Italy on Film

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Rome

   The capital of Italy is a vibrant, energetic and stylish city. While thoroughly modern in sensibility, Rome is also home to some of the world’s most important works of classic art and architecture. This city has been an epicenter for culture, politics and religion for more than 2,500 years. From the Spanish Steps to the Vatican, there are more than enough sights to keep even the most active tourists busy and even somewhere as popular as Rome you can find places just off the tourist trail and bustling with locals. But it’s also nice to slow down and enjoy Rome’s famous cafes and restaurants, which can be just as beguiling as the buildings. Lounge with an espresso on the Campo de Fiori and watch the changing light on the fountains and the facades. Visit the Vatican and explore some of the world’s most beautiful churches. Rome really comes alive at night, when restaurants and wine bars bring a renewed vitality to the city. You’ll also have opportunities for day trips to local vineyards, olive groves, and other places producing regional delicacies. No matter what your interests, or what kind of holiday you’re looking for, Rome will be an enjoyable destination.

   After you land at Rome's Fiumicino airport you will be met in the arrivals hall by a driver holding a sign with your name on. The journey to your accommodation in the center of Rome should take around an hour.

   

   Cinematic Night

   To start your Rome adventure, we suggest an easy introduction to an aperitivo or bar on a short walk. Bar San Calisto is where La Grande Bellezza movie was shot, and it's a very famous bar of Trastevere – make sure to try their amazing granita di caffe with Panna! Suppose you're a fan of The Talented Mr. Ripley. In that case, you'll find these locations look familiar: Cafe Latino in Rome (The Vesuvio nightclub) and the cafe where Freddie turns up, on Piazza Navona opposite Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers. Huge hit Eat, Pray, Love was partially shot in Rome, and if you want to follow the food footsteps of the movie, here is a short guide: San Crispino (gelato), Old Bear, and Santa Lucia trattorias.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Rome

   

   Golf Cart Around Rome Private Tour

   Explore Rome effortlessly with a private golf cart tour, a comfortable and eco-friendly way to see the city. Glide through the streets with your private guide, visiting iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain while hearing fascinating stories. Venture off the beaten path to hidden gems like the keyhole and the Pyramid of Cestius, adding unique stops to your adventure. This personalized tour lets you cover more ground, take breaks when needed, and fully immerse yourself in Rome’s history and charm.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Premium Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Group Tour

   Explore the captivating tales of lions, gladiators, and emperors on a comprehensive journey through Ancient Rome. Skip the lines and enjoy express entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. With an expert guide leading a small group of no more than 15 individuals, immerse yourself in an intimate and enjoyable tour of these three iconic sites, delving into the rich history of Ancient Rome.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Rome

   

   Vatican Early Morning Small Group Tour

   Your semi-private early morning Vatican tour begins near the entrance of the Vatican Museums, where you will meet your expert guide. Explore the Pinecone Courtyard, Octagonal Courtyard, and galleries filled with masterpieces, including the Laocoön, Apollo Belvedere, and the Belvedere Torso. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where you can admire Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling frescoes and “The Last Judgement” before the crowds arrive. The tour continues through the Raphael Rooms and St. Peter’s Basilica, where you will see Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldacchino, and the grandeur of Piazza San Pietro.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Active Movie Exploration

   While exploring the Eternal City on foot, you can try and follow a route of famous movie locations; you'll get to know Rome as well as its rich movie history. Roman Holiday takes place at some of Rome's biggest sites including the Spanish Steps, Pantheon and Colosseum. One of the most famous scenes takes place at Bocca della Verita (Mouth of Truth), where newspaper reporter Joe Bradley (played by Peck) pretends to lose his hand, frightening Hepburn's Princess Ann. Fans of the movie still line up to re-enact the famous scene and take photos with their hand in the Mouth. The 1960 film La Dolce Vita contains possibly the most iconic of all Roman movie scenes, and the vision of Anita Ekberg wading through the Trevi Fountain in her ballgown can be seen in pictures and on postcards throughout the city!

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Traveling to Naples by Train / Arrival in Naples

   Today you're headed south, to the melting-pot city of Naples. We've included a standard class tickets on one of the many high-speed train services linking Naples and Rome in an hour; an upgrade to a higher class is possible for an extra fee. We will arrange for a driver will take you to Roma Termini station in plenty of time for your train.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Naples by Private Transfer with a Stop at Pompeii

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   To call Naples rough around the edges would be quite the understatement. Yet amidst the chaos and beneath the grime is one of Italy's true gems. It's the third-largest city in the country, home to over three million people. An important port city for all the civilizations that have existed there, Naples is the original melting pot. Founded as Neapolis (literally "new city") by the Greeks in the 7th century B.C., Naples has many layers of history for you to discover.

   Upon arrival to Naples Central Train Station we will have a driver waiting for you to transfer you to your accommodation in the center of the city.

   

   The Eat, Pray, Love Trail

   If you want to follow Julia Robert's footsteps in Naples, you must have the same pizza she had. This famous place is L'antica Pizzeria da Michele, on via Cesare Sersale 1/7. Naples is a city of pizza, and if you don't want to brave the line or make reservations for the pizzeria's famous Margherita, we can help you find memorable alternatives.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Naples

   

   Half-day Private Excursion to Caserta from Naples

   After being picked up from your hotel by private car or minivan, a professional driver will escort you to the Royal Palace. An expert guide will lead you through its frescoed halls, royal rooms, and elegant corridors, revealing the grandeur of the Bourbon monarchy. Step outside to explore the palace gardens, with stunning fountains, tree-lined avenues, and breathtaking views. This tour offers a perfect blend of art, history, and nature, showcasing one of Italy’s most remarkable landmarks.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 5 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Go Underground

   The city of Naples has a long and storied history, going back to the ancient Greeks, who named the city Neapolis ("New City"). The Greeks dug subterranean aqueducts, which the Romans expanded over the centuries, creating a true underground labyrinth. There are two main tours, each slightly different. The daily Naples Underground should be your top priority, but the Bourbon Tunnels, which can be a little harder to visit, offer a contrasting view. We won't spoil the surprise, but as long as you're not claustrophobic, we can assure you an enlightening experience.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Traveling to Palermo by Airplane / Arrival in Palermo

   Today you're heading to Sicily's capital of Palermo. Our driver will meet you and take you to the airport with plenty of time to board your flight. We'll arrange for tickets on a direct flight and you'll be in Palermo after no more than an hour in the air.

   
   

   Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. In case you would prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. In addition, the price of the flights is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

   Palermo doesn’t care if you like it. It’s the capital city of Sicily, and its biggest. Reminiscent in parts of Naples. It's not a place you'll find thronged with tourists, but the locals sure like to be outside. A hub of activity and a gridlock in rush hour and at weekends. Despite the order of the main avenues, the twisting lanes of the Centro Storico provide plenty of opportunities to get lost. Cheek by jowl here you will find grand palazzos (much of European royalty had their vacation palaces in Palermo) and scruffy tenements. Turn a corner in a grungy alley and you’re faced with an ornate fountain or pomp and circumstance statue. All of this provides a rich backdrop to your time in Palermo. Many have come before. The city was founded nearly 3,000 years ago and Palermo has truly been a crossroads of the great civilizations. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Germans, Spanish, Bourbon, and finally Italian rulers have held dominion over the city and left their mark. Its international airport and busy seaport make it a great starting or finishing point for an exploration of Sicily.

   Upon arrival at Palermo airport, our driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals and will take you to the hotel in Palermo.

   

   Palermo by Night

   First glimpses of Palermo can be quite overwhelming; this loud and colorful city engages all of your senses at once. We suggest starting easy, with a nice drink and a meal in some of our favorite spots. Piazza Olivella (two steps from Teatro Massimo) is one of the main areas for shopping, food, and drinks. A small part of the square, known as the Champagneria, is one of the places where young people hang out. Piazza San Francesco and Via Paternostro are two vibrant areas full of bars and restaurants where you can get a feel for the Palermitan way of (night)life. Piazza Sant’Anna is the best square to enjoy a drink in summer and enjoy a favorite local past-time, people-watching, because the bars there put all of their tables outside.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Palermo

   

   Palermo Street Food Group Walking Tour

   In the morning, rendezvous with your guide for a delightful three-hour jaunt through Palermo's central squares, markets, and iconic monuments—a flavorful exploration of the city's finest street fare before the day heats up. This well-rounded experience harmoniously blends culinary delights with art, history, and culture. Join a group of like-minded explorers at one of the city's stunning squares. Your leisurely stroll through renowned markets will be accompanied by engaging narratives from your guide, unraveling the history of Palermo and narrating tales about the diverse array of food and drinks awaiting your tasting pleasure. A light breakfast beforehand is recommended for this epicurean adventure!

