SAMPLE OF CUSTOM VACATION ITINERARY - ITALY TOUR PACKAGE - PRIVATE GROUP VACATION

Well Arranged Travel is a tour operator company, travel expert in customizing private tours or custom vacations in Italy and France. We design upscale and luxury vacations in Italy and France, offering complete custom vacation packages. We design private tours and custom vacations to Paris, Florence, Tuscany, Rome, Venice, Lucca, Pisa, Provence, Burgundy, Umbria, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Milan, Lake Como, Lake Garda, Puglia, St. Tropez, French Riviera, Paris, Normandy, Burgundy, Portofino, Cinque Terre and more. Tell what you have in mind. Let us put together a private vacation, a complete tour package, for you and your family or group of friends. Your itinerary can be one of our already published tours or we can custom design one to fit your interests, goals, budget and schedule.  "Mini-tours", tours lasting as few as 2 or 3 days are also available. Contact us, your expert travel planners, for all your travel arrangements in Italy and France.

Below is a sample itinerary for a family who wants to trace family history, their roots, in Sicily, followed by a tour of Florence and Rome.

This package available to you as is or you may customize it for your group, any size, with travel dates to fit your schedule.  Other custom tour ideas (click here).

Florence & Tuscany, Rome & Sicily

(A Private Italy Vacation - Custom Tour)

ITINERARY

(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch,  D = Dinner)

Arrival Airport: Palermo
Departure Airport: Rome

Day 1:

Arrive in Palermo, Orientation Tour, Welcome Dinner, Overnight in Palermo

We will meet you at the airport in Palermo and your private transfer will take you to your hotel in Palermo. Check in and relax.  Later our local tour guide in Palermo will show us the highlights of historical Palermo, capital of ancient Sicily. Colonized by the Phoenicians, Sicily boasts a rich 3,000 years of history, particularly flourishing under the Arab and Norman rule. The many great empires that once ruled Sicily's capital left behind wonderfully diverse architecture, from Roman to Byzantine to Arab-Norman, which are evident in the city's palaces, churches and crypts. We will head to the medieval heart of Palermo, notable for its Baroque and Arab-Norman flavor and lush gardens and prestigious villas. The tour includes Piazza Pretoria with its beautiful Renaissance fountain originally built for a villa near Florence: a unique sight given its location in the heart of an Arab-Norman city. We will stroll in central Palermo, otherwise known as Quattro Canti, to visit the town cathedral. This magnificent building was erected on the site of the old cathedral, transformed into a mosque by the Arabs and re-consecrated as a Christian church by the Norman kings.

We'll sample a unique flavor of Italy, one with a touch of Africa, as we experience Palermo’s street life and its ancient market, the Mercato della Vucciria. Welcome cocktails and dinner follows to celebrate your family vacation in Italy. (D)

Day 2:

Palazzo Adriano, Overnight in Palermo

This morning, we will head to Palazzo Adriano, south of Palermo and Corleone. You can visit the town hall where you may be able to get some information about your family ancestors. We’ll provide more information regarding Sicily genealogy well before the trip to help you with your search.

In Palazzo Adriano, you will see the famous square, Piazza Umberto I, when a film director chose this in his Oscar winning film Cinema Paradiso.

We’ll be back in Palermo, early afternoon. Group lunch is planned. Dinner on your own. Your tour manager is available, like always, for a stroll or meals. We can also arrange another group meal, if desired. (B, L)

Day 3:

Monreale, Segesta, Erice, Overnight in Palermo

Our trip today in Sicily begins with a lovely drive on a road overlooking the Conca D'Oro valley to reach the village of Monreale. You will visit the magnificent Duomo of Monreale, one of the great sights of Norman Sicily. Founded in 1172 by King William II, the Duomo flanks a Benedictine monastery. The cathedral’s interior glitters with mosaics designed by Sicilian and Byzantine artists.

Next stop will be the archeoligical site in Segesta. We'll see the magnificent Temple of Segesta, the first Doric-style Greek Temple, set among gently sloping hills of yellow-ochre and brown. The temple was built by the Elimians, one of the most important Greek colonies in Western Sicily. The temple’s 36 columns are still intact despite several major earthquakes. We will also see a typical Greek semi-circular-style theatre, set on the rocky slope. Its seats face west towards the hills, beyond which you can catch a glimpse of the Bay of Castellammare.

