Italy at Your Feet!
This two-week journey is tailored for first-time explorers to Italy. Wander the captivating streets of Rome, Florence, and Venice, where history and art come alive at every turn. Explore Sicily, an enchanting island where diverse cultures blend to create a unique charm. Enjoy delicious cuisine and embrace the Italian lifestyle, creating lasting memories!
Spark your wanderlust with this itinerary, then let Global Highlights craft a personalized Italian escape tailored to your dreams.
Days:
14±
Price:
from US$6,789 p/p*
Best For:
First-time Travelers
Best Time:
Apr.-Jul./ Sep.- Oct.
Flight:
Venice-Palermo (included) /International on request
Cancellation Policy:
100% Refund 22 Days before Arrival
*The price is based on a mix of private & Small Group tours for two adults during the low tourist season: Nov.-Feb.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Planning for Thailand
We are in the planning stage of the trip currently. Yeliz Wong has been wonderful to help customize the perfect trip for our group! She has been easy to work with and quick to respond to any questions. We are very excited to arrive and experience it all! More
Bekki Sullivan, Aug 2025
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Epic Trip
I was greeted with Jah at the airport who was our guide for the past 5 days and she was amazing. Charismatic, knowledgeable, fun and such an amazing personality. Truly an epic experience. I would easily use them again. Not one thing was an issue More
BP, Aug 2025
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Jimmy and his team are excellent
Jimmy and his team are excellent. They planned every detail every driver every tour guide every hotel most of our meals. They made sure that we had a good time that we saw the Thailand. I would highly recommend Asia highlights and Jimmy and his team if you’re planning a trip, they are phenomenal. More
Richard, Jul 2025
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Italy Highlights with Sicily Tour Map
Brief Itinerary for 14 Days in Italy
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1-3 Rome |
Discover Vatican City & Rome's Majesty |
| 4-6 Florence |
Experience Arts, Culinary and Wineries |
| 7-8 Venice |
Explore Venice on a Gondola |
| 9-10 Palermo |
Delve into It's Annals of Time |
| 11-14 Taormina |
Etna's grandeur to beachside tranquility |
This is the best choice for first-time travelers. I'd be glad to assist you if you seek a condensed classic Italy getaway.
- Monica Mo
- 8 years of travel advisor experience
- Has helped 5,000+ clients
Tour Highlights
Unveil the Colosseum's secrets with fast-track entry & a guide.
Discover Vatican Museums' vast galleries with priority access.
Explore Renaissance secrets in Florence's piazzas and Duomo.
Immerse yourself in Renaissance artistry in front of David.
Glide through Venice's canals via gondola, a journey into history.
Within Norman Palace walls, Sala d'Ercole whispers tales of power.
Palatine Chapel: A tapestry of art through time.
Experience Tuscan Delights and Palermo street food.
Etna calls out for an off-road adventure to Europe's volcanic crown.
Find pure relaxation in Taormina's tranquil embrace.
Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration
Your preferences design the actual journey. We're ready to create a wonderful Italy tour for you.
Day 1
Rome Arrival
Private transfer to your hotel- Welcome to the Eternal City—Rome!
- Relax in your private transfer to your Rome hotel from Fiumicino Airport.
Day 2
Rome | The Colosseum Calls
The Colosseum- Step into the Eternal City's heart as your private driver whisks you to the Colosseum. An expert guide awaits, ready to begin unlocking the secrets of this ancient marvel on a stress-free 3-hour journey.
- Skip the queues and immerse yourself in the Colosseum's captivating history. Witness the arena where epic battles unfolded and feel the echoes of the gladiators still resonating in the air.
- Journey to the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal testament to Roman power.
- Wander across the verdant slopes of Palatine Hill and delve into the vibrant history of the Roman Forum.
- Conclude the tour with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel.
Day 3
Rome | Unveil the Vatican's Secrets
The Vatican Museums- Embark on a journey into the heart of Catholicism with a private transfer to Vatican City. Your expert guide awaits there, eager to unlock its treasures in 3 hours.
- Glide through the Vatican Museums with skip-the-line access and marvel at Laocoon's writhing agony and Apollo's celestial glow. Let the Gallery of Maps and Gallery of the Candelabra dazzle your senses with intricate frescoes and sparkling gems.
- Prepare to be awestruck by the Sistine Chapel. Feel the weight of Michelangelo's genius as "The Creation of Adam" sweeps across the ceiling.
- Step inside St. Peter's Basilica and be mesmerized by its architectural blend and stunning artworks. Admire Michelangelo's famous dome and the poignant beauty of his Pietà sculpture.
- Upon completion of the tour, we provide seamless transportation back to your hotel.
Day 4
Rome - Florence | Wander Through the Heart of Florence
Piazza della Signoria - Explore Rome freely before your private transfer to Termini Station for the fast train to Florence.
- Welcome & transfer to your hotel await you upon arrival at S.M. Novella Station.
- Meet your local Florentine expert at your hotel and embark on a 3-hour journey through time.
- Explore the Piazza della Signoria, marvel at the majestic Palazzo Vecchio and the incredible statues at the Loggia dei Lanzi.
- Stroll through the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest and most picturesque bridge in Florence, and then discover the sublime secret of the Vasari Corridor.
- Experience the beauty of Duomo Square, including the Cathedral, Baptistery, Giotto's Bell Tower, and Brunelleschi's Cupola.
