We've been visiting Italy for decades, but it's fair to say we've never put together an adventure quite like this. From Renaissance Florence to the glitzy Riviera, with Naples, Pompeii and the incomparable Amalfi coast. You’ll experience Rome in all its glory, then spend a full week in sumptuous Sicily. After this, we'll be head-over-heels for absolutely everything Italian. It's called Ultimate Italy for a reason.
"A type of food I really love introducing my guests to is the street food because it tells a lot about the habits of the locals, it can be a slice of pizza folded up or a sfogliatella in Naples, an arancini, a gelato in Sicily, or a cannolo. "
"One fun fact people don't usually know before they come to Italy is that the Italian alphabet only has 22 letters."
"One thing I really love about showing guests about Italy is how art and beauty can be found around every corner of some of Italy's cities, which are real open air museums."
Palermo: Embark on a fun exploration of Palermo's tasty culinary scene on a Dine-Around evening.
Marsala: Enjoy a tasting of some of the island's richest Sicilian wines at a local winery in Marsala.
Ragusa: Savor the flavors of Ragusa during your Farm-to-Table dining experience, highlighting the freshest locally sourced ingredients – a relaxing moment spent with your fellow travelers.
Catania: Your Celebration Dinner reflects some of Sicily's top culinary heritage.
Sliema: Enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers at your luxury hotel in Sliema.
Sliema: Toast to your trip with your fellow travelers over a wonderful Farm-to-Table dinner.
Palermo: Visit the spectacular 12th-century Palatine Chapel. Its sombre exterior gives away few clues to the riches inside. Step into a world where the walls glitter with 12th-century mosaics - the best of their kind in the world.
Agrigento: Explore the Valley of the Temples and its impressive Hellenistic ruins like the well-preserved Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno, overlooking the vast Sicilian landscape.
Piazza Armerina: Travel to the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO site since 1997. The Villa is one of the most luxurious of its kind, showcasing its rich and intricate mosaics which decorate almost every room.
Ragusa: Walk through Ragusa with a Local Expert, taking in its noted Baroque churches and the elegant facades that define the old town.
Modica: Discover Modica’s celebrated hand-made chocolate, shaped by age-old techniques and rich aromas. You’ll watch the craft unfold and sample pieces that carry the distinctive texture and flavor made possible through Modica's traditional cold-working process.
Taormina: Visit Taormina’s ancient amphitheater with your Local Expert. Carved from honey-colored stone and set high on the cliff, the theater frames wide views of the Ionian Sea and the distant rise of Mount Etna through its weathered arches.
Taormina: Wander through Taormina’s limestone streets and lively boutiques with a Local Expert. Then enjoy free time along Corso Umberto and take in the broad outlook from Piazza IX Aprile, where the town opens towards sea and sky.
Valletta: Explore the capital with your Local Expert. Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens and get lost in its beautiful 16th-century buildings including St John’s Co-Cathedral, designed in a baroque fashion.
Mdina: Explore Mdina with a Local Expert in the late afternoon to discover this golden city, known as the Silent City for its shady streets and peaceful atmosphere.
Trapani: Explore how the ancient tradition of salt extraction has been handed down from generation to generation. Set in a breathtaking natural landscape, home to pink flamingos and various aquatic birds, the salt pans and windmills create a picturesque scene against a backdrop of sea and sky. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Mdina: Experience the ambiance of Palazzo Falson, a prestigious museum that highlights the rich heritage of the island. Visit the exclusive rooftop garden, where Malta's endemic species thrive, creating a sophisticated pollinator haven for the local ecosystem.
Syracuse: Wander through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, test the remarkable acoustics in the Ear of Dionysius and step into the ancient Greek theater, set within one of Sicily’s most evocative historic sites.
Syracuse: Stroll through the old town on the island of Ortigia, tracing its narrow lanes towards the Fonte Aretusa and the legends that continue to shape this historic waterfront.
