Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts

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Taormina's Teatro Greco with a snowcapped Mount Etna

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 7 Days

Explore Sicily's Arab-Norman highlights, mouthwatering cuisine, and ancient ruins with this weeklong foodie trip to Italy's "boot. " Delve into Palermo's vibrant culture and history, cook up a storm with a four-course masterclass, then head to elegant Taormina to hike the summit of Europe's largest volcano, Mount Etna. Your whirlwind trip concludes in Catania, where you'll sharpen your taste buds with a tour of Sicily's famous street food amid the city's famous Baroque architecture.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 8 Days

Discover what drew ancient and modern people to strategically located Sicily on this eight-day tour. Start in Palermo to explore its colorful history and exceptional food scene. See the 12th-century Norman Cattedrale, shop for lunch at the busy Vucciria Street market, and soak in the Mediterranean sunshine on Mondello Beach. Continue to Taormina, where you'll catch a performance at the Greek theater, see Sicily from the top of the Mount Etna volcano, and stuff yourself on delicious fried street food.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 9 Days

Explore why Sicily has been one of the world's most densely occupied regions for over 2,000 years on this colorful nine-day itinerary. Begin in the food capital of Palermo to see 12th-century churches, Italy's largest opera house, and learn to make a four-course meal. Continue to the resort town of Taormina to hike Mount Etna, see a show at the Greek theater, and explore the beautiful little island of Isola Bella. End in Catania, where finger-licking street food and Baroque architecture dominate the scene.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 10 Days

Cliff diving is the national pastime in Sicily, and it's easy to see why on this beautiful 10-day itinerary of the mountainous island. Begin your trip in diverse Palermo to discover history and culture through the medium of street food. Go back in time with a trip to the Cappuccini Catacombs and enjoy the sunshine and turquoise water on Mondello Beach. Explore art and history in Taormina and see Sicily from the top of Mount Etna, then end your trip with a street food tour in beautiful Catania.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina, Catania - 11 Days

Sicilians consider themselves Sicilian first, and Italian second—discover the source of their fierce pride on this beautiful 11-day itinerary. Start in culturally rich Palermo, voted by Forbes as the 2015 European food capital. See a variety of churches, from 12th-century to modern-day, and learn to make a traditional 4-course meal. Head to Taormina, where art and theater dominate the region. Catch a show at the Greek theater overlooking the Ionian Sea, then end your trip in bustling Catania—the perfect place to try finger-licking street food and enjoy views of Mt. Etna.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina, Catania - 12 Days

A favorite with bikers and hikers, Sicily's hilly landscapes are also perfect for travelers who want big views, diverse cultures, and sunny weather. Explore all this and more on this packed 12-day itinerary, which starts in the food capital of Palermo. Tour medieval churches and relax on sunny beaches, then head to Taormina to dive into the arts and theater scene. Explore Mount Etna and the local winemaking culture, then end your trip in Catania, where churches, street food, and views of the Ionian Sea create the perfect Mediterranean atmosphere.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse, Taormina & Catania - 13 Days

Sicily has long been a favorite with maritime travelers, and you'll fall in love as well on this incredible 13-day trip. Tour churches and busy street markets in Palermo, then head to Syracuse, home of the famed mathematician Archimedes. Haggle for your lunch at the bustling Ortygia Street Market and visit the 13th-century Castello Maniace before making your way up the coast to Taormino and Catania, where theater, street food, and seafront promenades are a trip highlight.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse, Taormina & Catania - 14 Days

If you have two weeks and a thirst for Sicilian sunshine, delicious street food, and fascinating culture, then this trip is for you. Spend four days exploring Palermo's diverse history, shopping at bustling markets, and relaxing on sunny beaches. Visit Syracuse and explore the Old Town of Ortygia, then head to Taormina to hike Mount Etna and catch a performance at the ancient Greek theater. End your trip with a street food tour and sunny views of the Ionian Sea in Catania.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse, Taormina & Catania - 15 Days

Explore the best of Sicily on this 15-day itinerary, from Palermo's famous food scene to the Greek theater in Taormina. Visit Syracuse, the birthplace of Archimedes, to see the 2700-year-old town of Ortygia and sunny Arenella Beach. Spend four days enjoying nature and the arts in Taormina, then head to Catania, where filming sites from the Godfather trilogy, delicious street food, and bustling fish markets await.

