hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight.

Day 14:

Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Ragusa and visit of the enchanting historical center “Ibla”, with its stunning baroque palaces and churches; together with other seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the old gate of San Giorgio, the Giardini Iblei and then walk to Piazza Pola where we will visit the church of San Giuseppe: a little gem. Be enchanted by the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Church of the Souls in Purgatory and the magnificent Cosentini palace, one of the most interesting Late Baroque palaces in Sicily! Arrive in hotel, dinner and overnight.

Day 15:

Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Noto, a picturesque fishing town popular for its stately Baroque architecture. Visit Cathedral of San Nicolò, recently restored after a earthquake, and then have a nice walk in the town’s center. Continue along the south coast to Syracuse, on Sicily’s southeastern tip. Arrived in Syracuse, cross one of the city’s bridges for a visit to the island of Ortygia - the most ancient part of Syracuse - home to a wealth of Baroque churches and medieval palaces. In the late afternoon arrive in Taormina, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner.

Day 16:

Breakfast at your centrally located hotel and then head off to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and the highest mountain in Italy. Learn about volcanic activity and marvel at the old lava fields and black magma rock that comprises Etna’s landscape. If weather permits, you have a chance to climb to the summit (1800 m). After, return to Taormina, the beautiful and romantic town located on Mount Tauro. Return to Taormina in the afternoon and spend the rest of your day at leisure. Overnight.

Day 17:

Enjoy one final breakfast before the tour comes to an end.