Italy Touring

Italy Touring Italy Touring is dedicated to delivering the finest adventures & experiences of Italy

For further information please email:
[email protected]

Italy Touring is dedicated to delivering the finest adventures and experiences of Italy. All trips are designed by our Italian expert Loris who has used his wealth of local information, knowledge and love of the area to inspire you. Prior to setting foot in Italy, Italy Touring works with you personally to create the perfect adventure. Italy beckons with so many marvelous and varied regions -- c

ulinary Tuscany, the island of Sicily, the beautiful Amalfi Coast. You can tour ancient ruins, drive through rolling hills and beautiful vineyards, or sun yourself on tropical beaches. And then there's the absolutely delicious cuisine! From pizza to pasta, and polenta to prosciutto, indulge in all of your authentic Italian favorites. Italy vacations might comprise one area of the country, or cover one specific region in depth. But many Italy tours overnight in at least one, if not several, of the country's most popular cities. Here's an overview of some of Italy's most well-known urban areas and all of their wonderful historic attractions. For further information please email:
[email protected]

Solo Travellers 2026It takes an independent and adventurous spirit to explore the world on your own, and those who try i...
08/07/2025

Solo Travellers 2026

It takes an independent and adventurous spirit to explore the world on your own, and those who try it often find it incredibly rewarding. Whether you are travelling alone or with a group, being a ‘solo’ traveller has some great benefits!

Beholden to no one’s wishes, expectations, or schedules but your own, you’re free to follow your passions wherever (and whenever!) they take you.

Travelling solo can be one of the most enriching experiences in life. It offers you the freedom to explore at your own pace, dive deep into your interests, and immerse yourself fully in the cultures you encounter. However, if you’ve ever tried booking a tour or a cruise on your own, you might have noticed something called a “single supplement” that can make your solo adventure a bit more expensive. Let’s break down what a single supplement is, why it exists, and how you can navigate it to make the most of your travels.

Single Supplements
Single supplements are quite common in the travel industry, but the good news is more companies are recognising the growing number of solo travellers and are starting to offer more flexible pricing options.

Options As a Solo and Solo Women Travellers
We are seeing more and more women travel independently and we have more and more options to share.

Most of the tours we represent aren’t women only or solo only options but some have attracted many solo travllers in recent times. Including but not only those featured below:

The Great Gardens of Italy Small Group Tour is nearly all women.
Local Tour of Puglia is usually half and half. No solo supplements.
Tauck Tours and Cruises
Solo savings on river cruises:

Solo Travellers enjoy Special Savings in Category 1 Cabins – No Single Supplement on all European River Cruises! The single price in Category 1 is the same as the double price, which means savings of up to 50% for solo travellers on every departure of every European river cruise!

Named one of the “World’s Best River Cruise Lines” by the readers of Travel + Leisure, our European river cruises are a great way for guests traveling solo to explore Europe. You’ll be in the company of like-minded travellers who chose their Tauck river cruise for the same reasons you did – mutual interests that foster camaraderie. Your Tauck Directors and ship’s crew make you feel welcome from the moment you board, ensuring you are looked after onboard the riverboat and on shore excursions.

Uniworld
There’s no better way to do solo travel than with Uniworld. Onboard our boutique floating hotels, we take care of you from first to last, with expertly planned itineraries, delicious meals, onboard entertainment, and a host of other luxurious included amenities. Book now to enjoy exceptional savings with Reduced or Waived Single Supplements on select departures and stateroom categories. Better yet, these savings are combinable with all current offers.

Talk to us for itinerary planning and bookings at competitive rates or come in and see us at Shop 6/145 Canterbury Road, Toorak.

Piedmont Tour Small Group Tour 2026Piedmont is an Italian region brimming with everything you could hope to discover – b...
08/07/2025

Piedmont Tour Small Group Tour 2026

Piedmont is an Italian region brimming with everything you could hope to discover – beautiful small towns, rolling hills with vineyards and medieval towers, a food and wine culture that is unrivalled.
The history of Torino as a seat of power with the Royal House of Savoy has bestowed ornate residences and stunning wealth. We visit several palaces on this tour, filled with the epitome of luxury from a bygone age.
Are you a chocolate lover? Torino is an essential visit for you, it is one of the world’s chocolate capitals. We make sure you get your chocolate fix.
The hill-towns that we visit are incredibly photogenic, places such as Monforte d’Alba and La Morra.
If you are a foodie, Piedmont cannot be missed as a destination. Some of the best wines in Italy are produced here – think of Barolo, Barbaresco, and for a bit of fun even Asti Spumante is here.
The cheeses are incredible, and during the week we taste a wide range – a standout is the Murazzano. Piedmont is the Italian homeland of hazelnuts, and we spend a morning with a grower.
During the week we have a carefully selected range of restaurants where we work our way through the regional cuisine. Piedmont is home to the Slow Food movement – good food is taken seriously here.
Our tour of Piedmont provides a treasure trove of experiences for foodies, history buffs, and simply people who love good living and beautiful places.
This tour is for you.

