: Boarding your overnight flight, you’re off on your Italy adventure. Buon viaggio!

Benvenuti a Roma! We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Rome airport to your hotel at scheduled times. Your Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you.

Enjoy some free time this afternoon—take a walk on Via Veneto, have a gelato or maybe do some shopping. Tonight, we’ll meet our tour leader for a brief orientation and welcome drink, followed by dinner in our hotel.

This morning, it’s a five minute drive to another country – Vatican City! With our expert local guide we’ll tour the Vatican Museums, a massive collection of ancient Greek sculptures, medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings. Our visit culminates in the Sistine Chapel, the room where the Pope is elected.

Next, we visit St. Peter’s Basilica, by far the largest church in Christendom. We’ll see Michaelangelo’s Pietà, sculpted when he was just 24 years old, as well as Bernini’s seven-story bronze canopy located above the main altar.

Tonight, you’ll be our guest at a fine Roman restaurant with flowing wines and great friends!

This morning, after breakfast, we will board our chariot for a relaxing, panoramic driving tour of Imperial Rome including the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, an arena for horse races during the Roman Empire, and the Synegogue.

Then we will enter the Colosseum, reliving the brutal entertainment of the gladiators and the lions, refereed by the Emperor himself.

Tonight, you have the chance to explore the wonderful restaurants in Rome on your own. Be sure to try some “Fiori di Zucca,” a specialty in Rome: Zucchini flowers, deep fried and filled with mozzarella and sometimes, anchovies.

: This morning we drive to Amalfi, one of the most famous coastlines on earth.

Along the way, we’ll stop in Pompeii! Imagine, a city perfectly preserved as it was on that fateful day 2,000-years-ago, when ash and lava literally stopped it in its tracks. You’ll see the tragic fossils of people attempting to escape along with children and dogs.

Next, we’ll settle into our home in Amalfi at the historic Hotel Luna Convento, a twelfth-century convent converted into a charming first-class hotel overlooking the sea. Tonight, dinner at our hotel with great local wines.

What better way to visit the splendid towns of the Amalfi coast than by sea!

Today, we’ll sail from Amalfi to Positano (in case of bad weather, we’ll travel by bus). There will be time to explore this picture-postcard village set on a cliff dropping into the blue Mediterranean Sea.

Then we will take a quick drive to Sorrento to enjoy a lunch featuring the fresh specialties of the Campania region.

This evening is yours to enjoy as you please!

Amalfi at our stern, Capri at our bow, this morning we sail to one of your world’s most enchanting islands. Weather permitting, we’ll visit the Blue Grotto, famed for its translucent aquablue light. We’ll also tour the island followed by a well-deserved lunch with wine.

Later this afternoon, we’ll sail back to Amalfi. Tonight, we’ll enjoy our final night at a relaxing dinner in the hotel. Don’t forget to exchange contact information so you can plan another trip together in the future!

This morning your trip home starts at the Naples Airport. Unless, of course, you have chosen to extend your stay and let this unforgettable journey continue a little longer! We hope you enjoyed Rome, Amalfi, your guide, your driver and your traveling companions. Buon viaggio and please join Perillo Tours again in the very near future.

Boarding your overnight flight, you're off on a journey that will remain etched in your memory forever!

Arrive in Rome - Afternoon Leisure - Dinner Out

Benvenuti a Roma! We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Rome airport to your hotel at scheduled times. Your Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you.

This afternoon, you will have free time to relax or better yet, explore the Eternal City. There's so much to see and do!

Tonight, we enjoy a delicious dinner in the characteristic district of Trastevere, one of the centers of the Roman night life. This lively area of tiny winding streets gives a taste of what one imagines Italy to be like, with cobbled streets and music-filled trattorias on every corner

This morning, it's a ten minute ride over to another country - Vatican City. With our expert local guide we'll tour the Vatican Museums - a massive collection of ancient Greek sculptures, medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings. Our visit culminates in the Sistine Chapel, the room where the Pope is elected.

Next we visit St. Peter's Basilica, by far the largest church in Christendom. We'll see Michelangelo's Pieta, sculpted when he was just 24 years old, as well as Bernini's seven story bronze canopy located above the main altar.

Enjoy dinner on your own tonight. Ask your tour guide for a nearby recommendation, or venture out and explore the local restaurants in Rome! Be sure to try a Suppli’, a quintessential Roman specialty: Fried ball of rice filled with tomato sauce, meat and melted mozzarella.

