Tutta Italia and Sicily with Aeolian Islands (2026)

Day 1: Rome

Welcome to your tour with Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.

Day 2: Rome

In the morning, we’ll take a three-hour guided tour of the Eternal City, combining a walking tour through Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus ride to admire one of the oldest and most influential cities in Western civilization. During the tour, we’ll see iconic landmarks such as the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant’Angelo. The tour will end at VATICAN CITY around 11:00 a.m. Afterward, our guide will offer an optional visit to explore the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.At the end of the day, we’ll include a transfer to the popular Trastevere neighborhood, known for its cozy restaurants and lively atmosphere. Return to the hotel will be around 8:30 p.m.

Day 3: Rome

Free day. If you wish, you’ll have the option to join an optional excursion. From April to October, enjoy a visit to the island of Capri; from November to March, discover Naples and Pompeii.

Day 4: Rome - Orvieto - Castiglione del Lago - Siena

Today we’ll embark on an enchanting journey through the beautiful region of Umbria. Our first stop will be Orvieto, a medieval city majestically set atop a flat summit. Before entering the city, we’ll pause to admire the breathtaking views from its viewpoint. We’ll then ride the escalators that connect the lower part of the town with the medieval center, where we’ll marvel at the cathedral, a stunning masterpiece of Italian Gothic art. Next, we’ll travel to Castiglione del Lago, nestled on the banks of Lake Trasimeno. Here, you’ll have time for a leisurely stroll and lunch. After lunch, our journey will continue to Siena, Tuscany, renowned for its famous Piazza del Campo and Duomo. We’ll spend the afternoon in Siena.

Day 5: Siena - Monteriggioni - San Gimignano - Florence

We’ll leave Siena and make a stop at Monteriggioni, a magical medieval village with cobbled streets and ancient walls. Afterward, we’ll continue to San Gimignano, a charming little city with tall medieval towers. After lunch, we’ll travel to Florence, the capital of Tuscany, arriving in the early afternoon. We recommend an afternoon visit to the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Gallery (both closed on Mondays). At the end of the day, a traditional local meal will be included.

Day 6: Florence

After capturing a photo at the Michelangelo viewpoint, where we’ll enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of the city, we will walk to the historic city center, where we will have guided tour of the capital of Tuscany, one of the most visited cities in the country. This city, known as the cradle of the Renaissance, has inspired some of the most influential artists and thinkers in history, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. We’ll marvel at the Gothic Cathedral (Duomo di Firenze), the ancient stone bridge (Ponte Vecchio) with its goldsmith stores, and Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city with the town hall in a medieval building. Free time will follow the tour.Note: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for the visit to Florence.

Day 7: Florence - Pisa - Cinque Terre - Genoa

Today, we’ll travel to Pisa. A little tourist train will take us to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), home of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. After this, we’ll head to the Ligurian Riviera, renowned for some of the prettiest coastlines in Europe. We’ll visit the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area comprises five villages, famous world-wide, almost isolated by road, which currently live on tourism. We’ll arrive by train, tickets included, to one of its charming towns (normally Vernazza, but on busy tourist dates, it could be Manarola or Corniglia, very similar towns that are somewhat less crowded). We’ll have time for lunch. Afterwards, we’ll travel by train to Levanto, where we’ll take the bus to continue to Genoa. There, you’ll have some free time to explore the city center, a reminder of its grandeur as a powerful republic during the Middle Ages.Note: The train to Cinque Terre is a regular commuter service, not a tourist train. During peak tourism times, there can be long waits as trains may be full, and seat reservations are not available. In some cases, the journey might be done standing.

Day 8: Genoa - Portofino - Milan

We’ll continue our journey to the nearby city of Santa Margherita Ligure, where we’ll embark for Portofino, one of the most exclusive places in Europe. Enjoy a stroll by the sea and time at leisure. After lunch, we’ll continue to Milan, where you’ll have free time to stroll through this elegant city—now a symbol of modernity and culture in northern Italy. We recommend visiting its stunning Gothic cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, as well as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, built in honor of the first king of a unified Italy. Note: From May 30th to November 2nd, tourist buses are not allowed access to Santa Margherita Ligure. During this period, the stop will be in RAPALLO, another stunning coastal destination in the Liguria region, where we will board the boat to Portofino.Additional note: Due to adverse weather conditions or during winter, the boat crossing to Portofino (whether from Santa Margherita or Rapallo) may not be operational due to weather conditions.

