Heart of Italy with Liguria, Puglia and Sicily (2027)

Day 1: Rome

Welcome to your tour with Europamundo! Transfer you to the hotel and free time. You will receive information in the afternoon, either directly or through the information board 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 from the hotel 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 to continue exploring the city. Time to be carried away by the charm of its streets, to uncover hidden corners filled with history, and to enjoy the magic that lingers in every step.

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 will depart from SIENA and stop to visit MONTERIGGIONE, a charming medieval village with cobbled streets and ancient walls. After that, we continue to SAN GIMIGNANO, a delightful small town famous for its tall medieval towers. After lunch, we travel to FLORENCE, the capital of TUSCANY. We arrive in the early afternoon at Vittorio Veneto neighborhood where we will start walking to the histiric city center. You can enjoy the special Florentine atmosphere. We suggest that those interested in art visit one of its magnificent museums today as they are closed on Mondays, such as the Uffizi Gallery (considered the finest art museum in Italy) or the Accademia Gallery (home to Michelangelo’s original David). Dinner is included.Note: Due to traffic regulations established by the Florence City Council, tourist bus access is restricted. For this reason, our bus will drop us off at Vittorio Veneto neighborhood and we will walk from there to the historic center where we will have time to stroll around, enjoy the Florentine atmosphere or visit its museums such as the Uffizi Gallery (considered the finest art museum in Italy) or the Accademia Gallery (home to Michelangelo’s original David (please note both are closed on Mondays). Transfer to the hotel is scheduled at 7:30 p.m.. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.

Half board dinner includes: Baked Cannelloni Main Course: Beef Steak, Country Salad Dessert: Ice Cream Drinks: Water and Wine

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 city tour in 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 Rapallo, 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.Additional note: Due to adverse weather conditions or during winter, the boat crossing to Portofino (whether from Rapallo or Santa Margherita) may not be operational due to weather conditions.

Day 9: Milan - Rome

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the station to board a train that will cover 570 km up to Rome. Upon arriving in Rome, we’ll provide a transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. Note: The train journey will not be accompanied by a Europamundo tour guide. You’ll receive detailed information about this part of your trip in the afternoon, either directly from our team or on the information boards at the hotel reception.

Day 10: Rome - Termoli - Monte Sant'Angelo - San Giovanni Rotondo

Today, we will travel toward the Adriatic Sea, crossing the magnificent landscapes of the Apennine Mountains. We will stop to discover TERMOLI, a charming coastal town featuring a walled old town, a 13th-century castle, and a Romanesque cathedral. You will have time for lunch, a stroll, and—during the summer months, weather permitting—a dip in the sea. We will then continue toward the Gargano Peninsula, the "spur of Italy’s boot," where we will visit MONTE SANT´ANGELO, a beautiful medieval town located at 800 meters. You will have free time to wander its streets, explore its castle, and visit the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel. At the end of the day, we will arrive in SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO, home for decades to Padre Pio. There will be time to visit the ancient Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where he lived and celebrated Mass, before heading to our hotel.

Day 11: San Giovanni Rotondo - Trani - Castel del monte - Bari

Depart for the Adriatic coast to discover some of Apulia´s most iconic towns. Stop in TRANI, a charming port city dominated by its spectacular Romanesque cathedral set right by the sea. Time for lunch and a stroll along its elegant harbor. Continue to CASTEL DEL MONTE, a unique octagonal fortress, one of Italy´s greatest architectural treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, arrival in BARI, capital of Apulia, where you will have time to explore its fascinating historic center, narrow medieval streets, and the Basilica of Saint Nicholas. Its lively spirit makes it a truly special city with all the authentic flavor of Southern Italy.

Day 12: Bari - Polignano a mare - Otranto - Lecce

After breakfast, we travel to POLIGNANO A MARE, a picturesque coastal town perched above the Adriatic, famous for its whitewashed houses, spectacular viewpoints, and the small inlet Lama Monachile. We continue toward OTRANTO, the easternmost town in Italy, featuring a charming historic center, defensive walls, and a Cathedral famous for its extraordinary medieval mosaic. Time for lunch and, weather permitting, the opportunity to enjoy a swim in its crystal-clear waters. In the afternoon, we arrive in LECCE, renowned for its impressive Baroque architecture, which nickname is "Florence of the South." The historic center is filled with beautifully ornate Baroque buildings and churches. Free time to stroll before heading to the hotel.

Day 13: Lecce - Alberobello - Matera - Salerno

Today, we will visit two spectacular and unique UNESCO World Heritage towns. ALBEROBELLO, famous for its distinctive cone-shaped houses known as "trulli," an iconic example of Italian rural architecture; and MATERA, one of the oldest continuously inhabited human settlements in the world. We include a guided tour of its historic center, featuring the "Sassi di Matera", a complex of ancient homes and structures carved into the rock that date back thousands of years. Lunch included. In the afternoon, we will travel through Basilicata and Campania amid beautiful mountain landscapes. SALERNO, arrival in the late afternoon. We recommend taking a stroll along its waterfront promenade.

Half board includes: Cavatelli with mushrooms and sausage, meatballs with tomato sauce, Tetta de la Mora, water and wine

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.

Half board dinner includes: Open buffet. Water and bread

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.

Half board dinner includes: Free buffet, bread and water.

Day 16: Taormina - Catania - Syracuse - Agriento

After breakfast, we will head to CATANIA, at the foot of Mount Etna, a city that combines history, art, and Mediterranean life. Its Baroque center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impresses with beautiful squares and palaces, as well as the bustling fish market, one of the most picturesque in Sicily.Afterwards, we continue to SYRACUSE, an ancient city of Magna Graecia on the Ionian Sea. The city has also been declared a World Heritage Site; its island of Ortigia, connected by bridges, is the oldest part of town, with lively narrow streets, the cathedral, the ancient castle, seaside terraces, and markets. Free time to stroll and have lunch.In the afternoon, we will travel inland toward AGRIGENTO. Before reaching the hotel, from the coach, we will admire the magnificent complex of the Valley of the Temples. Dinner included.

Half board dinner includes: 130/5000 Pasta with meat sauce, mushrooms, peas and ham. Roasted with bread crumbs and aromatic herbs. Baked potatoes Semifreddo coffee

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.

Half board dinner includes: Caprese salad mozzarella cheese, tomato, and basil, Pennette alla Mondellana tomato, swordfish, fried eggplant, mint, garlic, and onion, Fish fillet in vegetable crust, Mixed salad, Dessert, Water.

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.