Duration: 6 Days
Tour Type: Small Group Tour
From – To: Bari – Bari
Tour Dates 2026:
1st – 6th of June 2026
7th – 12th of June 2026

Price:
Price: €2500 or $4499.00AUD*
Single supplement: €300 or $549.00AUD*
***Pricing and Currency Disclaimer:
All prices are listed in Euros (EUR). For customers paying in Australian Dollars (AUD), the final amount due will be subject to the currency conversion rate applicable at the time of final payment. Please note that exchange rates may vary, and additional fees may apply depending on your payment provider or financial institution.
Prices are set on Euros and this is the current AUD based on today’s exchange rate on the 03rd of June 2025.
Accommodation:
For this tour we stay in two locations. We start in Torino, the key city of the region. Our accommodation, the Hotel Concord, is a centrally located 4 star hotel, with all the services that you’d expect, including gym access.
Torino has grand piazzas and a sense of style, in a large part due to the central role it played in governing large areas as the seat of power and royalty.
Our next location is in the heartland of Piedmont, and here we are based in either of:
a) Hotel Somaschi, located in the town of Cherasco, a monastery that has converted some rooms into a hotel. Staying here you get a sense of history and tradition, from its frescoed foyer through to dining in what was the theatre from the 1700s.
b) Hotel Giacomo Morra in the town of Alba, centrally located in a recently renovated building.
Tour includes:
All Accommodation is included, at the Hotel Concord in Torino and then in either the Hotel Somaschi in Cherasco, or Hotel Giacomo Morra in Alba
Meals as listed in the itinerary: breakfast every morning, plus a main meal each day (restaurant meals are of 3 courses including wine)
All costs/entry fees for activities listed in the itinerary are included
All transport during the tour is included. Travel is in our minibus with a professional driver
Tour manager for the duration of the trip, on hand to support you as needed.

Day 1 – The Borromean Islands
After meeting in Milan, we leave the city to start our exploration of Piedmont with a trip to one of the most stunning destinations in Italy, the serene island called Isola Bella.
Of particular note on the island of Isola Bella is the formal Italianate baroque garden, one of the most important of the style in Italy. There are a series of themed gardens, situated on a series of terraces. As you make your way through the gardens you may well come across some of the island’s white peacocks wandering the grounds. At one end of the garden you reach the theatre Teatro Massimo, a three level structure lined with statues, and set against the backdrop of the lake.
Inside the 17th century palace you can wander through a series of rooms containing significant artworks and historic tapestries. The palace was home to the Borromeo family, who in fact still own the island.
We also enjoy a lakeside lunch in a restaurant on the island. This is our first introduction to the cuisine of Piedmont. Throughout the week meals are in restaurants designed to showcase the region’s cuisine, with the specific venues all carefully selected by us. This is in order to provide a variety of food styles over the duration of the tour. The food says so much about the place that you’re in, as much as any town you can visit – history, culture, geography, it’s all wrapped up in the cuisine.
In the afternoon we stop in to see a key section of the series of canals that support the significant rice growing area in this part of Piedmont. One of the main dishes here is risotto, made using locally grown varieties of rice. The section of the canals that we see is a significant engineering achievement, and has floodgates that were constructed in the 1800s and are still in operation today.
In the evening we reach Torino (Turin), or base for the next two nights. After checking in to the hotel, it is time to start discovering this elegant and stately city.
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch (including wine).