Then we're off to Erice. You will also visit a 14th-century Gothic Catalan-style cathedral featuring the famous depiction of the black Virgin Mary. You will wrap up the day strolling along the town’s charming old stone streets, stopping to taste the almond marzipan cakes at a famous pastry shop called Grammatico. Erice’s hilltop twin castles of Pepoli, with foundations dating from both the Saracen and Norman eras, give the town a spectacular skyline. Both castles have been modified over the centuries, yet they retain their distinctively medieval character. You will enjoy a breathtaking view from the castle towers. Free time after the short tour followed by group lunch.

The trip today will end with a lovely drive on a road overlooking the Conca D'Oro valley to reach the village of Monreale. You will visit the magnificent Cathedral of Monreale, one of the great sights of Norman Sicily. Founded in 1172 by King William II, the Duomo flanks a Benedictine monastery. The cathedral’s interior glitters with mosaics designed by Sicilian and Byzantine artists. Dinner on your own. (B, L)

Day 4:

Cefalu, Taormina, Overnight in Taormina

Today, we will make our way to Taormina from Palermo. The first stop is Cefalù, a quaint fishing village with a stunning setting, built on a rock that juts out into the sea. The town was probably founded by the Siculi people in the 9th century B.C., although its name comes from the Greek Kephalos (head) because of the shape of the rock on top of the village.

The Arabs built a little town here between 858 and 1063, but what you will see here was mostly built during the Norman domination. You may visit the 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral, considered one of the finest Norman cathedrals in Sicily. Enjoy visiting the sites, walking its medieval streets and promenade along the water or do some shopping in the town center.
We will arrive in Taormina late afternoon. The rest of day on your own at leisure. (B)

Day 5:

Mt. Etna & Its Villages, Wine Tasting, Overnight in Taormina

Enjoy a private tour of the villages that thrive on the slopes of Mt. Etna, while sampling Sicilian products along the way. We will travel to different local villages of the Alcantara Valley, visit the Alcantara Gorges and a wonderful waterfall created from an old Etna lava flow 40 miles long. We will continue the drive, stopping to visit the charming and unspoiled old Sicilian village of Castiglione di Sicilia with its beautiful and fragrant lemon, orange and olive groves, as well as the Etna grapevines. We will have the chance to visit the old Greek fortress, situated on the highest slopes of the village, with a breathtaking view over the Alcantara valley.

Next we will travel the “red wine” route, literally traversing the lava flows of 1981 as you cross through the village of Linguaglossa and its cluster of Baroque churches. We will also tour the Gambino winery, and sample this rare Etna wine, accompanied by a selection of local Sicilian specialties for our lunch.

On the way down, we will pass through a fragrant pine tree forest before arriving in Taormina. We’ll tour this beautiful town, situated on a rocky plateau of the steep Monte Tauro, which dominates the Ionian coast, with Etna rising majestically in the background. Downtown Taormina represents a variety of historical periods, from early Greek and Roman settlements, to Byzantine and Medieval remains, up to 15th-century Catalan buildings and 17th-century Baroque churches. We can stroll Taormina’s main street, Corso Umberto, with its art and designer shops, Baroque churches and Palazzos, and get a glimpse of the breathtaking Greek theater facing the sea. (B, L)

Day 6:

Taormina, Overnight in Taormina

Leisure day in Taormina. Visit the Greek theater right in town or take the cable car down below to access the beach area. Lots of shops, outdoor cafes, bars and restaurants in Taormina perfect for a relaxing day. (B)

Day 7:

Flight to Florence, Overnight in Florence

A private transfer from our hotel to Catania airport is arranged. We will take a flight from Catania bound for Florence. (Flight details to follow.) Private transportation from Florence airport to our hotel in Florence is planned. Orientation tour of Florence upon arrival. Dinner on your own. We’ll have restaurant suggestions. (B, D)

Day 8:

Tour of Florence and Visit to Accademia, Overnight in Florence

Today, we will explore Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, with our expert Florence tour guide. In our guided tour, we will hear about the amazing history of this 2,000-year-old city and see some of the world’s greatest art and architecture on this tour. Our excellent licensed tour guides in Florence with expert knowledge will present a fantastic tour of Florence's history, art and architecture.

