Grand Italy & Sicily - Classic Group
From $9,306 /person
Twin room
Limited Time Special (select departures)

Grand Italy & Sicily - Classic Group

Operated by: Insight Vacations
Book up until  
Overview
17 days
19 places
2 countries
5+ yrs
From
$9,306 /person
Was $10,575
Twin room
Call +61 2 9051 1815
About the Tour
Your tour takes you to:
Rome
Vatican City
Pisa
Rome
Santa Margherita Ligure
Portofino
Cinque Terre
Lake Maggiore
Baveno
Santa Margherita Ligure
Lake Maggiore
Venice
Florence
Pompeii
Sorrento
Capri
Sorrento
Matera
Sassi di Matera
Alberobello
Villa San Giovanni
Alberobello
Taormina
Palermo

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 colourful 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.

Overview
17 days
19 places
2 countries
5+ yrs
From
$9,306 /person
Was $10,575
Twin room
Call +61 2 9051 1815
Choose a tour option
Itinerary & map
What you'll see
Rome

2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a centre of celebration between December 24, 2024, and December 31, 2025. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Settle in before joining your Travel Director for a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. End the day getting to know your fellow travellers over Roman specialties during dinner at a local restaurant.

Inclusions
Hotel St. Martin, Rome
Dinner
Rome, Vatican City

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 take in the awe-inspiring beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica.Journey from the Vatican City across the Tiber river to ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus. Admire 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.

Inclusions
Hotel St. Martin, Rome
Breakfast
Pisa, Rome, 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.

Inclusions
Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure
Breakfast and Dinner
Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, 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 colourful houses. Browse the boutiques and stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbour. Then cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to your hotel in the resort of Santa Margherita.

Inclusions
Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure
Breakfast
Lake Maggiore, Baveno, Santa Margherita Ligure

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.

Inclusions
Simplon, Baveno
Breakfast
Lake Maggiore, Venice

Your Italy and Sicily tour continues past the Soave vineyards, the City of Padua and on to the canals of Venice. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner with your travelling companions.

Inclusions
Indigo - Sant'Elena, Venice
Breakfast and Dinner
Venice

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 façades 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.

Inclusions
Indigo - Sant'Elena, Venice
Breakfast
Venice, 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 Piazza Santa Croce to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local café, where you will be in the perfect spot to admire the basilica, indulge in people-watching the elegant Florentines and pamper yourself shopping for luxury goods like gold and leather. Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed.

Inclusions
Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli
Breakfast and Dinner
Florence

Start the day with a traditional Florentine leather-work demonstration, then there is plenty of time to shop with the rest of the day at your leisure. Perhaps join an optional experience to explore the hilltop town of San Gimignano?

Inclusions
Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli
Breakfast
Florence, Pompeii, 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 civilisation during the Roman Empire. Follow the clifftop road to the resort town of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples.

Inclusions
Isabella, Sorrento
Breakfast
Sorrento, Capri

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?

Inclusions
Isabella, Sorrento
Breakfast
Sorrento, Matera, Sassi di Matera, 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.

Inclusions
Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello
Breakfast and Dinner
Alberobello

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. Enjoy a typical meal and learn about life in the region through the local food.

Inclusions
Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello
Breakfast and Dinner
Villa San Giovanni, Alberobello, Taormina

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 the Taormina Riviera.

Inclusions
Hellenia Yachting Hotel & SPA
Breakfast and Dinner
Taormina

Spend the day at leisure to enjoy at your own pace. Perhaps join an optional experience to Mt. Etna?

Inclusions
Hellenia Yachting Hotel & SPA
Breakfast
Taormina

Head to the Sicilian capital of Palermo. On arrival, your Local Expert will show you the highlights of the capital. Palermo Cathedral has been altered over the years and a venture inside will help you to appreciate the composite architectural styles. Next, head to the amazing Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Normans. With the outside completely covered in glittering ancient mosaics, it provides an insight to what’s within. Join your travelling companions and Travel Director at a local restaurant for an unforgettable dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine.

Inclusions
Astoria Palace, Palermo
Breakfast and Dinner
Palermo

Your grand tour of Italy draws to an end. Departure transfers arrive at Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport.

Inclusions
Breakfast
Dates & pricing
9 May 2025
Friday
25 May 2025
Sunday
From
$10,995 /person
Twin room
23 May 2025
Friday
8 June 2025
Sunday
Limited Time Special
From
$9,676 /person
Was $10,995
Twin room
30 May 2025
Friday
15 June 2025
Sunday
From
$10,995 /person
Twin room
13 June 2025
Friday
29 June 2025
Sunday
Limited Time Special
From
$9,412 /person
Was $10,695
Twin room
20 June 2025
Friday
6 July 2025
Sunday
Limited Time Special
From
$9,306 /person
Was $10,575
Twin room
11 July 2025
Friday
27 July 2025
Sunday
From
$10,025 /person
Twin room
2025
2026
Things to know

Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.

Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours

  • All deposits, service fee, and payments are non-refundable.
  • Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, an additional service fee above and beyond the existing fees in the agreed payment schedules applies for A$300 per person will apply.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

  • Changes can be made on request by contacting the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
  • Tours pricing is dynamic and can change at any time.
  • Additional fees and fare difference may apply.
  • Changes are not permitted after your final payment date.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.
  • Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

  • Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
  • In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees toward flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
  • You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).

Surcharges

  • After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
  • Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

  • Date changes can be made on request by contacting us via phone or email. Prices and spaces on the tour and are subject to availability.