Hail Caesar! All aboard our chariot for a panoramic tour of imperial Rome, including the Roman Forum, Largo Argentina (where Caesar was stabbed by Brutus) and the Circus Maximus.

Then we'll enter the Colosseum, reliving the brutal entertainment of the gladiators and the lions, refereed by the Emperor himself.

You’re already good friends with your traveling buddy, Joe Piscopo. But tonight’s our chance to watch him at work during our special Gala Dinner at a beautiful restaurant! You’ve never seen such an energetic, multidimensional exhibition of music, impressions and comedy. You’ll want to take Joe home with you!

Today, we will take a flight from Rome to Catania and then our bus will take us to our home for the next 4 nights, Taormina!

This afternoon we will take a leisurely tour, and you’ll discover why Taormina is known as the “Jewel of Italy“. Its winding streets and secluded gardens are truly enchanting. The snow covered volcano, Mt. Etna, serves as a dramatic backdrop to the well-preserved Greek and Roman outdoor theaters we’ll be visiting.

Tonight, we’ll enjoy a dinner out at a local restaurant

09:00 am This morning we’ll depart for the must-see Sicilian Mountain villages that have become world known thanks to F.F. Coppola, who filmed the legendary "The Godfather" here. You will reach Savoca, a medieval town hidden in the mountains.

Our first point will be the world-famous Bar Vitelli, where Michael Corleone asked Apollonia's father for her hand in marriage. Here lunch will be served so you can taste different types of excellent Sicilian wines accompanied by traditional food of the island (meat and cheese delicacies, vegetables, fresh bread, olives and olive oil), sitting on the terrace with a breathtaking view of the Ionian coast and mountains.

We will continue the tour in Forza D'Agro, another picturesque mountain town that also has become the place for the scenes of the Godfather. You will explore the historic square, the ancient monastery and churches, walk the abandoned streets, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Sicilian villages that was here some hundreds of years ago.

“The Godfather” Filming Locations in Sicily “

In the Godfather’s films the towns of Forza d’Agrò were used as locations for those scenes set in Corleone.

• Belvedere, Forza d’Agrò, Messina, Italy
• Forza d’Agrò, Messina, Italy

The church on the hill in Savoca where Michael Corleone married. The Godfather wedding scene, shot in 1972. Savoca, near the prosperous coastal resort town of Taormina (whose station was used in Godfather III) was chosen as a stand-in for the real village of Corleone in the 1972 movie because it was relatively untouched by progress and had fewer issues than Corleone with the local mafia.

Locals led a hard-scrabble existence, farming on terraces and growing citrus trees and cactus, a perfect backdrop for a story of a Sicilian family who migrated to the US and made it good, mafia style.

Even today, life goes on in a typically “piano, piano” Sicilian way – not too fast. Savoca, unlike inland Corleone, looks to the Ionian Sea from its lofty perch, a pretty village surrounded by sun-blasted hillsides and the occasional old stone farmhouse.

When Francis Ford Coppola filmed here, all the scenes were shot looking away from the stunning view for authenticity. In contrast, a modern sculpture of Coppola, crouched over his cine camera, looks to the sea.

There is one winding, narrow road up from the coastal highway to Savoca, which is now augmented with some modern villas, and then a gentle upward stroll past tiny houses and old ruins to the church on the hilltop, begun in the 14th century and known as Santa Lucia, where Michael married Apollonia.

Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own.

This morning, you’ll meet one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Mt. Etna is in an almost constant state of eruption. But don’t worry – we’ll keep a safe distance!

The fertile volcanic soil supports extensive agriculture, orchards and vineyards. So let’s visit a local winery for a tour, a wine tasting and a light lunch!

Tonight, you can enjoy dinner on your own. Have you tried pesce spada yet? Swordfish is Sicily’s favorite seafood

This morning, after breakfast, we will head over to Palermo by bus. (Approximately 3.5 hours)

You’ll have an entire free day to enjoy as you please!

This morning we will have a guided tour of Monreale, You will view the town's 12th-century Norman Cathedral, known worldwide for its mosaics, which sits in the hills overlooking Palermo. See Byzantine art come to life within the cathedral's nave, where nearly every surface is covered with intricately detailed mosaics depicting biblical scenes in rich colors and gold filigree. You will then proceed to Palermo and visit the famous Arabic Norman Cathedral where are housing the remains of Frederick II of Swabia, who was buried in Cistercian clothes.

