Compare Paris to Geneva, Milan and Rome Tour by Discovery Nomads vs Spectacular Sicily by Culture Trip

Day 1-3 Paris

Today you will explore fascinating Paris and check this beautiful city from the Eiffel Tower and in the evening you will have free time to explore the nightlife of the city. On the next day you will have sightseeing tour around Paris and visit Louvre museum.

Hotel: Novotel Paris or similar.

Day 3 Geneva

In the morning you will travel by train to Switzerland. Discover this small city of Geneva that lies at the southern tip of expansive Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). Surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, the city has views of dramatic Mont Blanc.

Day 4-6 Milan

In the morning you will travel to Milan and have a guided tour to the beautiful Duomo Cathedral. Enjoy shopping on Via Montenapoleone and in the evening go to the opera of La Scala (please purchase tickets in advance).

Hotel: Starhotels Anderson or similar.

Day 6-8 Venice

You will have a guided tour to the Doge's Palace. Additionally visit the Accademia Gallery and Basilica di San Marco, take a vaporeto to Murano and Burano, gondola ride along Venice canals or visit Guggenheim gallery.

Hotel: LaGare Venezia MGallery by Sofitel or similar.

Day 8-10 Rome

Explore the history of Rome on a walking tour, see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona. On the next day you'll have an excursion to Vatican and visit the Colosseum. And do not miss the amazing Italian food, wine and nightlife.

Hotel: UNA Hotel Rome or similar.

Day 1: Sip cocktails on your first day in Palermo

Accommodation: Hotel Porta Felice

Activities Included: Welcome dinner

After your flight lands at Falcone-Borsellino Airport, make your way to the hotel where our Local Insider – who will accompany you for the rest of the trip – will greet you and the rest of the group at 6pm. Enjoy welcome drinks; if you haven't already, you might want to try an Aperol spritz. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about the trip over dinner at a local restaurant, and perhaps enjoy a couple more spritzes before heading to bed.

Day 2: Delve into Palermo's fascinating past

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Porta Felice

Activities Included: Palermo walking tour, Sicilian cooking class

Begin your tour of Sicily by delving into Palermo’s past. Its history stretches back more than 2,700 years to the Phoenicians; since then, the Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans have all put their stamp on the city. You can get around on foot, strolling through squares and sampling street food as you discover more about the history, art and traditions of the city. After lunch, explore the gold-sand beaches around Palermo, before meeting your group for a cookery class. Under the watchful eye of a knowledgeable chef, you’ll prepare authentic Sicilian dishes that you can recreate when you get home.

Day 3: Hike in the Madonie mountains and marvel at the beauty of Cefalù

Accommodation: Artemis Hotel

Activities Included: Guided Madonie mountains hike

Trade the city streets of Palermo for the rugged scenery of the Madonie mountains on a winding road inland. You’ll stop off en route to walk along a Roman trail lined with centuries-old oak and maple trees that was originally used by traders to transport goods to the coast. If you’re lucky, you might spot a golden eagle. After a traditional lunch, continue to the coastal city of Cefalù, where you’ll check into your hotel. Don’t miss the Norman cathedral and the palace of Osterio Magno in Cefalù, before cooling off in the Mediterranean sea.

Day 4: Pack your bags for the Aeolian islands

Accommodation: Hotel Bougainville

Today, hop on the hydrofoil ferry to the Aeolian islands, a group of 12 tiny land masses off the north coast of Sicily. You’ll stay on the largest, Lipari, where a row of pastel-coloured buildings frame the harbour. Eye up a nice spot for lunch before dropping your bags at the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace – wander around the ruined castle and cathedral, take a taxi to the thermal springs of San Calogero or unwind at the hotel where the outdoor pool beckons.

Day 5: Visit the islands of Panarea and Stromboli

Accommodation: Hotel Bougainville

Activities Included: Stromboli and Panarea boat tour

This morning, you’ll board the hydrofoil again to Panarea. Keep your eyes peeled for celebrities – Michael Douglas, Oprah Winfrey and Beyoncé have all holidayed on this exclusive island, keen for a taste of dolce far niente – delicious idleness. Stroll through labyrinthine streets, where pink bougainvillea blooms spill over whitewashed walls. Later, you'll sail to neighbouring Stromboli; the biggest draw on this island is the volcano, which has been active for 2,000 years. It's one of the most reliable places to see lava spewing from the core of the earth. Catch a last glimpse from the hydrofoil before you return to Lipari.

Day 6: Explore the sulphurous island Vulcano and soak in hot springs

Accommodation: Hotel Bougainville

Optional Activities: Vulcano tour

Today is yours to explore Lipari at leisure – from the beaches overlooking azure water to centuries-old duomos and cute tavernas. Come lunchtime, why not wash down a bowl of pasta 'ncasciata with a glass of limoncello, and cool off afterwards with a dip in the Med? If you still have energy, there’s an optional choice to visit the island of Vulcano, where you can hike to the rim of a volcanic crater before visiting the geothermal baths. Slather yourself in hot, mineral-rich mud, then wash it off in the hot spring, where jets of steam from underground fumaroles provide a gentle massage.

Day 7: Go off-road on Mount Etna

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Villa Politi

Activities Included: Mount Etna 4x4 tour

The hydrofoil will bring you back to the Sicilian mainland today, arriving in Milazzo. From here, you’ll continue to the main event of the day: a thrilling 4x4 tour across Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe. Bounce over crusted lava fields, exploring Monti Silvestri, the Northeast Crater, the Voragine and more. After a light lunch at a local agriturismo, continue to your hotel in Syracuse. Spend the evening as you wish – kick back at the hotel or watch the sunset from nearby Castello Maniace.

Day 8: Discover the baroque hill towns of Noto, Ragusa and Modica

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Villa Politi

Activities Included: Ragusa, Noto and Modica tour

Say goodbye to the coast and venture inland to the hillside villages of Noto, Ragusa and Modica. Few visitors make it here, so it’s a great opportunity to get off the beaten path. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1693, the villages form part of the Val di Noto Unesco World Heritage site, designated for its beautiful architecture. Countless churches and palaces were built from the local stone; their ornate detailing draws admiring looks to this day. Fans of Inspector Montalbano may recognise Ragusa and Modica as the filming locations. Make sure you grab a gelato in Noto – one of the best places for ice cream in the world.

Day 9: Explore the flavours of Syracuse

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Villa Politi

Today’s tour of Syracuse promises to be a multisensory experience. Heaps of pistachios, almonds, sun-dried tomatoes, capers and blood-red oranges create a riot of colour in the lively Mercato di Ortigia. Throw in lots of shouting and gesticulating, not to mention the aromas of fresh bakes and herbs, and you can see why the market is as much a visitor attraction as it is a local shopping experience. All the produce on sale will offer a fascinating – and no doubt stomach-rumbling – insight into the rich food culture and history of Syracuse. Afterwards, you can while away a few hours in the old town before regrouping for a farewell dinner.

Day 10: Departure day

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. You'll say a fond farewell to your new friends at around 11am, before returning home or continuing with your travels.