Italy in 8 Days • 7 Nights in Destination

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, 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.

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*. 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.

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the charms of Rome at your leisure today. Do a little souvenir shopping in the city's boutiques and delis or pay a visit to some of the city's incredible museums and galleries. The Borghese Gallery and the Capitoline Museums are among the most famous in Rome. Alternatively, we recommend an optional full-day excursion to the legendary ruins of Pompeii!* Overnight stay in Rome. 

*Optional Full-Day Excursion to Pompeii: Discover one of the most legendary events in Italian history today on an exciting excursion to Pompeii! Head to the meeting point to join the tour and, along the journey, take in the spectacular views before arriving in vibrant Naples for a brief stop. Afterwards, head towards the eternal silhouette of Mount Vesuvius as you pay a visit to Pompeii, the historic Roman city completely destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The volcanic ash and lava of the eruption have preserved this ancient city in incredible detail. Explore the ruins of fateful Pompeii, some of which even include the remains of Pompeii's citizens, as if frozen in time. With included entrance tickets, enjoy time to explore the site at your leisure before returning to Rome.

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. 

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!

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.