Premium Sicily and Italy in Depth
Overview
Highlights
- Take a step back in time and marvel at some of Italy’s most fascinating ancient monuments - explore Rome’s iconic Colosseum by moonlight and discover the ancient ruins of Pompeii with a local guide.
- Get a taste for Italian specialties and visit a family-run winery to sample world-class drops in Tuscany, discover a local olive oil producer and taste their specialties on a farm that has been active since Roman times in Puglia and dig your hands into a traditional cooking class in Sicily.
- Come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna, as you walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave.
- Get the inside scoop on the best places to eat and explore with your locally-based leader joining you on orientation walks in some of Italy’s most captivating cities.
- Stay in style with 3 Feature Stays, nestled in the heart of the rolling Tuscan hillside, in a once 13th-century Baronial Palace in Nardo and in a countryside estate built within a medieval watch tower in Baglio della Luna Foresteria.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Trip includes
- Palermo -Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Palermo - Welcome Meeting
- Palermo - Welcome Dinner
- Palermo - Anti-Mafia Tour
- Palermo - Sicilian Cooking Class
- Erice - Town Visit
- Erice - Genovesi Tasting
- Mazara del Vallo - Kasbah Visit
- Scala dei Turchi - Visit
- Agrigento - Guided visit Valley of the Temples
- Modica - Visit and Chocolate Tasting
- Noto - Guided Walk
- Siracusa - Ortigia Orientation Walk
- Siracusa - Archaeological Park Guided Visit
- Catania - Mount Etna Visit
- Taormina - Guided Walk
- Taormina - Greek Theatre Admission
- Polignano a Mare - Welcome Dinner
- Alberobello - Half Day Trip
- Ostuni - Olive Oil Tasting
- Nardo - Walking Tour
- Lecce - Walking Tour
- Matera - Ipogeo Underground Cistern
- Matera - Guided Walking Tour
- Pompeii - Walking Tour with Local Guide
- Pompeii - Archaeological Site
- Rome - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Rome – Coffee Granita (Coffee semi-frozen dessert)
- Rome – Guided walking tour
- Rome – Nobleman’s home visit and lunch (Exclusive Experience)
- Siena - Orientation Walk
- Monteriggioni - Orientation Walk
- Chianti Region - Gourmet Dinner
- San Gimignano - Agriturismo Winery Tour & Tasting
- Florence - Orientation Walk
- Pisa - Pisa Visit & Orientation walk
- Lucca - City Walls & Orientation Walk
- Florence - Galleria dell ’Accademia admission
- Florence – Highlights of Florence Guided walk
- Venice - Orientation Walk including Fondaco Terrace Rooftop
- Venice – Traghetto boat ride
- Venice - Farewell Dinner at Local Restaurant
Itinerary
Welcome to Sicily, we’re kicking things off in the region's capital – Palermo. Upon arrival, a complimentary airport transfer will take you into the city. This evening we have our first dinner together and a welcome meeting with your local guide and fellow travellers....
Sicily's unique cuisine sees Spanish, Greek and Arab influences and combined with a gentle climate and fertile soil, it is known all over the world. Delve deeper into this all important part of culture during a hands on cooking class. Not only will get to know the rec...
Today it is time to say goodbye to beautiful Palermo as we head toward the small town of Erice. Located more than 750 meters above sea level, this beautifully preserved medieval town hosts, despite being handed from one ruling army to the next, many beautiful building...
This morning head east as you stop in the old port of Mazara del Vallo. It is here that some of the Arab influences in Sicily are most clearly visible. As you stroll through the kasbah (Arab Quarter) you will witness the artistic and cultural enrichment brought on by ...
This morning, after breakfast, travel to the nearby Valley of the Temples. One of the largest archaeological sites in the world, it is situated where the ancient city of Akragas once stood. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the...
Today, we kiss Agrigento goodbye and hit the road en route to Siracusa – but not without a few important stops along the way. The first stop today in Ragusa will not disappoint – it’s one of the most scenic towns in all of Sicily. Explore the town and then continue to...
This morning, enjoy an orientation walk through Ortigia – a small island just adjacent to the main town of Siracusa. Wandering the narrow streets and laneways will reveal ancient ruins, stunning fountains and authentic trattorias, all situated on the medieval island. ...
Today, come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano on a daytrip up Mt Etna. At an altitude of approximately 2,000 metres, walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave that can be explored with helmets and torches. Walk among the cold lav...
After breakfast today, take a day trip to the charming city of Taormina. Start things off with a guided walk, where you’ll notice Greek influence in the architecture. Walk through the back streets, gardens, and visit the world-famous Greek theatre and the cathedral. T...
Benvenuto! Welcome to Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot. Your adventure kicks off in the coastal town of Polignano a Mare, where you’ll be collected from the Bari airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel. A welcome meeting will take place here at 6pm for you to...
