April 29, 2023 – day 1 – Saturday

Here’s a detailed itinerary for your first day in London on April 29th:

7:15 am – Arrival at LHR Airport

8:00 am – 9:00 am – Clear immigration, collect luggage, and clear customs

9:00 am – 10:00 am – Travel from LHR Airport to your accommodation (I suggest staying in central London; public transport options are the Heathrow Express to Paddington or the Piccadilly Line to central London)

10:00 am – 11:00 am – Check-in at your accommodation and freshen up

11:00 am – 12:00 pm – Travel to the Queen’s Rose Garden at Regent’s Park; closest tube stations are Great Portland Street, Regent’s Park or Baker Street.

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Visit the Queen’s Rose Garden and have a stroll around Regent’s Park

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Lunch at a nearby restaurant/cafe; there are several options within and near Regent’s Park

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Travel to the British Museum; you can take the tube from Great Portland Street or Baker Street stations to Tottenham Court Road or Holborn stations

3:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Visit the British Museum

5:30 pm – 6:00 pm – Travel to the Tower of London; take the Central Line from Holborn or Tottenham Court Road stations to Bank, and then the District or Circle Line to Tower Hill

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Walk around the Tower of London (external tour; the Tower usually closes to visitors at 5:30 pm, so you won’t be able to enter)

7:30 pm – 8:00 pm – Walk along the Tower Bridge and take some pictures

8:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Have dinner at a nearby restaurant; options include the nearby St. Katharine Docks or restaurants near London Bridge

9:00 pm onwards – Go back to your accommodation or explore some local pubs/bars, depending on how you feel!

This schedule covers the main attractions you expressed interest in, but do keep in mind that it will be a long day, especially after a flight. Make sure to take breaks and adjust the schedule according to your energy levels. Enjoy your trip to London!

April 30, 2023 – day 2 – Sunday

Here’s a detailed itinerary for your second day in London on May 30th:

8:00 am – 9:00 am – Breakfast at your accommodation or a nearby cafe

9:00 am – 9:30 am – Travel to Buckingham Palace; closest tube stations are Green Park or St. James’s Park

9:30 am – 10:30 am – Visit Buckingham Palace, watch the Changing of the Guard (if taking place; usually occurs at 11 am, but it’s worth getting there early for a better view)

10:30 am – 11:00 am – Walk/photo opportunity at St. James’s Park

11:00 am – 11:30 am – Travel to Westminster Abbey; take the Jubilee Line from Green Park to Westminster station

11:30 am – 1:00 pm – Visit Westminster Abbey

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Lunch at a nearby cafe/restaurant (plenty of options around the Westminster area)

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm – Walk past Big Ben (currently under construction) and the Houses of Parliament

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Quick visit to Westminster Cathedral

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Walk/photo opportunity at Downing Street #10 (Note: You won’t be able to get very close to the house due to security, but you can still take pictures from Whitehall)

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm – Travel to the shopping area around Oxford Street and Bond Street; take the Jubilee Line from Westminster to Bond Street station

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Shopping for Louis Vuitton items (there’s a Louis Vuitton store on New Bond Street) and explore the surrounding shopping streets (Oxford Street, Regent Street)

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Dinner at a nearby restaurant/quick bite; plenty of options in the Oxford Street/Bond Street area

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Travel back to your accommodation to pack and rest before your early morning flight

Please remember to adjust the schedule according to your energy levels and preferences. Have a great day exploring London!

