Head on the ultimate trip to discover one of the most beautiful regions in Italy with this 10-day self-drive tour of Tuscany! Your journey will begin in Catania, from where you will grab your car and set off to explore the Etna Area. Taste some local wines in a beautiful vineyard before you drive to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. From there you will explore Taormina, a gorgeous city known for its natural landscapes of the sea, city, and rocks. Your next stop will be in Syracuse, the largest and most powerful Greek colony in Sicily. Discover the ancient Greek ruins dating 2,700 years back in time, such as the Teatro Greco and the Temple of Apollo, as you bask in the beauty of the deep blue Ionian Sea. Travel to Noto, known for its beautiful churches, extravagant palaces, and iron-wrought balconies. Unwind on the beautiful beaches of Marzamemi, a mesmerizing Italian village known for its bright blue waters. Visit Ragusa, famous for its late-baroque Sicilian style architecture, and explore Agrigento, one of the oldest cities in Sicily home to the Valley of the Temples, an area that preserves 11 Doric temples from the 5th century BC. From there you will drive to Alcamo, an area where many fine Italian wines are produced.Travel down the Western Coast through Marsala, a famous destination known for its stunning beaches and wide range of wines, before you explore Palermo, the capital of Sicily and a city that magnificently blends Norman-Arab, baroque medieval, and gothic architectural styles. See the Arab-Norman Cathedral among many other famous monuments and get a taste of the local cuisine with an astronomic walk-through Palermo before your tour of Sicily comes to an end! This journey captures the essence of Exclusive Italy tours, where culture, cuisine, and history are seamlessly woven into a luxurious travel experience.
Food tours
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, Sici
Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, Sicily, Mount Etna, Agrigento, Alcamo
Discover the medieval town built during the Holy Roman Empire, enter the historical center from one of the ancient gates to the town and discover the architectural beauties of the churches of St. Blaise, St. Nicholas, Greek Church and the Cathedral of Altamura, the only church built by Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen in the Middle Ages.
The lovely walk continues through the typical squares of the old town
and made to carry you smell good in the little streets of the old town in search of old wood-burning ovens where even today the cooking bread and focaccia.
Bread and Focaccia's final tasting.
Explore Tuscan gems on a specially crafted cycle trip for all ages. There are no steep Tuscan hills on this beautifully designed self guided cycle taking in some of Tuscany's most famous towns. Pedal effortlessly along the meandering Arno river cycle paths that take you from one classic Tuscan city to the next. From the leaning tower of Pisa to the elegant Piazza Anfiteatro in Lucca and the famous Duomo of Florence, there are no shortage of sites to engage the whole family. Delve further into the countryside to visit lesser known corners such as Calci, where a famous Natural History Museum is housed and Vinci, where Leonardo da Vinci was born. Cycle through a quintessential Tuscan landscape, taste the many local specialties and stay in three comfortable family run hotels generally with swimming pools and gardens, perfect for relaxing after the cycling day is over.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tuscany, Pisa, Empoli, San Giuli
Tuscany, Pisa, Empoli, San Giuliano Terme, Lucca, Vinci, Florence
Immense yourself on this captivating self-driven odyssey from Rome to Amalfi, traversing scenic routes, this journey unfolds amidst picturesque landscapes and historic marvels. Departing Rome's vibrant cityscape, the drive leads through charming villages and past ancient ruins, offering glimpses into Italy's rich heritage. As the road winds along the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, the azure expanse of the Tyrrhenian Sea provides a breathtaking backdrop. Experience the charm and beauty of Amalfi, a coastal gem with colorful architecture, a storied cathedral and a relaxed atmosphere. Admire the stunning cliffs, azure waters and picturesque villages. Explore Iconic landmarks like Positano and Ravello which epitomize Mediterranean charm. This self-drive experience encapsulates the essence of Italy, blending cultural richness with natural beauty.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Discover Otranto in a walking tour of 2 hours.
Gateway to the East , built on the sea .