Walking through the streets of the old town, you will reach the Capo market, where food goods are displayed and sold outcrying following the ancient tradition of the Arabs Suk.

This afternoon will be free for you to discover the city with its interesting museums, medieval churches, Byzantine mosaics, or bustling street markets for an authentic taste of local life. Palermo’s strategic position in the middle of the Mediterranean has led to past filled with a regular succession of invaders, from Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, and Romans, to Normans, Swabians, French and Spanish Bourbons, and more. This helps to explain the city's eclectic mix of architectural styles—although the 17th- and 18th-century Baroque period has left the most visible mark on Palermo's civic and religious structures.

Tonight, we will enjoy a dinner out at a local restaurant.

Today we will visit Cefalù, a coastal town in Northern Sicily. We will enjoy a guided visit of the famous Norman cathedral, a 12th century fortress-like structure with elaborate Byzantine mosaics and soaring twin towers. The Cathedral has a founding legend: Normal King Roger II made a vow to God during a dangerous sailing trip from Southern Italy. His life was in great danger and he promised to build a wonderful church in the place where he would have landed, if he survived. Roger did in fact survive, disembarked in Cefalù and kept his promise and built a cathedral there.

We’ll have some free time to walk around this charming town, shop and have lunch on our own before heading to Palermo.

Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own. Be sure to end your dinner with a delicious dessert that originated in Palermo: the Cassata Siciliana.

This morning we head to the Palermo airport for our flight home, arriving in the USA the same day. While we say “arrivederci” to Italy, we realize we’re taking a little piece of it back home with us….and maybe some wine too!

Arrivederci Bella Sicilia!

: Boarding your overnight flight, you’re off on your Italy adventure. Buon viaggio!

Benvenuti a Roma! We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Rome airport to your hotel at scheduled times. Your Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you.

Enjoy some free time this afternoon—take a walk on Via Veneto, have a gelato or maybe do some shopping. Tonight, we’ll meet our tour leader for a brief orientation and welcome drink, followed by dinner in our hotel.

This morning, it’s a five minute drive to another country – Vatican City! With our expert local guide we’ll tour the Vatican Museums, a massive collection of ancient Greek sculptures, medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings. Our visit culminates in the Sistine Chapel, the room where the Pope is elected.

Next, we visit St. Peter’s Basilica, by far the largest church in Christendom. We’ll see Michaelangelo’s Pietà, sculpted when he was just 24 years old, as well as Bernini’s seven-story bronze canopy located above the main altar.

Tonight, you’ll be our guest at a fine Roman restaurant with flowing wines and great friends!

This morning, after breakfast, we will board our chariot for a relaxing, panoramic driving tour of Imperial Rome including the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, an arena for horse races during the Roman Empire, and the Synegogue.

Then we will enter the Colosseum, reliving the brutal entertainment of the gladiators and the lions, refereed by the Emperor himself.

Tonight, you have the chance to explore the wonderful restaurants in Rome on your own. Be sure to try some “Fiori di Zucca,” a specialty in Rome: Zucchini flowers, deep fried and filled with mozzarella and sometimes, anchovies.

: This morning we drive to Amalfi, one of the most famous coastlines on earth.

Along the way, we’ll stop in Pompeii! Imagine, a city perfectly preserved as it was on that fateful day 2,000-years-ago, when ash and lava literally stopped it in its tracks. You’ll see the tragic fossils of people attempting to escape along with children and dogs.

Next, we’ll settle into our home in Amalfi at the historic Hotel Luna Convento, a twelfth-century convent converted into a charming first-class hotel overlooking the sea. Tonight, dinner at our hotel with great local wines.

After a relaxing morning, we’ll take a short ride up the mountain to charming Ravello. The town’s beauty is so inspiring that for centuries it has attracted world famous composers, writers and artists. We’ll visit the stunning Villa Rufolo; built by a very wealthy merchant family in the 13th century, it was one of the largest and most expensive villas on the Amalfi Coast. When the famous German composer, Richard Wagner, visited the villa, he was so inspired that he stayed there long enough to write the second act of “Parsifal”, an opera that he had been working on for over twenty years.

Next, we’ll return to Amalfi for a wine tasting with the best Amalfi Coast wines and the world famous Lemoncello liqueur. It goes down easily… but it’s quite strong! Salute! This evening is yours to enjoy as you please!

What better way to visit the splendid towns of the Amalfi coast than by sea!

Today, we’ll sail from Amalfi to Positano (in case of bad weather, we’ll travel by bus). There will be time to explore this picture-postcard village set on a cliff dropping into the blue Mediterranean Sea.