May 1, 2023 – day 3 – Monday

Here’s a detailed itinerary for your day in Taormina on May 1st:

3:00 am – 3:30 am – Check out from your accommodation in London and travel to Gatwick Airport (Leave enough time for potential traffic delays and longer check-in/security lines)

5:00 am – Flight from London Gatwick to Palermo (PMO) with EasyJet

9:40 am – Arrival at Palermo Airport (PMO)

10:00 am – 10:30 am – Collect your rental car at Palermo Airport

10:30 am – 1:30 pm – Drive from Palermo Airport to Taormina (It’s roughly a 3-hour drive, so you might want to take a break during the trip to stretch your legs and grab a snack)

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Check-in at your accommodation in Taormina and freshen up

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Visit Piazza IX Aprile, which is a central square in Taormina with beautiful views, cafes, and shops

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Walk to Teatro Antico di Taormina (Greek-Roman Theatre) and explore the ancient theater

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Drive or walk (depending on your preference) to Isola Bella, a picturesque beach and nature reserve

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm – Relax at Isola Bella beach or explore the nature reserve, taking in the stunning views

6:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Travel back to central Taormina

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Dinner at a restaurant in Taormina; the town offers various dining options, from authentic Sicilian restaurants to pizzerias and seafood spots

8:00 pm onwards – Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll in Taormina and perhaps some gelato at one of the local gelaterias before heading back to your accommodation

This itinerary includes the main attractions you wanted to visit, but there are additional options like the beautiful Garden of Villa Comunale or the historic Corso Umberto (the town’s main shopping street). Adjust the schedule as needed to accommodate your energy levels and preferences. Have a fantastic time in Taormina!

May 2, 2023 – day 4 – Tuesday

May 2nd: Taormina – Syracuse – Noto

7:00 am – 8:00 am – Breakfast at your accommodation in Taormina

8:00 am – 9:45 am – Drive from Taormina to Syracuse

9:45 am – 11:00 am – Explore the Island of Ortigia, including Piazza Archimede and the Cathedral of Syracuse (Duomo di Siracusa)

11:00 am – 12:00 pm – Lunch at a local restaurant in Syracuse

12:00 pm – 1:45 pm – Drive from Syracuse to Noto

1:45 pm – 4:00 pm – Visit the main attractions in Noto: Noto Cathedral, Porta Reale o Ferdinandea, and stroll around the picturesque town

4:00 pm – Check-in at your accommodation in Noto

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Dinner at a local restaurant in Noto

7:30 pm onwards – Relax, explore local bars, or have a leisurely evening stroll around Noto

May 3, 2023 – day 5 – Wednesday

May 3rd: Noto – Agrigento – Palermo

7:00 am – 8:00 am – Breakfast at your accommodation in Noto

8:00 am – 10:45 am – Drive from Noto to Agrigento

10:45 am – 1:00 pm – Visit the Valley of the Temples, Tempio della Concordia, and the Temple of Hercules

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Lunch at a local restaurant in Agrigento

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Visit the Stair of the Turks (Scala dei Turchi) and enjoy the Belvedere – Scala dei Turchi – F.A.I.

3:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Drive from Agrigento to Palermo (leave some buffer time for stops along the way)

7:00 pm – Check-in at your accommodation in Palermo

8:00 pm – 9:30 pm – Dinner at a local restaurant in Palermo

9:30 pm onwards – Relax, explore local bars, or have a leisurely evening stroll around Palermo

This itinerary now covers Syracuse, Noto, and Agrigento over two days, allowing for more time to enjoy each location. Remember to adjust the schedule according to your energy levels and preferences. Have a fantastic time exploring Sicily!

May 4, 2023 – day 6 – Thuresday

Here’s a detailed itinerary for exploring Palermo on May 4th before catching the ferry to Naples:

8:00 am – 9:00 am: Breakfast at your accommodation in Palermo

9:30 am – 10:30 am: Visit the Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Italy

10:45 am – 11:45 am: Admire the Fontana Pretoria, a beautiful fountain located in Piazza Pretoria

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Visit the Cattedrale di Palermo, a magnificent mixture of architectural styles

1:15 pm – 2:15 pm: Lunch at a local restaurant in Palermo

2:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Explore the Royal Palace and the Palatine Chapel, located in the heart of Palermo

4:15 pm – 5:00 pm: Visit the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, a historic church known for its red domes

5:15 pm – 6:15 pm: Walk through the Quattro Canti, a Baroque square intersecting the city’s four historic districts

6:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Leisurely stroll through the Ballarò Market, a traditional Sicilian market selling fresh produce, street food, and souvenirs

7:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Dinner at a local restaurant or grab a quick bite to eat from the market

8:30 pm – 8:45 pm: Return to your accommodation to collect your bags

9:00 pm: Head to the port and catch the ferry from Palermo to Naples

This itinerary covers a good selection of Palermo’s highlights within a day while leaving plenty of buffer time for additional stops, photos, and breaks. Remember to adjust the schedule according to your energy levels and preferences. Enjoy your day exploring Palermo!

