Eternal Cities & Cultures of Sicily
Italy in 14 Days • 11 Nights in Destination
Natalie
Travel crafter
Our classic tour of Italy's most iconic cities, from the legendary Colosseum in Rome to the Renaissance heritage of Florence and the romantic canals of Venice combined with a 3-night stay on the idyllic island of Sicily!
Itinerary
Land in Venice, known for its romantic canals before heading to Florence to discover its Renaissance heritage. Explore Rome and admire one of the most historic cities in the world, filled with cultural delights, such as the Colosseum and the Vatican City. Wind down in historic Catania famed for its charming old town and situated on the coast of Sicily, in the shadow of Mount Etna.
Pack your bags and head to your departure airport, ready for a flight to Venice.* Night on board.
* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
NH Venezia Laguna Palace or similar
3334 Reviews
See our full selection
Arrive in the romantic city of Venice, transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Built across more than 100 small islands, Venice is a pleasure to explore on foot as you get lost in the labyrinthine streets, stumbling across hidden cafes and cultural gems along the way. Get out and discover the plentiful delights on this eternal city, such as the immense Piazza San Marco. Overnight stay in Venice Mestre.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
NH Venezia Laguna Palace or similar
3334 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Guided Walking Tour of Venice
Moderate
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Pack of 2 Excursions: Must-sees of Italy
Light
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Ultimate Italy: Package of 3 Excursions
Light
See more
Gondola Ride in Venice
Light
See more
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a guided walking tour through Venice, through the fascinating streets and across the canals; a crossroads of culture where East meets West. Admire the Basilica and Piazza of San Marco next to Gothic-style Doge's Palace, the Campanile and the Clock Tower stand. Soak up the lively atmosphere of the Campo, a bustling square next to the Church of Santa Maria. Continue to marvel at the grand Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo, uncover legendary tales of Marco Polo and finally return to St. Mark’s Square by strolling through the main Venetian shopping street, the Mercerie, and immerse yourself in the historic buzz of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure to continue discovering this unique city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Venice Mestre.
*Optional Gondola Ride Experience: One of the most famous characteristics of Venice is its historic gondolas and now you can be a part of this legacy yourself! Experience an unforgettable 30-minute gondola ride through the charming waterways of Venice including the iconic Grand Canal. The quintessential Venetian experience! Note: Please note that it is a shared gondola (up to five people for each one) so you might have to share it with other people.
Why not upgrade your trip with our Must-Sees of Italy package of 2 excursions or our Ultimate Italy package of 3 excursions, both available in the next step of the booking process!
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
UNAHOTELS Vittoria Firenz... or similar
1842 Reviews
See our full selection
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, make your own way* to the train station to catch the Frecciarossa high-speed train to Florence. Arrive in Florence, the heart of the Italian Renaissance, and self-transfer* to the hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city and keep enjoying the Italian cuisine in this gourmet paradise. Overnight stay in Florence.
* The hotels in Florence and Venice are located just a few minutes walk from the train stations, however, it is possible to add a private transfer for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
UNAHOTELS Vittoria Firenz... or similar
1842 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Guided Walking Tour of Florence
Moderate
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Breakfast at the hotel. Today head to the Historic Centre of Florence for a guided walking tour of Florence and discover the hidden secrets of the Tuscan capital. Start discovering Piazza Repubblica, one of the fanciest of the city, before heading to Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, a building where a local market takes place. Keep exploring the streets of Florence before arriving at the beautiful and well-known Ponte Vecchio, the most iconic bridge in the city and one of its main symbols. You will then walk through the Piazza della Signoria, the heart of Medieval Florence with the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. End the tour admiring Piazza San Giovanni, home to the impressive Florence Cathedral, with its iconic Brunelleschi cupola and the famous Giotto Belltower. Rest of the day at your leisure to continue exploring the captivating sights of Florence. Overnight stay in Florence.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
UNAHOTELS Vittoria Firenz... or similar
1842 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Half-Day Tour to Pisa & The Leaning Tower
Light
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Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at your leisure to enjoy your last day in the city. Florence's historical centre is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so why not take a stroll on your own to discover its hidden treasures. Overnight stay in Florence.
* Optional Day Trip to Pisa: No trip to Italy is complete without a photo at the iconic leaning tower, so don't miss your chance to take a day trip to Pisa! Enjoy a guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli and its monuments and visit the spectacular Pisa Cathedral before spending time at the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa, learning all about the history of this University city along the way.
