If you’re dreaming about Italy travel that combines history, sea views, and cinematic charm, Taormina, Sicily should be at the top of your list. Today, our Coco’s tour group explored this famous coastal town — known for its views, its shopping, its incredible food, and its ancient Greek theater overlooking the bay below. From the moment I stepped onto the hotel balcony, I could see why Taormina has been a favorite for travelers for centuries. The Ionian Sea shimmered below, framed by the cliffs and Mount Etna in the distance. The morning air smelled like citrus and espresso, and the[…]
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Embark on the ultimate Italy tour 2025, exploring all regions from Tuscany to the Amalfi Coast—authentic experiences, local flavors, and unforgettable memories await!
Day 5: Hidden Roman Treasures of Sicily
A Day of Hidden History Sicily has a way of surprising even the most seasoned traveler. Today was one of those unforgettable days. Hidden deep in the Sicilian countryside—truly in the middle of nowhere—we explored a 16,000-square-foot Roman villa preserved like Pompeii. Walking through this ancient house, it’s easy to feel transported back in time. This villa once belonged to a wealthy Roman merchant, whose trade network stretched from Africa to Rome. Exotic spices, silks, and even wild animals destined for gladiator arenas passed through here. Today, we can marvel at the mosaics covering every inch of the villa. They[…]
Day 4: Golden Hours in Agrigento: Sicily’s Temples, Vespas, and Sunset Magic
Morning in Villaggio Mosè Agrigento Sicily group tour. The sun was barely up over Villaggio Mosè, and the air already buzzed with the rhythm of Sicily — the scent of espresso, the hum of scooters, and laughter echoing through the narrow streets. Our group gathered in the piazza, where a slender stone tower stood tall against the blue sky. Beside it, two colorful Vespas — one blue, one red — waited like movie props ready for a chase scene. It was a perfect snapshot of Sicilian life: timeless, spirited, and effortlessly stylish. Journey to Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples A[…]
Day 3 A Taste of Sicily: Hands-On Farmhouse Memories
Today we said goodbye to Palermo and headed south toward Agrigento — through olive groves, sea views, and that golden Sicilian light. Our destination was a countryside farmhouse near Baia di Ulisse, where my dear friend Cinzia and her family welcomed us with open arms. A Warm Sicilian Welcome The moment we arrived, the aroma of warm milk filled the kitchen. Cinzia’s husband stood over a steaming pot, stirring slowly as he began turning milk into fresh cheese. The air was alive with laughter, conversation, and the sound of a curious little dog eager to be part of it all.[…]
Day 2 Monreale’s Golden Mosaics & a Proposal to Remember
If there’s one place in Sicily that never fails to stop me in my tracks, it’s Monreale. Just outside Palermo, perched on the hillside overlooking the bay, this small town holds one of the most extraordinary treasures in all of Italy — the Cathedral of Monreale. I’ve been to Italy more times than I can count, and to be honest, early on I didn’t give much thought to mosaics. But this is the day that changed my mind for good. Walking through those massive bronze doors, sunlight floods the cathedral and hits the gold mosaics — and suddenly the walls[…]
Day 1 in Palermo: A Warm Welcome to Sicily
We touched down in Palermo this afternoon and were whisked straight to our seaside hotel. Out one window I can see fishing boats bobbing in the bay; out the other, rows of cafés, bakeries, and gelato shops that make you want to wander and taste everything in sight. To the left of the hotel are family-run trattorias serving grilled seafood; to the right, a bakery whose scent of warm bread drifts into the street. But my favorite stop sits just across the way—a cozy café overlooking the water, perfect for a morning cappuccino or late-night limoncello. Tonight, our group gathered[…]
Day 11-12 Rome, Gelato, and Goodbyes – A Perfect Finale in Italy
Posted by Chuck | Destination Italy by Coco’s Our final full day in Rome began with one of the most peaceful breakfasts I’ve ever had — seated in the Pinecone Courtyard of the Ponte Sisto Hotel, cappuccino in hand, watching the soft morning light dance on Michelangelo’s magnificent dome. It’s hard to describe the calm that comes from being in a place so full of history, yet so serene. The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica stood quietly in the distance, reminding us just how much this city has witnessed over the centuries. And then, we stepped into that history ourselves.[…]
Day 10 – Rome
Rome has a way of waking up with you. The piazzas were stretching their arms, fountains sparkling in the early sun, and that first creamy cappuccino set the tone for the day. Even the Vespas parked along the cobbled streets looked like they were ready for adventure. This morning we had options—like a choose-your-own-adventure in the Eternal City. Some dove into Rome’s Renaissance and Baroque magic, where Caravaggio’s paintings glow from chapel walls and the Pantheon still steals the show centuries later. Others went deep into Rome’s Christian story, wandering through the Catacombs and standing in the quiet peace of[…]
Day 9: From Florence to Rome via Chiusi — A Journey Through Ancient Etruria
Today’s journey took us deep into the heart of Tuscany and the ancient world, as we made our way from Florence to Rome with a fascinating stop in Chiusi, one of the hidden gems of southern Tuscany. Before we even reached the Eternal City, we found ourselves walking in the footsteps of the Etruscans—a sophisticated civilization that thrived long before the Romans absorbed their culture. With our incredible local guide Barbara, we explored Chiusi’s quiet streets, winding underground passages, and rich archaeological history. One of the highlights was the Labyrinth of King Porsenna, an ancient underground water system filled with[…]
Day 7 & 8 – Romagna Countryside, Emilia Food Valley Arrival in Florence
Today was a true highlight for food lovers as we traveled into the Emilia region, known as Italy’s culinary heart. At a local vocational high school dedicated to Culinary Arts and Agriculture, we were warmly welcomed by both students and teachers for an Impact Moment that celebrated the traditions of food and farming. Here, we learned how the world-famous Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is made, following codes that date back to the 1300s. We also discovered the patient craft of aging Balsamic vinegar—a generational process that can take anywhere from 12 to 25 years. Some of our travelers even tried their hand[…]