A Tour of Sicily

Our tour of Sicily allows you to explore a land home to both towering mountains and crystal clear water. It is steeped in history and is overflowing with archelogical sites.

Here the mediterranean Sea is home to many little islands that surround the coast od Sicily. It is a feast for the senses with spectacular scenery and bursting with colour and flavour.

Not to be missed are the great volacanoes of Sicily, symbols of it’s irresistible beauty and vitality of this incredibly charming region.

Itinerary: Syracuse, Noto, Taormina, Tindari, Catania

Tour Highlights are listed below, click on the name of the city, to find out more.

This tour can be added to or modified in any way to meet you needs. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.

Syracuse

Tour Highlights:

• Catacombs of St John
• Ortiga’s Market
• Park of Neapolis
• Greek Temple of Apollo ruins

What we offer:

Includes:​

• Accommodation in:

1. Selected 3* or 4* hotels
2. Former convent hotels
3. ConventsTwin shared rooms and single rooms with private facilities
4. Daily breakfast and dinner

• Professional tour escorts and local guides
• All entry fees to museums, galleries and churches
• No waiting-line time, all entries booked in advance
• Private coach transfer
• Porterage

Noto

Tour Highlights:

• The European capital of Baroque
• Church of St Paul
• Palazzolo Acreide

What we offer:

Includes:

• Accommodation in:

1. Selected 3* or 4* hotels
2. Former convent hotels
3. ConventsTwin shared rooms and single rooms with private facilities
4. Daily breakfast and dinner

• Professional tour escorts and local guides
• All entry fees to museums, galleries and churches
• No waiting-line time, all entries booked in advance
• Private coach transfer
• Porterage

Taormina

Tour Highlights:

• Church of Varo
• Ancient Greek Theatre
• Scenic sea view
• Fashionable restaurants and cafes

What we offer:

Includes:

• Accommodation in:

1. Selected 3* or 4* hotels
2. Former convent hotels
3. ConventsTwin shared rooms and single rooms with private facilities
4. Daily breakfast and dinner

• Professional tour escorts and local guides
• All entry fees to museums, galleries and churches
• No waiting-line time, all entries booked in advance
• Private coach transfer
• Porterage

Milan is one of Italy’s most fashionable cities and one of the richest cities in Europe but it also holds several historic and artistic attractions, including the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, the Last Supper painting, and the famous La Scala Opera House. Those visiting Milan will find a fast-paced, glamorous city with a thriving cultural scene and a top city for shopping.

Attractions not to be missed are the Duomo – the third-largest cathedral in the world; the Sforza Castle, built in 1368 and later became an elegant and stunning Renaissance residence; Teatro alla Scala Opera House – completed in 1776 and hosting superb theatrical productions; and Santa Maria delle Grazie – an elaborate church dating back to 1463, home of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting ‘The Last Supper’.

​You can also enjoy many art galleries and museums, such as Pinacoteca di Brera Gallery – housing one of Italy’s most important art collections; and the Modern Art Gallery.

Milan is the city of fashion, with shops to suit all tastes and budgets. Italy is well known for its cuisine, and the Milanese one has much to offer starting from its classic risotto. Milan is thus an intriguing blend history, art and fashion

​What we offer:

• Accommodation in a centrally located hotel​
• ​One day tour of Lake Maggiore​
• Arrival at Stresa and visit of the village​
• Boat trip around Isola Madre before stopping on the tiny Isola dei Pescatori, to explore the island and have some lunch ​
• Sail to Isola Bella to visit the Baroque Borromean Palace and Gardens​
• Return to Stresa and depart for Milan, with stop at huge statue of San Carlo Borromeo in Arona​​

Venice is one of the most famous cities in the world, not just in Italy. The city is spead out over 117 islands in the Adriatic Sea which are connected by hundreds of bridges and canals which help it’s inhabitants get around on a daily basis. It is unique, in that it is the largest city in Europe that functions with out the use of automobiles.​

You can choose to explore the city by foot or by a characteristic gondola, drinking in the floating  hundreds of years old buildings, a fusion of Byzantine, Gothic, and Arabian architecture.​

​​​Venice is a European centre for culture, art and music. In February Venice really comes to life with thirteen days of dressing up, shows, music, games and colours, at the Famous Venice Carnivale. The city explodes with fun and laughter and huge festive crowds fill the salon of Piazza San Marco and thousands of other squares in the city. Free shows, period costume parades, concerts, living history, children’s entertainment, wild all-night dancing, food tasting and other sensory experiences.