Why not upgrade your trip with our Must-Sees of Italy package of 2 excursions or our Ultimate Italy package of 3 excursions, both available in the next step of the booking process!
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Marcella Royal Hotel or similar
3138 Reviews
See our full selection
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, self-transfer* to Florence Santa Maria Novella station to catch the train to Roma Termini station. Arrive in Rome, the Italian capital, and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is free to begin exploring this romantic, historic city. The evening is the most magical time of day in Rome when the streets take on an even more charming character. Overnight stay in Rome.
* The hotel in Florence is located just a few minutes walk from the train station, however, it is possible to add a private transfer for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Marcella Royal Hotel or similar
3138 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Walking Tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Moderate
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Piazzas & Fountains of Rome Excursion
Moderate
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Authentic Italian Lunch at a restaurant in Campo Di Fiori in Rome
Light
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Breakfast at the hotel. Today head to the meeting point and enjoy a guided visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, three of the main archaeological sites of the Eternal City. Learn about the history of this empire, from its birth to the gladiatorial fights in the Colosseum, and appreciate the preserved corners of ancient Rome in the Forum and the Palatine Hill. We recommend the optional Piazzas and Fountains of Rome excursion.* The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the historic streets of Rome and dine on delicious Italian cuisine!** Overnight stay in Rome.
* Optional Piazzas & Fountains of Rome Excursion: Take a pleasant walk through the artistic heart of Rome to visit its most symbolic piazzas and fountains! Visit Piazza Navona, the most elegant of all Rome squares and home to Bernini's Four Rivers Fountain. See the Church of San Luigi, the incredible Pantheon and the legendary Trevi Fountain, an icon of the city. Finally, pay a visit to the famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, the most photogenic spot in the city!
** Optional Authentic Italian meal at a restaurant in Campo Di Fiori: Enjoy an evening of authentic Italian cuisine in beautiful Campo Di Fiori Square, nestled in the heart of historic Rome. Soak up the atmosphere as you indulge in Italian dishes at a local restaurant.
Why not upgrade your trip with our Must-Sees of Italy package of 2 excursions or our Ultimate Italy package of 3 excursions, both available in the next step of the booking process!
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Marcella Royal Hotel or similar
3138 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Pasta-Making & Tiramisu Masterclass
Light
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Skip-the-line Guided Tour of Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel
Moderate
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After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day at your leisure in Rome. Perhaps visit the Vatican, trace the footsteps of the greats in the ancient streets of the old city or simply indulge in some delicious Italian ice cream. However you choose to spend your day, Rome is sure to delight you with its old-world charm and unbeatable sights. We suggest taking the optional guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel or uncovering the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine with a pasta-making and tiramisu workshop!* Overnight stay in Rome.
* Optional Skip-the-line Guided Tour of Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel: Explore the priceless treasures held within the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel! Visit the Pio Clementino Hall, Laocoon and Apollo Belvedere, Maps Gallery, Candelabra Gallery, Tapestries Gallery and the incredible Sistine Chapel. Afterwards, discover the incredible St. Peter’s Basilica and the atmospheric St. Peter’s Square, dominated by Michelangelo’s imposing Cupola!
Please note: Optional tour available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only.
* Optional Pasta-Making & Tiramisu Masterclass: Learn to cook like a local with a 3-hour class focused on the art of making fresh pasta and Tiramisu. Begin by enjoying a glass of prosecco and antipasti before crafting authentic pasta and Tiramisu from scratch, under the supervision of an English-speaking chef. Once the hard work is complete, tuck into your freshly prepared homemade meal, accompanied by a selection of wines. A true celebration of Italian gastronomy!
Why not upgrade your trip with our Must-Sees of Italy package of 2 excursions or our Ultimate Italy package of 3 excursions, both available in the next step of the booking process!