Day 9: Milan - Lakes Region - Verona

Today we’ll see one of the most beautiful scenic areas in Europe, the region of the Italian Lakes. First, we’ll travel to Lake Orta in Orta San Giulio, a well-preserved medieval city. We’ll take a train ride to reach the medieval center of the town and then a boat to the Island of San Giulio, a little island on the lake with a monastery. After this, we’ll go on to Lake Maggiore, making a stop in Stresa, where we’ll have the option to visit the Borromean Islands. The highlight is Isola Bella, featuring its gardens and palace (closed in the winter). We´ll have some time for lunch and then we’ll head to Verona.

Day 10: Verona - Venice

We’ll have time to explore Verona, the enchanting city of Romeo and Juliet, before departing for Venice, arriving around 01:00 p.m. A delightful boat trip to St. Mark’s Square is included, followed by a guided walking tour of the City of Canals, including a visit to see Murano glasswork. Afterwards, enjoy some leisure time—perhaps a gondola ride? Accommodation will be in the Mestre district.

Day 11: Venice - Palermo

At the time informed by the guide, we will make a transfer to the airport to catch a domestic flight included in your trip. On arrival at destination we will give you another hotel transfer. Your guide will contact you at the end of the afternoon or you can consult the information in your hotel reception. Note: remember that on domestic flights, the luggage normally allowed is one suitcase of up to 20 kg in the hold. Passengers must pay for all excess luggage directly to the airline.

Day 12: Palermo

Today, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Palermo. Highlights include the impressive Cathedral, with its blend of architectural styles and royal tombs inside, and the Norman Palace (the former Royal Palace), along with its fountains, markets, and gardens. We’ll also visit Monreale, where the Cathedral (admission included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its stunning golden mosaics that adorn the interior. Afterward, we’ll return to Palermo. Free afternoon. Note: In some cases, if the group size is very small, the tour may be shared with other travelers through local tour companies rather than being a private tour.

Day 13: Palermo - Cefalù - Castelbuono - Tindari - Milazzo

We’ll leave Palermo and follow the scenic Tyrrhenian Sea coastline, taking in beautiful landscapes along the way. We’ll head inland to Castelbuono, a little picturesque mountain town that captures the tranquility of Sicily’s interior with its ancient walls, castle, and charming central streets. Our next stop will be Cefalù, a charming coastal town. Its Norman cathedral, renowned for its unique architecture and mosaics, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic center is a delightful mix of narrow streets, sea views, and commercial and tourist life. After some time for lunch, we’ll continue along the coast and visit Tindari, where the Sanctuary of Tindari stands atop a mountain, offering breathtaking views of the sea. This famous pilgrimage site is home to the Black Madonna. Nearby, you’ll find the ruins of an ancient Greek polis. Our journey will conclude in Milazzo, a lively port city overlooking the volcanic Aeolian Islands.

Day 14: Milazzo - Vulcano - Lipari - Taormina

Our day will be filled with unforgettable experiences as we explore two islands in the Aeolian archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Sites renowned for their continuous volcanic activity. We’ll start with a hydrofoil boat ride to Vulcano, where you’ll immediately be struck by the smell of sulfur from the island’s active fumaroles. Dominated by its crater, Vulcano is famous for its hot water beaches. We highly recommend indulging in the sulfurous hot springs, as the mud is said to have great benefits for the skin. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience! Next, we’ll take a 15-minute hydrofoil boat ride to Lipari, the largest and most charming of the Aeolian Islands, with its historic center, castle, and vibrant tourist scene. You’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely stroll. Afterward, we’ll return by boat to Milazzo and continue to Taormina, arriving by the end of the day. Dinner will be included.Note: During the summer or on special dates, accommodation may be arranged in Messina instead of Taormina.

Day 15: Taormina - GIARDINI NAXOS - Villa Romana del Casale - Palermo

At the foot of Mount Etna lies the beautiful city of Taormina, described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. Early in the morning, we will head to Giardini Naxos, the first Greek settlement in Sicily (founded in 734 B.C.), with its lovely seafront promenade and popular beaches. Afterwards, we will have time to stroll through the lively old town of Taormina, with its stunning Greek Theater overlooking unforgettable landscapes.After lunchtime, we continue to the Roman Villa of Casale (admission and guided tour included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Roman Empire, villas symbolized agricultural wealth and exploitation. At Casale, not only has the 4th-century architectural layout been preserved, but thanks to their richness and quality, the mosaics decorating nearly every room are considered the most beautiful of the Roman world.Crossing the mountainous heart of the island, we continue on to Palermo, arriving at the end of the day. Dinner included.

Day 16: Palermo

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.