May 5, 2023 – day 7 – Friday

Here’s a detailed itinerary for exploring Naples and Pompeii on May 5th:

8:30 am: Ferry arrives in Naples

9:00 am – 10:00 am: Breakfast at a local cafe in Naples

10:15 am – 11:15 am: Visit Museo Cappella Sansevero, known for its unique and fascinating sculptures, including the Veiled Christ

11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Stroll through Quartieri Spagnoli, a vibrant neighborhood known for its narrow streets and authentic Neapolitan atmosphere

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Visit Piazza del Plebiscito, a vast and beautiful square surrounded by majestic buildings, including the Royal Palace

1:45 pm – 2:45 pm: Lunch at a local restaurant (try a classic Neapolitan pizza)

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Brief visit or photo opportunity at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona

3:45 pm – 4:30 pm: Travel to Pompeii either by train from Naples Central Station to Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri (roughly 30-40 minutes) or by car, if you have a rental (about a 30-minute drive)

4:45 pm – 6:45 pm: Explore the Pompeii Archaeological Park and visit the Amphitheatre of Pompeii

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Dinner at a local restaurant near Pompeii

8:00 pm onwards: Travel back to Naples (either by train or car) and relax for the rest of the evening

This itinerary includes the main attractions you wanted to visit in Naples and Pompeii, with enough time to explore each location. If you have extra time in Naples, consider visiting Castel dell’Ovo or the Naples National Archaeological Museum, both of which are top attractions in the city. Remember to adjust the schedule to accommodate your energy levels and preferences. Have a great day exploring Naples and Pompeii!

May 6, 2023 – day 8 – Saturday

Here’s an itinerary for exploring the Amalfi Coast on May 6th, with an overnight stay in Sorrento:

7:30 am – 8:30 am: Breakfast at your accommodation in Naples

9:00 am: Take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento (approximately 1 hour)

10:00 am: Arrival in Sorrento

10:00 am – 11:00 am: Explore Sorrento’s historic center and Piazza Tasso

11:00 am: Check-in at your accommodation in Sorrento (if possible) or drop off your luggage

11:30 am: Take the SITA bus from Sorrento to Positano (approximately 45 minutes)

12:15 pm: Arrival in Positano

12:15 pm – 1:30 pm: Explore Positano, take a walk on Spiaggia Grande (the main beach), and visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm: Lunch at a local restaurant in Positano

3:00 pm: Take the SITA bus from Positano to Amalfi (approximately 30-40 minutes)

3:30 pm: Arrival in Amalfi

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Visit the Amalfi Cathedral, Piazza Duomo, and explore the historic center

4:30 pm – 5:15 pm: Take a short bus ride (15-20 minutes) or hike (30-40 minutes) to the nearby and picturesque village of Atrani

5:15 pm – 6:15 pm: Explore Atrani and relax on its small but charming beach

6:30 pm: Take the SITA bus from Atrani to Amalfi (just a 5-minute ride)

6:35 pm: Arrival in Amalfi

7:00 pm: Take the SITA bus from Amalfi to Sorrento (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes)

8:15 pm: Arrival in Sorrento

8:30 pm – 9:30 pm: Dinner at a local restaurant in Sorrento

9:30 pm onwards: Check-in at your accommodation in Sorrento (if not done earlier) and relax for the rest of the evening

This revised itinerary allows time for a more leisurely exploration of the Amalfi Coast, with an overnight stay in Sorrento. Remember to adjust the schedule as needed to accommodate your preferences and energy levels. Have a great day exploring the Amalfi Coast!