The city tour will take you to discover the Norman Cathedral , consecrated in 1088, a work of Count Roger I adorned later (about 1163), by Bishop Jonathas , with a mosaic floor , It has a rose window and side portal of 1481. The interior , a basilica with ship and two aisles , contains columns said to come from a temple of Minerva and a fine mosaic pavement of 1166 , with interesting representations of the months , Old Testament subjects and others . Bones and relics of the Martyrs of Otranto , who perished in the 15th-century siege surround the high altar . The church Has a crypt supported by forty-two marble columns . The same Count Roger founded a Basilian monastery Also here , Which , under Abbot Nicetas , Became a place of study , the ITS library was nearly all bought by Bessarion .
After seeing the cathedral you will visit the Church of St. Peter and Castle , reinforced by Emperor Frederick II and rebuilt by Alphonso II of Naples in 1485-1498 . It has an irregular plan with five sides , with a moat running along the Entire perimeter . In origin it had a single entrance , reachable through a draw- bridge. Towers features three cylindrical ones and a bastion called Punta Diamante ( "Diamond 's Head "). The entrance sports the coat of arms of Emperor Charles V.
Leave the crowd behind and with your skip-the-line tickets visit the Colosseum and the Imperial Roman Forum. Explore the most monumental elements of the Eternal City with a private tour guide who will bring to life the spirit of the ancient Roman world.
Visit the Colosseum, one of the largest structures of the ancient world, where Romans once gathered to watch the gladiator games, battles with wild beasts, and according to legend, sea battles. Discover how the Colosseum, a massive stone amphitheater which seated an estimated 60,000 spectators, was built in only 8 years. Your guide will unlock fascinating stories of its design and construction, the political benefit, the fighters, and the eventual end of the games at the Colosseum.
At the Imperial Roman Forum, your guide will bring to life the mythology, the popular celebrations of the time, and the gods of ancient Rome, which are reflected in the star signs in contemporary astrology. Learn how the pagan holiday Saturnalia influenced the unfolding of Christmas on the 25th of December today. Listen to the story of the Lapis Niger (Latin for ‘black stone’), the most ancient Latin text ever discovered in the world - which is housed in the foundation of a column in the Forum.
Discover the Temple of the Vestal Virgins - six young women taken from aristocratic families to serve as virgin priests of Vesta. They worked in the temple for a period of 30 years under different emperors and were regarded almost as goddesses in status. Their foremost duty was maintaining the sacred fire of Vesta which represented the hearth of Rome. As legend had it - as long as the sacred flame burned, Rome would endure.
From the Forum you will take a pleasant stroll to Palatine Hill, where Rome is thought to have originated. Walk among its beautiful hills and gardens and explore the Domus Augustus - Villa of Augustus - the partially excavated palace of Augustus and successive emperors. Your guide will discuss the legendary cave of Palatine Hill where, as myth has it, Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf who nurtured them through infancy.
The discovery of Lecce starts from the beginning pre-Roman and Roman, to the great period of the Baroque, a walk to the historic center that will take you to discover the wonders of Lecce, one of the most beautiful cities of southern Italy.
The route starts from Porta Napoli to Piazza Duomo (Cathedral, Bell Tower, Bishop's Seminar), the baroque heart of Lecce.
Continue walking to the Church of St. Irene, Sant'Oronzo square, where you can see the ruins of the Roman amphitheater, the church of San Marco and the Sedile.
Walking through the streets of the old town, we will visit the Church of Santa Chiara and Roman Theatre, other important particulars of the story of Lecce.
The tour ends at the Basilica of Santa Croce, a jewel of Lecce Baroque and Celestine Convent.
The guided tour make you discover the typical Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The itinerary begins in the square Pascoli, with a wonderful view of the Sasso Caveoso and the hill called Murgia. You will pass by the Palazzo Lanfranchi, houses the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata, and the nearby church of the Carmine.
The tour continues through the heart of the old buildings to the church of San Pietro Caveoso.
Visit to a typical "Casa Grotta (Cave House)" excavated in the rock with furniture of rural culture to the beginning of 1900.
You will pass near the cave church of Saint Lucia delle Malve, will visit some of the most important frescoes.
The tour continues to the Sasso Barisano following the ancient ravine.
Return to the center of town and walk around the baroque area with a visit to the most important churches in this style: St. Clare and St. Francesco di Assisi.
