28‑Day Italy & Nice Adventure – August/September 2026

Day 1: Departure from Perth – Arrival in Bologna

Morning: Depart Perth on an overnight Qantas‑Emirates flight (≈ AU$1,600 per person) with a short layover in Dubai.

Afternoon: Arrive Bologna, transfer to your hotel and settle in.

Evening: Stroll to Piazza Maggiore for a relaxed dinner and enjoy the city’s vibrant night ambience.

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Day 2: Exploring Bologna

Morning: Visit the historic Two Towers (Due Torri) and climb for city views.

Afternoon: Wander the medieval streets, sample local tagliatelle al ragù at a trattoria.

Evening: Enjoy aperitivo in the Quadrilatero market area.

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Day 3: Bologna to Rome (by train)

Morning: Take a high‑speed train to Rome (≈ AU$120 per person).

Afternoon: Check into accommodation and explore the Spanish Steps area.

Evening: Dine in Trastevere and soak up the lively atmosphere.

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Day 4: Classic Rome

Morning: Visit the iconic Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Afternoon: Walk to the Pantheon and nearby Piazza Navona.

Evening: Sunset at the Trevi Fountain followed by gelato.

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Day 5: Vatican City

Morning: Tour the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (skip‑the‑line ticket).

Afternoon: Explore St. Peter’s Basilica and climb the dome.

Evening: Evening walk along the Tiber River, dinner in the Prati district.

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Day 6: Rome to Naples, then Ferry to Sicily (Palermo)

Morning: Train to Naples (AU$100 per person) and quick city glimpse.

Afternoon: Board a fast ferry to Palermo (AU$150 per person).

Evening: Arrive Palermo, check into lodging and enjoy a Sicilian seafood dinner.

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Day 7: Palermo Highlights

Morning: Explore the Palermo Cathedral and the bustling Ballarò Market.

Afternoon: Visit the Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel.

Evening: Sunset at the waterfront promenade, try arancini.

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Day 8: Day Trip to Monreale

Morning: Short bus ride to Monreale and tour its famed cathedral.

Afternoon: Return to Palermo, relax in the Villa Giulia gardens.

Evening: Sample street food at Vucciria market.

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Day 9: Drive to Cefalù

Morning: Rent a car (AU$40/day) and drive to the coastal town of Cefalù.

Afternoon: Climb the Rocca for panoramic sea views.

Evening: Enjoy dinner on the beachfront.

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Day 10: Cefalù to Taormina

Morning: Continue the scenic drive to Taormina, check into accommodation.

Afternoon: Visit the ancient Greek Theatre with Mt. Etna backdrop.

Evening: Stroll Corso Umberto, dine with a view of the Ionian Sea.

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Day 11: Mount Etna Excursion

Morning: Guided half‑day tour to Mount Etna (AU$120 per person).

Afternoon: Return to Taormina for a leisurely lunch.

Evening: Free time – optional beach or spa.

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Day 12: Taormina to Syracuse

Morning: Drive to Syracuse, stop at the archaeological park of Neapolis.

Afternoon: Explore the historic island of Ortigia.

Evening: Sunset at the Fountain of Arethusa, dinner in Ortigia.

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Day 13‑14: Syracuse to Reggio Calabria

Morning/afternoon/evening activities include the Archaeological Museum, a ferry crossing to Messina, and a coastal drive to Scilla for beach time.

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Day 15‑17: Reggio Calabria to Nice (France)

Travel by train (AU$180 per person) via Genoa, explore Promenade des Anglais, Old Town (Vieux Nice), and a day trip to Monaco.

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Day 18‑20: Nice to Bologna (Return Leg)

Fly back to Bologna (AU$200 per person), revisit any missed sites, and enjoy relaxed evenings.

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Day 21‑24: Bologna to Venice (Optional Extension)

Short train ride to Venice, wander St. Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, and a gondola ride.

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Day 25‑27: Venice to Rome (Final Days)

Return to Rome for final shopping, a visit to Villa Borghese, and farewell dinner.

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Day 28: Departure – Return to Perth

Morning transfer to Rome’s airport, flight back to Perth via Dubai (same carrier).

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Time and Cost Estimates

• International Flights (Perth‑Bologna‑Perth) – 2 × AU$1,600 = AU$3,200
• Domestic Flights (Rome‑Palermo, Palermo‑Reggio, Reggio‑Nice) – AU$200 × 2 = AU$400
• High‑speed Trains (Bologna‑Rome, Rome‑Naples, Naples‑Bologna, Bologna‑Venice, Venice‑Rome) – AU$120 × 4 = AU$480
• Ferry (Naples‑Palermo) – AU$150 × 2 = AU$300
• Car Rental (Sicily – 10 days) – AU$40 × 10 = AU$400
• Accommodation (mid‑range hotels/Airbnb, avg AU$150/night) – 27 nights × AU$150 = AU$4,050
• Meals (average AU$60/day for two) – 27 days × AU$60 = AU$1,620
• Entrance Fees & Tours (Colosseum, Vatican, Etna, museums, etc.) – AU$800
• Local Transport (buses, metros, taxis) – AU$400
• Travel Insurance & Miscellaneous – AU$500
• Spending Money (souvenirs, extra activities) – AU$1,000
• Total Estimated Cost: AU$13,250

Tips

To extend the trip, add a few extra days in Sicily’s eastern coast (Catania, Siracusa) or spend more time in Nice and the French Riviera. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the Venice leg and reduce the Nice stay to two nights; this will still keep the total comfortably under the AU$20,000 budget while preserving the key experiences.