​The Island of Murano is located about 1.5 km north of Venice, and it is famed for the beautiful artistic glass made in its furnaces .The art of glass making dates back to medival times and is still carried on today at the Abate Zanetti glass school and the Promovetro associated furnaces.

Must sees include  Saint Mark’s Basilica; the most important church in the city and the seat of the Patriarch of Venice, The Doge’s Palace; it used to be the Doge’s private residence and the seat of the government of the Most Serene Republic of Venice and the Accadmia Galleries which houses the best collection of Venetian art from the 14th to the 18th century.

​What we offer:

• Accommodation in a centrally located hotel​
• Full day visit of Venice, Piazza and Basilica San Marco and Palace of the Doge. ​
• A ferry ride on the Canal Grande to enjoy Venice from the water​
• A gondola ride also available on request
• Enjoy tea and coffee at the Cafe Florian, opened in 1720, in Piazza San Marco

Lucca is located just north west of Florence. It medieval architecture has been impeccably preserved, exuding charm and character from every corner of it’s winding narrow streets.​

​The history of this town goes back to Roman times and right through to the Middle ages, on to the Napoleonic era, and even the Risorgimento. Lucca is the home to numerous churches and palaces and is completely surrounded by ancient high walls that date back to the 16th Century. ​​

​The vast and beautifully conserved villas and gardens of the Lucca hills have become a mainn attraction for visitors to the town. With Renaissance architecture, top class dining, antique markets, classical and rock music festivals, not to mention, easy access to stunning nearby villas in the surrounding hills and with endless beaches less than half an hour away, Lucca is one of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets.

​What we offer:

• Accommodation in a centrally located hotel
• Free time to explore Lucca, at your own pace

Siena is spread over three hills and protected by high ancient walls. It is the perfect place to visit for those who are fans of Gothic architecture and has one of the world’s most unique piazzas – Piazza del Campo – which is shaped like a shell with scalloped edges. The Palio of Siena is the world famous horse race which takes place twice a year, in July and August. A magnificent pageant, the Corteo Storico, precedes the race, which attracts visitors and spectators from around the world.

The race itself, in which the jockeys ride bareback, circles the Piazza del Campo, on which a thick layer of dirt has been laid, three times and usually lasts no more than 90 seconds. It is not uncommon for a few of the jockeys to be thrown off their horses while making the treacherous turns in the piazza, and indeed, it is not unusual to see unmounted horses finishing the race without their jockeys.​

Siena makes an excellent base for other excursions in Tuscany, as it is not far from charming towns such as San Gimignano and others which are world famous for wine, such as Montalcino and Montepulciano.

Pisa is one of the most important cities in Tuscany and is world reknowned for the famous Leaning Tower, which attracts tourists every year.

The Renaissance-style Piazza dei Cavalieri is just a few minutes from the Tower. A symbol of the Medici rule over the city, it was commissioned by Cosimo I in honour of the Order of Knights of St. Stephen and was designed by Vasari. It houses the most important buildings and churches of Grand Ducal Pisa, in particular the Palazzo dei Cavalieri  (also called Palazzo della Carovana) with its majestic facade.

​Right on the bank of the mouth of the River Arno, Pisa is home to more than 20 historic churches and is also a well known University town, with the University of Pisa, having a history that dates back to the 12th century.

What we offer:

• Accomodation: B&B
• Visit to Pisa and it’s Piazza dei Miracoli and the world famous leaning tower
• Wine tasting lunch in the San Gimignano area with typical Tuscan delights
• After lunch there is a visit to San gimignano a UNESCO World Heritage site
• A scenic drive around the Chianti area and then on to a guided tour of Siena
• Return to Florence at Sunset

Cinque Terre is located in Liguria,  5 miles of beautiful rocky coastline that boasts hundreds of miles of winding walking paths, and the five small villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.​

Set on the Italian Riveria, these towns have changed very little over the years still maintaining those historic stone walls, and twisting coastal footpaths. Enchanting beaches with crystal waters sparkle below these brightly coloured meditterrean towns.​

Famous for it’s top quality wines, seafood and not to mention that it’s filled with old churches, sanctuaries and breath taking views from every angle, it is an a must for those wishing to experience the small town Italy, of times past.​

Cinque Terre is a National Park of Italy and  is protected territory by UNESCO.  It includes a protected marine area, and became a national park (Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre) in 1999.

