Highlights Of Southern Italy & Sicily
Highlights Of Southern Italy & Sicily

The famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy
View of Vesuvius from the forum in Pompeii, Italy
Church of San Salvatore de' Birecto, Atrani on Amalfi Coast in Italy
View of beautiful Amalfi town, Campania, Italy. Amalfi coast is most popular travel and holiday destination in Europe.
Taormina Town Hall, Public Garden Taormina.
Sicilian coastal landscape with the mount Etna in the background, Sicily
Ancient Greek Theater in Taormina
Syracuse, Italy cityscape and street scene at twilight.
Scala dei turchi in Agrigento, Sicily (Stair of the turks)
Aerial view of coastline of Taormina in Sicily, Italy
Cathdral of Palermo, Italy
Scala dei turchi in Agrigento, Sicily (Stair of the turks)
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
View of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, Naples, Italy


$1915
Route Map
This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Southern Italy and Sicily with this cultural tour. Begin in the ancient capital of Rome, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona. Discover the haunting ruins of Pompeii and the majestic Mount Vesuvius before enjoying the stunning Amalfi Coast. Wander through the unique Trulli houses of Alberobello and the cave city of Matera. Cross the sea to Sicily, where you'll explore the charming hilltop town of Taormina, the historic city of Syracuse, and the awe-inspiring Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Conclude your adventure in Palermo, soaking in its rich history and vibrant culture. Travel in comfort with modern transport and enjoy stays in 3- and 4-star accommodations, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
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Explore Rome, the ancient capital of Italy
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Visit Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii's UNESCO ruins
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Enjoy free days to roam along the Amalfi Coast, Taormina, and Palermo
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Discover Alberobello's iconic Trulli houses and Matera's cave city
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Catch a ferry from mainland Italy to Sicily
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Discover Taormina, a hilltop town in Sicily
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Visit Syracuse, a historic Sicilian city
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Explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento
Places You'll See
St Peter's Basilica over the Aelian Bridge, Rome, Italy
Sunset view over Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy
View of Vesuvius from the forum in Pompeii, Italy
Taormina Town Hall, Public Garden Taormina.
Old town of Cefalu, Sicily, Italy
Piazza San Domenico, Catania, Sicily
Itinerary
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Cultural tours in Italy Cultural tours Tours in Italy Sightseeing tours Ruins-Archaeology tours History tours Walking tours Beach toursDAY 1: Start of tour in Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Rome! Upon arrival, check into the hotel, meet your tour leader, and get acquainted with your fellow travellers. Your tour leader will provide an overview of the upcoming itinerary before you embark on an orientation tour of the city. Visit landmarks such as the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona before enjoying some free time in the city. Why not join the optional excursion to embark on a guided tour of the extraordinary Vatican Museums? End the day off with an included welcome dinner at a charming local restaurant.Orientation tour of RomeEnjoy a welcome dinner in Rome ...more ...less
DAY 2: Rome - Pompeii - Amalfi Coast
Location: Rome, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, depart Rome for the Amalfi Coast. En route, spot Mount Vesuvius and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, which was devastated by a volcanic eruption in 79AD. Enjoy a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site followed by an included lunch. Afterward, continue to the hotel on the Amalfi Coast. Arrive in Salerno for a two-night stay. Choose to visit the enchanting town of Salerno on tonight’s optional excursion. See the impressive Cathedral and Old Town before indulging in a delicious dinner. Be sure to indulge in the local specialty, limoncello — a sweet lemon liqueur; the perfect way to conclude the evening!See Mount Vesuvius; an ancient volcanoExplore the ancient ruins of Pompeii
DAY 3: Amalfi Coast: Free Day
Location: Amalfi Coast
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, the charming old towns along the Amalfi Coast await exploration. Wander at your own pace through these picturesque towns and their stunning beaches. Alternatively, join the optional excursion for an unforgettable Amalfi Coast cruise! Glide past breathtaking coastal views, explore the chic streets of Positano and Amalfi, enjoy an included lunch, and round off the experience with a taste of traditional limoncello and a stop at a fascinating paper museum. It promises to be an unforgettable day in southern Italy!
DAY 4: Amalfi Coast - Matera - Alberobello
Location: Amalfi Coast, Matera, Alberobello
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey east today to explore Apulia, stopping at the ancient cave city of Matera, known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City). It’s famous for its vast cave-dwelling districts — the "Sassi." Continue to Alberobello for an orientation tour of the region's unique "trulli" houses — charming 14th-century whitewashed stone huts with iconic conical roofs. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to delve deeper into Alberobello. The Trullo Church of St. Antony and the Trulli museum are both great places to see. This evening, find a delightful spot for dinner before heading to your hotel for the night.