Sliema: Visit the National War Museum, site of a former air raid shelter. Learn about the important role Malta played during WWII while you explore with a historian.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Syracuse: Wander through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, test the remarkable acoustics in the Ear of Dionysius and step into the ancient Greek theater, set within one of Sicily’s most evocative historic sites.
Syracuse: Stroll through the old town on the island of Ortigia, tracing its narrow lanes towards the Fonte Aretusa and the legends that continue to shape this historic waterfront.
"A type of food I really love introducing my guests to is the street food because it tells a lot about the habits of the locals, it can be a slice of pizza folded up or a sfogliatella in Naples, an arancini, a gelato in Sicily, or a cannolo. "
"One fun fact people don't usually know before they come to Italy is that the Italian alphabet only has 22 letters."
"One thing I really love about showing guests about Italy is how art and beauty can be found around every corner of some of Italy's cities, which are real open air museums."
Palermo: Visit the spectacular 12th-century Palatine Chapel. Its sombre exterior gives away few clues to the riches inside. Step into a world where the walls glitter with 12th-century mosaics - the best of their kind in the world.
Agrigento: Explore the Valley of the Temples and its impressive Hellenistic ruins like the well-preserved Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno, overlooking the vast Sicilian landscape.
Piazza Armerina: Travel to the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO site since 1997. The Villa is one of the most luxurious of its kind, showcasing its rich and intricate mosaics which decorate almost every room.
Ragusa: Walk through Ragusa with a Local Expert, taking in its noted Baroque churches and the elegant facades that define the old town.
Modica: Discover Modica’s celebrated hand-made chocolate, shaped by age-old techniques and rich aromas. You’ll watch the craft unfold and sample pieces that carry the distinctive texture and flavor made possible through Modica's traditional cold-working process.
Taormina: Visit Taormina’s ancient amphitheater with your Local Expert. Carved from honey-colored stone and set high on the cliff, the theater frames wide views of the Ionian Sea and the distant rise of Mount Etna through its weathered arches.
Taormina: Wander through Taormina’s limestone streets and lively boutiques with a Local Expert. Then enjoy free time along Corso Umberto and take in the broad outlook from Piazza IX Aprile, where the town opens towards sea and sky.
Trapani: Explore how the ancient tradition of salt extraction has been handed down from generation to generation. Set in a breathtaking natural landscape, home to pink flamingos and various aquatic birds, the salt pans and windmills create a picturesque scene against a backdrop of sea and sky. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Marsala: Taste some of the island's richest Sicilian wines at a local winery in Marsala.
Ragusa: Savor the flavors of Ragusa during your Farm-to-Table dining experience, highlighting the freshest locally sourced ingredients – a relaxing moment spent with your fellow travelers.
Catania: Your Celebration Dinner reflects some of Sicily's top culinary heritage.
Syracuse: Wander through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, test the remarkable acoustics in the Ear of Dionysius and step into the ancient Greek theater, set within one of Sicily’s most evocative historic sites.
Syracuse: Stroll through the old town on the island of Ortigia, tracing its narrow lanes towards the Fonte Aretusa and the legends that continue to shape this historic waterfront.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Syracuse: Wander through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, test the remarkable acoustics in the Ear of Dionysius and step into the ancient Greek theater, set within one of Sicily’s most evocative historic sites.
Syracuse: Stroll through the old town on the island of Ortigia, tracing its narrow lanes towards the Fonte Aretusa and the legends that continue to shape this historic waterfront.
"A type of food I really love introducing my guests to is the street food because it tells a lot about the habits of the locals, it can be a slice of pizza folded up or a sfogliatella in Naples, an arancini, a gelato in Sicily, or a cannolo. "
"One fun fact people don't usually know before they come to Italy is that the Italian alphabet only has 22 letters."
"One thing I really love about showing guests about Italy is how art and beauty can be found around every corner of some of Italy's cities, which are real open air museums."
Palermo: Embark on a fun exploration of Palermo's tasty culinary scene on a Dine-Around evening.
