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 go on a three-hour panoramic tour of Rome, combining a bus ride with a walking section through part of Imperial Rome. We’ll see, among other highlights, the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum, and the Imperial Forums—an architectural complex that was the political heart of the ancient world. During the bus route, we’ll pass by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and the exterior of Castel Sant’Angelo.The tour will end in Vatican City at around 11:00 a.m., an independent state within the city of Rome and the center of the Catholic Church. After the panoramic tour, our guide will offer an optional visit to explore the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel in greater detail. The afternoon will be free.At the end of the day, we’ll include a transfer to the popular Trastevere district, known for its charming restaurants and lively atmosphere. Return to the hotel around 8:30 p.m.
Day 3: Rome
Free day to continue exploring the city.
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’ll embark on a 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.
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: During winter, weather conditions may prevent the boat to Portofino from operating. In such cases, we’ll spend more time in Santa Margherita. If you wish, you can take an urban minibus to Portofino (service quality may be poor, with long waits).
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 - Padua - San Marino - Gubbio - Perugia
We’ll embark on our journey to Padua, a revered destination for many pilgrims, where we’ll visit the magnificent Saint’s Basilica. Our adventure will continue to the stunning Adriatic coast, bringing us to San Marino, a charming independent country perched atop a fortified mountain. After lunch, we’ll traverse the picturesque Apennines, soaking in the breathtaking mountain scenery as we head to Gubbio, a beautifully preserved town known for the impressive Palace of Consuls and the 12th-century cathedral. Finally, we’ll arrive in the enchanting city of Perugia.
Day 12: Perugia - Assisi - Rome - Naples
We’ll go on a panoramic tour of Perugia, a beautiful historic city, also known as the city of chocolate. Accompanied by a local guide, we’ll ascend via the moving walkways that cross the rocky outcrop and be amazed as we explore its medieval underground city, with stone-paved streets and charming squares. Afterwards, we’ll head to Assisi, where we’ll have time for lunch and a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our journey south (sometimes stopping in Rome to drop off passengers). We’ll arrive in Naples in the evening.
Day 13: Naples - Capri - Sorrento - Salerno
After breakfast, we’ll head to the port of Naples to board a ferry to the Island of Capri, where we recommend taking the funicular up to Capri town to stroll around and enjoy the stunning views. After lunch, we’ll reboard and head to Sorrento, a charming tourist town nestled at the base of a cliff, where you’ll have free time to wander. Our journey will then take us to the Gulf of Salerno, where we’ll stay in the city of Salerno.
Day 14: Salerno - Paola - Mesina - Taormina
We’ll journey to the south of the boot, marveling at the stunning southern Italian scenery as we cross the Cilento National Park. We’ll arrive in Paola, located on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, where we’ll visit the Sanctuary of St. Francis of Paola and enjoy free time for lunch in its charming historic center. Our adventure will then take us to Villa San Giovanni, where we’ll board a short ferry crossing to the island of Sicily. Upon arrival in Messina, we’ll have time to stroll around the cathedral. Finally, we’ll continue to Taormina. Dinner will be included.Note: Accommodation will normally be in the Taormina region, but on certain dates, lodging may be provided in Messina.
Day 15: Taormina
At the foot of Mount Etna lies the enchanting city of Taormina, once described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. You´ll have time to explore the lively historic quarter, with its Greek theater dominating the mesmerizing landscape. You can also relax on the beach. Dinner will be included.
Day 16: Taormina - Catania - Villa Romana del Casale - Agriento
We’ll travel to Catania, a city founded by the Greeks, which, despite the destruction caused by volcanic eruptions, still boasts a beautiful baroque center. Next, we’ll head to the heart of the island to visit Caltagirone, a UNESCO World Heritage city. You’ll enjoy a ride on the tourist train and have time to stroll through the streets and admire its famous Sicilian ceramics. After lunch, we’ll continue to the impressive Villa Romana del Casale (admission and tour included), renowned for its remarkably well-preserved Roman mosaics, considered some of the most beautiful in the world. We’ll then proceed to Agrigento, where, before heading to the hotel, we’ll enjoy views of the magnificent Valley of the Temples from the comfort of our coach. Dinner will be included.
Day 17: Agriento - Marsala - Erice - Palermo
We’ll visit the Valley of the Temples with a local guide, an impressive archaeological site known as the most complete complex of Greek temples (admission included). Then, we’ll travel to Marsala, a historic city renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and famous wine, where we’ll have time for lunch. Our journey will continue around the scenic Marsala salt pans to Erice, a charming Phoenician town overlooking the sea, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Finally, we’ll head to Palermo. Dinner will be included.
Day 18: Palermo - Monreale - Palermo - Naples Ferry
After breakfast, we’ll explore Palermo, starting with a transfer to the picturesque village of Monreale, now on the outskirts of the city. We’ll visit the breathtaking Arab-Norman cathedral, a World Heritage Site famed for its magnificent golden mosaics (tickets included). Palermo is a city rich in contrasts, reflecting the history of Arabs, Normans, and Baroque splendor. Key sights include the Cathedral (tickets included) and the Norman Palace, featuring the exquisite Palatine Chapel. After our tour, we’ll enjoy some free time. Later in the afternoon, we’ll board a modern night ferry. Accommodation will be in double cabins with en suite bathrooms.
Day 19: Palermo - Naples Ferry - Naples - Pompeii - Rome
We’ll arrive in Naples early in the morning (breakfast not included) and continue to Pompeii, where we’ll admire the remains of this ancient Roman city, buried under the ashes of Mount Vesuvius. A local guide will accompany us (tickets and tour are included). Afterward, we’ll explore Naples, one of the most fascinating cities in Italy and among the oldest populated places in Europe. The historic center of Naples, one of the largest in Europe, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There will be time for a stroll and lunch. We’ll conclude our day with an arrival in Rome.
Day 20: Rome
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