View of Peschici from Gargano National Park

Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce, Bari - 7 Days

If you want to see the stunning Puglia region but are short on time, this packed 7-day itinerary is for you. Start in Alberobello to see the cone-shaped Trulli homes and ancient Matera caves, then head to Lecce to see Baroque architecture and a 2nd-century Roman amphitheater. End in Bari for religious icons, a medieval old town, and some of Italy's best street food.

Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce & Bari - 8 Days

Spend a relaxing eight-day exploring medieval architecture and enjoying nature in Puglia. Begin your trip in Alberobello, where storybook trulli homes pack the town center. Take a day trip to Ostuni, spend the afternoon on a beach, and learn to cook a Pugliese meal in Lecce. Finish in Bari, where narrow city streets, a vibrant religious presence, and freshly-baked focaccia barese await.

Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce & Bari - 9 Days

Spend nine days on the "heel" of the Italy boot on this packed Puglia itinerary. Start in Alberobello, where trulli homes, prehistoric caves, and ancient olive groves dot the landscape. Head down the coast to Lecce for Baroque architecture, sun-soaked towns, and rocky beaches. End in Bari to see religious icons, try delicious street food, and explore the medieval city center.

Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce & Bari - 10 Days

If you've explored Italy's famous highlights and want to see more, this 10-day Puglia itinerary is the perfect option. Explore Alberobello's history from medieval Trulli to prehistoric caves, then head south to Lecce for sunny beaches, sleepy fishing villages, and Baroque architecture. End in Bari in the north for 12th-century churches and delicious street food.

Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce & Bari - 11 Days

If spending 11 relaxed days in the sunny Puglia region sounds like a dream come true, this packed itinerary is yours. See storybook Trulli in Alberobello, visit the 9,000-year-old Matera caves, and lounge on warm beaches. Explore Lecce's Baroque city center and spend a day in the lovely coastal town of Otranto before ending in Bari to see beautiful historic churches and a medieval city center.

Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce & Bari - 12 Days

Explore Roman theaters, relax in small coastal towns, and soak in the sunshine on this twelve-day itinerary of the incredible Puglia region. From Baroque castles in Lecce and fairy tale Alberobello to the whitewashed buildings in Otranto, this trip hits the region's highlights with a focus on authentic Italian life. You'll learn to make a typical Pugliese meal and swim on rocky beaches, then eat delicious fried street food on the winding medieval streets of Bari.

Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce, Bari - 13 Days

If thirteen days exploring the sunny Puglia region seems like a lucky break, then this packed itinerary is for you. Start in Alberobello to see cone-shaped Trulli, ancient Matera caves, and stunning Polignano a Mare beach. Continue to Lecce to for a half day cooking class and Baroque architecture, then end your trip in Bari for delicious street food, vibrant religious sites, and a full-day hiking trip to Gargano National Park.

Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce, Bari - 14 Days

From fairytale Trulli homes to rocky sun-soaked beaches, this two-week trip to Puglia is perfect for travelers who want to see authentic Italy. See baroque architecture in Lecce, scrubby pine forests in Gargano National Park, and sunny southern towns of Otranto and Gallipoli. End your trip in the busy port city of Bari where a maze-like old town, deep-fried panzerotto, and 12th-century churches await.

Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce, Bari - 15 Days

If you've already visited Italy's famous cities and crave an authentic experience, this comprehensive 15-day itinerary in Puglia is for you. Spend time in the busy port city of Bari and relaxed Lecce and visit the small sun-soaked coastal villages of Gallipoli, Leuca, and Otranto. Eat hand-made Orecchiette, go swimming on rocky beaches, and explore life on the peninsula from the ancient Matera caves to the 12th-century Basilica of St. Nicholas.

Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 7 Days

Explore Northern Italy's Lakes district on this weeklong getaway trip. Tour the Royal Palace, see art in the Castello Sforzesco, and enjoy the nightlife on Milan's Navigli canals. See da Vinci's The Last Supper, then head to Lake Como and Lake Garda to enjoy small lakeside villages, sprawling summer villas, and a day trip to the Dolomite Mountains.

Discover Milan & Italy's Lakes Region - 8 Days

If spending eight days soaking in the sunshine and views of Italy's lakes district sounds like a dream come true, this relaxed trip is for you. Explore Milan's fashion and cultural capital, with time to go shopping and enjoy the buzzing nightlife. Spend five days on the lake, enjoying leisurely afternoons by the water, trips to the spectacular Dolomite mountains, and touring Napoleon-era villas of Italy's rich and famous.