We will get a glimpse of the famous art works at the Duomo (Cathedral) as well as Brunelleschi's Dome, while we will also visit such famous landmarks as the Baptistry’s Gates of Paradise, Bell Tower, Ponte Vecchio, Vasari's Corridor and Medieval towers. We’ll hear about the history of Florence and its famous rulers and artists, as we stroll by Renaissance palaces, beautiful piazzas, markets and famous shopping streets.

This private tour of Florence will also take you to visit the Galleria dell' Accademia museum, home to many of Michelangelo's amazing works, including the Statue of David. The museum’s collection also includes many gems from the Florentine Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance periods. Free time after the guided tour. Lunch on your own but a group dinner is planned tonight. Your tour manager is available, like always, for a stroll or meals. (B, D)

Day 9:

Leisure Day in Florence, Overnight in Florence

Today, you're free to explore the endless sights of Florence on your own. Your tour manager will take you around to where ever you want to go. Florence has many more museums, palaces, shops and open markets than we will have time to show you, so this is the time to explore what interests you most. The Uffizi Museum is a must-visit for art aficionados. (Advance reservations to Uffizi is necessary. Let us know if you are interested in visiting this museum.)

You can also visit the Boboli Gardens – a 16th-century sculpture garden -- or go shopping for Florence’s trademark leather and gold. Your tour manager is available to help you plan your day.

If you are interested, your tour manager would be happy to take you on a tour of Florence's various open markets or if you are interested in art, there is the Uffizi Gallery that must be visited. It is one of the most important museums in all of Italy. You may visit the Boboli gardens. You may also visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, the largest Franciscan church in the world. Important art collection can be found here with frescoes by Giotto and sculptures by Donatello. You’ll also see the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Ghiberti here. The group will meet for lunch. Pizza and Wine. Dinner on your own but meet us for aperitivo before you head out for dinner. (B, L)

Day 10:

Transfer to Rome, Siena in Tuscany, Overnight Rome

Your escorted group tour to Italy takes you to Rome last. We will make our way to Florence early this morning. Our way to Siena follows the Superstrada del Palio, a scenic road cutting through the Chianti region. Along the drive, you will see the American Cemetery, built after World War II, and some of the finest vineyards of the Chianti region, including the "Black Rooster." Built on three hills in the middle of the Via Francigena (pilgrimage road), Siena is one of Tuscany's crown jewels. It has an outstanding Gothic Duomo and another important church, San Domenico, which claims the skull of St. Catherine. It also has one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, il Campo, where the famous Palio horse race is held twice a year. You will get an overview of Siena's most important neighborhoods, squares and churches, before giving you some time to explore them on your own. You may want to skip the sightseeing and head straight for the shops -- Siena has many acclaimed specialty stores around the main square and its main street, Via Banchi di Sopra.  Free time in Siena.

From Siena, we will head south to Pienza where we will stay ovenight. This is a beautiful little town and staying here puts us closer to Rome. Tuscany's jewel, Pienza, is as complete a Renaissance creation as any in Italy. Pope Pius II conceived Pienza, his birthplace, as a Utopian “new town.” The construction of Pienza began in 1459; architect Bernardo Rossellino worked on its main sites under the guide of Leon Battista Alberti, the great theorist of Renaissance art, building and town planning.