Day 2 – Torino
Today our focus is on discovering the best of Torino, and there are many facets to uncover including culture, history…..and chocolate!
Leaving our centrally located hotel on foot, we team up with a Torino local to take in both the highlights of the city as well as some hidden corners. Torino is a very elegant city, with wide boulevards and large piazzas. While early Roman-era constructions are still visible, the most extravagant and important buildings come from the period when the Savoy family were in control. They ruled over a large area and the first king of a united Italy was based here. We visit the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) where we can admire the artistic richness of the state rooms.
While we are getting our fill of the past glories of Torino, we make sure we don’t miss out of current day attractions, namely the specific type of chocolate made here called ‘gianduia’. We try an example from a local produce.
We spend some time in the Porta Palazzo markets of Torino, and then in the afternoon we take a lift to the top of the Mole Antonelliana, the dome that dominates the skyline of Torino.
Then we move on to enjoy an afternoon tea in one of the city’s historic cafes, including trying the local drink the bicerin – a blend of espresso coffee and chocolate.
Dinner tonight is at a restaurant that showcases the cuisine of Piedmont.
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner (including wine)

Day 3 - Stupinigi Palace - La Morra
Today is a day of contrasts, visiting locations that represent very different eras and lifestyles.
We first visit the Stupinigi Palace, on the outskirts of Torino. Driving there we pass by the large Fiat automotive manufacturing site, which was established here in 1900 and continues to play a significant economic role.
On reaching the Stupinigi Palace (Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi) we meet with a specialist expert who will take us through the numerous halls and frescoed galleries. This palace was a hunting lodge originally, and later became a residence of the Royal House of Savoy.
We reach the town of La Morra. Now you are in the Langhe area, with its distinctive rolling hills covered in vineyards and hazelnut trees. Dotted around a villages perched on the hilltops. La Morra is one of these. We stroll through the town centre and have our first glimpse of the area where we spend the next few days.
Our next stop is a curious artistic creation, the Ca****la delle Brunate. This century-old chapel was transformed into a vibrant work of art, considered representative of the merging of tradition and innovation in the region.
After a lunch in a countryside lodge, we view the Castle of Serralunga d’Alba, a 14th century fortification built by an aristocratic family to survey their estates. Here we walk up to the base of the castle and see the varied types of cultivation in the fields below us.
Continuing on we reach our hotel for the rest of our stay, in the town of Cherasco. Having viewed a monastery en route, now is your chance to stay in one – our hotel was originally a monastery, established in the 17th century, and now tastefully renovated as a 4 star hotel.
While around the grounds you will see numerous aspects of times gone by, we don’t forget the needs of the present, with the hotel offering all you would expect during your time here such as wifi, air conditioned rooms, and an excellent restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch (including wine)

Day 4 - Vineyards & villages: Barolo & Barbaresco
Piedmont is one of the top culinary destinations in Italy, with some of the finest products originating here. We try many of the dishes specific to this region during our time here, such as tajarin (a type of pasta) and agnolotti (similar to ravioli). And today we go to the source of two key Piedmontese products – barbaresco and barolo wine.
The winery that we visit specialises in barolo. Barolo is known as the ‘king of Italian wines’. Being at the source, we can better appreciate the various sub-regions that contribute characteristics to the wines. We taste a range of wines here.
As well as the producer hosted winetasting today, throughout the week we try different wines with each of our meals sourced from a range of locations across Piedmont.
We have some free time looking around the village of Barolo. In the afternoon we visit the town of Barbaresco – another wine town – and go to the top of its 11th century tower, looking back over the hamlet and the river below.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - Culinary Piedmont: Truffles and hazelnuts
Heading out into the countryside we meet a ‘trifulau’, this is the Piemontese term for a truffl hunter. Along with their dog – the key piece of the whole exercise – we walk through orchards and forests looking for truffles. The dog is highly trained and indicates to us when he has located a truffle. This is a fascinating morning, getting to see the skill of the dog, the truffles themselves, and hearing from the trifulau all about the art of finding truffles.
We then move on to a hazelnut producer, in what is considered the best zone in Italy. Hazelnuts are a key ingredient in many of the cakes and desserts in Piedmont.
On reaching the farm, we find out about the production of the ‘tonda gentile’ hazelnut variety. We try a range of homemade hazelnut products, including biscuits, cakes and hazelnut spread. Then follow a walk through their hazelnut trees we stop in for a long lunch in a country house on their property. This is a celebration of the finest food that the region has to offer, and is a fitting end to our time in Piedmont.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch (including wine).

Day 6 - Arrivederci Piedmont
We leave the town of Cherasco and head back to where we started in Torino. We drop off in Torino at the main train station, hotels and the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast

Please contact us for full details 0398240898 or email [email protected].

