Grand Italy & Sicily
From CAD $9650
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
Art, food, and scenery combine in this 17-day guided tour through Italy. Revel in Renaissance artwork housed in the Vatican Museums and gaze at Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Visit Rome’s iconic Colosseum as a Local Expert shares its history. In coastal Cinque Terre, stop in a fishing village and cruise the rugged Ligurian coast, admiring the colorful homes perched on the cliffs. See statues of Neptune, Hercules and Cacus, and feast on a steak dinner and local wine in Florence. In Sorrento, meet a Local Expert for a cruise to Capri, where you ascend to Capri town for an unapparelled view of the Mediterranean Sea. In the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, meet a restaurateur who will share his farm-to-table philosophy and serve you freshly made orecchiette pasta.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 8 Dinner (D)
- 16 Breakfast (B)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.
- Florence: Join your Travel Director on a short walk to a local spot loved by residents. Sample a classic Italian treat and hear how it became a staple of the area. It’s a chance to experience the flavors locals grow up with and return to time and again.
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Authentic Dining
- Rome: Savor dinner at a uniquely Roman restaurant, offering a perfect exploration of Lazio's typical flavors.
- Florence: Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed.
- Alberobello: Savor a freshly prepared Farm-to-Table meal featuring recipes and flavors typical of the region.
- Palermo: Experience local customs as you delve into tantalizing flavors and rustic dishes served with local wine.
Insight Choice
- Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.
- Florence: Join your Travel Director on a short walk to a local spot loved by residents. Sample a classic Italian treat and hear how it became a staple of the area. It’s a chance to experience the flavors locals grow up with and return to time and again.
Insight Experiences
- Vatican City: Visit the Vatican Museums, witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and see St. Peter's Basilica.
Make Travel Matter
- Venice: Visit a traditional glass workshop on Murano and observe master glassmakers at work, using techniques passed down since the 15th century. See how molten glass is shaped into finished pieces and learn about the history of the craft on the island. Each visit supports the workshop’s role in preserving local skills and sustaining this heritage industry. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Top Rated Highlights
- Rome: Explore Rome’s storied past as you see the sweeping Circus Maximus, once the largest stadium in ancient Rome and host to thrilling chariot races. Admire the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal monument built to celebrate Emperor Constantine’s victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge and gaze up at the Palatine Hill, the most central of Rome’s seven hills and the site where, according to legend, Romulus founded the city.
- Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, and the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th-century cathedral - the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
- Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site with dedicated time to explore one of the charming fishing villages.
- Portofino: Visit this elegant fishing village and admire the colored houses and yachts moored in the harbor.
- Lake Maggiore: Experience the charming traditional social ritual of la passeggiata in the Italian Lake District. All across Italy, in cities, towns and villages people leave their houses to gently walk streets, from babies in strollers to the most senior citizens. Savor a gelato or glass of wine along the way and observe, as new romances, new babies and new shoes are all put on display. Note the ever-stylish Italians love to dress up for the occasion so feel free add a touch of flair to your outfit!
- Venice: Travel by boat along the Giudecca Canal as your Travel Director gives an orientation to Venice. Pass 13th to 18th-century palazzi, the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square, an iconic introduction to the city from the water.
- Venice: Take a ride in a traditional gondola, the flat-bottomed boat that once served as everyday transport in Venice. In the 17th century thousands were registered; today a few hundred remain under strict licensing rules. As the gondolier steers through side canals and under low bridges, the working scale of Venice’s historic waterways becomes clear.
- Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
- Florence: See the historic neighborhood of the Santa Croce Basilica and witness local craftspersons at work during a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
- Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the first century.
- Capri: Cruise by jetfoil to this famous isle through beautiful blue Mediterranean waters.
- Capri: Explore Capri town with your Local Expert and see the whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, small cafes, fashionable boutiques and artisans studios.
- Matera: With your Local Expert explore this town that Mel Gibson chose as the setting for his film 'The Passion of the Christ.'
- Alberobello: Led by a Local Expert, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the Trulli of Alberobello. Circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within, built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar.
- Messina: Cross the Straights of Messina to Sicily by ferry.
- Taormina: Visit Taormina’s ancient amphitheater with your Local Expert. Carved from honey-colored stone and set high on the cliff, the theater frames wide views of the Ionian Sea and the distant rise of Mount Etna through its weathered arches.