Please note: you can only choose one optional excursion on this day
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
NH Catania Parco Degli Ar... or similar
1612 Reviews
See our full selection
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head to the airport to catch a short flight to Catania, on the Italian island of Sicily. Located just off the 'toe' of the 'boot' of mainland Italy, Sicily is bursting with heritage sites and is famously the home of Mount Etna! Arrive in Catania, an ancient port city known for its beautiful cathedral and long stretches of golden sand beaches! Founded in the 8th-century, it's the second-largest city in Sicily and is home to a dizzying array of historic sights which date as far back as the Roman era! Transfer to the hotel and get settled before enjoying the remainder of the day at your leisure. Get out and sample authentic Sicilian cuisine in the city's restaurants or talk a peaceful stroll along the waterfront. Overnight stay in Catania.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
NH Catania Parco Degli Ar... or similar
1612 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Catania City Walking Tour
Moderate
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Etna at Sunset Tour
Moderate
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Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a fascinating walking city tour of Catania today to explore its most emblematic sights and get to know the history of this ancient port city. Stroll through the historic center and soak up the atmosphere of one of Sicily's most charming cities as you see Piazza Stesicoro and the old Roman amphitheatre. Continue along Via Etnea to Piazza Universita and climb the Alessi Staircase to Via dei Crociferi, a street known for its sixteenth-century churches. Admire the architecture of Piazza San Francesco and end the tour at Piazza Duomo, where you can visit the cathedral and town hall at your leisure if you wish. The remainder of the day is free to explore Catania at your own pace and soak up its immense history and Meditteranean atmosphere! The city is within easy reach of a variety of hiking trails around Mount Etna, so be sure to pack your walking boots if this appeals to you!* Overnight stay in Catania.
*Optional Mount Etna at Sunset Tour: Discover the South side of Mount Etna on this stunning tour. Begin by visiting the villages at the base of Mount Etna, stop at a farm to taste typical Sicilian honey and other products. Then, accompanied by your guide, visit a lava cave, equipped with helmets and torches. Continue towards the Rifugio Sapienza (1910 mt) where you’ll enjoy a short guided hike to witness some of the latest lava flows and the Silvestri Craters, active in 1892.To culminate the excursion witness the incredible sunset on Mount Etna!
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
NH Catania Parco Degli Ar... or similar
1612 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Half-Day Charter: Sailing Along the Cyclops Riviera
Light
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Half-Day Charter: Sailing Along the Cyclops Riviera
Light
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Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Catania. Why not discover the archaeological treasures held inside the 13th-century Castello Ursino or visit some of the city's incredible Roman ruins, such as the ancient amphitheater or Roman Baths? We recommend getting the most out of your free time by enjoying one of the optional activities described below. Overnight stay in Catania.
*Optional Half-Day Charter - Sailing Along the Cyclops Riviera: Admire volcanic rock as you sail along the Cyclops Riviera on this mini cruise. Stop at the Cave of Ulysses for a swim and snorkel and enjoy Sicilian appetizers when back on board. Next, head towards Aci Castello castle, checking out the ancient Arab lookouts along the way, with Mt. Etna in the backdrop. To end this peaceful journey, enjoy a glass of wine or an appetizer after a refreshing swim in the Natural Reserve.
**Optional Catania Street Food Tour: Delight your senses on this foodie’s walking tour of the center of Catania. Start at UNESCO Heritage Site Piazza Duomo and visit the Cathedral. Next, head to the quaint fish market, better known as "la pescheria", where you will taste local cheeses, olives and the best fried fish in the city. Continue to discover the churches on Crociferi, next arrive at Roman amphitheater Piazza Stesicoro to find the well-known Bar Savia that serves the best arancini in Catania, and the much loved Cipollina at the Pacini Bakery. Enjoy a Selz syrup drink before enjoying Cipollata and ending the tour enjoying sweet local delicacies.
Breakfast at the hotel. Sadly, it's time to leave Sicily. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your return flight back to the Canada . Arrive in the Canada and end your trip.
* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
14 days trip including flights*
12 days and 11 nights in destination
1
YTO - VCE
2
YTO - VCE
Venice Mestre
3
Venice Mestre
4
Firenze
5
Firenze
6
Firenze
7
Roma
8
Roma
9
Roma
10
Catania
11
Catania
12
Catania
13
CTA - YTO
14
CTA - YTO
* It may change depending of your departure city, departure date and arrival date.
The calendar does not display internal flights, trains or other transportation included in the itinerary.
Accommodation: 11 Nights
Included activities
Guided Walking Tour of Venice
Take a guided walking tour through Venice to learn about the culture and artistic heritage of the city. Stroll through the city, taste a traditional spritz (own expense) at a local tavern, visit the iconic Rialto Bridge and cruise on the Giudecca Canal!
What's included: Walking tour in Venice with professional guide Not included: Hotel pick up and drop off, entrance fees.
Guided Walking Tour of Florence
Discover the highlights of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, on a guided walking tour. Highlights include the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza San Giovanni, the iconic Florence Cathedral and the Giotto Belltower.