Amalfi Coast Tour 2026 Small Group Tour.The Amalfi Coast… stunning towns, their colourful houses clinging to the cliffs,...
08/07/2025

Amalfi Coast Tour 2026 Small Group Tour.

The Amalfi Coast… stunning towns, their colourful houses clinging to the cliffs, the cerulean sea. We’ll give you more – we take you to places most tourists don’t see.
Experiencing a cooking lesson in an organic garden in Ravello, seeing traditional ceramics being produced, and visiting local pasticcerias that are masters at what they do. This gives you an in-depth insight into the lifestyle of the people who cultivate this land, and the layers of history that make up this fascinating region.
We enjoy long lunches, taking time over the multiple courses to enjoy the atmosphere and to relax.
We stay for the week in one place, the town of Amalfi. By staying at the Hotel Residence (4 star) you are in the perfect location, with the beach out the front and the main piazza a few steps the other way.
See key locations such as Positano, Capri, Ravello and Amalfi.
We take you to see how the people who cultivate the land and traditions here, be it the small family run winery, the fifth generation lemon growers (and we enjoy trying their limoncello, of course!) or our cheese maker showing us how to make mozzarella (and you can try making it for yourself too).
We visit Pompeii, and as this is guided by an archaeologist it is interesting even to those who may have been there before.
A culinary focus, with a range of meals throughout the week designed to showcase the Amalfi cuisine. Ever tried the chocolate aubergine dish called “mulignan ca’ ciucculata”?

Duration: 6 Days
Tour Type: Small Group Tour
From – To: Naples – Naples
Tour Dates 2026:
25th – 30th of May 2026
14th – 19th of September 2026

Price:
Price: €3200 or $5699.00AUD*
Single supplement: €500 or $899.00AUD* for solo travelers
Prices listed are based on twin share
***Pricing and Currency Disclaimer:
All prices are listed in Euros (EUR). For customers paying in Australian Dollars (AUD), the final amount due will be subject to the currency conversion rate applicable at the time of final payment. Please note that exchange rates may vary, and additional fees may apply depending on your payment provider or financial institution.
Prices are set on Euros and this is the current AUD based on today’s exchange rate on the 03rd of June 2025.
Accommodation:
The hotel we use for this tour, the Hotel Residence, is a good quality hotel right in the heart of the town of Amalfi.
By staying centrally you get to really experience the vibrancy of this town. The hotel is wonderfully situated on the waterfront. One side you have uninterrupted sea views, and a few steps the other way you have ‘la dolce vita’ of Italian piazza life.
You can stroll into town whenever you like to have a gelato or browse the shops (with no shuttle bus needed like you would from hotels further from town).
Outside the hotel is a swimming beach, perfect for relaxing after a day out sightseeing. Being a 4 star hotel a full range of features is included, such as wifi, air conditioning, and a cocktail bar.
Tour includes:
Accommodation at the 4 star Residence Hotel, centrally located in Amalfi
Meals as listed in the itinerary: each day breakfast, plus a lunch or dinner each day, wine included
All costs/entry fees for activities listed in the itinerary are included
All transport during the tour is included. Travel is in our van/minibus with a professional driver
Tour manager for the duration of the trip, on hand to support you as needed
Notes:
This tour is fundamentally based around walking at each location we visit. Typically, we arrive somewhere, then walk around to see the points of interest.
Occasionally ferries are cancelled due to weather conditions. When this happens it is a last minute change, we work to provide alternative activities but it is possible that a visit listed in the itinerary may be missed.
Some days in Italy can be hot and sunny, and we walk in these conditions (bring a hat). This can make the walking more difficult than normal.
Due to the historic nature of places we visit, there are often steps/stairs, as well as cobblestones and uneven ground.

