"Chinese Tour" 14-Day Italy & Sicily Discovery Tour

Depart from Rome Tiburtina Station in the morning (applicable to all tour members who have not booked pre-tour hotels) and head to the ancient town of Assisi for a visit. Assisi is a medieval town built on a hill; it is the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Order, and is closely associated with Franciscan architecture. It is a place of pilgrimage for countless devout Catholics. [Basilica of Saint Francis] The Basilica of Saint Francis and other Franciscan sites in Assisi are artistic masterpieces of extraordinary human creativity and outstanding examples of religious architecture, which have had a significant influence on the history of architectural development.

You will have 1 hour for lunch at noon. After lunch, drive to an Italian town and enjoy some free time upon arrival.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. After breakfast, we will depart from Rimini for Venice, one of the world's top ten tourist destinations, renowned as the "City of Water." [St. Mark's Square] Napoleon once called St. Mark's Square the "most beautiful drawing room in Europe." More than 200 years later, this trapezoidal square located by the Grand Canal remains as charming as ever. [St. Mark's Basilica] is one of the most famous cathedrals in the Christian world; both its exterior and interior decorations are breathtakingly magnificent. The church houses a thorn said to have been taken from the crown of thorns worn by Christ, as well as countless gold and silver treasures. The cathedral itself, with its immense architectural and artistic value, is an immeasurable treasure, often called the "St. Peter's Basilica of Northern Italy." [Bridge of Sighs] Built in 1603, the Bridge of Sighs is an early Baroque structure. It is shaped like a house and completely enclosed to prevent passersby from looking in, with only two small windows facing the canal. According to legend, a prisoner saw his former lover kissing a new partner on the other side of the bridge and sighed deeply. Since then, the Bridge of Sighs has become a place where lovers testify to their love, and it is said that lovers who kiss under the bridge will stay together for life. The movie "A Little Romance" was filmed here.

Optional activities:

(1) After lunch, you may choose to participate in a Venice boat tour.

(2) If you wish to visit the interior of St. Mark's Basilica, you must book tickets online in advance. It is recommended to purchase tickets for the 15:00-15:30 time slot:http://www.basilicasanmarco.it/?lang=en

St. Mark's Basilica has discontinued on-site ticket sales and now requires online reservation for admission.. If you plan to visit this attraction, it is recommended to arrange your online ticket purchase in advance to avoid being unable to enter due to a lack of reservation.

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to the "Jewel of the Lake"—Sirmione. [Sirmione] Located at the southern foot of the Alps, Lake Garda, also known as Lake Benaco, is Italy's largest and cleanest lake. Stretching into the southern part of Lake Garda is a 4-kilometer-long peninsula; at its tip lies the town of Sirmione, a highly renowned tourist destination on the lake. Unlike the casual romance typical of many Italian locales, this town is filled with blooming flowers and bright sunshine, offering a sense of profound serenity. As you stroll along its cobblestone streets, wander through narrow alleys, walk amidst flowers, and linger between the shimmering lake and mountain views, it feels as if you have stepped into a dreamlike paradise.

Afterwards, we will drive to Milan. [Royal Palace of Milan] For centuries, it served as the seat of government in Milan, Italy. It is located to the right of the Duomo's facade, directly opposite the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. [Milan Cathedral] One of the largest cathedrals in the world, ranking second in size. It took 500 years to complete and is hailed as a magnificent example of Italian Gothic architecture. Its white marble facade is adorned with thousands of statues. The interior is vast, with sunlight filtering through beautiful stained-glass windows, creating a hazy, solemn, and religious atmosphere. [Milan Cathedral] This cathedral is the symbol of Milan. Construction began in 1383 and was essentially completed in 1812, spanning over four centuries. The passage of time has endowed the cathedral with historical depth and a rich variety of architectural styles; the Gothic spires combined with Baroque-style carvings make it appear exceptionally luxurious and awe-inspiring. Ascending to the rooftop observation deck of the nave offers a panoramic view of the entire city of Milan. Standing atop the highest spire is a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary, silently watching over this metropolis, which is rich in both historical heritage and fashion. [Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II] Considered to be one of the oldest shopping centers in the world. [Sforza Castle] One of the most important buildings in Milan, serving as a witness to the city's turbulent history.