- After the tour, head back to your hotel.
Day 5
Florence | Stroll Through the Art Galleries
The Uffizi Gallery- Uncover the secrets and curiosities of the Accademia Gallery and Uffizi Gallery in a 4-hour private tour.
- Skip the queues at the Accademia Gallery and explore Michelangelo's iconic David, gazing in awe at its intricate details.
- Prepare to be dazzled by the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Giotto, Masaccio, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
- After delving into Renaissance masterpieces, return to your hotel with lingering inspiration.
Day 6
Florence | Experience Tuscany's Scenery and a Winery
Try the Chianti Wine - Your expert driver-guide will chauffeur you away on a scenic 4-hour journey to San Gimignano and Chianti.
- Wander along the cobbled streets of San Gimignano and gaze up at the towering skyline.
- In Chianti, unlock the secrets of wine production at a family-run winery, sampling their award-winning vintages paired with local delicacies.
- Following an enriching tour, you will be expertly escorted back to the comfort of your Florence hotel.
Day 7
Florence - Venice | Shift to City of Canals
City View of Venice- Explore Florence freely, then speed to Venice by high-speed train.
- A private motorboat whisks you to your hotel from Santa Lucia Station. Get lost charmingly in Venice's canals!
Day 8
Venice | Admire Venice's Beauty on a Gondola
Venice Gondola Ride- Meet your expert guide in your hotel and enjoy a 2-hour stroll to iconic Piazza San Marco, home to the legendary Basilica of San Marco and Doge's Palace.
- Discover the luxury and beauty of the Basilica of San Marco, with its stunning golden mosaics, polychrome decorations, five domes, and the legendary Pala d'Oro.
- Explore the dynamic Venetian Gothic masterpiece Doge's Palace, showcasing vibrant cultural connections between the Serenissima Republic and other European states.
- Cross the poignant Bridge of Sighs, a reminder of the prisoners' fate.
- Take a break for a cup of coffee or a light lunch at noon before your 1-hour private gondola ride along the canals.
- Let the sights and sounds of Venice serenade you as you glide through the canals, past grand palazzos and romantic bridges on your private gondola.
- Stroll back to your hotel or explore the charming narrow streets further.
Day 9
Venice - Palermo | Sicily's Sunshine Awaits
Beach on Sicily - Leave Venice and board the flight to Palermo.
- Land in Palermo, meet your driver, and relax on a private transfer to your comfy Palermo hotel.
Day 10
Palermo | Discover It's Historical Treasures
Wall of the Norman Royal Palace- Embark on a 1.5-hour tour(small group) with a local guide to explore Palermo's rich history and ancient highlights.
- Visit the grand Norman Palace and witness the power echoes within the Sala d'Ercole.
- Explore the Palatine Chapel with its mesmerizing art styles and mosaics.
- Conclude your historical journey by strolling through the Royal Gardens, discovering hidden beauty within the city.
- Enjoy free time until it is time for the 3-hour street food tour(small group) with a professional guide.
- Savor a glass of sparkling Sicilian wine with bruschetta at a local favorite wine bar in Olivella.
- In the Vucciria neighborhood, taste Panelle di ceci, Sicilian potato croquettes, and Pani ca meusa.
- End the tour in an elaborate setting with a brioche filled with ice cream at a hidden gelateria.
- Experience lively street food zones, sampling unique night-time snacks with a cold beer or beverage.
Day 11
Palermo - Taormina | Scenic Train Ride to Taormina
The Sicilian Vineyards- Make the most of your free time to explore Palermo one last time before the train ride to Taormina.
- Hotel check-in and embrace the rest of the day for independent exploration at your own pace.
Day 12
Etna Volcano | Explore the Enchanting Etna
The volcanic crater of Mt. Etan - Meet your friendly driver at your hotel and embark on a 7-hour off-road journey to the volcano Etna (join in).
- Witness Etna's power at Piano Provenzana. Lush pines meet dark lava, and the Betulle hotel stands silent, interred in 2002's eruption.
- Explore Etna's fiery past and see the volcanic caves and unique "buttonhole" craters formed by aligned cones, resembling a row of dress buttons.
- Savor Etna's bounty in a rustic lunch with appetizers, pasta, dessert, and beverages.
- Conclude your adventure with a scenic return drive back to your Taormina hotel.
Day 13
Taormina | Relax and Unwind
The Taormina Piazza- Relax and enjoy the peace of the town. Take a nap in a hammock, read a book in the park, or sit and enjoy the view.
Day 14
Taormina - Catania | Departure
Distance view of Mt.Etan from Taormina- Meet your private driver and vehicle for a private transfer to Catania airport.
Hand-picked Hotel
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Grand Hotel Palace Rome
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Hotel Orto de Medici
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Palazzo Veneziano Venice
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Massimo Plaza Palermo
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Villa Fiorita Taormina
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Price Includes
*Price from $6,789 per adult
*The price is based on two adults in 4-star hotels during the low tourist season(Nov.-Feb.). We can offer an even more competitive price for groups of 4 or more people. (tour code: gh-it-18)
One-to-one consultancy
Knowledgeable local guides
Private drivers/driver guides and vehicles as listed
Accommodations Mentioned
Breakfasts and meals as listed
Entry to all attractions on the itinerary
Transportation as listed
A 24/7 helpline while travelling
Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.
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