Visit Matera; an ancient cave city
Explore Alberobello; famous for its conical houses
DAY 5: Alberobello - Taormina
Location: Alberobello, Taormina
Accommodation Name: Beachside Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Embark on a scenic coastal drive along the Ionian Sea this morning as you journey back to the mainland. Then, hop on a short ferry ride to Sicily, home to Mount Etna. Prepare for breathtaking views en route to Taormina. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation walking tour of this charming hilltop town, taking note of highlights to explore on tomorrow's free day. End the day with an included dinner at the beachside hotel, immersing yourself fully in the Sicilian experience.
Catch a ferry from mainland Italy to Sicily
Discover Taormina; a hilltop town in Sicily
Dinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina
DAY 6: Taormina: Free Day
Location: Taormina, Mount Etna
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day is yours to choose how it unfolds! Unwind on Taormina's beaches or explore this charming hilltop town, one of Italy's most popular summer destinations. Alternatively, conquer Mount Etna on an optional trip and bring home the memories of an unforgettable adventure! Take a cable car and 4x4 to the top and step out onto volcanic ash as you explore the landscape while learning more about this iconic volcano from the local guides. Afterward, indulge in a feast of local produce at a quaint enoteca. This is truly the best way to spend your free day in Taormina!
DAY 7: Taormina - Syracuse - Agrigento
Location: Taormina, Syracuse, Agrigento
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Set off on a picturesque drive through the heart of Sicily today, revelling in its stunning landscapes. Pause in Syracuse, an ancient Greek-built town with a vibrant food market — the perfect spot to grab lunch. Continue to Agrigento, home to the 'Valle dei Templi' (Valley of the Temples), which showcases magnificent Magna Graecia art and architecture. Here, enjoy an unforgettable guided sunset tour led by an expert local guide. Finally, find a spot near the beach for dinner or settle into the hotel for the night.
Visit Syracuse; a historic Sicilian city
Explore the Valley of the Temples
DAY 8: Agrigento - Cefalù - Palermo
Location: Agrigento, Cefalù, Palermo
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Departing Agrigento, journey through central Sicily's scenic landscapes to Cefalù — a historic town famed for its beaches. Enjoy free time or join a guided tour with lunch at a local restaurant included. Continue to Palermo, arriving in the afternoon for a walking tour showcasing the city's highlights. Discover the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova, and the Palermo Cathedral, and get lost in the town's rich history, culture, architecture, and cuisine. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner with the group.
DAY 9: Palermo: Free Day
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Ferry Cabin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day to delve deeper into Palermo, Sicily's capital, shaped by a diverse history of Greek, Roman, and Norman influences. Explore its historic old town, showcasing a blend of architectural styles. Don't miss Italy's largest opera theatre, a city gem that is considered the city's most beautiful building. Experience Palermo’s hidden sights and architectural delights on today’s optional excursion. Don’t forget to indulge in Palermo's renowned cuisine, savouring delights like arancini and cannoli.. Conclude the day with an overnight ferry journey back to the Italian mainland.
DAY 10: End of tour in Rome
Location: Naples, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
After your overnight ferry, arrive in Naples and board the coach for the return journey to Rome, where the tour concludes this afternoon. Please note that the ferry times may differ throughout the year and take this into account when booking your outbound flight. Bid farewell to Italy, your newfound friends, and Expat Explore, who wish you safe travels and future adventures!
What's Included
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Accommodation
8 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience. Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability). 1 night's accommodation in twin share ferry cabin with private bathrooms. ...more ...less
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Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard. Overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples. Any public transport used as part of the tour days (excludes free days).
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Tour Leader
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader. Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details.
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Orientation Tour of Rome
An orientation tour of Rome is included, allowing you to visit landmarks such as the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona.
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Guided Tour of Pompeii
Enjoy a guided tour of the ancient ruins of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Orientation Tour of Alberobello
An orientation tour of Alberobello is included, where you can explore the region's unique 'trulli' houses.
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Ferry to Sicily
Catch a ferry from mainland Italy to Sicily as part of the tour.
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Orientation Walking Tour of Taormina
Enjoy an orientation walking tour of Taormina, a charming hilltop town in Sicily.
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Guided Sunset Tour of Valley of the Temples
Experience an unforgettable guided sunset tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
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Walking Tour of Palermo
A walking tour of Palermo is included, showcasing the city's highlights such as Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova, and the Palermo Cathedral.
What's Not Included
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International flights
Travel to the start point and from the end point is not included.
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Travel insurance
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as the visit to the Isle of Capri or Mount Etna are not included in the tour price.
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Meals on Free Days
Meals on free days are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a modern air-conditioned coach featuring reclining seats and an onboard toilet, an overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples, and public transport during tour days.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights in comfortable 3- and 4-star hotels with twin rooms and private bathrooms, plus 1 night in a twin share ferry cabin. Single travelers can opt for a private room with a supplement, subject to availability.