Leave the coastline behind as you travel inland by private vehicle to the little town of Alberobello. Set among a tranquil landscape of olive groves, the town is famed for its unique beehive-shaped trulli; dwellings built from limestone in the 14th century. While the ...
This morning, travel to the small city of Ostuni and explore its whitewashed streets flanked with Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine buildings. Then, continue to a local olive oil producer on a farm that has been active since Roman times, with some trees thought to be c...
Before breakfast, you may like to take a walk through your Feature Stay’s historic ‘secret garden’ where it seems as if figures from days gone by could walk around the corner at any minute. Today head to the beautiful city of Lecce. With its ornate baroque buildings, ...
Enjoy a final morning at your Feature Stay hotel, sitting back with a coffee and soaking up the scenery. Then it’s time to say goodbye and travel on to Matera, an ancient city perched on a rocky outcrop. Along the way stop at a local winery for some wine tasting and l...
Today you will dive into Matera’s incredible old town, made famous by sassi; more than 3000 stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs, some dating back as far as the 8th century. Join a local guide who will lead you through a labyrinth of staircases an...
Begin the day by driving to the storied town of Pompeii, home to one of Europe’s most well-known archaeological sites – the ruins of Pompeii, caused by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. Today you will join a local guide to discover the remains of this once thrivin...
Welcome to Rome! Enjoy a complimentary transfer to your hotel and settle in. If you arrive with time to spare, the city’s magnificent buildings are best appreciated on foot, so perhaps wander in search of an espresso. Your Italian adventure begins with a welcome meeti...
From incredible ancient monuments to glamourous restaurants and boutiques, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today your leader will take you back in time as you learn about historical monuments during an orientation walk of the city. Marvel at the Roman Fo...
Today you’ll take a private vehicle to the gorgeous city of Siena, where your leader will show you the most interesting sights on an orientation walk. At the city’s heart is Piazza del Campo – home to the biannual Palio horse race, and nearby is the stunning Siena Cat...
Start the day with a visit to San Gimignano – the 'Town of Fine Towers'. Explore the medieval Old Town centre and its fine Gothic and Romanesque architecture, with your leader on hand to answer any questions inspired by your explorations. This region is also renowned ...
Today you’ll visit Pisa. It’s not always possible to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa due to its precarious state, but as your leader shares the history of this legendary building, you will have the opportunity to photograph it from the ground. Your next stop is Lucca,...
Enjoy a free day in Florence to explore the city and its museums and galleries – ask your leader for some local tips on the best way to spend the day. Visiting the Uffizi while you are here is highly recommended – it is one of the oldest galleries in the world, and a ...
In the morning, head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice. Upon arrival your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get acquainted with the city’s maze of canals and learn about its unique history. Lunch today is a tasting of ci...
With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. Those looking to extend their stay can arrange additional nights' accommodation at the time of booking the trip (subject to availability).
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check current availability, prices, specials & more.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Intrepid Travel Reviews & Ratings
Other Intrepid Travel Reviews
Completed 3 trips with Intrepid this…
Completed 3 trips with Intrepid this year. A prior last year. The Leaders are well organized, informative and fun. Travelling inland in Greece and the Greek Island...
The intrepid group were excellent to…
The intrepid group were excellent to work with and were very helpful at all times and made organising the trip a breeze. This was an excellent trip, and was enjoyed ...
Awful waste of time and money.
I’m aware that Intrepid responds to reviews, so here’s my updated take. I paid approximately $1,800 USD for a 9-day trip to Costa Rica. However, between the arrival...
Tour Operator
The Intrepid Travel Experience
If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.
Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.
Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.
Why Intrepid?
- Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
- Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
- Local leaders - authentic perspectives
- Local transport - get close and personal
- Local accommodation - experience real living
- Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions
History
Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.
Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.
Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.
Values
On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:
- Integrity – Doing the right thing
- Responsible – Think global, act local
- Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
- Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
- Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
- Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer
Associations
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
Accommodation
Transportation & Flights
Transportation & flights
Finish point
- Venice Times Hotel
- Calle Priuli dei Cavaletti, 99/D
- 30121 Venezia VE
- Venice
- ITALY
- Phone: +39 0412031633
Alternate Finish point
- For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.
- 29 Aug 2024 (ZMPCC240829), 15 Apr 2025 (ZMPCC250415), 29 Apr 2025 (ZMPCC250429), 27 May 2025 (ZMPCC250527), 05 Jun 2025 (ZMPCC250605), 17 Jun 2025 (ZMPCC250617), 26 Aug 2025 (ZMPCC250826), 28 Aug 2025 (ZMPCC250828), 04 Sep 2025 (ZMPCC250904), 11 Sep 2025 (ZMPCC250911)
- Hotel Ca dei Conti
- Castello, 4429
- Venice
- ITALY
- Phone: +390 412770500
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations