This eleven day travel package, which will take you to premier Italian destinations such as Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Agrigento, Mount Etna and Catania, is a fabulous way to discover the treasures of Italy's mainland as well as the island of Sicily. Whether it's spending the day touring the iconic landmarks of Rome, seeing the archeological ruins of Pompeii, navigating through the grottoes of the Isle of Capri, or exploring the churches, temples, and theaters of Sicily, there is a little bit of something for everyone. Round out your trip with an excursion to the largest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna, and a fascinating tour of some of Sicily's small villages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If Sicily is a must, and you do not want to compromise on other highlights of Italy, this package is a perfect fit.
From Rome to Catania
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Palermo, Monreale, Erice, Marsala, Mazara del Vallo, Agrigento, Noto, Siracusa, Taormina, Giardini di Naxos or surroundings, Mount Etna, Savoca, Forza d'Agrò, Catania
DAY 01: ROME
Arrival on your own at your hotel in Rome located within the historical city center. Explore the Eternal City on your own and don’t miss a visit of the major highlights: Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum are just a few treasures of this beautiful city. Dinner on your own and overnight at your hotel in Rome.
DAY 02: ROME, NAPLES, POMPEII, SORRENTO
You will enjoy breakfast at the hotel then the motor coach will depart to Naples, traveling along the Sun Motorway, through the regions of Lazio and Campania. There will be a panoramic city tour of Naples, showcasing Castel dell'Ovo, Plebiscito Square, the Royal Palace, Maschio Angioino and the port. You will enjoy lunch then stop in Pompeii, an ancient Roman city that was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. You will visit the famous archeological excavations of Pompeii which feature houses, streets, and other structures that were remarkably preserved by the volcanic ash, offering a captivating portrait of Roman daily life. Afterwards, we will drive along the Sorrentine coast and arrive in Sorrento for dinner and the night.
DAY 03: SORRENTO, CAPRI, SORRENTO
After breakfast, we'll board the ferry to the Island of Capri (sea conditions permitting), and take the small rowboats to enter the famous Blue Grotto (sea and weather conditions permitting). You will have free time to enjoy this charming island which is divided into two sections, an upper part and a lower part, that are connected by a panoramic chair lift. Then have lunch with the group in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will return to Sorrento for dinner and overnight stay at your hotel accommodation.
DAY 04: SORRENTO, PALERMO with overnight Ferry transfer
You'll enjoy breakfast and free time this morning to go shopping, enjoy lunch or to write your postcards. In the afternoon, we'll depart to Naples' dock where you will board the ferry to Palermo. Overnight ferry boat transfer from Naples to Palermo in a private cabin. Please note that dinner and breakfast are not included during your boat transfer.
DAY 05: PALERMO
Breakfast will be on your own (not included), before the boat docks. You'll arrive in Palermo in the morning and transfer to the hotel. Afterwards, you'll have the day to yourself, to rest, explore and indulge in this colorful capital of Sicily. Dinner will be with the group this evening and you'll spend the night at the hotel in Palermo's city center.
DAY 06: PALERMO, MONREALE
After a nice breakfast, you'll visit the ancient town of Monreale, where you'll admire the hilltop Cathedral with its beautiful 12th century gold mosaics and the Benedictine monastery. Be sure to enjoy the breathtaking view of Palermo and the surrounding area as well. You'll then return to Palermo for a sightseeing tour of the Capital of Sicily, viewing wonders of art and architecture, such as the Palatine Chapel, the Cathedral, the Opera house and Praetorian Square. The afternoon will be free to do as you please, and you'll return to the hotel for dinner with the group and a good night's sleep.
DAY 07: PALERMO, ERICE, MARSALA, AGRIGENTO
After breakfast, you'll depart for Erice, a medieval hilltop town situated approximately 2,300 feet above sea level that offers breathtaking panoramas and historical remains of the Phoenicians and the Normans. The tour continues to Marsala, where you will have free time to visit this seaside resort known for its world-famous wine. We will then pass by the fishing port of Mazara del Vallo and the tour will stop for the day in Agrigento, home of the Valley of the Temples. You'll have the chance to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, wander the temples of Juno, Concordia, Hercules and Jupiter and marvel at the majesty of the ruins (admission included). You'll have dinner and spend the night in Agrigento.