- Taormina: Wander through Taormina’s limestone streets and lively boutiques with a Local Expert. Then enjoy free time along Corso Umberto and take in the broad outlook from Piazza IX Aprile, where the town opens towards sea and sky.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Trip Details
Product Code: 31124
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Insight Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 212.208B
Starts: Rome, Italy
Finishes: Palermo, Italy
Duration: 17 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $9650 ($568 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Settle in before joining your Travel Director and get to know your fellow travelers over Roman specialties during dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: St. Martin, Rome
Meals: Dinner
Rome is a city of art, antiquity, piazzas and palaces. Join your Local Expert for an in-depth exploration that brings its layered history to life. Begin at the Vatican Museums, where you’ll see an extraordinary collection of priceless artworks curated by the Popes. Marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and admire the iconic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Then cross the Tiber into ancient Rome to visit the Circus Maximus and the Arch of Constantine. Enjoy a guided visit of the Colosseum and uncover the legends, construction and daily life of this monumental arena. Later, you may choose to continue your exploration, from the grandeur of the Pantheon to the fountains and piazzas that define Rome’s vibrant street life. Please note: On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica may be restricted due to the Papal Audience. You’ll still have time to take in the atmosphere of St. Peter’s Square during your visit to Vatican City.
Accommodation: St. Martin, Rome
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a delightful drive to Pisa through rolling countryside dotted with cypress trees, passing vineyards and olive groves. With a Local Expert, view the incredible Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. See the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble. Your journey continues to the pretty seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure.
Accommodation: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Head to the famous Cinque Terre, which translates to Five Lands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on a gorgeously wild yet hospitable part of the coastline. With a Local Expert, approach one of the fishing villages by boat (weather permitting). In Monterosso, spend some time exploring the medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach before continuing to the village of Portofino, famed for its colorful houses. Browse the boutiques and stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbor. Then cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to your hotel in the resort of Santa Margherita.
Accommodation: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure
Meals: Breakfast
Head north to beautiful Lake Maggiore in the Italian Lakes District and the town of Baveno, noted for its narrow cobbled streets and charming square. On arrival, settle into your hotel and take in the magical scenery. In the afternoon, why not join an Optional Experience cruise to Isola Bella to explore the palace and admire the stunning and immaculate Italian style gardens.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Dino, Baveno
Meals: Breakfast
Your Italy and Sicily tour continues past the Soave vineyards, the city of Padua and on to the canals of Venice. In the evening, enjoy dinner with your traveling companions.
Accommodation: Indigo - Sant'Elena, Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cruise by private boat on a journey of discovery past churches and palaces reflecting the rich architectural history of Venice from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Marvel at the intricate facades and learn about the stories behind these historical buildings. Arrive close to St Mark's Square and stroll along the waterfront, passing the iconic Bridge of Sighs and the majestic Doge's Palace. It was from here that the infamous Casanova made his daring escape. Turn the corner into St Mark's Square and be captivated by the grandeur of the basilica. Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and witness the artistry of expert glassblowers as they create beautiful, handcrafted glass pieces, preserving centuries-old techniques and traditions.
Accommodation: Indigo - Sant'Elena, Venice
Meals: Breakfast
Bid farewell to Venice as you travel south to Renaissance Florence. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Later, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, known for its medieval towers and timeless charm. End the day with a traditional bistecca alla Fiorentina dinner, perfectly paired with local wine—a regional specialty not to be missed.
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, discover the artisan traditions of Florence with a leatherwork and gold demonstration—crafts deeply rooted in the city’s heritage. Later, you’ll explore the city with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Gallery to admire Michelangelo’s David, followed by a guided walk past the city’s marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in stunning detail. Alternatively, join your Travel Director for a relaxed stroll and enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe. Continue into the Piazza della Signoria, the city’s political heart and open-air gallery of Renaissance sculpture, and pause to view statues of Neptune, Hercules and Cacus standing proudly before the Palazzo Vecchio. This evening, consider an Optional Experience featuring a traditional Tuscan dinner paired with regional wines—including a glass of Chianti from the nearby vineyards.
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli
Meals: Breakfast
Journey south through the volcanic hills of Frascati to Pompeii, which was buried in A.D. 79 by Mount Vesuvius' catastrophic eruption. Walk with a Local Expert through the preserved cobbled streets for a glimpse into the daily life of civilization during the Roman Empire. Follow the clifftop road to the resort town of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples.
Accommodation: Isabella, Sorrento
Meals: Breakfast
Meet your Local Expert and cross the Bay of Naples to reach the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean! For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Tiberius Caesar to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town. Explore the narrow alleyways and descend to the port by funicular railway for the return to Sorrento. Later, perhaps explore the Amalfi Coast?
