Product Description

The Splendors of Sicily & Sorrento
Enliven your senses and enlighten your fancy with our tour of the amazing South of Italy.
Explore extraordinary ruins and enchantingly beautiful scenery, while visiting some of Italy’s most precious towns and selected attractions. Our tour lets you discover the gems of the “largest island in the Mediterranean”, while treating you to a variety of pre-arranged and all- inclusive gourmet meals and guided excursions.
There is no better way to experience the splendors of Sicily & Sorrento …and on this trip you will savor every moment!
This tour will bring you to some of the most famous cities in Italy like Palermo, Taormina, Reggio Calabria, Napoli.
You will discover charming medieval villages, you will learn about Sicily’s Greek past and you will relax in a beautiful terrace in Sorrento.
A trip to Southern Italy is a thrilling experience, breathtaking, everlasting and never forgotten.

– 15 days / 14 nights

Rome to Rome
What is Included
* Land transportation in Italy via private motor coach, as indicated on itinerary
* Accommodation in double-occupancy rooms in 4 star hotels for 14 nights
* 1 overnight cruise in two – berth cabins with private facilities from Napoli to Sicily
* 15 meals ( 4 lunches , 11 dinners )
* Daily breakfasts (day 3 in Palermo Italian Breakfast with cappuccino and croissant)
* Cheese tasting
* Limoncello tasting
* Visit to the cellar and vineyards of a Sicilian farmhouse with Wine tasting
* Olive oil tasting
* Jetfoil to Capri island
* Funicolar to Capri village
* Sicily Ferry crossing
* Services of a full-time tour guide
* All guided tours as indicated on itinerary
* Audio headsets throughout the tour
* Entrance fees

Not included

* Luggages porterage
* Tips
* Airfare to and from Italy
* Travel insurance
* Shopping and personal expenses
* All other expenses incurred during free time.

Itinerary
(Day 1) B L D – Arrive in ROMA Upon arrival at the Airport in Roma, you will be greeted by your local guide who will escort you toward Ciociaria region.
Lunch . Check-in in hotel and relax time.
In the afternoon Drive up till Montecassino Abbey and breath the same 360° view from the top of the mountain that inspired St. Benedict ( patron saint of Europe 480-547 AD), renowned for his wisdom and moderation, to wrote his Rule for Monasteries at his great monastery of Monte Cassino in Italy, which in recent memory served as a major battleground in World War 2.
Dinner in hotel

(Day 2) – B D – NAPOLI and OVERNIGHT CRUISE to SICILY
Have breakfast in hotel.
Load the coach and drive along Campania felix Region, ” The fortunate countryside” as it was called by Romans. Visit the Royal Palace of Caserta, a Unesco site known as the “italian Versailles”, impressive former residence of the Bourbon King.
Start your visit to “Monumental Naples” on foot, with magnificent Plebiscite Square to see the facade of the Royal Palace and the beautiful neoclassic church of San Francesco di Paola. Your guide will then take you to the Gallery Umberto I (an elegant art nouveau building), followed by the Royal Palace and San Carlo Theater, one of the world’s most famous opera houses. The second part of your guided visit takes you to “Panoramic Naples” with a bus tour to the more residential areas of Via Caracciolo, Mergellina and Posillipo, located on the water’s edge and famous for historic buildings and landmarks. Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy the best view of the city of Naples from a terrace located above the sea. Naeapolitan Pizza dinner. Board your FERRY in Napoli for the OVERNIGHT CRUISE to SICILY

(Day 3) B D – PALERMO
Italian breakfast: CAPPUCCINO AND CROISSANT After desembarking we start the visit of Palermo: an ancient town that has been a crossroad of civilizations in the Mediterranean for ages, the capital of Sicily is a vibrant contrast of cultures, taking influence from its many ancient rulers which include the Romans, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Capital for both the Arabs and the Normans, Palermo’s monuments reflect the magnificence of two worlds: East and West that come together in clashing contrast. After a panoramic tour of the town including the “Quattro Canti”, the Opera House and the Pretoria Square We will visit the 12th century Palatine Chapel, built by the Normans, but decorated with Byzantine and Islamic style mosaics. Next, the Church of St. John of the Hermits built to look like a red domed Mosque. The nearby Cathedral was built by the Normans, but every new ruling dynasty that arrived added their own style to it. Walk to discover one of the most colorful historical markets of Palermo: “The Capo Market” immersed in an explosion of vegetables and fruits. Accomodation in hotel in Palermo
Dinner

(Day 4) B D – MONREALE
Breakfast in hotel. Then, we will drive to nearby Monreale where we will visit the Norman Duomo (Cathedral), completed by William II during the 12th century and decorated on the inside with over 6,340 sq. meters (almost 70,000 sq. feet) of mosaics and 24-carat gold, and the cloister of the Benedictines monastery with Moorish architecture. Free time for lunch in Mondello, little village of fishermen and important bathing locality . Then drive up till Mount Pellegrino to enjoy the wonderful panorama above the gulf of Palermo.
Dinner