What's included: Walking tour in Florence with professional guide Not included: Hotel pick up and drop off. Food and beverages.
Walking Tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Take a guided walking tour of three of the main archaeological sites in Rome. Learn about the history of this empire, from its birth to the gladiator fights of the Colosseum and appreciate the relics of ancient Rome at the Forum and Palatine Hill.
What's included: Skip-the-line entrance tickets: Colosseum - Palatine Hill - Roman Forum, Authorized guide and headphones Not included: Hotel pick up and drop off
Catania City Walking Tour
Embark on a fascinating walking city tour of Catania to see its beautiful piazzas, old Roman amphitheatre and amazing Piazza Duomo, in the heart of the historic centre!
Not included: Hotel Pick up and drop off
Available Activities
Pack of 2 Excursions: Must-sees of Italy
Make the most of your time in Italy with this pack of two unmissable experiences: a Skip-the-line guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel and a gondola ride in Venice
What's included: Skip-the-line Guided Tour of Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel & Gondola ride experience in Venice
Ultimate Italy: Package of 3 Excursions
Make the most of your time in Italy with this pack of three unmissable experiences: An excursion to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a Gondola Ride in Venice & a Piazzas & Fountains tour in Rome.
What's included: Excursion to Pisa from Florence, Gondola Ride in Venice, Piazzas & Fountains Tour in Rome.
Gondola Ride in Venice
One of the most famous characteristics of Venice is its historic gondolas and now you can be a part of this legacy yourself! Experience an unforgettable 30-minute gondola ride through the charming waterways of Venice including the iconic Grand Canal.
What's included: 35 minute Gondola Ride Not included: Pick up and drop off, guide
Half-Day Tour to Pisa & The Leaning Tower
No trip to Italy is complete without a photo at the iconic leaning tower, so don't miss your chance to take a day trip to Pisa! Enjoy a guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli, visit the spectacular Pisa Cathedral and admire the famous Leaning Tower!
What's included: Round trip journey by GT Coach, expert multilingual escort, guided tour of Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli with professional guide, admission fee to Pisa Cathedral. Not included: Hotel pick up and drop off, meals, drinks and any other service not mentioned in included
The price includes
- Included in all our trips. more information
- Departures from main Canadian airports.
- International flights:Canada - Venice, Catania - Canada.
- Internal flights: Rome - Catania. *more information
- Domestic High-speed train in Standard Class: Venice Mestre - Florence - Rome.
- 11 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels.See hotels included
- 11 breakfasts.
- Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles as indicated in the itinerary.**more information
- Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.See itinerary
- All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- Guided walking tours in Florence, Venice & Catania.
- Guided visits to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill in Rome.
*The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase
Not included
Tax*, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
* Accommodation tax in Italy must be paid directly to the hotel (Approx. 6 € per person per night).
** Transfers from Florence station - hotel, hotel - Florence station and Venice Mestre station - hotel are not included. Distances are short and the hotels are located within a few minutes walk from the train stations, however, they can be added for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.
* Documentation of the internal flights will either be available in the "My bookings" section in your "Customer Area" 14 days before your trip or delivered to you on arrival at your destination. It is essential to fill in the passport information correctly for each passenger in the given boxes at the end of the reservations process.
**Please note: this itinerary is an independent tour, not a group tour. It includes accommodation, some activities and some transfers, but you will not be accompanied by a guide throughout the entire trip, nor will you be traveling in a group. As an independent tour, the dates of the excursions may differ based on the availability of the tours. The final date will be available on the voucher uploaded on your Exoticca account prior to departure.
**Please note: you can only choose one optional excursion on the day 9th.
Important: please bear in mind that the accommodation included in Venice is located in Venice Mestre, which is situated outside the island, approximately 15 minutes away by train, bus or Taxi.
- Entry requirementsValid passport required.
- VisaNo visa is required to enter the country.
- CurrencyEuro.
- LanguageItalian.
- Electricity220 V. No adapter required.
- HealthThere are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers.
- Time zoneGMT + 01:00.
- Other useful informationItalian cuisine is one of the most prominent in the world. The national dish is pasta.
- Tourist Office websitehttp://www.italia.it/en/home.html
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.
If you have reduced mobility/require the use of a wheelchair and prefer to go at your own pace, please contact our customer service team at +1 778 807 9750 or via our contact form.
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