New! THE GRAND TOUR: from Venice to Sicily – SMALL GROUP 15 Days / 14 Nights

Day 1:

Welcome to Venice! Meet your driver at the airport and enjoy your included transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, meet your Tour Guide at the hotel, who will introduce you to your journey and give you the chance to meet the other members of your group, with whom you’ll spend these wonderful days exploring Italy. After the meeting, enjoy a glass of spritz or prosecco with cicchetti, traditional Venetian snacks. Relax and soak in the atmosphere.  Rest of the evening at your own pace. Feel free to wander through the charming alleys, visit the iconic squares, or relax at a local café. Return to the hotel on your own for an overnight stay.

Day 2:

After breakfast, together with your tour leader, set off on a pleasant walk to discover the authentic soul of Venice. Strolling through picturesque calli, charming bridges, and lively Venetian squares, you will make your way to the monumental heart of the city while experiencing the unique atmosphere of La Serenissima. Along the route, admire glimpses of the Grand Canal, elegant historic palaces, traditional artisan shops, and the vibrant daily life of Venice. Upon arrival in St. Mark’s Square, the tour will continue with a local guide who will lead you through the city’s most iconic landmarks, symbols of the grandeur of the Venetian Republic. Admire the majestic Doge’s Palace from the outside and listen to fascinating stories and legends surrounding the famous Bridge of Sighs. At the end of the guided visit, enjoy some free time to soak up the atmosphere of the city. We suggest relaxing in a traditional Venetian bacaro while savoring a refreshing spritz or a glass of prosecco accompanied by typical cicchetti, delicious local Venetian snacks. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore Venice at your own pace: wander through hidden canals, artisan boutiques, and peaceful corners away from the crowds, letting yourself be enchanted by the timeless charm of the lagoon city. Return to the hotel at your leisure and overnight stay in Venice.

Day 3:

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. Take your time to explore the medieval streets, arcades, and bustling markets of this charming city. We suggest enjoying some of Bologna’s famous street food during your free time—perfect for a quick, authentic taste of the local flavors. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Florence. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and unwind. Overnight stay in Florence.

Day 4:

After breakfast meet your guide and 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. Enjoy free time for lunch. In the afternoon, choose between free time in the city or an optional visit to Pisa, with its Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner at Ristorante I Tre Pini in Impruneta, located in the heart of the Chianti region. Indulge in authentic Tuscan dishes made with fresh, local ingredients and paired with the finest regional wines. The cozy, rustic atmosphere makes this an unmissable experience to savor true Tuscan cuisine. Overnight stay in Florence

Day 5:

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will depart from Florence and head towards the Eternal City, Rome. Along the way, we will make a stop in San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers and picturesque historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will have free time to wander through its charming streets and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Lunch will be at leisure, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore local eateries or relax in one of the town’s charming cafés. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Rome, arriving in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Rome.

Day 6:

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the lobby and set off on an exciting walking tour towards Vatican City. Enjoy an included “Skip the Line” guided visit to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Square. Discover the stunning Galleries of Tapestries and Maps, Raphael’s Rooms, and Michelangelo’s world-famous masterpiece inside the Sistine Chapel. The tour concludes in St. Peter’s Square, where you will admire the majestic exterior of St. Peter’s Basilica. The afternoon will be at leisure, giving you time to further explore the city independently or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere of Rome. In the evening, savor a special dinner at a traditional Roman restaurant, accompanied by live music, for a truly authentic and memorable experience in the Eternal City. Overnight stay in Rome

Day 7:

Breakfast at the hotel. Start your day with a pleasant stroll towards the Castel Sant'Angelo, where you will discover its fascinating history while enjoying panoramic views over the city. Continue along the Tiber River, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sant'Angelo. The tour continues to Piazza Navona, with its stunning Fountain of the Four Rivers, before heading to the magnificent Pantheon, an ancient temple and symbol of Rome. You can't miss the Trevi Fountain, where you can throw a coin to ensure your return to the Eternal City. Finally, the tour will conclude in Piazza di Spagna, with the famous Spanish Steps and the Fountain of Barcaccia, where you’ll have free time to explore or relax at one of the local cafés. The afternoon will be at leisure. Alternatively, you may enhance your stay with an optional guided tour, such as a visit to the Colosseum. Overnight in Rome.

Day 8:

After breakfast, the entire day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Take the opportunity to experience more of the Eternal City, wandering through Rome’s charming streets and discovering the unique atmosphere of neighbourhoods such as Trastevere or Monti. Make your day even more special by choosing from our selection of optional experiences, available at an additional cost and upon reservation: join a cooking class or a street food tour, or venture beyond Rome on a full-day excursion to Pompeii, Capri or Florence. You can even take the opportunity to discover Venice with one of our day tours. Whether you prefer to slow down and enjoy Rome like a local or add another unforgettable Italian destination to your journey, today is entirely yours. Optional activities and excursions are not included in the package price and are subject to availability. Advance booking is recommended.

Day 9:

After breakfast, at the scheduled time, meet your driver for the transfer to Rome station and board your included train to Bari. Check in at the hotel and day at your leisure. Overnight.