Accommodation: Isabella, Sorrento
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, discover two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. First, visit Matera for an in-depth guided exploration of the extraordinary Sassi, ancient troglodyte dwellings and churches dug out of the rock. These are the most extensive example of their kind in the Mediterranean and were inhabited by about 20,000 people up until the 1950s. Matera was also used as the setting for the film 'The Passion of the Christ'. Continue to Alberobello, the second UNESCO World Heritage Site, and your home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Admire another of Italy's record number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a Local Expert. The trulli of Alberobello are circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within. They are built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar. In the evening, delight at the freshly prepared Farm-to-Table dinner. Savor a traditional meal and discover regional life through its local cuisine.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The local roads will take you south, following the shores of the Gulf of Taranto to the mountainous Calabria region. Travel along the Purple Coast to the very 'toe' of Italy and board your ferry bound for Sicily. According to ancient legend, it was here at the Straits of Messina where the twin whirlpools of Scylla and Charybdis carried unwary seafarers away to their doom. After disembarking, continue to Taormina. Join a Local Expert for a visit to the Greek Theater, graced with the most spectacular of backdrops.
Accommodation: Baia Taormina, Marina di Forza D’Agrò
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Relax this morning on the stunning Dawn Coast of Europe or choose to join an optional experience to majestic Mt. Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, where you’ll journey through dramatic volcanic landscapes and enjoy spectacular panoramic views. Later, travel through Sicily’s beautiful countryside as you make your way to the vibrant capital city of Palermo, rich in history, culture and architectural splendor.
Accommodation: Federico II Central Palace, Palermo
Meals: Breakfast
Explore with your Local Expert who will show you the highlights of the capital. Venture inside the cathedral of Palermo and appreciate its composite architectural styles. Next, head to the amazing Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Normans. From the honey-colored walls glowing in the sun on the outside, enter a world of glittering ancient mosaics on the inside. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure exploring this fascinating city. This evening, join your traveling companions and Travel Director at a local restaurant for an unforgettable dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine.
Accommodation: Federico II Central Palace, Palermo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your grand tour of Italy draws to an end. Departure transfers arrive at Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (CA)
Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.
In Business Since 1978
Reviews
Stuart J. - Traveled, April 2025
The company is very helpful and excellent communications. Very busy but you don't have to do all the options so can opt for more free time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/12/2025
Richard T. - Traveled, May 2025
It was a very organized trip... everything went perfectly. There were a lot of optional experiences. We did the lot; and they were great. But I had the feeling that the optionals were reducing the up-front cost of the trip and back loading the costs. Indeed a grand tour of Italy covering the entire country from north to south.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2025
Ken - Traveled, April 2025
Passionate Tour Director that makes a real difference for the destination. Very good organisation ahead of our group's arrival that makes visits easy and uncomplicated. Provides an excellent coverage of Italy (and kisses Sicily) which gives one a comprehensive overview to know where to return to absorb one's favourite regions at one's own pace.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/30/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
Insight's tour of Italy and Sicily was a great way to experience the country! Our tour director, *Personal information removed by Feefo* knew so much about the country and the history. She even shared information about the places we didn't stop at but would see during our coach rides.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/27/2025
Mary K. - Traveled, April 2025
It's a very thorough company to work with. Our tour guide, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was an absolute walking encyclopedia. Our driver was excellent. Be ready for a very fast pace. The entire experience was fantastic. Loved every second.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/28/2025
Dominick B. - Traveled, April 2025
It covers so many areas in Italy. We got exposed to so much history and culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/27/2025
John C. - Traveled, September 2024
*Personal information removed by Feefo* was excellent dealing with tour details and logistics. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of each location we visited.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2024
Paul J. - Traveled, September 2024
Great job by all before and during the trip. Superb tour director-*Personal information removed by Feefo*. Nice surprises on my birthday and for anniversary celebration. Excellent including a couple unknown towns. Hit all the hi lights as expected.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
Our tour director, *Personal information removed by Feefo* and bus driver, *Personal information removed by Feefo* were excellent. It's a busy itinerary that will keep you moving. You will see a little bit of everything, and hit the highlights, but not deep dive into any area. Be prepared to pay extra for the optional experiences, most were worth the time and money. The hotel offerings are inconsistent. Some were extremely well appointed and high end, while others are more remote and basic. (Hotels can be any combination of the above.) Our tour director and bus driver were excellent. This is our first tour so we have no frame of reference to compare to what else is out there. There are bathroom facilities on the coach, but using them was highly discouraged and I feel people felt intimidated to use them even if needed. Because Italy is a highly sought destination and tourists greatly outnumbered residents in some areas, I feel Italians have a love/hate relationship with tourism. They depend on it, but are overwhelmed by the sheer volume. I think the over tourism sets up a bad dynamic between residents and tourists. Even though we did our best to be courteous and respectful, you could feel the tension.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2024
Russell A. - Traveled, September 2024
Insights tour was solid planning and planning was superb. Great trip. Great tour guide. And great way via bus to see Italy. And we will do Italy again. With Insight. With *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo*.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2024
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