Southern Italy and Sicily

Visit Italy

Day 1

Welcome to Rome

Ciao Roma, the 'Eternal City', is yours to explore on your own before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception this evening.

Enjoy an orientation drive – a perfect introduction to this beautiful city, the centre of which has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ruins, imposing monuments, statues and fountains.

Day 2

Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento

From Rome, journey south to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii.

Your Local Specialist will take you on a walking tour of the excavations buried for centuries under a layer of volcanic ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted. See such sites as the Gymnasium, the Temple of Apollo and the impressive Basilica before continuing to your hotel in Sorrento.

Day 3

A Day on the Isle of Capri

Take a ferry to Capri, the isle of sirens according to Greek mythology.

You’ll ascend to Capri town by funicular railway and see the famous Piazzetta during your guided walking tour with a Local Specialist. Spend some free time people-watching at one of the local cafés before returning to the mainland where you can enjoy free time in Sorrento or perhaps choose to visit the famed town of Positano. Let the day's delightful discoveries sink in as you relax at dinner this evening.

Day 4

Cross the Strait to Taormina

Drive south via Salerno and through Calabria, crossing the straits of Messina to Sicily and the beachside resort town of Giardini Naxos below Taormina.

This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Day 5

Gardens and More in Taormina

Your Local Specialist will take you on a walking tour of Taormina on the slopes of Monte Tauro, overlooking the sea.

Visit the Greek theatre and see the terraced botanical gardens. Then, stroll along the elegant Corso Umberto with a gelsi gelato and on to the Piazza for splendid panoramic views across the bay. Later, there's free time for shopping for souvenirs and handmade ceramics on the Corso.

Day 6

Taormina Your Way Connect with Locals

Enjoy a full day to do as you please in this beautiful resort town.

Shop, relax, see the sights of your choice, or consider an Optional Experience. Whatever you decide, your Travel Director will be on hand to help you get the most out of your day. Tonight, Connect With Locals during a Be My Guest experience hosted at a beautiful family owned Sicilian lemon farm overlooking Mount Etna.

Day 7

Journey to Ancient Agrigento

Enjoy views of Enna on the way to Agrigento, where your Local Specialist will take you to the Valley of the Temples - the finest Greek sanctuary in Sicily.

See the splendid Temple of Concord and the Temple of Juno overlooking the sea.

Day 8

Explore Sicilian Towns and on to Palermo

Discover hidden Palermo as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, and learn about the civil anti-mafia movement.

Travel to Erice and discover this famous hilltop medieval town in western Sicily with its cobbled streets, Norman castles and stunning views of the sea, salt pans and wooded hillsides. Perhaps take a walk to the ruins of Venus Castle with its Balio Gardens.

Day 9

Enjoy the Views in Monreale Make Travel Matter

Travel to Monreale for views of La Conca d'Oro and explore the magnificent 12th century Norman Cathedral.

Later, join your companions and celebrate your journey with a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10

Journey Home

Say arrivederci to Sicily and your newfound friends at the end of a memorable holiday.

Dining Summary

5 Dinner (D)

9 Breakfast (B)

Be My Guest

Acireale: Join a family-owned lemon farm and enjoy a Be My Guest dinner overlooking Mount Etna.

Iconic Experience

Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.

Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.

Capri: Join a Local Specialist on a walk through elegant Capri to gain insight into the island's local culture and historic landmarks.

Taormina: Visit the ancient Greek Ampitheatre with your Local Specialist. Set on a cliff, open to the sky, take your seats and enjoy the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna.

Agrigento: A Local Specialist will lead you through the magnificent remains of the Greek colony in the Valley in the Temples. See the massive Temple of Concord and clifftop Temple of Juno.

Erice: Led by your Travel Director, explore the quiet alleys of this ancient walled town, as if you've stepped into the Middle Ages. See the medieval churches and marvel at the sea views from the gardens of the Castle of Venus.

Monreale: The sombre exterior of the cathedral at Monreale gives away few clues to the riches inside. Step into a world where the walls glitter with 12th-century mosaics, the best of their kind in the world.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Palermo: On a one-of-a-kind experience, team up with a local to learn about the civil anti-mafia movement as you discover the lesser-known history of the ancient city of Palermo. 

Must-see Highlights

: Explore Pompeii, Capri, Taormina, Agrigento and Palermo with a Local Specialist

: Visit the excavations at Pompeii, the ruins of the ancient Greek theatre at Taormina, the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, Erice, Monreale Cathedral

: View the fortress town of Enna and Palermo Cathedral

: Scenic Cruise to the Isle of Capri

Whats Included

: An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

: Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

: All porterage and restaurant gratuities

: All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

: Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

: Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

: Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

: Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

: Return cruise to the Isle of Capri

: Optional Experiences and free time

: On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

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