Rome awaits us as we land in a city of ancient wonders, vibrant culture and robust flavors. Our two days here will serve as the foundation of our Italian adventure as we get a feel for the story, culture and culinary delights of this historic city. We will embrace the phrase "When in Rome, do as the Romans do” as we are guided, dining, and experiencing life with locals. We will take our time to eat slowly, observe thoughtfully, and cherish the moments we have in the Eternity City.

Our next stop is the island of Sicily–the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. With a strong identity and epic landscapes, Sicily could almost be considered its own country–so consider this trip a two-for-one! We will embark on an epic day trip to Mt. Etna, Europe's most active volcano–followed by a plunge into serene Mediterranean waters. Each meal will be an exploration of Sicily’s culinary specialties, from restaurants and street food to Catania’s Fera O'Luni market and a visit to a local farm. With hiking, swimming and sailing on the itinerary, our days here will be diverse in experience with incredible meals to match.

We will take an early flight from Catania to Florence, embracing this fairytale city as our own. In three days we will balance visiting the famous Duomo and stunning galleries with walks through small streets and a visit to the local market. We will savor local specialties like pappa al Pomodoro and pappardelle al cinghiale in local trattorias and experience the ambiance of Firenze’s lively squares. We will also experience the Tuscan countryside, getting out of the city to taste locally-grown wine and olive oil as we learn how to make homemade pasta in this piece of paradise.

With one more stop on our Italian journey, Orvieto will serve as the perfect bookend to our travel story. This hilltop city in the region of Umbria is often overlooked by tourists despite its rich history, delicious cuisine and stunning backdrop. We will have one final day to relish in local food, drinks and culture (by foot and bike!) before our departures from Rome on Day 10.