Then we will take a quick drive to Sorrento to enjoy a lunch featuring the fresh specialties of the Campania region.

This evening is yours to enjoy as you please!

Amalfi at our stern, Capri at our bow, this morning we sail to one of your world’s most enchanting islands. Weather permitting, we’ll visit the Blue Grotto, famed for its translucent aquablue light. We’ll also tour the island followed by a well-deserved lunch with wine.

Later this afternoon, we’ll sail back to Amalfi. Tonight, we’ll enjoy our final night at a relaxing dinner in the hotel. Don’t forget to exchange contact information so you can plan another trip together in the future!

This morning your trip home starts at the Naples Airport. Unless, of course, you have chosen to extend your stay and let this unforgettable journey continue a little longer! We hope you enjoyed Rome, Amalfi, your guide, your driver and your traveling companions. Buon viaggio and please join Perillo Tours again in the very near future.

Boarding your overnight flight, you’re off on a journey that will remain etched in your memory forever!

Benvenuti a Roma! We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Rome airport to your hotel at scheduled times. Your Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you.

Enjoy some free time this afternoon—take a walk on Via Veneto, have a gelato or maybe do some shopping. Tonight, we’ll meet our tour leader for a brief orientation and welcome drink, followed by dinner in our hotel.

This morning, we travel ten-minutes to another country—Vatican City. With our expert local guide we’ll tour the Vatican Museums, a massive collection of ancient Greek sculptures, medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings.

Our visit culminates in the Sistine Chapel, renowned for its Renaissance art, especially the ceiling which was painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. The Chapel, which attracts more than five million visitors each year, is also where the Pope is elected.

Next we visit St. Peter’s Basilica, by far the largest church in Christendom. We’ll see Michelangelo’s Pietà, sculpted when he was just 24, as well as Bernini’s seven-story bronze canopy located above the main altar.

Tonight, we thought you’d enjoy a dinner on your own. Ask your guide for a recommendation or venture out and explore. Be sure to try Spaghetti alla Carbonara made with eggs, guanciale (bacon from pig’s cheek), black pepper and pecorino cheese.

(Please note that the visit of St. Peter’s Basilica is subject to availability based on any events planned by the Pope.)

This morning, after breakfast, we will enjoy a Gelato tasting! It’s never too early for gelato!

After this, we travel to Bologna, the gastronomic capital of Italy. To Italians, Bologna is known as the city of “Two Towers”; worldwide it’s known as the city of lasagna, tagliatelle, tortellini and Bolognese sauce. Good food must boost brainpower because Bologna is home to the oldest university in Europe!

This afternoon is yours to enjoy on your own. Why not visit the market stalls selling beans, tomatoes and cheeses. Have lunch at a trattoria serving fresh pasta with their signature ragu sauce. The city is a food lover’s paradise!

Tonight, we enjoy a fabulous dinner out with typical local specialties in a local restaurant.

This morning, we travel to Parma, a city in the region of Emilia Romagna famous for its prosciutto, parmigiano cheese, architecture and gorgeous countryside.

On the way, we’ll stop to visit a cheese factory for a taste of genuine parmigiano cheese— our favorite!

In Parma, we’ll enjoy a visit to a prosciutto (ham) factory followed by a light lunch.

Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own. Be sure to try one of Bologna’s signature dishes: tortellini which take their shape from Venus’ navel!

The Grand Canal is just a short train ride away. Should we go? You wouldn’t want to miss one of the most unique cities in the world… Andiamo a Venezia!

In Venice, everything and everyone floats. One floats luxuriously with such a sense of freedom, never tormented by traffic or even the sounds of honking horns.

Your guide will show you all the sights—St. Mark’s Square, the Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs. Just around the corner from St. Mark’s Square, we’ll enjoy a special Venetian lunch in a city renowned for its seafood specialties.

This evening we return to Bologna for dinner on our own.

Today, we will discover Emilia Romagna, one of the most fertile and productive regions of Italy. We are whisked along the northern Italian countryside, arriving along the famous coast of Liguria.

We will take a short boat ride to Portofino, a picturesque seaside village with brightly colored houses lining the shore. Portofino is also known as the resort of the rich and famous...a perfect place for our guests! Designer boutiques and dozens of cafés and restaurants line the main square, giving guests the chance to experience the real Italian “bella vita.”