Day 1 – Travelling to the Amalfi Coast
We depart from Naples at 2:30pm, heading to the Amalfi Coast. We have a few interesting stops along the way.
A short drive after lunch takes us to the start of the Amalfi Peninsula and the town of Vietri Sul Mare. This is the major ceramic producing town of the Amalfi Coast. The key production is of the vibrantly coloured ceramics that are made using the maiolica method. Walking through the town you come across many outlets for the local ceramic manufacturers. These continue a tradition that started in the 1500s. We see the incredible array of colours and creative designs of their finished product.
After looking through the town of Vietri Sul Mare we make our way along the stunning Amalfi Coast road, with hairpin bends and amazing views in equal measure – you’ll realise the value in having a professional driver for the trip. We reach the town of Amalfi in the early evening, where we stay for the duration of the tour.
The town of Amalfi is really the heart of the Amalfi Coast – the centre of the marine republic of the 11th century, and still now it has a proud community living and working here. The depth of history here is profound, but equally it is a wonderful place to sit in the piazza, enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by.
Our hotel, the Hotel Residence, is wonderfully situated on the waterfront. One side you have uninterrupted sea views, and a few steps the other way you have ‘la dolce vita’ of Italian piazza life.
By staying centrally you get to really experience the vibrancy of this town. You can stroll into town whenever you like to have a gelato or browse the shops (with no shuttle bus needed like you would from hotels further from town). Outside the hotel is a swimming beach, perfect for relaxing after a day out sightseeing. Being a 4 star hotel a full range of features is included, such as wifi, air conditioning, an excellent restaurant and a cocktail bar.
Tonight we dine together, having our first introduction to the cuisine of the Amalfi Coast.
Included: Dinner (3 courses including wine)

Day 2 – Ravello and a taste of Amalfi cuisine
The Amalfi Coast cuisine is renowned for the combination of traditional techniques and superb fresh ingredients. Today we learn how it’s made with a hands-on cooking lesson.
For the cooking lesson we travel to Ravello, which has long been a favourite destination for both musicians and well-heeled travellers.
We meet our charming chef, and we start our culinary experience. On a terrace with a view out over the Tyrrhenian Sea, you could well linger here for the morning.
First we get hands-on making fresh mozzarella, with the ‘casaro’ (cheesemaker). This will later be an ingredient in our antipasto. Then we work through the preparations for our lunch, which we enjoy overlooking to coast.
After lunch we visit the famous Villa Cimbrone. The villa was built originally in the 11th century as a residence for a noble family. The grounds are beautifully kept, and the terrace adjacent to the formal garden offers the best views in Ravello, looking down over terraced lemon groves to the sparkling waters below.
We spend the remainder of the afternoon in Ravello with some free time. You may choose to visit the Villa Rufolo, another noble residence which famously inspired the composer Wagner. Or simply wander through some of the lanes, and relax around the piazza area where there are numerous shops and cafes.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch (including wine)

Day 3 - Limoncello and Positano
This morning we are taken into a valley beyond Amalfi, nestled into the hills, where the famous Amalfi Coast lemons are produced. We are shown around a family company who for seven generations have been producing limoncello. This is called ‘vertical farming’ – lemons are cultivated on terraces on a steep hillside. The back of this valley is a type of heat trap, the hillside lemons gaining excellent sun exposure. After seeing how the lemons are grown, we are shown how their limoncello is made. Of course, we sample their excellent product too!
Next we visit Positano, famous for elegant fashion boutiques and seaside charm, this is one of the key holiday destinations of the Amalfi Coast.
Positano has an enviable combination of a beach with a broad seaside promenade, with cafes and chic boutiques jostling for position in the pastel coloured buildings. This is a good time for a swim.
We start with lunch, in a restaurant overlooking the beach. After a relaxing meal we have some free time in the afternoon. You can spend some of the afternoon exploring the narrow back streets lined with bougainvillea, have a swim, or just find your nearest café, put your feet up and sample the local gelato.
To return to Amalfi we go by boat, and cruising along the coast reveals a new perspective on the area, with some incredible houses tucked away and tiny hidden beaches.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch (3 course lunch including wine)

Day 4 Spectacular Sights and Spectacular Wine
In the morning we visit the cathedral in Amalfi. This is more than just a church. Rather it is a complex of different buildings from different era, and is the heart of Amalfi.
From the evocatively named ‘Cloister of Paradise’, with elegant marble colonnades, frescoed private chapels an ancient Roman sarcophagus. The Romanesque style Church of the Crucifix. The 13th century Crypt of St Andrew, down below the church, where the relics of Saint Andrew are contained.
And finally into the main cathedral, with its elaborate baroque decorations. By moving through the sections of this cathedral complex you get a feeling for the illustrious history of Amalfi, from ancient Roman times, through to the Marine Republic years and on to more modern times.
We drive to the small town of Minori, not far from Amalfi, where we have lunch on the waterfront. We take the opportunity to view and early Roman villa, as this coastline was a favourite summer destination of the Roman upper classes.
Continuing on we drive to a family run vineyard near Tramonti, high up in the hills of the Amalfi Peninsula. You’ll see some vines that are very rare – this is a particular area that has characteristics created from a unique combination of historical circumstances.
We enjoy a number of their superb wines. Some of the varieties used to make these wines are unique to the Amalfi area, such as pepella and ginestra.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch (2 course lunch including wine)

