Hospitor : La Dolce Italia: Rome to Venice : Italy

ROME - Day 01

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.

ROME - Day 02

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.  

TERMOLI - Day 03

Today, we’ll travel toward the Adriatic Sea, passing through the stunning landscapes of the Apennine Mountain range. Our first stop will be the San Giovanni in Venere Abbey (admission included), a beautiful 11th-century abbey built on the ruins of an ancient Roman temple. Next, we’ll visit Termoli, a charming coastal city where the beach is framed by the walled old town, with its 13th-century castle and Romanesque cathedral as the main attractions. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely walk. We’ll then continue to Bari, a historic port city inhabited since before Roman times. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore and stroll through the old town. Its narrow streets, beautiful churches, and vibrant atmosphere make it a truly special city, full of southern Italian charm.

BRINDISI - Day 04

We’ll follow the coast to Brindisi, a walled port city where you can enjoy a pleasant stroll along the sea, admire the impressive Roman column, and explore the old quarter. Our next stop will be Lecce, a charming city renowned for its stunning baroque architecture, earning the nickname "Florence of the South." The historic center is filled with beautifully ornate baroque buildings and churches. You’ll have time for a walk and lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Gallipoli, a coastal city on the Ionian Sea founded by the Greeks, who named it "beautiful town." Influenced by Arab, Norman, and Aragonese cultures, Gallipoli’s old town is connected to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge. This charming area is a maze of narrow streets and historic buildings, with highlights including the cathedral, the castle, and the ancient city walls. We’ll return to Brindisi at the end of the day for accommodation.

ALBEROBELLO - Day 05

Today, we’ll visit two extraordinary and authentic towns. Our first stop will be Alberobello, famous for its unique conical-shaped houses known as trulli. These distinctive structures, with their stacked stone roofs, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represent a remarkable example of Italian rural architecture. Next, we’ll head to Matera, located in the Basilicata region, renowned for its ancient historic center and the Sassi di Matera—a complex of ancient dwellings and buildings carved into the rock, dating back thousands of years. Not only is it a World Heritage Site, but also one of the oldest continuously inhabited human settlements in the world. In the afternoon, after enjoying an included lunch in Matera, we’ll continue our journey through Basilicata and Campania, taking in the beautiful mountain landscapes. We’ll arrive in Naples by evening, where you’ll have free time to explore.

NAPLES  - Day 06

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.

PAOLA - Day 07

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.

TAORMINA - Day 08

Nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, the beautiful city of Taormina was once described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. You’ll have time to explore the vibrant old town, where the Greek theater is set against the breathtaking landscape. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey toward the center of the island. Our next stop will be Caltagirone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its impressive Baroque architecture. You’ll get to ride a little tourist train (included), where you’ll learn about the city and its key landmarks. Caltagirone is also the ceramic capital of Sicily, as seen in its numerous shops, workshops, and iconic sites, including the famous 142-step staircase, each step uniquely decorated with colorful tiles. After lunch, you’ll tour Villa Romana del Casale with a local guide (admission and tour included), another UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Roman Empire, villas were symbols of agricultural wealth, and Villa del Casale is exceptional not only for its well-preserved 4th-century architecture but also for its stunning mosaics, which adorn almost every room, considered the finest in the Roman world. We’ll then cross the island’s mountainous interior and continue to Palermo, arriving by the end of the day. Dinner will be included.

​ PALERMO - Day 09

Today, we’ll embark on a guided city tour of Palermo with a local expert. Highlights include the cathedral, famous for its blend of architectural styles and royal tombs (admission included), and the Palazzo dei Normanni, a former royal palace with fountains, markets, and gardens. We’ll also visit Monreale to see its cathedral (admission included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its breathtaking golden mosaics that adorn the entire interior. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Note: For smaller groups, the tour may be conducted as part of a regular excursion offered by local companies instead of a private tour.

ROME - Day 10

At the time informed by the guide, we will make a transfer to the airport to catch a domestic flight included in your trip. On arrival at destination we will give you another hotel transfer. Your guide will contact you at the end of the afternoon or you can consult the information in your hotel reception.

Note: remember that on domestic flights, the luggage normally allowed is one suitcase of up to 20 kg in the hold. Passengers must pay for all excess luggage directly to the airline. 

ORVIETO - Day 11

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.

MONTERIGGIONI - Day 12

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.

FLORENCE - Day 13

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.

PISA - Day 14

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.

PORTOFINO - Day 15

 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: From May 30th to November 2nd, tourist buses are not allowed access to Santa Margherita Ligure. During this period, the stop will be in RAPALLO, another stunning coastal destination in the Liguria region, where we will board the boat to Portofino.

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

MILAN - Day 16

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. .

VERONA - Day 17

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.

VENICE  - Day 18

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.