Our Agents

Booval

07 3202 3355

Capalaba

07 3245 4377

Carindale

07 3369 5899

Mt Ommaney

07 3558 1556

Our Agents

Booval

07 3202 3355

Capalaba

07 3245 4377

Carindale

07 3369 5899

Mt Ommaney

07 3558 1556

Grand Italy & Sicily – Classic Group

17-Day Grand Italy & Sicily - Classic Group Trip

  • Insight Vacations

From: $6,525

Save $ – Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Trip Length: 17 Days
  • Trip Starts: Rome
  • Trip Finishes: Palermo

All prices displayed on this website are subject to availability and may change without notice due to supplier price changes, taxes, fees, or currency fluctuations. Prices are indicative only and are not guaranteed until the booking is confirmed and full payment has been received. While we make reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy, errors may occur and will be corrected when identified. Nothing in these terms limits or excludes your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

Overview

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.

Itinerary

Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Settle in before joining your Travel Director and get to know your fellow travellers over Roman specialities during dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: St. Martin, Rome

Rome is a city of art, antiquity, piazzas and palaces. Join your Local Expert for an in-depth exploration that brings its layered history to life. Begin at the Vatican Museums, where you’ll see an extraordinary collection of priceless artworks curated by the Popes. Marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and admire the iconic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Then cross the Tiber into ancient Rome to visit the Circus Maximus and the Arch of Constantine. Enjoy a guided visit of the Colosseum and uncover the legends, construction and daily life of this monumental arena. Later, you may choose to continue your exploration, from the grandeur of the Pantheon to the fountains and piazzas that define Rome’s vibrant street life. Please note: On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica may be restricted due to the Papal Audience. You’ll still have time to take in the atmosphere of St. Peter’s Square during your visit to Vatican City.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: St. Martin, Rome

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure

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.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Best Western Regina Elena, 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.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Dino, Baveno

Your Italy and Sicily tour continues past the Soave vineyards, the city of Padua and on to the canals of Venice. In the evening, enjoy dinner with your travelling companions.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Indigo – Sant’Elena, 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 facades 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.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Indigo – Sant’Elena, Venice

Bid farewell to Venice as you travel south to Renaissance Florence. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Later, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, known for its medieval towers and timeless charm. End the day with a traditional bistecca alla Fiorentina dinner, perfectly paired with local wine—a regional speciality not to be missed.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli

Today, discover the artisan traditions of Florence with a leatherwork and gold demonstration—crafts deeply rooted in the city’s heritage. Later, you’ll explore the city with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Gallery to admire Michelangelo’s David, followed by a guided walk past the city’s marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in stunning detail. Alternatively, join your Travel Director for a relaxed stroll and enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe. Continue into the Piazza della Signoria, the city’s political heart and open-air gallery of Renaissance sculpture, and pause to view statues of Neptune, Hercules and Cacus standing proudly before the Palazzo Vecchio. This evening, consider an Optional Experience featuring a traditional Tuscan dinner paired with regional wines—including a glass of Chianti from the nearby vineyards.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli

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.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Isabella, Sorrento

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?

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Isabella, Sorrento

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, 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. Savour a traditional meal and discover regional life through its local cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello

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 Taormina. Join a Local Expert for a visit to the Greek Theatre, graced with the most spectacular of backdrops.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Baia Taormina, Marina di Forza D’Agrò

Relax this morning on the stunning Dawn Coast of Europe or choose to join an optional experience to majestic Mt. Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, where you’ll journey through dramatic volcanic landscapes and enjoy spectacular panoramic views. Later, travel through Sicily’s beautiful countryside as you make your way to the vibrant capital city of Palermo, rich in history, culture and architectural splendour.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Federico II Central Palace, Palermo

Explore with your Local Expert who will show you the highlights of the capital. Venture inside the cathedral of Palermo and appreciate its composite architectural styles. Next, head to the amazing Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Normans. From the honey-coloured walls glowing in the sun on the outside, enter a world of glittering ancient mosaics on the inside. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure exploring this fascinating city. This evening, join your travelling companions and Travel Director at a local restaurant for an unforgettable dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Federico II Central Palace, Palermo

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

Meals: Breakfast

Trip Inclusions

8 Dinner (D)
16 Breakfast (B)

Choose between two carefully selected activities
Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo’s monumental statue, ‘David’, in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world’s most famous sculpture.
Florence: Join your Travel Director on a short walk to a local spot loved by residents. Sample a classic Italian treat and hear how it became a staple of the area. It’s a chance to experience the flavours locals grow up with and return to time and again.

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included – you’ll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Rome: Savour dinner at a uniquely Roman restaurant, offering a perfect exploration of Lazio’s typical flavours.
Florence: Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed.
Alberobello: Savour a freshly prepared Farm-to-Table meal featuring recipes and flavours typical of the region.
Palermo: Experience local customs as you delve into tantalising flavours and rustic dishes served with local wine.

Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo’s monumental statue, ‘David’, in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world’s most famous sculpture.
Florence: Join your Travel Director on a short walk to a local spot loved by residents. Sample a classic Italian treat and hear how it became a staple of the area. It’s a chance to experience the flavours locals grow up with and return to time and again.

Vatican City: Visit the Vatican Museums, witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and see St. Peter’s Basilica.

Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop’s artisans teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft. This workshop directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Rome: Explore Rome’s storied past as you see the sweeping Circus Maximus, once the largest stadium in ancient Rome and host to thrilling chariot races. Admire the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal monument built to celebrate Emperor Constantine’s victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge and gaze up at the Palatine Hill, the most central of Rome’s seven hills and the site where, according to legend, Romulus founded the city.
Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, and the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th-century cathedral – the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site with dedicated time to explore one of the charming fishing villages.
Portofino: Visit this elegant fishing village and admire the coloured houses and yachts moored in the harbour.
Lake Maggiore: Experience the charming traditional social ritual of la passeggiata in the Italian Lake District. All across Italy, in cities, towns and villages people leave their houses to gently walk streets, from babies in strollers to the most senior citizens. Savour a gelato or glass of wine along the way and observe, as new romances, new babies and new shoes are all put on display. Note the ever-stylish Italians love to dress up for the occasion so feel free add a touch of flair to your outfit!
Venice: Travel by boat along the Giudecca Canal as your Travel Director gives an orientation to Venice. Pass 13th to 18th-century palazzi, the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square, an iconic introduction to the city from the water.
Venice: Glide through Venice’s canals on an iconic gondola ride, passing beneath historic bridges and past elegant palaces. Soak up the city’s romantic atmosphere as your gondolier navigates the tranquil waterways, offering a unique perspective of this timeless floating city.
Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
Florence: See the historic neighbourhood of the Santa Croce Basilica and witness local craftspersons at work during a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the first century.
Capri: Cruise by jetfoil to this famous isle through beautiful blue Mediterranean waters.
Capri: Explore Capri town with your Local Expert and see the whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, small cafes, fashionable boutiques and artisans studios.
Matera: With your Local Expert explore this town that Mel Gibson chose as the setting for his film ‘The Passion of the Christ.’
Alberobello: Led by a Local Expert, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the Trulli of Alberobello. Circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within, built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar.
Messina: Cross the Straights of Messina to Sicily by ferry.
Taormina: Visit Taormina’s ancient amphitheatre with your Local Expert. Carved from honey-coloured stone and set high on the cliff, the theatre 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.

Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Dates & Pricing

  • Friday

    24 Apr 2026

    Rome

    Sunday

    10 May 2026

    Palermo

    Our Price

    AUD $11,475

    Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Friday

    01 May 2026

    Rome

    Sunday

    17 May 2026

    Palermo

    Our Price

    AUD $11,895

    Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Friday

    08 May 2026

    Rome

    Sunday

    24 May 2026

    Palermo

    Our Price

    AUD $11,895

    Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Friday

    22 May 2026

    Rome

    Sunday

    07 Jun 2026

    Palermo

    Our Price

    AUD $11,950

    Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Friday

    29 May 2026

    Rome

    Sunday

    14 Jun 2026

    Palermo

    Our Price

    AUD $11,350

    Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Friday

    12 Jun 2026

    Rome

    Sunday

    28 Jun 2026

    Palermo

    Our Price

    AUD $10,650

    Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Friday

    03 Jul 2026

    Rome

    Sunday

    19 Jul 2026

    Palermo

    Our Price

    AUD $10,350

    Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Friday

    14 Aug 2026

    Rome

    Sunday

    30 Aug 2026

    Palermo

    Our Price

    AUD $10,675

    Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Friday

    21 Aug 2026

    Rome

    Sunday

    06 Sep 2026

    Palermo

    Our Price

    AUD $10,575

    Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Friday

    28 Aug 2026

    Rome

    Sunday

    13 Sep 2026

    Palermo

    Retail Price: $11,095

    Our Price

    AUD $9,986

    Save $1,109

    Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Friday

    04 Sep 2026

    Rome

    Sunday

    20 Sep 2026

    Palermo

    Our Price

    AUD $12,750

    Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Friday

    11 Sep 2026

    Rome

    Sunday

    27 Sep 2026

    Palermo

    Our Price

    AUD $12,725

    Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Friday

    18 Sep 2026

    Rome

    Sunday

    04 Oct 2026

    Palermo

    Retail Price: $12,725

    Our Price

    AUD $11,453

    Save $1,272

    Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Friday

    25 Sep 2026

    Rome

    Sunday

    11 Oct 2026

    Palermo

    Our Price

    AUD $12,395

    Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Friday

    02 Oct 2026

    Rome

    Sunday

    18 Oct 2026

    Palermo

    Our Price

    AUD $12,395

    Twin Share (Per Person)

Selected Especially For You

A collection of crafted tours that inspire, enrich, and uplift.