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
...more ...less
Experiences
- Orientation tour of Rome
- Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome
- See Mount Vesuvius; an ancient volcano
- Explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii
- Visit Matera; an ancient cave city
- Explore Alberobello; famous for its conical houses
- Catch a ferry from mainland Italy to Sicily
- Discover Taormina; a hilltop town in Sicily
- Dinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina
- Visit Syracuse; a historic Sicilian city
- Explore the Valley of the Temples
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and an onboard toilet, an overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples, and public transport during tour days.
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What kind of accommodation is provided on the tour?
The tour includes 8 nights in comfortable 3- and 4-star hotels with twin rooms and private bathrooms, and 1 night in a twin share ferry cabin. Single travelers can opt for a private room with a supplement, subject to availability.
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Is there a tour leader accompanying the group?
Yes, the tour is fully guided with an experienced tour leader who will accompany the group throughout and manage all logistical details.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are included on certain days, such as a welcome dinner in Rome and dinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina. However, meals on free days are not included in the tour package.
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What are some of the key activities included in the tour?
The tour includes an orientation tour of Rome, a guided tour of Pompeii, an orientation tour of Alberobello, a ferry ride to Sicily, an orientation walking tour of Taormina, and a guided sunset tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, optional excursions such as a visit to the Isle of Capri or Mount Etna are available but not included in the tour price.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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Reviews of this operator
Balkan Explorer - 16 Days
I had a blast!!!! Simply amazing and would highly recommend.
Wonderful new addition
Great new country and addition by Expat. One of the most interesting and beautiful countries I've ever been. Great food, scenery and lovely people.
Everything I had expected and more
It was my first time traveling to Europe so I was nervous about everything including finding my way around, speaking the languages, and finding lodging. It turned out to be an incredible experience, I couldn't ask for a better your guide. Luke truly is the best in the business and we were so lucky o have him on the last tour of the season. I am definitely going to recommend Expat to my family and friends when they want to travel to Europe. I am going to go as far as finding out when Luke will be the guide and have family/friends specifically book the tour with him. ...more ...less
Outstanding!
From orientation to farewell dinner Martina was always there to ensure that everyone was happy and enjoying the tour! It was fast paced, especially with the added excursions, but the tour covered the best of Italy and Martina was absolutely the best. She was entertaining and informative. Look forward to another tour with her!! ...more ...less
Perfect combination of sites, history, culture and food
The highlights of Japan tour with Expat Explore was the ideal way to see the country. It had the perfect mix of big cities, small quaint villages, historical sites and food! The tour was well organised and a good pace to enjoy the various places and activities. We had the opportunity to be immersed in local culture and try the cuisine in a range of dining experiences. The hotels were clean and roomy to rest for days filled with adventures. Japan with Expat should be on your wish list! ...more ...less
Good experience
Enjoyed the views of different places and learnt about the history of different places in UK/Ireland.
Classic Europe - 14 Days
Such a great trip and saw so many places, if we did this trip on our own I think we would only get half of what we did done in this time period. It definitely was busy with not much down time but we didn’t pay to go be bored. Beautiful and memorable trip! ...more ...less
12 Day Italian Delights
A great tour made even better by our tour leader Marty. She was so knowledgeable and helpful. Made us laugh, showed us amazing sites and always had great recommendations.
Really nice experience
Loved the small country towns. Very beautiful MARTY AND ALEX THE DRIVER , made the tour experience perfect for me. She is a brilliant guide.
Totally exhausted
I need a holiday to recover from this full-on, insufficient down time, tour. Late hotel arrivals, late city tours, late dinners and excessive walking due to public transport use and then early morning starts. And to top it off, no seat rotation (tour leader advised on day 2 for covid reasons) which made sense on day 2 but not by day 3 or 4 when we had been grouped together at meals, on walking tours, and sharing rooms with people we had just met...merrily spreading our germs between our group anyway! This seating rule however was waived for a special few...those who insisted that they get travel sickness (and must sit in the front seat) and..those who think the rule is not for them and aren't challenged by the tour leader anyway. No seat rotation also meant not getting the opportunity to get to know everyone on the tour on an equal basis. ...more ...less
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Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 13, 2026Operator discount: -$340 (USD)
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Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 14, 2026Operator discount: -$270 (USD)
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Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 21, 2026Operator discount: -$340 (USD)
Saturday - Monday
Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 28, 2026Operator discount: -$340 (USD)
Saturday - Monday
Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 05, 2026Operator discount: -$340 (USD)
Saturday - Monday
Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 12, 2026Operator discount: -$340 (USD)
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Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 19, 2026Operator discount: -$340 (USD)
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Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 26, 2026Operator discount: -$340 (USD)
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 91 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Highlights Of Southern Italy & Sicily
10 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, Matera, Alberobello, Taormina, Mount Etna, Syracuse, Agrigento, Cefalù, Palermo, Naples ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ITS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
NB: Prices correct on 19-Mar-2025 but subject to change.
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Cultural tours in Italy Cultural tours Tours in Italy Sightseeing tours Ruins-Archaeology tours History tours Walking tours Beach tours