(Day 5) B L D – Segesta and AGRIGENTO
After breakfast depart towards Segesta to visit the Doric Temple which keeps in its stone the weight of a long history, surrounded by a unique landscape. Visit of a typical sicilian village. After the visit, on our way to Agrigento stop in a local farmhouse famous for olive oil production where besides lunch it will be possible to have a wine and oil tasting of local production. After dinner enjoy an unforgettable panoramic tour of the Valley of the Temples illuminated.
Overnight in Agrigento

(Day 6) B L D – Piazza Armerina
After breakfast guided walking tour of the Valley of the Temples: We will admire the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concorde, one of the most preserved Doric temple in all the greek world, the Temple of Hercules and the Temple of Castor and Pollux.
Lunch in a local restaurant on the way to Piazza Armerina and visit the worldwide known Villa Romana del Casale: it is the richest, largest and most complex collection of lat Roman mosaics in the world
Accomodation in Catania area hotel for 3 nights
Dinner

(Day 7) B D – SIRACUSA and CATANIA
Siracusa has a wonderful archaeological park, and plenty of beautiful Baroque architecture. It is also a lovely town to stroll around the ancient cobblestone streets.
Guided tour of the Archeological Park: the Roman Amphitheatre, the Greek Theatre, the Dyonisios “Ear”, the famous Latomie of the Paradise.
Free time in Ortigia, a small island but also the historical center of Siracusa: walk in the narrow streets of the Giudecca (the ancient Jewish quarter). See the site of the Synagogue and the Miqwè- Jewish ritual bath, 11 metres below ground level, the most archaic that has ever been found in all Europe.
Sightseeing Catania. Catania boasts wide boulevards full of buildings, many of them constructed from the black lava that nearly devastated the city in the 17th century. During your tour you will admire many wonderful Baroque buildings and, above all, the magnificent Piazza del Duomo with the landmark of Catania, the black lava elephant which magically attracts visitors
Dinner

(Day 8) B D – TAORMINA and The Legendary Riviera of the Cyclops
The ancient Taurominum, is a spot of infinite loveliness. Called “the pearl of the Ionic Sea”, founded in 400 BC, The town lies in an elevated position of amazing, almost unique beauty, affording magnificent views combining sea and sky of a marvelous blue, miles of a curving coastline and picturesque mountain scenery, while the majestic pyramid of Mt. Etna on one side constitutes a scene of indescribable beauty . Upon arrival we will visit the most impressive monument of the city: the Greco-Roman Theatre. It has the finest site of any theatre in the world and one of the most striking monuments of antiquity Enjoy time at leisure to shop for handmade lace, coral jewels, ceramics, home-made sweets and preserves down “Corso Umberto” or simply walk through the tiny streets Panoramic tour of The Legendary Riviera of the Cyclops told by Homer’s book ‘Odyssey’ about how Ulysses defeated the one-eyed giant Polifemo
Dinner

(Day 9) B D – Ferry crossing and REGGIO CALABRIA
After breakfast we load the coach and say goodbye to Sicily.
1 hour Ferry crossing from Messina to Villa san Giovanni.
Visit The ancient town of Scilla with the characteristic houses built directly on the rocks overlooking the sea , separated by small alleys that recall channels , which from the cliff fall rapidly towards the Tyrrhenian .
Famous also thanks to Homer’s Odyssey in which, the very famous shipwreck of Scylla is described, in which only Ulysses survived, losing all his companions.
Enjoy a city tour of Reggio Calabria where you will visit the National Museum of Magna Greece that houses the famous “Bronzes of Riace”, two Greek bronze statues dating back to the V century B.C. representing the highest expression of classical Greek aesthetics. Free time to shop or enjoy a walk on the promenade overlooking Sicily and the straits of
Messina, known as: “The most beautiful kilometre of the Italian peninsula”
Dinner

(Day 10) B L – Calabria DRIVE to SORRENTO
Breakfast.
Drive through Calabria toward Sorrento. One of Italy’s least touristed regions, Calabria occupies the far south of peninsular Italy. It’s the arch of the foot and the toe kicking Sicily. The dearth of coverage of the region is partially a result of the fact that Calabria has traditionally been an area of mass emigration.
Calabrians moved north to bigger cities in Italy as well as to the United States.
Calabria is distinctive. It is poorer and friendlier than Italy’s rich north. It’s a bucolic, relaxed Italy of hills and beaches and clusters of cacti.
Lunch
Arrival in Sorrento and check in into your hotel.