Marsala: Enjoy a tasting of some of the island's richest Sicilian wines at a local winery in Marsala.
Ragusa: Savor the flavors of Ragusa during your Farm-to-Table dining experience, highlighting the freshest locally sourced ingredients – a relaxing moment spent with your fellow travelers.
Catania: Your Celebration Dinner reflects some of Sicily's top culinary heritage.
Palermo: Visit the spectacular 12th-century Palatine Chapel. Its sombre exterior gives away few clues to the riches inside. Step into a world where the walls glitter with 12th-century mosaics - the best of their kind in the world.
Agrigento: Explore the Valley of the Temples and its impressive Hellenistic ruins like the well-preserved Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno, overlooking the vast Sicilian landscape.
Piazza Armerina: Travel to the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO site since 1997. The Villa is one of the most luxurious of its kind, showcasing its rich and intricate mosaics which decorate almost every room.
Ragusa: Walk through Ragusa with a Local Expert, taking in its noted Baroque churches and the elegant facades that define the old town.
Modica: Discover Modica’s celebrated hand-made chocolate, shaped by age-old techniques and rich aromas. You’ll watch the craft unfold and sample pieces that carry the distinctive texture and flavor made possible through Modica's traditional cold-working process.
Taormina: Visit Taormina’s ancient amphitheater with your Local Expert. Carved from honey-colored stone and set high on the cliff, the theater frames wide views of the Ionian Sea and the distant rise of Mount Etna through its weathered arches.
Taormina: Wander through Taormina’s limestone streets and lively boutiques with a Local Expert. Then enjoy free time along Corso Umberto and take in the broad outlook from Piazza IX Aprile, where the town opens towards sea and sky.
Trapani: Explore how the ancient tradition of salt extraction has been handed down from generation to generation. Set in a breathtaking natural landscape, home to pink flamingos and various aquatic birds, the salt pans and windmills create a picturesque scene against a backdrop of sea and sky. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Syracuse: Wander through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, test the remarkable acoustics in the Ear of Dionysius and step into the ancient Greek theater, set within one of Sicily’s most evocative historic sites.
Syracuse: Stroll through the old town on the island of Ortigia, tracing its narrow lanes towards the Fonte Aretusa and the legends that continue to shape this historic waterfront.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Syracuse: Wander through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, test the remarkable acoustics in the Ear of Dionysius and step into the ancient Greek theater, set within one of Sicily’s most evocative historic sites.
Syracuse: Stroll through the old town on the island of Ortigia, tracing its narrow lanes towards the Fonte Aretusa and the legends that continue to shape this historic waterfront.
"A type of food I really love introducing my guests to is the street food because it tells a lot about the habits of the locals, it can be a slice of pizza folded up or a sfogliatella in Naples, an arancini, a gelato in Sicily, or a cannolo. "
"One fun fact people don't usually know before they come to Italy is that the Italian alphabet only has 22 letters."
"One thing I really love about showing guests about Italy is how art and beauty can be found around every corner of some of Italy's cities, which are real open air museums."
Palermo: Visit the spectacular 12th-century Palatine Chapel. Its sombre exterior gives away few clues to the riches inside. Step into a world where the walls glitter with 12th-century mosaics - the best of their kind in the world.
Agrigento: Explore the Valley of the Temples and its impressive Hellenistic ruins like the well-preserved Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno, overlooking the vast Sicilian landscape.
Piazza Armerina: Travel to the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO site since 1997. The Villa is one of the most luxurious of its kind, showcasing its rich and intricate mosaics which decorate almost every room.
Ragusa: Walk through Ragusa with a Local Expert, taking in its noted Baroque churches and the elegant facades that define the old town.
Modica: Discover Modica’s celebrated hand-made chocolate, shaped by age-old techniques and rich aromas. You’ll watch the craft unfold and sample pieces that carry the distinctive texture and flavor made possible through Modica's traditional cold-working process.