May 7, 2023 – day 9 – Sunday

Here’s an itinerary for your day in Rome:

1. Arrive at Roma Termini train station at approximately 10:00 AM. From there, take the Metro Line A (direction Battistini) and get off at the Barberini station. The Metro ride should take around 5 minutes.
2. From Barberini station, walk for about 6 minutes to the impressive Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Toss a coin into the fountain and take some photos.
3. Afterward, take a 10-minute walk to the Spanish Steps. Spend some time admiring the beautiful architecture and the lively atmosphere of this popular spot.
4. Continue your walk for about 9 minutes down Via dei Condotti, a high-end shopping street, where you’ll find the Louis Vuitton store you’re looking for at Via dei Condotti 13.
5. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant to sample some delicious Italian cuisine.
6. After lunch, take a 12-minute walk to the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings. Be sure to step inside and marvel at its stunning architecture.
7. From the Pantheon, walk for about 8 minutes to Piazza Navona, a lively square with beautiful Baroque architecture, fountains, and street artists.
8. Finally, take a 15-minute walk to Campo de’ Fiori, a bustling square home to a daily food market, where you can pick up local delicacies.

Here’s the revised summary of your itinerary:

10:00 AM: Arrive at Roma Termini 10:05 AM – 10:10 AM: Metro ride to Barberini station 10:20 AM – 11:00 AM: Visit Trevi Fountain 11:10 AM – 11:50 AM: Visit the Spanish Steps 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Visit Louis Vuitton store 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM: Lunch 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM: Visit the Pantheon 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM: Explore Piazza Navona 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM: Visit Campo de’ Fiori

This expanded itinerary allows you to visit additional attractions like the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Campo de’ Fiori while still leaving you ample time for shopping and a leisurely lunch. Enjoy your day in Rome!

May 8, 2023 – day 10 – Monday

Here’s an itinerary for May 8th, including your reserved Vatican Museums tour and a visit to Castel Sant’Angelo:

1. Start your day with breakfast at a local cafe near your accommodation.
2. Make your way to Vatican City, either by walking or using public transportation, depending on your location. Plan to arrive around 11:30 AM to give yourself enough time to find the entrance and join your reserved 11:45 AM Vatican Museums tour.
3. After your Vatican Museums tour, which usually takes around 2 hours, visit St. Peter’s Basilica. Be sure to climb to the top of the dome for a stunning view of Rome (please note that it has an additional entrance fee and requires climbing stairs). Exploring the basilica and climbing the dome should take around 1.5 hours.
4. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant or grab a quick panini from a local shop.
5. After lunch, walk to Castel Sant’Angelo, which should take about 15 minutes. Spend an hour or so exploring its rich history and admiring the views of the Tiber River from the terrace.
6. From Castel Sant’Angelo, walk for about 20 minutes to Piazza del Popolo, a large urban square that features beautiful fountains and a central Egyptian obelisk. Spend some time exploring the square and visit the adjacent Santa Maria del Popolo church, which houses impressive works of art by Caravaggio and Bernini.
7. Continue your day by taking a leisurely stroll through Villa Borghese, a large public park within walking distance of Piazza del Popolo (about 15 minutes). Inside the park, you’ll find various attractions, including the Galleria Borghese (please note that it requires a reservation in advance to visit) and the park’s beautiful gardens.

Here’s the itinerary summary:

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Breakfast 11:30 AM: Arrive at Vatican City 11:45 AM – 1:45 PM: Vatican Museums tour 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and climb the dome 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM: Lunch near Vatican City 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Explore Castel Sant’Angelo 6:20 PM – 7:00 PM: Visit Piazza del Popolo and Santa Maria del Popolo church 7:15 PM – 8:30 PM: Stroll through Villa Borghese

This itinerary incorporates your planned visits to the Vatican Museums and Castel Sant’Angelo while also allowing you to explore Piazza del Popolo and Villa Borghese. Enjoy your second day in Rome!