​What we offer:​

• Arrive at La Spezia, where a local train will take you to Vernazza​​
• Then on to Monterosso, an ancient fishing village. Here you will have free time to explore the enchanting beaches and crystal sea, while also enjoting a typical Ligurian lunch ​
• Then it’s on to Manarola, from where you can walk along the famous “Path of Love”, arriving at Riomaggiore.​
• The tour ends in La Spezia.​
• Tour includes transport, train or boat and a ticket for the “Path of Love”

Florence is home to some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and well known sites in Florence include the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, the Bargello Palace and the Accademia.

​Explore the ancient streets, brimming with history as they lead you to the Arno river and the reknowned Ponte Vecchio. The Renaissance palace, Palazzo Pitti is a must see for it’s grand collection of over 500 principally Renaissance paintings, which were once part of the Medicis’ and their successors’ private art collection. Let’s not forget the churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce and the library of San Lorenzo is a testament of Michelangelo’s architectural genius.​

​When you have had your fill of monuments and art galleries, take a well deserved break outside.

Explore the vibrant market, where Italian made treasures can be taken home as souveniers. Florence is famous for it’s artisan workshops that work on the leather used for top designer labels so your sure to find some great quality pieces here.

Spend a day at the Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte to experience an enchanting view of Florence.

​Don’t forget to indulge your tastebuds with the fine delicacies of Tuscan cooking. Tuscan food is well known for it being simple and abundant with local produce, mellow cheeses and grilled meats. Beef Steak Florentine, many versions of roasted or wine-braised game such as boar, deer and rabbit and thick and hearty soups are the basics of a typical Tuscan meal. If you’re a wine lover, don’t waste the opportunity of being in the home of the Chianti !

What we offer:

• Train from Rome to Florence​​​​
• Accommodation in a centrally located hotel
• Free time to explore Florence at your own pace​
• Day trip to Siena, San Giminiano and Pisa, with lunch at a winery on a Chianti vineyard​ (see description here)
• Visit to the Duomo, Accademia and Palazzo Pitti
• Day trip to Cinque Terre ( see description here)
• Mid-morning transfer to Lucca

Rome is one the most beautiful cities in the world and every year millions of tourists come to bask in it’s rich culture of art and history. Ancient ruins stand along side regal architectual wonders and it is a city overflowing with unique treasures and artistic masterpieces, there is something to see, on every corner you turn. From the Colosseum and the Trevi fountain to Piazza Navona, there is so much to see !​ Rome the Eternal City, is home to the religious centre of the Catholic Church, but also to the ancient ruins of the Roman Empire. There are alsp numerous buildings including pagan temples and other sites were converted into churches.At the Roman Forum alone, the Curia Iulia or Roman Senate building (Sant’Adriano in Foro), the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina (San Lorenzo in Miranda), and the Temple of Romulus (Santi Cosma e Damiano) were transformed into churches, and the churches of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami and San Pietro in Carcere were built above the Mamertine Prison nearby, where Sts. Peter and Paul were reputed to have been held.

Rome has been the backdrop for numerous Hollywood films, such as Roman Holiday, with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, La Dolce Vita and more recently The Talented Mr. Ripley. It is the home of the world famous film studios Cine Città, where movies are still filmed today.​ Although people always look to Milan for top Italian fashion, Rome too has it’s ties with fashion. Fendi is based in Rome, the family having immense ties to the city. Bulgari opened it’s atelier there in 1905. Via Condotti is the centre of Rome fashion and is world reknowned  for it’s long street of designer shops. Valentino’s atelier, a six story palazzo, is also close by at the Spanish Steps.​

​This world reknowned tourist destination is a bustling hub of Italian culture and a vibrant city, full of culinary delights and artistic masterpieces waiting to be explored.

What we offer on the Italy Spiritual Tour:

• Accomodation in centrally located hotel​
• A visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with both an English speaking Guide  and Audio guide
• A tour of Rome by night to discover the city’s most famous monuments, such as the Trevi fountain, Piazza Navona and The Pantheon.​
• Wednesdays see the Pope host a General Audience at St Peter’s Square. Or Sundays see’s the Pope pray the Angelus at St Peter’s Square. (Both events are subject to the itinerary schedule and the Pope’s presence in Rome).​​
• A visit to St. Mary Major Basilica, Basilica of St. John in Latern (First Papal Residence). A visit to the Basilica of Santa Croce in Jerusalem which has an exceptional collection of relics from the Holy Land, including a full size replica of the Shroud of Turin.
• A guided tour of Colosseum, Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum.
• Also includes free time, in which you can familiarise yourself with Rome, at your own pace.