DAY 08: AGRIGENTO, NOTO, SIRACUSA, TAORMINA (GIARDINI NAXOS or surroundings)
After breakfast, the tour will leave for Noto, an exquisite town full of beautiful churches and baroque buildings. You will have plenty of free time to walk the streets and take beautiful photos of the historic city center, which was completely rebuilt following a 17th century earthquake that devastated the area. Next, the tour will stop in Siracusa, where you'll visit the Greek Amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysus and the Roman Theater (admission included). You'll also visit the Island of Ortigia, the baroque and medieval heart of the town. In the afternoon you will arrive in the Taormina area, where you will eat dinner and spend the night at your hotel in Giardini Naxos or Letojanni.
DAY 09: TAORMINA (GIARDINI NAXOS or surroundings)
Enjoy breakfast with the group and, afterwards, you'll go on an excursion to Mount Etna. The largest active volcano in Europe is sure to astonish and, weather permitting, you will have the chance to scale the volcano and admire an amazing panoramic view of the Ionian Sea. Afterwards, you'll return to your hotel in the surroundings of Taormina for dinner and a well earned night's sleep.
DAY 10: TAORMINA (GIARDINI NAXOS or surroundings); SAVOCA and FORZA D'AGRÒ, CATANIA
After breakfast, we will drive off the beaten path and discover the atmosphere of a few small Sicilian towns. We will visit Savoca and Forza d'Agrò, two unspoiled villages famous for serving as the setting for a few scenes from the Godfather movies, where you can discover the slow life and the traditions of the Sicilian inland. Don’t forget to taste the delicious Sicilian lemon granita, an icy beverage made with local fruits. Later we will head to Catania, where after checking in at your hotel accommodation, you will have the afternoon free to explore Catania's historical city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Last dinner with your travel party and overnight stay at your hotel in Catania.
DAY 11: CATANIA
After breakfast, the tour, and our services, will end.
"Hi Tommaso, what a trip! I'm now sitting outside my room looking at the valley of the temples writng the notes "amazing" Mary and myself ha
"Hi, we are having a wonderful time. All has worked wonderfully, loved the cooking school!"
"Dear Tommaso, we are all having an amazing time! Sicily was beautiful and exciting to see all the ruins and sights. We are enjoing Rome now
PACKAGE START AT $2,244.00 INCLUDES:
- Transportation by Deluxe motor coach as per itinerary;
- Accommodation in First Category Hotels in double/twin rooms with private facilities;
- Daily Breakfast (excluding the overnight ferry transfer’s one);
- 8 Dinners and 2 Lunches as per itinerary;
- Multilingual Tour-Escort;
- Panoramic Visits as per itinerary;
- Overnight ferry transfer from Sorrento to Palermo in private cabin;
- Entrance fees at Agrigento’s Valley of Temples and Syracuse archeological Park;
- Vat Taxes and service Charges.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- All Land & Air prices: Additional U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
- Hospitality city tax which varies by city and hotel category. Where applicable it must be paid locally to the hotel.
- Beverages.
- Porterage service.
- Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums, Tips, Extras.
- All which is not listed under “PACKAGE INCLUDES”.
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
Multi language escorted group tour.
All departures are Guaranteed.
Please note: Due to the frequent change of transportation during the southern Italy part of the tour, it is required to bring only one piece of luggage per traveler. In the eventuality of extra luggage an extra charge of 15 euro per piece will be charged locally. The itinerary could be reversed or modified for technical or logistic reasons.
(*) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Children’s, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).
CHILDREN POLICY:
- Children (0-3 Yrs Old) share double room with parents. Cot available upon request (Extra fees may apply).
- Children (0-3 Yrs Old) travel on parents laps. (Seat space available upon request, extra fees may apply).
- Beverages and Meals for Children are not included (To be paid locally upon consumption)