If you wish to visit the interior of Milan Cathedral or ascend to the roof, it is recommended to book your tickets online in advance: https://www.duomomilano.it/it/buy-tickets/

*Please schedule your visit for around 15:00, as tickets may not be available for purchase on-site.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. After breakfast, we will depart by coach for Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre is the collective name for the five cliffside villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Visitors can stroll through the beautiful village of Manarola (the specific route and sights will be arranged at the tour guide's discretion) and experience the beauty of the Italian countryside. [Note: The itinerary does not include the Cinque Terre local train tickets. As coaches cannot reach the villages directly, passengers must transfer to local trains to enter. Fees will be collected on-site by the tour guide as ticket prices vary by season.]

Afterward, we will head to Pisa to visit the [Leaning Tower of Pisa]. In 1987, together with the adjacent Cathedral, Baptistery, and Cemetery, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its significant influence on Italian architectural art from the 11th to the 14th centuries. The [Baptistery of Pisa] features a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, boasting a massive dome with a diameter of 35 meters and four exquisitely carved portals, leaving a unique impression even from the outside. The interior is also well worth a visit, featuring excellent natural lighting and acoustics.

Breakfast at the hotel, then depart by car for Florence. Florence is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Whether you are strolling through the streets and alleys or visiting museums, art galleries, and cathedrals, you will be immersed in the rich cultural atmosphere of this ancient city, where classic works embodying human artistic genius can be found everywhere. You may visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Campanile, and the Ponte Vecchio.

1. Admission to the main hall of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is free. If you wish to visit the dome, the bell tower, or the baptistery, it is recommended to book your tickets online in advance: https://grandemuseodelduomo.waf.it/it/biglietto-ilgrande-museo-del-duomo

*Recommended booking time is around 13:00, as tickets may not be available on-site.

2. The Uffizi Gallery is not included in the itinerary. Guests wishing to visit the Uffizi Gallery must make their own arrangements and purchase tickets in advance: https://www.uffizi.it/en/tickets

*Recommended booking time is 15:00.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. After breakfast, we will depart and drive to the Val d'Orcia, considered one of the most beautiful parts of Italy. With its vibrant life in spring and rolling waves of wheat in autumn, lined with rows of cypress trees, it is a stunning landscape in the Tuscany region. The historic center of Pienza is known as the "touchstone of Renaissance urban planning" and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

In the afternoon, we will drive to Rome. Located on the banks of the Tiber River at the western end of the ancient Roman district, Castel Sant'Angelo features a cylindrical structure on a square base, surrounded by polygonal outer walls, presenting a towering and solid appearance. Also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, it was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 139 AD as a tomb for himself and his successors. In the 6th century, Pope Gregory I placed a statue of an archangel with a sword on top of the fortress to "combat" the plague sweeping through at the time, hence the name Castel Sant'Angelo. Throughout its long history, the castle has evolved from a mausoleum to a military fortress and prison, and later, generations of popes added palaces to it, until its present-day status as a museum.

After breakfast, set off to continue your tour of Rome. The 【Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)】 have become synonymous with romance thanks to the movie "Roman Holiday," where Audrey Hepburn famously ate gelato on the steps. The Spanish Steps, consisting of 138 steps, are among the widest in Europe. In the past, this was considered a paradise for young people from all over the world, who would feel right at home eating, drinking, socializing, dancing, playing music, and reveling day and night. The 【Trevi Fountain】 was immortalized by Fellini's film "La Dolce Vita." The seahorse sculptures in the fountain are incredibly lifelike, one wild and one docile, symbolizing the unpredictable nature of the sea and the whimsical nature of fate—toss a coin into the pool with your left hand over your right shoulder, and you will return to Rome to seek romance; toss two, and you will fall in love with an Italian; toss three, and you will marry them. If you have other wishes, feel free to make them as well. The 【Colosseum】 is a symbol of ancient Roman civilization and the place where slave owners, nobles, and free citizens of the Roman Empire watched beast hunts or gladiator battles; the ruins are located in the heart of Rome, the capital of Italy. This was once a place where gladiators fought for their lives and death-row inmates battled hungry lions; it is also a great symbol of the Eternal City. The 【Arch of Constantine】, built in 312 AD, is the newest of the three remaining triumphal arches in Rome. It was erected to celebrate Emperor Constantine's decisive victory over his formidable rival Maxentius in 312 AD and his unification of the empire. Its sculptures are exquisite and magnificent; although thousands of years have passed and it is now weathered and worn, it still stands in the elements, witnessing the glory of Rome alongside the Colosseum. 【Piazza Venezia】 is a square located in the center of Rome, modeled after St. Mark's Square in Venice. It is quite old, and many historical buildings, museums, and art galleries are within easy reach; among them, the Altare della Patria is particularly eye-catching, with its majestic white marble facade.