Inside the dome of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in the historic heart of Milan

Discover Milan & Italy's Lakes Region - 9 Days

This packed nine-day itinerary is the perfect blend of metropolitan culture and a relaxed lake vibe. Start in Milan, the fashion capital, to see world-famous art and medieval churches. Head to the countryside for a week of exploring lakeside villages and villas, swimming, and market shopping for picnic lunches. From wine tasting to paragliding, Italy's Lakes are waiting to be explored.

Discover Milan & Italy's Lakes Region - 10 Days

From sophisticated Milan to leisurely Bellagio, this 10-day itinerary of Northern Italy is the perfect getaway. See da Vinci's "The Last Supper" and take in the buzzing Milan nightlife, then visit Lakes Como and Garda for a spectacular week on the water. Rent a kayak, go for an afternoon stroll through a sprawling lakeside estate and garden, and take a day trip to the Dolomite Mountains with a visit to the charming Tyrolian village of Ortisei.

Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 11 Days

Spend eleven days visiting the fashion and culture capital of Milan and relaxing on Italy's northern lakes. See world-famous art by da Vinci and shop for luxury items in the city, then head to the countryside for 8 days of sunshine. Explore sprawling summer villas and take a pasta-making class on Lake Como, then tour medieval castles and see Juliet's balcony in Verona near Lake Garda.

Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 12 Days

This twelve-day itinerary in Northern Italy is perfect for adventurous travelers with some time to spare. Start in Milan, the fashion and cultural capital, to see world-famous art and shop for luxury and designer items. Explore botanical gardens and family restaurants in Bellagio, then tour the Borromean Islands and browse the lakeside market in Lake Maggiore. End at Lake Garda for a Dolomite day excursion and wine tasting.

Discover Milan and the Italian Lakes - 13 Days

Thirteen is considered a lucky number in Italy, so take time off and explore Northern Italy for thirteen days. Take in the history and amazing street food in Milan, then head to beautiful Lake Como for a week of sunshine, sprawling lakeside gardens, and wine tasting. Continue to Lakes Maggiore and Garda for Sunday mornings at the market, Napoleon-era villas, and the stunning Dolomite Mountains.

Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 14 Days

Spend two relaxing weeks enjoying art, culture, and food. Shop for treasures at the Quadrilatero della Moda district and join the locals at the Navigli canals for high-energy nightlife in Milan. Spend four days on peaceful Lake Como, touring sleepy fishing harbors and learning to make the perfect pasta dish. Visit serene lakeside estates on Lake Maggiore, then end on Lake Garda for award-winning wine tasting and Tyrolean charm.

Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 15 Days

Get away from the hustle and bustle on this 15-day Lakes District itinerary. See da Vinci's "The Last Supper" and catch a football game in Milan, then enjoy the city's buzzing nightlife. Tour resplendent summer villas on Lake Como, shop flea markets on Lake Maggiore, then end your trip on Lake Garda, where sunny beaches, charming Tyrolean villages, and the Valpolicella wine region await.

Magic of Southern Spain: History, Beaches, & Culture - 10 Days

From narrow city streets and tapas bars to the Pablo Picasso museum, get ready to enjoy the cultural and historical gems of Southern Spain on this 10-day tour. Dine in Michelin Star restaurants, see an equestrian ballet and go wine tasting at an ancient vineyard. Tour stunning architectural works, from Alhambra's fortress to Seville's Gothic Cathedral and Cordoba's Mosque-Cathedral.

New Zealand's North Island Adventure - 7 Days

This self-drive itinerary hits the highlights of New Zealand's North Island with a wide array of activities and landscapes. Along the way, you'll explore Auckland's best neighborhoods, sip pours from local wineries, go swimming and kayaking, and take part in Rotorua's geothermal treatments and Maori culture—all within the span of a week.

Best of Melbourne, Sydney & Cairns - 7 Days

On this weeklong trip to Australia, experience three different cities and several landmarks along the way. Begin in Melbourne, where you can enjoy local sightseeing, then travel the Great Ocean Road, which hosts scenic lookouts like The Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard. The next stop is Sydney, which includes a pub crawl and a day trip to the stunning Blue Mountains. The final leg takes you to Cairns, where the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park awaits, as well as a memorable finale at the world-famous Great Barrier Reef.