*Weather permitting

You’ll have some free time to visit the main square, the church of San Giorgio, which is said to have relics of St. George. You can also visit the Brown Castle, built in the fifteenth-century and used for harbor defense over the centuries.

Next, we visit Camogli, another charming fishing village and resort. This town has a small harbor with shops and restaurants. You’ll have free time to sightsee, have a gelato or just sit back and people watch.

We continue on to Rapallo, a pretty seaside resort town on the Italian Riviera. After a short visit of the city center, we check into our beautiful hotel and enjoy dinner with fine local wines.

Excitement awaits! Today we visit Cinque Terre, the ruggedly beautiful stretch of coastline inset with five tiny villages perched along the Italian Riviera. These 5 picturesque fishing villages are often the “top places to visit” for most travel magazines.

First, we travel to Sestri Levante to board our train to tiny Vernazza, the jewel of the Cinque Terre. Here the way of life remains simple, unspoiled and without cars. Ah… Tranquility!

Later today, we return to our hotel in Rapallo to enjoy the evening on our own.

Today is yours to enjoy as you please! Sightsee, shop and have some gelato!

Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own. Ask your tour leader for some suggestions – there are many choices in this beautiful town!

Today we drive to Stresa on beautiful Lake Maggiore. For centuries, Stresa has been a popular retreat for Europe’s aristocrats who have endowed the town with a number of beautiful villas.

Next, we visit Isola Bella, “beautiful island,” one of the Borromean islands of Lake Maggiore. With its wonderful gardens and impressive palace, this lovely island will remain in your memory forever.

After checking into our beautiful hotel in Stresa, enjoy one of your last dinners in Italy on your own. Time to really indulge!

This morning we enjoy an excursion to Lugano to explore the Italian section of Switzerland. Its close proximity to Italy makes the city a wonderful blend of Italian charm and Swiss sophistication. Stroll along the charming arcades, admire breathtaking lake views and, most importantly, shop for Swiss chocolate!

Next, we enjoy a boat ride around Lake Como, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy. Many celebrities have homes on the shores of Lake Como—George Clooney, Gianni Versace, Sylvester Stallone and Madonna. Real estate offices will be open for your convenience!

Tonight, we have a final dinner in the hotel with our new travel friends. Don’t forget to exchange email addresses and make plans for the future. How about you all meet again on another Perillo Tour—to Hawaii or Spain!

Transfer to Milan Airport in time for your return flight to USA.

Boarding your overnight flight, you’re off on a journey that will remain etched in your memory forever!

Benvenuti a Roma! Your Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you. We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Rome airport to your hotel at scheduled times.

This afternoon you’ll have some time to relax or better yet, explore the Eternal City. There’s so much to see and do!

Tonight, we’ll meet our tour leader for a brief orientation and welcome drink. After orientation, you’ll be free for the remainder of the evening. Be sure to ask your tour leader for restaurant recommendations – so many wonderful places to eat in this amazing city!

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you certainly can’t see it in one—but we’ll try to show you as much as possible in the next few days!

This morning, we travel ten-minutes to another country—Vatican City. With our expert local guide we’ll tour the Vatican Museums, a massive collection of ancient Greek sculptures, medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings. Our visit culminates in the Sistine Chapel, the room where the Pope is elected.

Next we visit St. Peter’s Basilica, by far the largest church in Christendom. We’ll see Michelangelo’s Pietà, sculpted when he was just 24, as well as Bernini’s seven-story bronze canopy located above the main altar.

Tonight, we’ll recount our explorations with good food and wines fit for an Emperor at a local Roman restaurant!

(Please note that the visit of St. Peter’s Basilica is subject to availability based on the events planned by the Pope.)

Hail Caesar! All aboard our chariot for a relaxing, panoramic driving tour of Imperial Rome including the Roman Forum, downtown ancient Rome, the Circus Maximus, and the Great Synogogue, built in the heart of the Jewish quarter.

Then we’ll enter the Colosseum, reliving the brutal entertainment of the gladiators and the lions, refereed by the Emperor himself.

Tonight, we thought you’d enjoy a dinner on your own. Ask your tour guide for a nearby recommendation, or venture out and explore the local restaurants in Rome! Be sure to try a Supplì, a quintessential Roman specialty: Fried ball of rice filled with tomato sauce, meat and melted mozzarella.

After a delicious breakfast in the hotel, we’re off on the beautiful drive south to Pompeii! On the way, we approach the view of the Bay of Naples, birthplace of Caruso, Sophia Loren, Bel Canto and ‘O Sole Mio.