(Day 11) ) B D – CAPRI ISLAND
Sail away by Jetfoil to one of the dreamiest spots in the world: the island of Capri. Escape to a fantasy world of sunshine, seaside views and upscale boutiques.
As you glide through the breathtaking scenery, succumb to the mesmerizing beauty of the island’s steep limestone cliffs and the luminescent blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Capri is called the “Blue Island” because of the intense azure color seen in the waters of the island’s coves and grottos.
In the town of Capri, you’ll see its splendid Baroque church and stop at one of the elegant outdoor cafes, browse the designer boutiques along Capri’s charming main street, the island’s version of Rodeo Drive, and enjoy a gentle stroll through Capri to the charming Gardens of Augustus , which looks out onto the famous Faraglioni, rock formations that punctuate the coastline.
Taste the authentic Neapolitan pizza as your dinner in Sorrento: a “real” pizza chef will reveal to you the secrets of the best pizza you will ever taste.

(Day 12) B – AMALFI COAST and POSITANO
Today you’ll set off for a spectacular day on the Amalfi Coast, one of the most amazing scenic drives of your life will takes you around breathtaking cliffs that overlook the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, and drop off to the brilliant blue waters below. The dramatic scenery is awe-inspiring.
Explore the best sights and cities that line the Mediterranean, like the cliff-clinging houses that make up Praiano and the Duomo of Amalfi.
After several miles of postcard-perfect views, stop at the blissfully secluded town of Ravelllo, an ancient village with an illustrious past. Clinging to a mountain along the coast, Ravello is a panorama of colors with white, pink and yellow houses lining the bougainvillea-covered hillside. Sip a succulent limoncello while taking in the sapphire surf of the sea Next see the town of Amalfi, at one time a major naval poweri: stroll amongst its lively and colourful alleyways and picturesque square visiting its gorgeous Cathedral and artisan workshops, amongst the colours and scents of its lemon trees ..

(Day 13) B – POMPEI
Half day morning excursion to Pompei, Pompeii is a place so steeped in history and surrounded by intrigue that it needs no further description. It was once a bustling city center in the heart of southern Italy, set beneath the shadow of a massive but seemingly benevolent peak they called Vesuvius, but every one now knows its name because of the catastrophic events of 79 AD when the city was covered by the explosions of mighty Vesuvius.
Ignored for centuries, abandoned for millennia, it wasn’t until the middle of the 18th century that the buried remnants of Pompeii were rediscovered, perfectly preserved in the fiery furnace of ash and searing air. There are people in their homes, seemingly asleep, as if unaware of what was going on around them; there are the immaculately preserved mosaics that fill the homes of wealthier citizens and line the public spaces. You will see it all, and learn all about the history of this fascinating area, before returning to Sorrento.
Free afternoon in Sorrento

(Day 14) B D – FAREWELL DINNER IN ROMA
Morning at leisure in Sorrento.
Load the coach and leave toward Lazio Region.
Accomodation in your room in Rome hotel. Sightseeing Bus tour of Rome.
Farewell Dinner

(Day 15) sun 8 nov B Arrivederci, Italia ! Depart Italy from Rome airport This morning you will be transfered from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home.

Highlights of the trip include:
– Experience the bountiful way of life of southern Italy, from the hearty and comforting food to the scintillating weather, from the charm of its people to the majesty of its past
– Sampling of some of the finest cuisine and wines produced in southern Italy
– taste the very famous Bufala Mozzarella, a recognised symbol of excellence and
quality
– Taste the authentic Neapolitan pizza: a “real” pizza chef will reveal to you the secrets of the best pizza you will ever taste
– Guided tours of ancient temples, theatres and historical ruins
– PALERMO: ancient town that has been a crossroad of civilizations in the Mediterranean for ages
– MONREALE : famous for its wonderful Norman Cathedral
– enjoy an unforgettable panoramic tour of the Valley of the greek Temples in
AGRIGENTO
– SIRACUSA : one of the most interesting archaeological site in the island
– TAORMINA is famous for its “dolce vita” life style, its beautiful beach, and its shops
– Explore the best sights and cities that line the Mediterranean, like the cliff-clinging houses that make up RAVELLO or the incredible attractions in CAPRI island that have been enticing tourists to visit for millennia
– Take a scenic drive along the breathtaking AMALFI COAST on the Mediterranean Sea
– sip a succulent limoncello while taking in the sapphire surf of the sea
– Stay in the serene seaside village of SORRENTO

Trip at a glance
*(Day 1) B L D – Arrive in Roma- Montecassino Abbey ( 1 night )
* (Day 2) B D – Caserta & Napoli– 1 overnight cruise to Palermo
*(Day 3) B D – Palermo ( 2 night )
*(Day 4) B D – Monreale
*(Day 5) B L D – Segesta and Agrigento ( 1 night )
*(Day 6) B L D – Piazza Armerina ( 3 nights in Catania area )
*(Day 7) B D – Siracusa and Catania
*(Day 8) B D – Taormina
*(Day 9) B D – Ferry crossing and Reggio Calabria ( 1 night )
*(Day 10) B L – Sorrento ( 4 nights )
* (Day 11) B D – Capri
*(Day 12) B – Amalfi coast
*(Day 13) B – Pompei
*(Day 14) B D – Farewell dinner ( 1 night in Roma )
*(Day 15) B – Arrivederci, Italia ! Depart Italy from Roma