End of the tour with the discovery of the Romanesque cathedral.
In the heart of Puglia is hidden the most important monument of the Middle Ages in Italy, a treasure of beauty and mystery to explore.
Castel del Monte was built on top of a hill where you can see a good part of the Puglia Region and the cities of the coast with a beautiful landscape.
Castel del Monte is certainly the most important building that has left the Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen of Swabia, full of mysteries not fully revealed.
At the base of its construction there is always the number 8.
After many years of neglect, during which the castle was stripped of furniture and decorations of marble, has become a refuge for shepherds, brigands and political refugees.
In 1876 the castle was bought and restored by the Italian state.
In 1996 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage for the perfection of its shape and the harmonious union of cultural elements from northern Europe, the Islamic world and classical antiquity and because it represented the personality of its creator Frederick II Hohenstaufen.
The tour you will discover the exteriors and interiors of the 'castle' and describe the secrets of the historical context in which it was built.
See the ruins of Herculaneum, the smaller, but no less impressive, sister of Pompeii, frozen in time by the same devastating volcanic eruption of August 24th 79 AD. Left buried under the rubble of ash until the 1700s, its discovery stunned the world.
All of the ancient town lies at the bottom of an archaeological hole, about 75 feet deep. Getting closer, see the area of the marina where 300 human skeletons were found along with a boat (on display at weekends).
Discover the garden of the “House of the Albergo”, where quince trees have been replanted following evidence of carbonized roots of the ancient fruit tree. Your next stop is the Council Hall of the Augustali, where beautiful frescoes depict Hercules.
Visit the mosaics in the House of Neptune and Amphitrite, and the neighboring store where food and wine containers, carbonised by the volcano, still hang on the walls! Go to the ancient spa, still covered with mosaics from the Roman saunas, gyms, hot rooms, and cold tubs.
Finally, see the most spectacular villa of Herculaneum at Villa Dei Cervi, with its luxurious mosaics, frescoes, and statues.
Discover Gallipoli in a walking tour of 2 hours.
First stop on the itinerary is the Greek fountain, an example of the Renaissance style inspired by the ancient world (in the past was thought to be of age greek-Roman).
Crossing the bridge that connects the old center to the new town, you enter the heart of the city, protected by the big castle.
From Antonietta De Pace street walking to the Cathedral, dedicated to St. Agatha, martyred in the city of Catania (Sicily), whose relics arrived in Gallipoli.
Then continue to the winding streets of the city, admiring the buildings and the typical houses, and then along the coast with numerous churches of the sixteenth century, including the Church of Purità, St. Francesco of Assisi and the Rosario.
It's no surprise that Lake Garda is northern Italy's most popular destination. Full of beauty and history, lush green hills frame the clear waters as each point around the lake has its own unique character and charm. We have chosen the southern tip of the lake as our base, perched on the edge of the Mincio River. Our routes take you through diverse landscapes and towns around Lake Garda and along the river, on both the Lombardy and Veneto sides of the water. Cycle through vineyards, medieval towns, and along the famous Sirmione peninsula with its ancient castle. There's plenty to see along the way as you can visit UNESCO Heritage sites, Roman ruins, and of course, relax lakeside. There are also opportunities to sample the local wines in Bardolino and Valpolicella, regarded as some of the country's finest reds.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lake Garda, Bardolino, Borghetto
Lake Garda, Bardolino, Borghetto, Lombardy & the Lakes, Sirmione, Mantua
Visit to a typical winery in the Apulia region (Southern Italy), a few steps from the Cathedral of Trani and the sea, surrounded by countryside.
The winery is located in a beautiful old stone farmhouse "Masseria" in the countryside.
You will visit the magnificent vineyards and through a pleasant walk, explore the cellars with wooden barrels where they are stored different types of wine.
Some wines take their name from the important medieval castle in this area, Castel del Monte.
At the end of the tour there will be a wonderful wine tasting or the characteristic "Moscato di Trani", a sweet dessert wine.
Alessandra GalassiTravel Expert in Italy
Danilo CataniaTravel Expert in Italy
Enrico Maria MalacarneTravel Expert in Italy
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