Day 5 - Island time in Capri
Today we travel to Capri, a favoured destination for the rich and famous in recent times, but also with an interesting history stretching back beyond ancient Roman times.
On Capri we take the funicular railway up to the town centre, where top fashion boutiques jostle for space alongside locals selling fruit and vegetables.
Starting from the centre of town we first visit a monastery that many people who visit Capri do not come across. This is a fascinating place, with the remain of excellent frescoes in the chapel. In the cloisters we see where the monks previously tended their medicinal herb gardens.
We then walk to a view point called the Punta Tragara, passing a series of luxury villas and gardens to get there. At the viewpoint we look out over the Faraglioni, the towering rocks emerging from the sea which are such a distinctive feature of Capri. Later in the afternoon you’ll find Capri has plenty of scope for simply browsing the shops and enjoying the ambience. And stroll down to the Gardens of Augustus for some more great views.
There is also time to take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto (ticket not included in this itinerary).
We return by ferry to Amalfi late afternoon.
In the evening we have the final dinner, enjoying the best of Amalfi cuisine and celebrating the week we’ve had in this special part of Italy.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner (3 course dinner including wine)

Day 6 - Pompeii
By now you know the local barista by name – and he knows which coffee you order – but we must say ‘arrivederci’ to Amalfi.
First we visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Here we have a guided visit, where we see both evidences of the lifestyle of the inhabitants of this Roman city, as well as the destruction caused by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Even for those who have visited Pompeii before, having a specialist archaeological guide provides an in depth experience and is very revealing.
We enjoy a final lunch together in Pompeii, having our last chance to enjoy regional cuisine, before driving a short distance to Napoli Centrale, the central train station in Naples. We finish the tour here by 4pm.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch (2 course lunch including wine)

For more details please contact us or come in and see us at Shop6/145 Canterbury Road Toorak.

Small Group Sicily Tour 2026Sicily is an absolutely fascinating place to visit, being a crossroads of civilisations with...
07/07/2025

Small Group Sicily Tour 2026

Sicily is an absolutely fascinating place to visit, being a crossroads of civilisations with a range of diverse influences. Our Sicily tours provide a well rounded experience covering the diverse aspects that the island offers.

Duration: 7 Days

Tour Type: Small Group Tour

From – To: Palermo – Catania

Tour Dates 2026:

10th – 16th of May
31st of May – 6th of June
13th of Sept – 19th of Sept
27th of Sept – 3rd of Oct
11th – 17th of October
Tour Price:

Price: €2900 or $5199.00AUD*
Single supplement: €500 or $899.00AUD*
***Pricing and Currency Disclaimer:

All prices are listed in Euros (EUR). For customers paying in Australian Dollars (AUD), the final amount due will be subject to the currency conversion rate applicable at the time of final payment. Please note that exchange rates may vary, and additional fees may apply depending on your payment provider or financial institution.

Prices are set on Euros and this is the current AUD based on today’s exchange rate on the 03rd of June 2025.

Accommodation:

The hotels we use for this tour located in Palermo, near Ragusa and in Siracusa.

All of the hotels we use are 4 star rated.

In Palermo we stay in either the Hotel Quintocanto or the Hotel Piazza Borsa. These hotels are both conveniently located right in the centre of Palermo, many of the key areas to see are in your neighbourhood.

Next we stay in Ragusa in either the Hotel San Giorgio Palace or the Hotel Antico Convento dei Cappuccini. These are located in the heart of the baroque historic centre which is called Ragusa Ibla, amongst the unique Sicilian baroque palazzi.

In Siracusa we stay in either the Grande Albergo Alfeo or the Grand Hotel Ortigia, both of which give you easy access to the old town called Ortigia.

Tour includes:

All accommodation is included in 4 star hotels in Palermo, Ragusa and in Siracusa
Meals as listed in the itinerary: breakfast every morning, plus a main meal each day including wine
All costs/entry fees for activities listed in the itinerary are included
All transport during the tour is included. Travel is in our van/minibus with a professional driver
Tour manager for the duration of the trip, on hand to support you as needed.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Palermo

Welcome to Palermo, with its many layers of civilizations and history. The city today is a colorful, living testimony to this cultural heritage. Our hotel is located right in the historic centre of town, so the vibrancy of this diverse city is all around you.

