Call Us 800.528.9300
Grand Italy & Sicily
Classic Group
Tour Description:
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.
Click for larger view.
Dates & Pricing
| Friday 03 Apr 26 — Sunday 19 Apr 26 | Starting at $6,278 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 17 Apr 26 — Sunday 03 May 26 | Starting at $6,278 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 01 May 26 — Sunday 17 May 26 | Starting at $6,773 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 22 May 26 — Sunday 07 Jun 26 | Starting at $7,625 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 29 May 26 — Sunday 14 Jun 26 | Starting at $6,863 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 12 Jun 26 — Sunday 28 Jun 26 | Starting at $6,368 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 19 Jun 26 — Sunday 05 Jul 26 | Starting at $6,278 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 03 Jul 26 — Sunday 19 Jul 26 | Starting at $6,188 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 10 Jul 26 — Sunday 26 Jul 26 | Starting at $6,188 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 31 Jul 26 — Sunday 16 Aug 26 | Starting at $6,296 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 14 Aug 26 — Sunday 30 Aug 26 | Starting at $6,255 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 21 Aug 26 — Sunday 06 Sep 26 | Starting at $6,296 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 28 Aug 26 — Sunday 13 Sep 26 | Starting at $6,386 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 04 Sep 26 — Sunday 20 Sep 26 | Starting at $6,836 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 11 Sep 26 — Sunday 27 Sep 26 | Starting at $6,818 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 18 Sep 26 — Sunday 04 Oct 26 | Starting at $6,908 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 25 Sep 26 — Sunday 11 Oct 26 | Starting at $6,908 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 02 Oct 26 — Sunday 18 Oct 26 | Starting at $6,908 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 02 Apr 27 — Sunday 18 Apr 27 | Starting at $7,325 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 16 Apr 27 — Sunday 02 May 27 | Starting at $7,325 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 23 Apr 27 — Sunday 09 May 27 | Starting at $7,325 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 30 Apr 27 — Sunday 16 May 27 | Starting at $7,325 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 07 May 27 — Sunday 23 May 27 | Starting at $7,895 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 21 May 27 — Sunday 06 Jun 27 | Starting at $7,995 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 28 May 27 — Sunday 13 Jun 27 | Starting at $7,995 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 11 Jun 27 — Sunday 27 Jun 27 | Starting at $7,425 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 18 Jun 27 — Sunday 04 Jul 27 | Starting at $7,325 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 02 Jul 27 — Sunday 18 Jul 27 | Starting at $7,225 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 09 Jul 27 — Sunday 25 Jul 27 | Starting at $7,225 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 16 Jul 27 — Sunday 01 Aug 27 | Starting at $7,225 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 30 Jul 27 — Sunday 15 Aug 27 | Starting at $7,350 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 13 Aug 27 — Sunday 29 Aug 27 | Starting at $7,295 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 20 Aug 27 — Sunday 05 Sep 27 | Starting at $7,350 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 27 Aug 27 — Sunday 12 Sep 27 | Starting at $7,350 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 03 Sep 27 — Sunday 19 Sep 27 | Starting at $7,975 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 10 Sep 27 — Sunday 26 Sep 27 | Starting at $7,950 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 17 Sep 27 — Sunday 03 Oct 27 | Starting at $8,050 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 24 Sep 27 — Sunday 10 Oct 27 | Starting at $8,050 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 01 Oct 27 — Sunday 17 Oct 27 | Starting at $8,050 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingDestination 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.
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.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYWelcome to the Eternal City of Rome
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.
Vatican City and Rome with a Local
Rome is about art, antiquity, piazzas and palaces. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth experience bringing millennia of history to life. Embark on an enriching journey as you explore the Vatican Museums, home to an extraordinary collection of priceless artworks collected by the Popes over centuries. Marvel at Michelangelo's iconic frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, where the election of new Popes takes place, and admire the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. Journey from the Vatican City across the Tiber river to ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus and the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine and discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum on a guided visit. As you stroll with your Local Expert, imagine the gladiatorial battles and roaring spectators around the arena. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon and the stunning piazzas and fountains of Rome.
Pisa and Santa Margherita Ligure
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.
The Charms of the Cinque Terre
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.
Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start
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.
On to Venice Relaxed Start
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.
Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima Relaxed Start
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.
A Scenic Journey to Florence
Bid farewell to Venice and begin your journey to Renaissance Florence. Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo’s David. After, continue on foot to admire the multicoloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue into the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune, Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe. End the day with a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed.
Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance Relaxed Start
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Florence. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to explore the hilltop town of San Gimignano?
Ill-fated Pompeii and on to Sorrento
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.
Capri, the Isle of Dreams
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?
Sassi di Matera and Alberobello
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.
The Trulli of Alberobello Relaxed Start
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.
Alberobello to Sicily
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.
The Dawn Coast of Europe to Palermo Relaxed Start
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.
Palermo, Capital of Sicily
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.
Depart Palermo
Your grand tour of Italy draws to an end. Departure transfers arrive at Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
