7-Day Italy & French Riviera Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Palermo, Sicily

Morning: Land at Palermo Airport and transfer to your boutique hotel in the historic centre. Take a leisurely walk to the Quattro Canti to soak in the Baroque architecture.

Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch near the Mercato del Capo, then explore the stunning Palermo Cathedral with its intricate mosaics.

Evening: Stroll along the lively Via Vittorio Emanuele, sampling street‑food arancini before sipping a glass of local wine at a rooftop bar.

Day 2: Exploring Eastern Sicily

Morning: Take a short train ride to Mount Etna and join a guided hike to the summit crater for breathtaking views.

Afternoon: Descend to the charming town of Taormina, wandering the ancient Greek Theatre and enjoying a gelato on Corso Umberto.

Evening: Return to Palermo, relax at the hotel, and dine on fresh seafood at a seaside trattoria near Porta di Mare.

Day 3: Travel to Rome

Morning: Catch a flight from Palermo to Rome, arriving at Fiumicino Airport and checking into a central boutique hotel.

Afternoon: Begin your Roman adventure with a visit to the iconic Colosseum and the adjacent Roman Forum, marveling at ancient history.

Evening: Wander through the illuminated streets of Trastevere, enjoying a candlelit dinner of pasta carbonara.

Day 4: Classic Rome

Morning: Explore the awe‑inspiring Vatican Museums, culminating with a view of the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

Afternoon: Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and climb to the dome for panoramic city views, then stroll across the historic Ponte Sant’Angelo.

Evening: Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and enjoy gelato while admiring the night lights of the Spanish Steps.

Day 5: Travel to Nice, France

Morning: Take a short flight to Nice, check into a chic hotel along the Promenade des Anglais.

Afternoon: Walk the famed Coulée Verte and relax on the pebbled beaches, then browse the colourful market at Cours Saleya.

Evening: Dine on Provençal cuisine at a seaside bistro, followed by a leisurely sunset stroll along the waterfront.

Day 6: French Riviera Exploration

Morning: Take a day‑trip to the glamorous principality of Monaco, visiting the Prince’s Palace and the Oceanographic Museum.

Afternoon: Return to Nice and explore the artistic neighbourhood of Vieux Nice, admiring the Baroque churches and boutique shops.

Evening: Enjoy a rooftop cocktail at the Hotel Negresco while overlooking the glittering Mediterranean.

Day 7: Departure

Morning: Pack your belongings and savor a final French pastry at a local bakery near the hotel.

Afternoon: Transfer to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport for your flight home, carrying memories of Sicily, Rome, and the Riviera.

Evening: Arrive back home, reflecting on a week of culture, cuisine, and coastal charm.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Palermo Cathedral – 1.5 hours – $0 (free entry)
• Mount Etna guided hike – 4 hours – $80
• Taormina Greek Theatre – 2 hours – $12
• Colosseum & Roman Forum – 3 hours – $18
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel – 4 hours – $30
• St. Peter’s Basilica dome climb – 1 hour – $10
• Trevi Fountain (night) – 30 minutes – $0
• Promenade des Anglais beach time – 2 hours – $0
• Cours Saleya market – 1.5 hours – $0
• Monaco Prince’s Palace tour – 2 hours – $15
• Vieux Nice exploration – 2 hours – $0
• Hotel Negresco rooftop cocktail – 1 hour – $25
• Total Estimated Cost: $210

Tips

If you have extra days, consider extending your stay in Sicily to visit the stunning beaches of Cefalù or adding a day trip from Rome to Tivoli’s Villa d'Este. To shorten the itinerary, you can skip the Monaco day‑trip and spend more leisure time on Nice’s beaches, allowing for a more relaxed departure.