Starting the tour, we first look at a series of sights that provide an insight into both Palermo and Sicily. These include buildings featuring both Arab domes and Norman arches. This combination of styles is what is known as the ‘Arab-Norman architecture’ of Palermo, and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We continue on past some of the well known points of interest – the Quattro Canti, the fountain Fontana Pretoria, before visiting a pasticceria that is based in a convent. The nuns follow the ancient recipes to create biscuits and pastries in a completely Sicilian style. We look at the old kitchen implements that were used for producing these sweet treats in the past, then try some for ourselves.

Fortified by this cake stop, we carry on to visit the Oratorio of Santa Cita. In this ‘oratorio’, a private chapel constructed in the 16th century, you will find sumptuous rococo stucco sculptures decorating the interior. The quality and detail of the sculptural elements are a wonderful surprise to many who visit here. This chapel really is a masterpiece of craftmanship.

Wandering back to the hotel, we take the opportunity to try some of the famous Palermo ‘street food’, sharing some arancini from one of the renowned producers in this area.

After a break back at our hotel, we head out in the evening to dine together, sharing a meal of Sicilian dishes where we start to discover the unique flavours on offer here: Mediterranean vegetables that combine with Arabic influences to create this unique cuisine, seafood fresh from the Tyrrhenian Sea, and distinctive local wines from grape varieties grown only in Sicily.

Meals included: Dinner (3 courses including wine)

Accommodation: Quintocanto Hotel (classic room) or the Hotel Piazza Borsa (executive room), Palermo

Day 2 – Markets - Monreale - Segesta

We start the morning with a walk through the Ballaro market. This market, the oldest in Palermo, has been operating here for 1000 years. It is in places like markets that you really get a good feel for the people and the lifestyle of Sicily – locals shopping for their food, the in-season fruit and vegetables stacked up, street sellers offering snacks, the calls of the stall holders.

Next we travel for a short distance to Monreale, where we visit the cathedral. It is said to be one of the finest Norman buildings in the world. Visiting this cathedral is like seeing civilisations from different eras displayed in front of you. They are represented by the golden mosaics, created by Arab craftsmen, commanded by medieval rulers, representing scenes with artistic virtuosity.

We have lunch together and then continue on to Segesta, where we have our first glimpse of the monuments that remain from when Sicily was part of Magna Grecia (the greater Greek empire).

Segesta boasts one of the most intact Greek-era Doric temples anywhere, and an excellent theatre, both from the 5th century B.C. In fact, some performances continue to be held in this theatre during the summer.

We return to Palermo in the early evening.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch (3 courses including wine)

Accommodation: Either the Quintocanto Hotel (classic room) or the Hotel Piazza Borsa (executive room), Palermo

Day 3: Agrigento

Today we depart from Palermo and travel first to Agrigento, with its famous Valley of the Temples.
This UNESCO World Heritage site features the beautiful Temple of Concordia, one of the most photogenic spots in Sicily.

We are shown around by an expert guide, who explains to us the phases of civilisation here, as well as the current discoveries that are being made.

Strolling through the archaeological area gives a sense of the gravitas of history, as well as a pleasant experience of continued traditions, surrounded by almond groves and olive trees.

For lunch, we stop in at a well-presented countryside property, where we get an opportunity to taste good, wholesome rural Sicilian produce. We enjoy a leisurely lunch outdoors, overlooking the Agrigento temples area.

After lunch, we continue on to our hotel in Ragusa, arriving in the early evening.

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch (2–3 courses including wine)

Accommodation: Hotel San Giorgio Palace (classic room) or Hotel Antico Convento dei Cappuccini (classic room)

Day 4: Ragusa and Modica

In the morning, we visit the nearby town of Modica. While Modica is another of Sicily’s famed baroque towns, we also have an ulterior motive—and that is chocolate. Modica is an important centre for chocolate making and has its own distinctive style known as cioccolato modicano. This is made using a different production method to regular chocolate, based on Aztec techniques brought in during the period of Spanish rule. We have a tasting where you can appreciate the unique qualities of this chocolate.

We continue on to have lunch just outside Ragusa, working our way through a range of specialities from the Ragusa and Modica area.