Noto: Awaken your senses on a botanical walk through Casa Nepeta’s organic crops of catmint (Nepeta), marjoram and shrubby thyme, herbs long used by Sicilians and rooted in the area’s local identity. Learn how these aromatics are used, see the production process up close and taste an artisanal bitter infused with locally-sourced Sicilian botanicals.
Taormina: Visit Taormina’s ancient amphitheater with your Local Expert. Carved from honey-colored stone and set high on the cliff, the theater frames wide views of the Ionian Sea and the distant rise of Mount Etna through its weathered arches.
Taormina: Wander through Taormina’s limestone streets and lively boutiques with a Local Expert. Then enjoy free time along Corso Umberto and take in the broad outlook from Piazza IX Aprile, where the town opens towards sea and sky.
Trapani: Explore how the ancient tradition of salt extraction has been handed down from generation to generation. Set in a breathtaking natural landscape, home to pink flamingos and various aquatic birds, the salt pans and windmills create a picturesque scene against a backdrop of sea and sky. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Marsala: Taste some of the island's richest Sicilian wines at a local winery in Marsala.
Ragusa: Savor the flavors of Ragusa during your Farm-to-Table dining experience, highlighting the freshest locally sourced ingredients – a relaxing moment spent with your fellow travelers.
Giardini Naxos: Your Celebration Dinner reflects some of Sicily's top culinary heritage.
Syracuse: Wander through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, test the remarkable acoustics in the Ear of Dionysius and step into the ancient Greek theater, set within one of Sicily’s most evocative historic sites.
Syracuse: Stroll through the old town on the island of Ortigia, tracing its narrow lanes towards the Fonte Aretusa and the legends that continue to shape this historic waterfront.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Syracuse: Wander through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, test the remarkable acoustics in the Ear of Dionysius and step into the ancient Greek theater, set within one of Sicily’s most evocative historic sites.
Syracuse: Stroll through the old town on the island of Ortigia, tracing its narrow lanes towards the Fonte Aretusa and the legends that continue to shape this historic waterfront.
Sicily is best understood one bite, piazza and sea breeze at a time. Tailored for 27 to 35-year-old travellers, this 8-day Sicily trip invites you to wander the ancient streets of Catania, discover the mountainside charm of Taormina and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Cefalù before lingering in Palermo. Along the way, savour market flavours, journey up Mt Etna, explore UNESCO-listed landmarks and uncover the stories behind Sicily's past and present. This is the Sicily the locals love – sun-soaked, slow-paced and full of stories.
Sicily is best understood one bite, piazza and sea breeze at a time. On this 8-day Sicily trip, wander the ancient streets of Catania, discover the mountainside charm of Taormina and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Cefalù before slowing down in Palermo. Along the way, savour market flavours, journey up Mt Etna, explore UNESCO-listed landmarks and uncover the stories behind Sicily's past and present. This is the Sicily the locals love – sun-soaked, slow-paced and full of stories.
Sicily is best understood one bite, piazza and sea breeze at a time. On this 8-day Sicily trip, wander the ancient streets of Catania, discover the mountainside charm of Taormina and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Cefalù before slowing down in Palermo. Along the way, savour market flavours, journey up Mt Etna, explore UNESCO-listed landmarks and uncover the stories behind Sicily's past and present. This is the Sicily the locals love – sun-soaked, slow-paced and full of stories.
We've been visiting Italy for decades, but it's fair to say we've never put together an adventure quite like this. From Rome this one glides through Renaissance Florence and the glitzy Riviera, with cooking demos and historical monuments galore along the way. Then onto Naples and Pompeii, for a feast of pizza and ancient Roman history, before hitting up the incomparable Amalfi coast. After cruising around some dazzling isles and visiting some lemon groves, we'll head back to Rome. But we're not done yet - not even close. Sicily beckons, with its valleys of ancient archaeological wonders, volcanoes to explore, coastal towns to fall in love with and all of the heavenly carbs we can fit in. After a full week on this paradise island, we'll be head-over-heels for absolutely everything Italian. It's called Ultimate Italy for a reason.