Catch a sunset from the top of gorge in Ronda

Ultimate Andalusian Road Trip - 8 Days

This eight-day self-drive itinerary takes you from Málaga to Cádiz through a gorgeous section of Spain's southern coast. Along the route, you'll explore Andalusia's White Villages (including Ronda, set on a spectacular gorge) as you head toward the Atlantic coast while discovering a range of landscapes, centuries of history and tradition, local producers, and exquisite cuisine—often with the help of a local guide.

The Golden Triangle & Rajasthan - 14 Days

Wind your way through colorful cities, charming villages, and stretches of sand dunes with this two-week itinerary. You'll start in Delhi with a route through the famous Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra (home to the Taj Mahal), and Jaipur, then continue into Rajasthan, where you'll find lakeside palaces, ancient forts, and elaborately decorated mansions along your journey.

Spain Luxury Tour: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville - 7 Days

From medieval castles to some of the world's best wine, explore Spain's culture and history on this luxury weeklong getaway. Start in Barcelona, where Catalan-modernist architecture dominates the landscape, then head to Madrid to enjoy tapas bars and live flamenco performances. End the trip in Seville with exclusive tours of Gothic churches, historic plazas, and royal palaces.

Thailand Island Hopping - 12 Days

Relax on white sand beaches, explore tropical forests, and get away from it all on this 12-day island hopping trip. Begin in Phuket, where jagged limestone caves and deep blue lagoons meet in hidden caves. Continue to Phi Phi and Krabi to soak in the sunshine, snorkel the tropical water, and ride a zipline through the rainforest. End your trip in Loh Dalum Bay with the ultimate adventure—a full day planned by you, from a personal guide to romantic beach picnics!

Take a longtail boat ride from Koh Tao to reach Nang Yuan Island

Thailand Island Hopping - 10 Days

With white sand beaches set against lush mountainous interiors, Thailand's southern islands are the perfect place to get away and relax. This 10-day customizable itinerary covers three islands in the Gulf of Thailand—Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui—with opportunities for hiking, biking, snorkeling, feeding elephants, visiting Buddhist temples, and gorging on delicious Thai food. Travel by catamaran and speedboat, and even kayak in Angthong Marine Park, for the ultimate island adventure.

Romantic Honeymoon Trip to Thailand - 12 Days

Explore Thailand's natural and historic wonders on this romantic 12-day honeymoon getaway. Eat in Bangkok like a local, visit the Doi Suthep Temple, and make friends with elephants at a sanctuary. View wildlife and enjoy boat rides in Khaosok, then end in Phuket, where stunning sea caves, tropical water, and endless beaches await.

Look for a variety of birds including the scarlet-rumped tanager

Panama Rainforest Adventure - 8 Days

Ideal for hikers, birders, and lovers of wild nature, this off-the-beaten-path trek takes you to Darien National Park—an ecologically-diverse rainforest at the tip of Central America. In addition to rare species of flora and fauna, the region is full of history and native people who are happy to display their artistry and hospitality. Start and end the trip in cosmopolitan Panama City for a dose of urban culture.

Snorkel amid colorful wildlife in Bunaken National Marine Park

North Sulawesi: From Coral Reefs to Active Volcanoes - 7 Days

This family-friendly week-long itinerary highlights Indonesia's North Sulawesi Island and combines cultural exploration with adventure. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you begin your trip in Manado, working your way through the region and on to Tangkoko National Park before exploring Bunaken Island off the coast of Manado. You will hike still-active volcanoes, paddle down rapids to waterfalls, observe endemic Sulawesi wildlife, and snorkel thriving coral reefs.

Panama Multi-Sport Adventure - 11 Days

Get ready for an active trip to an undiscovered region of Panama that combines beautiful landscapes, exuberant nature, and pleasant weather. On this 11-day multi-sport itinerary, you'll fly through a cloud forest, raft along a river, and trek up a volcano where you can witness two oceans from above before camping under the stars—an unforgettable experience!

Explore Dublin's cultural quarter, the Temple Bar district

Luxury London and Dublin Tour - 8 Days

This eight-day luxury itinerary covers the cultural highlights of the United Kingdom's London and the Republic of Ireland's Dublin. Begin your tour in England's capital, with day trips to Blenheim and Bath before you catch a flight to the Emerald Isle's charming Dublin. Enjoy the convenience of private tours and knowledgeable guides as you visit ancient Roman baths, historic palaces, and colorful neighborhoods.