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

   

   Shopping like a Sicilian

   If you want to do some shopping in Sicily, you've come to the right place! To get you started, we've collected some of the local's favorite places to shop: The best shopping streets are Via Ruggero Settimo, Via Roma and Via Liberta with Corso Alberto Amedeo which is full of small shops and antiquity stores. Real handcrafted ceramics can be found at Via Nicolo Gallo, Via Daita, and Via Isidoro La Lumia. Outdoor markets are among the best shopping places: Ballaro market dating back to the 11th century is mainly a food market. La Vucciria is the largest one, open every day except Sunday. Here you can find food, clothes, shoes, small crafts stores, as well as lots of bars and food places to enjoy a tasty snack.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Your Second Full Day in Palermo

   

   The Wonderful Mosaics of the Monreale Cathedral

   The cathedral in Monreale, a suburb of Palermo, is regarded as the most beautiful Norman church in Sicily. The mosaics were made with 2,200 kg of pure gold! The UNESCO-listed site is the jewel of the crown of Arab-Norman heritage, which includes a series of nine civil and religious structures dating from the era of the Norman kingdom of Sicily (1130-1194): two palaces, three churches, a cathedral, a bridge, as well as the cathedrals of Cefalú and Monreale. Collectively, they are an example of a social-cultural syncretism between Western, Islamic and Byzantine cultures on the island which gave rise to new concepts of space, structure and decoration. They also bear testimony to the fruitful coexistence of people of different origins and religions.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Traveling to Taormina by Private Transfer / Arrival in Taormina

   Today you'll leave the city for scenic Taormina and its abundant natural beauty. The journey takes a bit over three hours, but if you would like to make a day of the trip, we can, for an extra fee, arrange a stop at a scenic winery on the fertile slopes of Mt. Etna or the historic seaside town of Acireale, which is known for its semi-frozen granita desserts.

   Taormina is the most famous destination in Sicily, hosting actors and actresses in an atmosphere of glamor, luxury, and seaside relaxation. We recommend visiting the fascinating Greek theater, nestled in a splendid location with spectacular views of scenic beaches and the snow-capped volcanic Mt. Etna. Then take time for a walk among the picturesque medieval streets and go shopping for local handicrafts, which include coral, lace, ceramics, and sweets.

   Your driver will bring you as close as possible to your accommodation located in the historic center of Taormina.

   

   Taormina at Sunset Small Group Walking Tour

   Admire Taormina in a whole new light with a small group sunset walking tour. You'll experience the unique relaxed atmosphere of the most famous Sicilian resort on this 2.5-hour walking tour, strolling down its magic medieval streets lit with romantic lights. Enjoy the charming scents of citrus and fresh seafood in the air, beautiful sounds of music played on the vivid streets, hear from your guide about the history and culture of Taormina and Sicily itself, and see the important sights. You will end your sunset tour on the terrace of one of the best restaurants in the very heart of Taormina with a distinctive view of smoking Etna and illuminated Ionian coastline. You will be offered a glass of Aperol Spritz or wine of your choice, accompanied by light appetizers. 

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2.5 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

10. Day 10 Your First Full Day in Taormina

    

    Etna Countryside Food and Wine Small Group Tour

    On this full-day tour, you will journey through Sicilian villages, learning about culture and traditions. At a family winery, you will indulge in prosecco and wine tastings paired with local delicacies. Then, you will relax at a historic farmhouse with scenic views, savoring more wine and traditional dishes. At a final stop, you will conclude your experience with a taste of authentic local liquors.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 6 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Swim and Dive Around Isola Bella

    The local beach in front of Isola Bella is a great spot for a relaxing afternoon and a sunset cocktail in one of the upmarket hotels with privileged access to the tiny beach. You can also try some easy diving around the local bay near the blue cave and the sunken Roman columns, which is ideal for beginners. We recommend a local company, Nike Diving Taormina: https://diveniketaormina.com/en/

    Suggestion to explore on your own

11. Day 11 Departure Day

    Today our driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Taormina and take you to Catania airport in plenty of time for your departing flight. The drive should take about 1 hour.