1. The Pantheon is not included in the itinerary. Visitors wishing to tour the Pantheon must go on their own and purchase tickets in advance: https://portale.museiitaliani.it/b2c/buyTicketless/33f77159-0acd-40c4-8524-701f33aae108

*Booking time: 10:00-11:00 AM.

2. If you wish to visit the interior of the Colosseum, it is recommended to book tickets online in advance: https://ticketing.colosseo.it/en/eventi/24h-colosseo-foro-romano-palatino/

Booking time: 14:00-15:00 PM. Tickets may not be available for purchase on-site.

Depart from Rome to visit the [Pompeii Archaeological Park] (optional tour). Pompeii is a historic ancient city in the Campania region of the southwestern Apennine Peninsula, located about 20 kilometers from the picturesque Bay of Naples; it was a popular summer resort nestled between the mountains and the sea. Afterwards, proceed to Naples. Naples is a city in southern Italy and one of the scenic Mediterranean destinations; it is a major seaport city situated at the foot of Mount Vesuvius with picturesque scenery. Explore the [Castel Nuovo] in the old town of Naples, the Catholic church [Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco da Paola], visit the residence of the Kings of Naples—the [Royal Palace of Naples], and the art gallery named after the Italian monarch—the [Galleria Umberto I]. In the evening, take a ferry from the Naples pier to Palermo and stay overnight on the cruise ship.

Enjoy a morning tour of Palermo, the capital of Sicily. As a city with 2,800 years of history, it captures the very essence of the island. Visit the "Fountain of Shame"—the Pretoria Fountain—and the elegant neoclassical Teatro Massimo. Explore the Norman Palace, said to be one of the oldest royal palaces in Europe, followed by a visit to the Palermo Cathedral. After lunch, head to Agrigento, a famous Sicilian tourist destination. Visit the Valley of the Temples (optional excursion), one of the most significant complexes of ancient Greek temples in the world. Afterward, view the Scala dei Turchi from the outside. Overnight stay in or around Agrigento.

After meeting in the morning, we will head to the old town of Syracuse, a living fossil of Mediterranean civilization and a place where ancient Greek and Roman cultures collided. This city is also the hometown of the ancient Greek scientist and philosopher, Archimedes. We will visit the [Ear of Dionysius] (optional excursion), a limestone cave with remarkable acoustics that once witnessed the schemes of ancient tyrants; the [Syracuse Cathedral], whose unique style perfectly blending ancient Greek architecture and Christian art is truly breathtaking; and the [Temple of Apollo], where the Doric columns that have withstood 2,500 years of history silently testify to the enduring charm of ancient Greek architectural art. After the tour, we will spend the night at a hotel near Syracuse.

Meet in the morning and head to Catania for a tour, enjoying free time to explore the Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Saint Agatha, and the Elephant Fountain. After lunch, drive to Taormina for a visit. Taormina is situated in a stunning location, featuring expansive blue views of the Ionian Sea on one side and the magnificent scenery of Mount Etna on the other. Visit the Piazza IX Aprile and the Ancient Greek Theatre (optional excursion). Check into a hotel in beautiful Taormina or the surrounding area.

After breakfast, depart from the hotel to visit the summit of Europe's active volcano, 【Mount Etna】 (optional tour). View the volcano's craters from a safe distance and enjoy the magnificent scenery of Mount Etna and the landscape surrounding the summit craters. Afterward, proceed to the hotel to rest, checking into a hotel in or near Taormina.

*It is recommended to bring a windbreaker or a thick jacket. Even if traveling in mid-summer, it is strongly advised to bring a waterproof jacket, as weather conditions at the volcano summit change frequently and it often rains.

Depart in the morning for Cefalù, a charming seaside town in northern Sicily. Compared to Palermo, Cefalù is quite delicate, maintaining a look sculpted by history. Arrive at the "Beach of Angels," Cefalù Beach. Afterward, reach the port of Palermo and board an overnight cruise to Naples.

1. The single room option for the entire trip does not include single occupancy for the cabin; cabins are quad-share by default. If an upgrade is required, an additional fee applies. Please refer to the optional activities for pricing.

2. Reference schedule for the Palermo-Naples ferry: Departure around 21:00, arrival around 07:00 the next day. Specific ferry schedules and times are subject to seasonal and weather conditions; please refer to the final arrangements made by the ferry company.

Depart from the southern port of Naples, travel along the coastline, and stop in Sorrento, a place renowned for its citrus groves and seascapes, not to mention its pastel-colored buildings perched on the cliffs. Afterward, head to Rome, where the journey concludes.