For all new bookings, if you can’t travel as a direct result of border closures or Government-imposed travel restrictions that directly impact your booking, we will:

  • allow you to change the dates of your tour
  • offer you a credit for another tour, cruise or accommodation offer, less any third-party costs that we can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers), or
  • refund the full value of your tour, less any third-party costs that we can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers)

Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase, and are outlined in more detail in the “Highlights and Inclusions” section, as well as in the itinerary. Refer to your booking confirmation for details.

  • If transfers are included in your package, please note that these are only available on the first and last day of your tour. Arrival and departure transfers are included between the hours of 6am and 6pm only. If you arrive outside these hours a supplement may apply. Please contact our trusted, third-party tour partner for further information.
  • If booking a Twin Share package, transfers are based on two people sharing the one vehicle. If you are arriving on different flights at different times, a supplement will be charged for two separate vehicles
  • Flight details must be advised as per our trusted third-party tour partner’s requirements. Failure to provide your confirmed flight details within the time period specified by our trusted, third-party tour partner may result in forfeiting your transfer.

Any items and matters not referred to above, including, airfares to and from your destination, air-related taxes and fees (except where specified); additional fees charged by airlines such as checked and/or excess baggage, seat selections and any other services; passport and visa fees; insurances of all kinds; tips/gratuities to Travel Directors, Local Guides, Motorcoach Drivers and other ; laundry; phone calls; minibar; drinks and meals not detailed in the itinerary; and all items of a personal nature.

  1. International Flights (either side of tour)
  • Flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in your tour’s start destination on your chosen tour start date. Please ensure you allow for travelling time, and please do NOT book your flights until your tour is confirmed.
  1. Visas
  • A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
  • Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 12 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
  • A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
  • When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
  1. Personal Expenses
  • Optional activities and day tours are not included in your tour package, nor are meals and drinks not stated in the itinerary.
  1. Tipping & Gratuities
  • Tipping and gratuities are included for the services included in your trip, but are not included for your Motorcoach Driver and (where applicable) your Trip Manager, Wellbeing Director, Local Hosts or Local Guides. These are at your own discretion, and should be extended on a voluntary basis at the end of your journey. As a guide, approximately A$5 – A$10 per person, per day, is the industry standard.
  1. Travel Insurance
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended. We recommend purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
  • we can assist you in purchasing travel insurance through our preferred provider. Please enquire for further information and to see if our policy is suitable for you.
  • COVID-19 requirements vary from country to country and region to region and you may be required to be fully vaccinated and provide evidence of vaccination. Evidence of negative COVID tests may also be required. Airlines and other transport providers may also have separate requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if you are unable to undertake some or all of your holiday due to your failure to comply with these requirements. You will be responsible for any resulting additional costs including travel and accommodation.
  • Travellers are advised to check the vaccine requirements for their trip with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccines require 30 days or more to be effective. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
  • Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. You may be asked to upload your proof of vaccination to the operator’s brand portal prior to departure.
  • Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. You may be asked to upload your proof of vaccination to the operator’s brand portal prior to departure.
  • Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
  • Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither we nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (are we or the tour provider liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
  • In most cases the tour operator can cater for special dietary requirements but please note that on occasion, this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry supplies with you.
  • Any dietary requirements must be received by the tour operator at least 30 days prior to your scheduled departure date. Failure to provide these details by this date may result in an inability to cater for your requirements.
  • Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures that may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to Covid-19 health and safety restrictions. Our trusted third-party suppliers will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
  • we reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. The supplier reserves the right to cancel or alter tour itineraries as deemed necessary. Tour operation or alterations to itineraries may occur due to road or weather conditions, strikes, public holidays, accommodation availability and/or other factors. Accommodation will be of a similar or better standard if a change is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
  • For more than 40 years, we have delighted our loyal travellers with all the sights and the insights, up close and personal, in comfort and in style. We are renowned for our smaller groups, our specially designed, customised luxury coaches with twice the legroom and twice the view, and our brilliant collection of more than 70 authentic and unique Insight Experiences, our deliciously authentic dining options, and the way we stay in style. We are committed to supporting initiatives which protect the people, planet, and wildlife so they remain vibrant for generations to come.
  • Stay in style - We take the greatest possible care in choosing highly rated 4.5+ star hotels with excellent style, location, and service. We want you to love your home away from home.
  • With more 2- and 3-night stays than any other operator, Insight gives you the time to spread out, relax and not have to pack and unpack each day. You have time to enjoy your fine hotel and all the exciting shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural options that await just outside its doors. Great food is at the heart of every journey. From thoughtful vegetarian options to seasonal specialties in amazing locations, you will sip, savour, and sense the local flair at every meal. Meet fascinating people and step into their homes and their lives. Learn about history and pioneering projects, take a cooking class or learn to dance with over 100 included Insight Experiences. Travel in style with more personal space - Your Insight coach is uniquely customised for extra space. Sit high above the traffic with unobstructed views and enjoy twice the legroom and personal space of a regular coach.
  • From the moment you arrive, our talented people are there to welcome you and ensure that you enjoy your guided holiday to the fullest. Your 'travelling concierge' lives in the destination and is with you all the way, a friendly face in a foreign land and a great travelling companion. They're exceptionally experienced, well-organised, knowledgeable and at the pinnacle of their careers. They make everything run smoothly and take time out to help you with your specific priorities and interests.
  • We are renowned for our smaller groups, and our specially designed, customised luxury coaches with twice the legroom and twice the view. We now give you the option to travel in your preferred group size. Classic group tours feature a maximum of 40 guests, small group tours have no more than 24 guests, while private groups have a cap of just 12 guests. Please contact us to enquire about private tours.
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