Next, we spend some time visiting the town of Ragusa together, where we look at specific elements of the baroque architecture that are a feature of the town. In Ragusa, you can’t help but be charmed by the elegant palazzos and the picturesque winding streets.

Ragusa is one of the best examples of the Sicilian baroque style, with ornate edifices and intricate detailing. Some of Sicily’s architectural gems are scattered throughout the town. The buildings we see in this style were built from 1693 onwards and feature elegant balconies and balustrades.

After looking at some points of interest together, we leave some time for you to wander around independently.

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch (3 courses including wine)

Accommodation: Hotel San Giorgio Palace (classic room) or Hotel Antico Convento dei Cappuccini (classic room)

Day 5: Noto - Siracusa

Our first stop today is the Cava d’Ispica, a site once inhabited by early Greek civilisations. Here, we can see many remnants and examples of these ancient populations.

We then go on to visit Noto—one of the famed baroque towns of the area, particularly known for its carefully planned urban design, with long boulevards lined by imposing palazzos. Noto is another UNESCO-recognised town for Sicilian baroque, but it has a very different feel compared to Ragusa and Modica.

Continuing on, we reach Siracusa. This seaside town is a treasure trove of ancient palazzi, a fascinating old centre, and many harbourside restaurants where good living comes first. Taking advantage of our coastal location, lunch is enjoyed in a restaurant with views over the water.

In the afternoon, we leave some time for you to explore at your own pace. Our hotel provides easy access to the old town of Siracusa, the island of Ortigia. This is the heart of Siracusa, with remains of the ancient Greek city. In fact, you can still see ancient Greek columns forming part of the current church structure—dating back to when it was the Temple of Athena.

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch (3 courses including wine)

Accommodation: Grande Albergo Alfeo (standard room) or Grand Hotel Ortigia (classic room), Siracusa

Day 6: Taormina and Sicilian Cooking

Today we team up with a chef to cook together, creating a complete three course meal. The dishes are typically Sicilian, a cuisine which has developed through the absorption of a myriad of influences through the ages. With today’s focus on Sicilian cooking, our chef unlocks some of the secrets and teaches us the techniques used here. As well as this, we discuss the importance and provenance of the ingredients and produce used. Then we relax and eat!

We also taste wines produced on the lower slopes of Mt Etna, benefitting from Etna’s unique microclimate and lava soils. Wine has been made in Sicily for over 2000 years, and the Etna DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) region is one of the key quality wine areas. The predominant red grape is called Nerello – these wines are reminiscent of pinot noir – and the whites made from Carricante can be excellent.

Next we visit Taormina, with its combination of spectacular views (over the sea and Mt Etna), beautiful old buildings, plus a touch of the ancient (both Greek and Roman). We take full advantage of all three aspects (the view, the town, the ancient ruins) as we enjoy our time here. Around town, as well as the archaeological sites, there are numerous ceramics shops and cafes on the piazza.

We visit the ancient theatre. This was built first by the Greeks, and then enlarged by the Romans. This theatre continues to be a premier location for music and drama performances to this day.

Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner (3 courses including wine)

Accommodation: Grande Albergo Alfeo (standard room) or the Grand Hotel Ortigia (classic room), Siracusa

Day 7: Arrivederci

By now you know the local barista by name – and he knows which coffee you order – but we must say ‘arrivederci’. We organise transport for you to your departure point in Catania and bid you “buon viaggio”.

The tour finishes in Catania at 11 a.m.

Meals included: Breakfast

Contact us for more details 0398240898 or email [email protected]

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Italy Touring is dedicated to delivering the finest adventures and experiences of Italy. All trips are designed by our Italian expert Loris who has used his wealth of local information, knowledge and love of the area to inspire you. Prior to setting foot in Italy, Italy Touring works with you personally to create the perfect adventure. Italy beckons with so many marvelous and varied regions -- culinary Tuscany, the island of Sicily, the beautiful Amalfi Coast. You can tour ancient ruins, drive through rolling hills and beautiful vineyards, or sun yourself on tropical beaches. And then there's the absolutely delicious cuisine! From pizza to pasta, and polenta to prosciutto, indulge in all of your authentic Italian favorites. Italy vacations might comprise one area of the country, or cover one specific region in depth. But many Italy tours overnight in at least one, if not several, of the country's most popular cities. For further information please email: [email protected]