We travel back to the Pompeii of 79 AD. A city perfectly preserved by the ash that rained down from Mt. Vesuvius. You’ll see the tragic fossils of the people trying to escape with their children and dogs, and streets, homes and stores that are all amazingly intact.

This evening we enjoy a relaxing dinner in our hotel.

This morning, we board our speedy jetfoil to the world’s most enchanting island—Capri. We’ll enjoy a private boat tour around the island (weather permitting). We’ll cruise by the magnificent Faraglioni, Capri’s iconic rock formations which tower above the Mediterranean Sea.

Next, we visit one of the lesser-known but equally beautiful sea caves, the Grotta Bianca. Then we’ll have free time to explore the island on our own, or take advantage of a special optional excursion with our tour leader.

Later this afternoon, we sail back and have some time to relax before heading out to a great Neapolitan restaurant for dinner.

This morning, after a delicious breakfast, we board a train to Florence! We’ll arrive in time for a lunch at our hotel followed by a walking tour of the historical center of this most famous of all Renaissance cities!

We’ll visit the majestic Duomo Complex built in 1296, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery with its renowned Gates of Paradise doors.

We follow the medieval streets to the most striking square in Florence, Piazza della Signoria.

“Breathtaking” is the only word to describe one’s first view of Michelangelo’s David. Yes, it’s quite large and detailed. But the real magic is in how Michelangelo transformed a lifeless rock into a man—full of pride, wary of his adversary, yet quietly confident. All with just a hammer and a chisel!

Tonight, we enjoy a Florentine dinner in our hotel with fine wines.

*In the event of a train strike or such problems, we will travel to Florence by bus.

The Grand Canal is just a short train ride away from Florence. Should we go? … SI! ANDIAMO A VENEZIA!

There is no normal life in Venice. Here, everything and everyone floats luxuriously with a sense of freedom, never tormented by traffic or even the sound of a horn.

Your guide will show you all the sights—St. Mark’s Square, the Basilica, and the Bridge of Sighs. Just around the corner from St. Mark’s Square, we’ll enjoy a special Venetian lunch in a town renowned for its seafood specialties.

This evening we return to Florence for dinner on your own. Make sure to try Pappa al Pomodoro, a rustic Tuscan soup made with tomatoes, garlic, onions and of course, Tuscan bread!

Our last day together will be at our favorite winery! You’ll visit the Tenuta Torciano winery in Tuscany and meet our dear friend, Pierluigi Giachi, the world’s most enchanting sommelier. You’ll learn about the grape, the nose, food pairings and most importantly—which glass to use with each wine! You’ll also get to experience an olive oil and truffle oil tasting…and of course have some fresh bread with it!

This will all be followed by a fabulous lunch and wine tasting. Salute! Enjoy the remainder of the day and evening on your own, perhaps shopping for last minute souvenirs!

This morning board your flight home, arriving in the USA the same day. Unless, of course, you have chosen to extend your stay! A warm Grazie for traveling with the Perillo family and please return soon.

Boarding your overnight flight, you’re off on the adventure of a lifetime!

Benvenuti a Roma, the eternal city! We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Rome airport to your hotel at scheduled times. Your Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you.

There will be time to relax this afternoon before dinner with fine local vino at our hotel.

This morning, you’ll get to experience a delicious Italian breakfast, complete with cappuccinos, fresh juices, croissants, fresh breads along with salami, cheeses and of course bacon and eggs!

Next, we board our chariot for a panoramic tour of Imperial Rome including the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, and the Great Synagogue build in the heart of the Jewish quarter. Then we’ll enter the Colosseum, reliving the brutal entertainment of the gladiators and the lions, refereed by the Emperor himself.

Tonight, we enjoy a fun dinner out.

This morning, after a delicious breakfast, we’re off on the beautiful drive south to Pompeii. We’ll travel back in time to the fateful year of 79 AD. A city perfectly preserved by the ash that rained-down from Mt. Vesuvius, you’ll see the tragic fossils of people attempting to escape with their children and dogs. You’ll be amazed to see the streets, homes and stores still perfectly intact.

Next, we continue our journey to Amalfi, where we check in to our beautiful hotel.

Tonight we enjoy an authentic Neapolitan dinner in our hotel.

This morning, we board our hydrofoil to the world’s most enchanting island – Capri. We’ll enjoy a private boat tour around the island (weather permitting). We’ll cruise by the magnificent Faraglioni, Capri’s iconic rock formations which tower above the Mediterranean Sea.