You will have free time to wander through the lovely streets of Pienza. Note the street names: Via dell’Amore (Street of Love), Via del Bacio (Street of the Kiss), and Via della Fortuna (Street of Luck). The beautiful Via del Casello has a spectacular panoramic view of the Orcia Valley. You may also enjoy the great shopping in Corso Rossellino, or visit the beautiful cathedral and the Pope Palace. Pienza is known all over Italy for its fragrant, flavorful Pecorino cheese, which you can sample here

We’ll continue onto Rome where we"ll stay until the end of your tour.   Check in and meet up with tour manager again before dinner for a stroll to orient you in your new place. Dinner on your own. Your tour manager is available if you want company to help with the menu, etc. (B)

Day 11:

Ancient Rome Tour, Vatican Tour, Overnight in Rome

This morning, an expert Rome tour guide will take you on a walking tour of Ancient Rome and see some of the finest feats of Roman architectural engineering. Hear about fascinating stories about the Colosseum, which stands near the center of present-day Rome. You will tour the Forum, once the administration, business and commercial center of Ancient Rome, and see its numerous temples, Basilicas, arches and more. Other sites we will visit include the Arch of Constantine and Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo.

We will also take you to the Pantheon, Italy’s best-preserved dome and the biggest in Europe until the Renaissance.

You're free to explore this wondrous city on your own after lunch. You may visit the famous piazzas like Piazza Navona or Trevi fountain. (B)

Day 12:

Vatican City: St. Perter’s Basilica, Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, Farewell Dinner, Overnight in Rome

Note: Modest dress to enter the cathedral, as in all churches in Italy. Shoulders and knees must be covered. No shorts, please.
We will meet our local licensed Rome tour guide for our tour of the Vatican today.  You are in for a treat. While a licensed local guide for the city of Rome, she was also trained by the Vatican’s art historians and archeologists and therefore authorized and licensed by the Vatican as well. Very few are able attain such an accomplishment.

In your guided tour of the Vatican, you will discover a treasure trove of art, history and religion today. The Vatican Museum’s art collection, which we will visit, is one the most important in the world. Your tour also includes the Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo's Last Judgment frescoes and St. Peter's Basilica and view Michelangelo's famous Pieta, Bernini's amazing bronze Baldacchino, and the Popes’ tombs.

After the guided Vatican tour, you are free for lunch and the rest of the day until the group's farewell dinner. Cocktail reception is planned before dinner. (B, D)

Day 13:

Fly home

Prepare for you departure for home. Private transfers will take you to the airport. (B)

Tour Highlights:
• Archeological Park of Segesta
• Greek Theater in Taormina
• Ancient Markets of Palermo
• Fishing Village of Cefalu
• Mt. Etna Excursion
• Taormina
• Wine Tasting Around Mt. Etna
• Renaissance Florence & It’s Open Markets
• Michelangelo’s Statue of David
• Shopping Opportunities In Rome & Florence
• Sampling of Regional Fantastic Food & Wine
• Tuscany Excursion to Siena
• Ancient Rome: Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon in Rome
• Beautiful Piazzas of Rome, Florence, Siena
• Trevi Fountain
• Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel
• Duomo in Florence

Tour Includes:
• 13 Days’ Land Tour
• 3 & 4 Star accommodations in centrally located hotels
• 4 dinners and 4 lunches with wine
• Breakfast daily
• Cocktail receptions in Florence
• Services of your excellent professional Tour Manager throughout the tour
• Guided Tours of Palermo, Florence, Rome & Vatican with Special Guides
• Excursions to Mt. Etna, Erice with tickets to tram and jeep to the top.
• Excursions to Cefalu, Monreale
• Tour of Winery and Wine Tasting in Sicily
• Private transportation to all planned activities: Vatican, Ancient Rome
• Reservation and Entrance fees to all scheduled museums and sites
• Gratuities to tour guides, drivers, restaurants, hotels
• Airport transfer from Palermo airport to hotel in Palermo
• Airport transfer from Taormina to Catania airport
• Airport transfer from Florence airport to Florence hotel
• Airport transfer from Rome hotel to Rome airport

Not included:
• Airline tickets to Italy from US and flight from Sicily to Florence
• Gratuities to your tour manager

NOTE: We'll assist you in acquiring your airline tickets.

"I just want to let you know how pleased we were with the tour in Paris.  Angelo was the perfect guide.  He was extremely knowledgeable and presented a feel and history of Paris that truly brought the city to life.  The best tour we have had in this grand city."
-- Doug Adams, Independent Traveler; Private Tour of Paris and Shore Trip: Livorno - Florence