Sorrento is a charming and enchanting town, positioned high above the bay of Naples, with a stunning panorama of the glittering water below. The meditterean clim makes for a magical experience as you explore sun drenched orange and lemon groves and the picturesque narrow streets.

This rustic town is filled with quaint artisan workshops and winding medieval passageways. With it’s mix of tourists and locals, you can enjoy the Italian traditons first hand. See the local’s hang their washing out to dry in the warm afternoon sun or join in, taking a well deserved rest after feasting on the local delicacies at lunch.

Wander though cobbled streets towards the port, Marina Grande, picking up some of the famous Limoncello, on the way to bring home or enjoy after dinner.

With the island of Capri located near by, this makes for the perfect day trip. Enjoy a boat ride through the Blue Grotto , finishing with some delicious coffee after a browse around the elegant boutiques.

What we offer on the Italy Spiritual tour:

• ​Accomodation in a centrally located hotel​
• Day trip to Capri with a visit to the Blue Grotto,by boat.
• A visit to the former Catherdral, dedicated to St Stephen.
• Free time to explore the island, with it’s quaint piazzas, laberyinth of narrow streets, fashionable boutiques and traditional restaurants, before returning by ferry to Sorrento.
• Day trip to the Sanctuary of Monte Vergine, dedicated to Mary.
• ​ There will also be the opportunity to visit the icon of the Black Madonna.
• Some free time will also be included, to explore beauty of Sorrento, at your own pace.

Pompeii is one of the most significant proofs of Roman civilization and is so well preserved it offers an incredible insight into the art, customs, trades and everyday life of the it’s residents.​

In the year 79 A.D Pompeii cam to a permanent standstill, when one of the most active and spendid Roman centres was unexpectantly buried in a thick layer of ash and lava, from the sudden eruption of Vesuvius near by. The thick layer of volcanic material which submerged it, solidified into extremely hard stone preserving the city intact until the present day, both its buildings as welll as the contents inside the houses and shops, providing an absolutely fascinating picture of “daily” life.​

​The walls of the houses are covered with electoral propaganda messages or risque jokes aimed at particular citizens. The signs on the shop doorways indicate the activity carried out there or the name of the owner. Alongside the elegant villas belonging to the nobility and the luxurious residences of the middle class, stand modest houses where several families lived.​

​​The houses still contain furniture, ornaments, gold and silverware, work tools, kitchenware, bronze and terracotta lamps, foodstuffs of all kinds, counters for serving drinks, grain mills and grindstones, workshops for manufacturing cloth and outlets selling groceries, fruit and vegetables.​
What we offer on the Italy Spiritual tour:
Day visit to Pompeii

• On arrival there will be a visit to the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary
• A guided visit of the ruins of ancient Pompeii

This village in the Puglia region, in the southeast of Italy, is where Padre Pio spent most of his life and where his tomb can be found today. The modern town is dominated by the Capuchin Friary here the Saint lived and died.

In San Giovanni Rotondo you can see the cell in which Padre Pio lived and died and the crucifix in front of which he received the stigmata, while praying after Mass in the choir loft of the small Church of Our Lady of Grace on the 20th September 1918. The Church is home to Padre Pio’s tomb as well as an exhibition of Padre Pio’s life in San Giovanni Rotondo and many blessed relics and garments.

What we offer on the Italy Spiritual tour:

• On route to San Giovanni Rotondo from Sorrento, a visit to Pietrelcina, the birth place of St. Padre Pio, born on May 25th, 1887. Visit here the room of this birth, the friary and the Church of Our Lady of the Angels
• Then on to the small towm of Monte Sant’Angelo to visit the Shrine of St Michael the Archangel
• Finally we arrive at San Giovanni Rotondo, where St Padre Pio spent a lifetime of prayer and penance
• There will be a tour of the shrine including: Tomb and cell of St. Padre Pio, his confessional, and the Crucifix from which he received the stigmata
• Free afternoon to explore the shrine
• On saturday evenings, there is an optional candlelight procession at the Shrine