Next, we visit one of the lesser-known but equally beautiful sea caves, the Grotta Bianca. Then we’ll have free time to explore the island on our own, or take advantage of a special optional excursion with our tour leader.

This afternoon we return to Amalfi where you can relax before you head out for dinner on your own. Ask your tour guide for some recommendations.

We thought you would enjoy a full day of leisure so today you are free to explore this beautiful city on your own…or you can relax at the hotel pool!

This morning we drive South to Calabria to board our ferry across the Straits of Messina to Sicily!

Our home in Taormina will be the great Villa Diodoro, which boasts stunning views of Mt. Etna and the bay of Naxos. Tonight, we enjoy a delicious Sicilian dinner in our hotel.

*This will be a long day so remember to wear comfortable clothes & shoes!

After this morning’s leisurely tour, you’ll know why Taormina is known as the “Jewel of Italy“. Its winding streets and secluded gardens are truly enchanting. The snow covered volcano, Mt. Etna, serves as a dramatic backdrop to the well-preserved Greek and Roman outdoor theaters we’ll be visiting.

This afternoon is all yours! Why not stroll the medieval streets lined with interesting little shops, take a dip in the hotel pool, or treat yourself to one of Sicily’s greatest inventions – the cannoli! It’s like heaven in your mouth!

Tonight, we enjoy dinner and great “Vino Siciliano” at a fine local restaurant.

This morning, you’ll meet one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Mt. Etna is in an almost constant state of eruption. But don’t worry – we’ll keep a safe distance!

The fertile volcanic soil supports extensive agriculture, orchards and vineyards. So let’s visit a local winery for a tour, a wine tasting and a light lunch!

Tonight, you can enjoy dinner on your own. Have you tried pesce spada yet? Swordfish is Sicily’s favorite seafood.

We’re off to Palermo, stopping along the way for a fascinating visit of Cefalù, a coastal town in Northern Sicily. We enjoy a guided visit of the famous Norman cathedral, a 12th century fortress-like structure with elaborate Byzantine mosaics and soaring twin towers. The Cathedral has a founding legend: Normal King Roger II made a vow to God during a dangerous sailing trip from Southern Italy. His life was in great danger and he promised to build a wonderful church in the place where he would have landed, if he survived. Roger did in fact survive, disembarked in Cefalù and kept his promise and built a cathedral there.

We’ll have some free time to walk around this charming town, shop and have lunch on our own before heading to Palermo.

Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own. Be sure to end your dinner with a delicious dessert that originated in Palermo: the Cassata Siciliana.

Today we will start our day by visiting the Cathedral, built on the ruins of the largest mosque, which houses the relics of Rosalia, patron saint of Palermo. Then we will walk through Ballarò, one of the oldest street markets in Sicily, taking in an explosion of colors and scents of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and fish. Vendors shout very loud—in Sicilian dialect—to attract people and to promote their specialties. This will be the best way to experience the unique atmosphere of daily life in Sicily. After visiting the market, we will admire the grandiose Fontana Pretoria, and we will end our walk at the Theater of the Sun, also known as “The Quattro Canti”, the heart of the old city.

This afternoon you will be free to enjoy it as you please… perhaps to buy some last minute gifts to take home with you.

Tonight, we enjoy our final dinner together in our hotel.

This morning we head to the Palermo airport for our flight home, arriving in the USA the same day. While we say “arrivederci” to Italy, we realize we’re taking a little piece of it back home with us….and maybe some wine too!

Arrivederci Bella Sicilia!

: Boarding your overnight flight, you’re off to Italy on the adventure of a lifetime!

Benvenuti a Roma! We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Rome airport to your hotel at scheduled times. Your Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you.

Enjoy some free time this afternoon—take a walk on Via Veneto, have a gelato or maybe do some shopping. Tonight, we’ll meet our tour leader for a brief orientation and welcome drink, followed by dinner in our hotel.

This morning, it’s a ten-minute bus ride over to another country—Vatican City. With our expert local guide we’ll tour the Vatican Museums—a massive collection of ancient Greek sculptures, medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings.

Our visit culminates in the Sistine Chapel, renowned for its Renaissance art, especially the ceiling which was painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. This room, which attracts more than five million visitors each year, is also where the Pope is elected.

Next we visit St. Peter’s Basilica, by far the largest church in Christendom. We’ll see Michelangelo’s Pietà, sculpted when he was just 24 years old, as well as Bernini’s seven story bronze canopy located above the main altar.