London's Buckingham Palace in Westminster

Luxury London, Edinburgh, & Dublin Tour - 10 Days

Featuring the United Kingdom's London and Edinburgh as well as the Republic of Ireland's Dublin, this 10-day luxury tour offers the perfect mix of history, culture, and rugged country scenery. You'll experience a broad range of tours covering the history, architecture, and ancient and current traditions at the hands of knowledgeable private guides, with free time to go at your own pace.

Enjoy time spent in Huay nam dung national park in Chiang Mai

Northern Thailand Exploration - 12 Days

The praises of southern Thailand have been sung for years; now it's time to explore the north! Starting at the shimmering White Temple in Chiang Rai, you'll visit a Risu village and prepare traditional dishes alongside Indigenous residents. You'll also head to the city of Chiang Mai, home to artisan markets and elephant sanctuaries, and where nearby, you'll find the many waterfalls of the unforgettable Doi Inthanon National Park.

Discovering Transylvania & Maramures - 11 Days

Head into the heart of Romania with this 11-day itinerary that will take you through the Transylvanian countryside and cityscapes. You'll go far into this forested region to experience traditions and architecture dating back centuries, visiting at castles, natural attractions, and even some vampire lore along the way.

Panama History & Nature Tour - 8 Days

Harken back to the days when Panama was rich with colonial ports and pirate invasions on this 8-day itinerary. Starting in the capital, you’ll explore historic neighborhoods, see the Panama Canal by train, and visit ruins of a UNESCO-listed fort. Finish the trip with a catamaran ride in the same waters as the pirates once sailed. You’ll also hike in two national parks laden with exotic birds, monkeys, and tropical plants.

Highlights of Buddhist India - 7 Days

Take a spiritual journey through Buddhist India with this itinerary that will take you to some of the most important places in Buddha's life. The birthplace of Buddhism, India is home to some of the religion's most significant sites, including the place of Buddha's enlightenment at Bodhgaya, his first sermon at Sarnath, and last sermon at Vaishali, all easily accessed with a weeklong trip out of Delhi.

Enjoy refined English traditions with a spot of tea

UK Food Tour - 9 Days

This nine-day food-related tour takes you to Edinburgh, London, Cardiff, and Cornwall and combines cultural and historical highlights with local dishes and fine cuisine. Enjoy national favorites like fish and chips, as well as lesser-known eats including Welsh laverbread, Cornish pasties, and Scottish haggis. Along the way, you will explore the Scottish Highlands, visit royal palaces, and tour ancient castles.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 7 Days

From Venice's Grand Canal to Tuscany's winemaking region, this weeklong itinerary is a top choice for travelers on a time crunch. See Michelangelo's "David" sculpture in Florence, shop for carnival masks and handblown art in Venice, and explore medieval hilltop towns in the Chianti Classico Region. End in Rome, where the legendary Colosseum, Sistine Chapel, and buzzing nightlife await.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 8 Days

Explore Italy's top cities and winemaking regions with this whirlwind 8-day itinerary. Dive into history as you discover extravagant Venetian palaces, medieval Tuscan towns, and Rome's Vatican City. Ride a gondola on Venice's Grand Canal and taste world-famous wine in the Chianti Classico region. See masterpieces by Michelangelo and da Vinci in Florence, then end in Rome, where bohemian neighborhoods, a vibrant food scene, and the magnificent Colosseum await.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 9 Days

From the Sistine Chapel in Rome to eclectic artist neighborhoods in Venice, this nine-day trip is perfect for travelers who want to see Italy's top sights at a relaxed pace. Start in Venice to see the Grand Canal, then head to Florence to see Michelangelo's "David" sculpture and taste Chianti wine in Tuscany. End your trip with three days in Rome for trendy wine bars, nighttime foodie crawls, and an exclusive tour of Vatican City.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 10 Days

Explore Italy's top cities and cultural sights on this 10-day trip. Start in colorful Venice to see the ornate Doge's Palace and enjoy a cruise on the Grand Canal. In Florence, see world-famous art by Renaissance masters like Michelangelo and Donatello, then go wine tasting in rural Tuscany. End your trip in Rome, where visits to the Sistine Chapel, bohemian Trastevere neighborhood, and mouth-watering pizza round out the perfect getaway.

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