May 9, 2023 – day 11 – Tuesday

Here’s an itinerary for May 9th, including the places you mentioned:

1. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a cafe near your accommodation.
2. Make your way to the Colosseum, either by walking or using public transportation. Plan to arrive around 9:00 AM to beat the crowds. If possible, book a ticket with a guided tour or the skip-the-line option in advance to save time.
3. Spend about 1.5 hours exploring the iconic Colosseum, one of Rome’s most famous sights.
4. After the Colosseum, walk for about 10 minutes to the Roman Forum, the ancient city’s center. Spend around 1 hour exploring the Forum and its impressive ruins.
5. From the Roman Forum, take a 15-minute walk to the Altar of the Fatherland (also known as the Victor Emmanuel II Monument), a grandiose national monument in honor of Italy’s first king. Climb to the top of the monument for panoramic views of Rome.
6. Continue with a 10-minute walk to the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s four major basilicas. Spend around 30 minutes admiring the beautiful mosaics and impressive architecture.
7. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant nearby.
8. After lunch, walk for about 20 minutes to the Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità), a large marble mask said to bite off the hands of liars. Spend a few minutes here for a fun photo opportunity.
9. Finally, take a 30-minute walk (or a 10-minute bus ride) to the Baths of Caracalla, the ruins of an ancient Roman bath complex. Spend about 1 hour exploring the beautiful grounds.

Here’s the itinerary summary:

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Visit the Colosseum

10:40 AM – 11:40 AM: Explore the Roman Forum

11:55 AM – 12:30 PM: Visit the Altar of the Fatherland

12:40 PM – 1:10 PM: Visit Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore

1:20 PM – 2:20 PM: Lunch

2:40 PM – 2:50 PM: See the Mouth of Truth

3:20 PM – 4:20 PM: Explore the Baths of Caracalla

This itinerary includes all the attractions you mentioned, allowing for a reasonable amount of time at each location. Enjoy your third day in Rome!

Adding The Godfather’s House

Certainly! Unfortunately, adding The Godfather’s House – Museum Corleone to this particular itinerary may not be feasible as it’s quite far from the suggested May 2nd itinerary. I’ll provide an alternative plan here. You can consider visiting The Godfather’s House – Museum Corleone on your way to Palermo on May 3rd.

Here’s the revised itinerary for May 2nd:

7:00 am – 8:00 am: Breakfast at your accommodation in Taormina

8:00 am – 9:45 am: Drive from Taormina to Syracuse

9:45 am – 11:00 am: Explore the Island of Ortigia, including Piazza Archimede and the Cathedral of Syracuse (Duomo di Siracusa)

11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Lunch at a local restaurant in Syracuse

12:00 pm – 1:45 pm: Drive from Syracuse to Noto

1:45 pm – 4:00 pm: Visit the main attractions in Noto: Noto Cathedral, Porta Reale o Ferdinandea, and stroll around the picturesque town

4:00 pm: Check-in at your accommodation in Noto

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Dinner at a local restaurant in Noto

7:30 pm onwards: Relax, explore local bars, or have a leisurely evening stroll around Noto

Alternative plan for May 3rd:

7:00 am – 8:00 am: Breakfast at your accommodation in Noto

8:00 am – 9:30 am: Drive from Noto to The Godfather’s House – Museum Corleone in Savoca (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes)

9:30 am – 11:00 am: Explore The Godfather’s House – Museum Corleone and the surrounding area

11:00 am – 3:00 pm: Drive from Savoca to Palermo (approximately 4 hours)

3:00 pm: Check-in at your accommodation in Palermo

The rest of the May 3rd itinerary would remain the same.

Please note that The Godfather’s House – Museum Corleone is about 2 hours 30 minutes away from Noto and can be quite a detour on your way to Palermo. This alternative plan will add extra driving time to your day, so make sure to consider your energy levels and preferences when deciding on this option.