Afterwards, we explore some of the oldest areas of Rome – the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere.

There’s been a Jewish community in Rome since the second-century BC. It was Pope Paul IV who ordered them into a walled-off section of town in 1555. But In 1870, the Papal States lost control of the area and the Jews were free to leave the Ghetto!

All this walking will make us hungry… Si mangia! You’ll get a taste of real Italian cuisine and fine wines in a family-style restaurant in the characteristic district of Trastevere. This lively area is just what one imagines Italy to be like, with tiny cobblestone streets and music-filled trattorias on every corner.

(Please note that the visit of St. Peter’s Basilica is subject to availability based on any events planned by the Pope.)

Hail Caesar! All aboard our chariot for a relaxing, panoramic driving tour of Imperial Rome including the Roman Forum, downtown ancient Rome, the Circus Maximus, and the Great Synagogue, built in the heart of the Jewish quarter.

Then we’ll enter the Colosseum, reliving the brutal entertainment of the gladiators and the lions, refereed by the Emperor himself.

Tonight, we thought you’d enjoy a dinner on your own. Ask your tour leader for a recommendation, or venture out and explore the lively restaurants of Rome! Be sure to try Pasta cacio e pepe—pasta in a creamy olive oil, pecorino cheese and black pepper sauce—a specialty of Rome. Don’t forget the gelato after dinner! You’re doing a lot of walking on this tour so it’s a well-deserved treat!

After a hearty breakfast, we enjoy a ride through the Tuscan countryside. On our way to Florence, we will visit Lucignano, one of the most fascinating but lesser-known medieval destinations of Tuscany. Here we will discover a past that it’s alive thanks to hidden treasures like the unique “Tree of Life”, a masterpiece of Gothic jewelry in the shape of a tree.

Next stop will take us to an award- winning family run olive oil mill where we will enjoy an EVO tasting experience and get to know everything about the “green gold of Tuscany”. It will be then time to check into our beautiful hotel, Villa Olmi. This villa, located just fifteen-minutes from the historic center of Florence, is a peaceful oasis of Tuscan tranquility. Tonight, we enjoy a Florentine dinner with local wines at our hotel.

Florence—the fountainhead of the Renaissance awaits our inspection! Our day of sightseeing includes the majestic Duomo Complex built in 1926, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery with its renowned Gates of Paradise doors.

We follow the medieval streets to the most striking square in Florence, Basilica di Santa Croce, where Michelangelo is buried.

“Breathtaking” is the only word to describe one’s first view of Michelangelo’s David. Yes, it’s quite large and detailed. But the real magic is in how Michelangelo transformed lifeless rock into a man—full of pride, wary of his adversary, yet quietly confident. All with just a hammer and chisel!

Next we enjoy a typical Tuscan lunch. The evening is yours to do as you please!

After breakfast (colazione), we drive to Lucca, also known as “the city of 100 churches”. The churches are protected against Medieval invasions with huge, fortified walls. We visit the famous Duomo, the Amphitheater and the impressive Church of San Frediano.

This afternoon we visit Pisa! The Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) is recognized as one of the main centers for medieval art in the world, with four great religious edifices: the Cathedral, the Campanile (the famous leaning Tower), the Baptistery and the Camposanto.

We’ll enter the Cathedral dedicated to St. Mary of the Assumption. The big candelabrum near the altar is where Galileo Galilei tested his laws of pendulum physics!

Next we enter the marble Baptistery, the largest in all of Italy. Dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the building took 211 years to construct. The acoustics are amazing…you can whisper to a person 30-feet away and they’ll hear you clearly.

Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own at a local Florentine restaurant. Be sure to try Ribollita, one of Florence’s most delicious specialties. This hearty soup is made from cannelloni beans, vegetables, red cabbage and chunks of bread (pane)

Today we travel back in time to medieval Siena—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit the famous Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares and the site of the famous Palio horse race.

We’ll visit Siena’s town hall, Palazzo Pubblico, and the enchanting Duomo (cathedral) featuring the most ornate mosaic tile floor in all of Italy.

Next, we drive through the beautiful rolling hills of Chianti, for a most unique winery visit. You’ll get to meet our dear friend, Pierluigi Giachi, the world’s most enchanting and entertaining sommelier. Enjoy an oil and wine tasting and early dinner at the Tenuta Torciano. Salute!

This morning you board your flight home arriving in the USA the same day. Grazie mille for traveling with the Perillo family!