Day 10:

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and meet our Tour Leader for a morning tour of Bari, the main city of Puglia. Visit the old city center, including the Basilica of San Nicola and the Norman-Swabian Castle, with its breathtaking views (Castle entry at your own expense). Continue to Piazza Mercantile and see the ancient Column of Justice.After the visit, you'll have free time for lunch. While not included in the package, we recommend you enjoy a meal at a typical local restaurant in the city center or explore the area for some delicious street food. Dinner and overnight.

Day 11:

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before leaving Bari by coach to reach Trani. Known as the 'Pearl of Puglia', the medieval town of Trani is one of the most remarkable cities of Southern Italy. Discover its art and monuments, visit the Jewish quarter and the wonderful white stone Cathedral. In the afternoon, reach Castel Del Monte, one of Puglia’s most acclaimed landmarks. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century under Roger the Norman, one of the most enlightened kings in history. The building is a harmonious geometrical complex, shaped as an octagon and surrounded by a still unsolved mystery. Your journey will continue towards Alberobello: a world-known UNESCO World Heritage Site made famous by the “Trulli”. These dry-stone cone-shaped houses were built in the 14th century from local limestone and this village is really unique, with a fairytale-like atmosphere. The town of Alberobello gets its name from the ancient oak forest of “Arboris Belli” (beautiful trees) that once covered the area. It is possible to see these typical buildings all over the Itria Valley. Overnight stay. Dinner included.

Day 12:

Today’s destination is Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most unique cities in the world. After breakfast, depart by coach to explore the legendary “Sassi di Matera”, ancient cave dwellings inhabited since prehistoric times and carved directly into the limestone. These extraordinary cave homes and alleys represent a living history that spans over 9,000 years, offering a glimpse into human resilience and adaptation. Continue with a visit to the majestic Romanesque Cathedral, proudly dominating the skyline with its striking Campanile (bell tower) and panoramic position overlooking the Sassi. From here, enjoy a stunning view of the stone labyrinth below. The guided tour will provide insight into Matera’s unique architectural and cultural heritage. In the late afternoon, return to Alberobello. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight stay in Alberobello.

Day 13:

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart Alberobello by coach and reach Locorotondo. Enjoy free time to visit this small town, part of the famous “white towns” of Puglia. Board the coach again and travel to Ostuni, located between the Trulli region and Salento, overlooking the coastal plain rich with ancient olive trees. Free time to explore another white town, with time for lunch, shopping, and tasting several local products including the world-famous Ostuni olive oil (all expenses at your own cost). In the late afternoon, board the coach again and reach Lecce in the heart of the Salento region. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 14:

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a 3-hour guided visit of Lecce, visit the old town center, the 12th century Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo. After the visit, board on the coach and leave Lecce. You will reach Otranto where you will have some free time at your disposal for lunch. Spend the afternoon visiting the wonderful city of Otranto at your pace. Over the centuries, the city has been invaded by an impressive number of populations, amongst the others we can find traces of Greek, Roman and Turkish cultures. Wander around the old quarters to see how these cultures have blended together. Be sure to see the iconic Cathedral where the bones of 813 martyrs are displayed in a glass case behind the altar. See its marvelous mosaic floor which rivals the well-known mosaics of Ravenna in its richness and significance. In the early evening, reach Maglie where you will have dinner at the “Masseria L’Uliveto”. Visit this ancient farm, learn about the history and culture of Puglia. Dinner with typical meals and products from the region. In the night, travel back to Lecce. Overnight.

Day 15:

After breakfast, we’ll head back to Bari driving through the "Murge plateau" with a unique landscape. You’ll get to see Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque village full of churches, noble buildings, and squares perfect for a stage setting. The urban focal point is Piazza Plebiscito, the Cathedral, the Ducal Palace, and the Torre dell’Orologio. Free time here. We’ll continue driving through the Valle d'Itria, a rural area full of olive trees and vineyards. You’ll then arrive at Masseria Montenapoleone, where you will immerse yourself in the heart of traditional Pugliese cuisine. Under the guidance of the expert massaro, you’ll learn how to prepare the famous fresh pasta. You’ll create orecchiette, cavatelli, and strascinate, using a mix of semolina and flour, adding just the right amount of water and salt. While you’re kneading and shaping the dough, you’ll hear fascinating stories about the different types of wheat grown in the masseria and local traditions, all accompanied by a good glass of wine to fuel your creativity. At the end of your experience, enjoy a delicious lunch prepared with the products you’ve worked on, alongside other local specialties made with fresh, organic ingredients from the masseria. In the afternoon, visit Monopoli, a fortified citadel overlooking the sea. Getting lost in the intricate little streets of Monopoli is an almost mystical experience. From its port, like many other Apulian ports, the crusaders left Puglia in the Middle Ages to reach the Holy Land and free it from the Muslims. A rich commerce with Constantinople flourished, which is why an oriental atmosphere can still be felt here. After Monopoli, a short drive will take you to Bari. Overnight is in Bari.

Day 16:

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, take advantage of any last-minute free time for shopping or sightseeing. Transfer to the airport is included. End of our services.