11-Nights Southern Italy & Sicily from $3,699
Collette
OFFER ID 1612743
Southern Italy & Sicily featuring Taormina, Matera and the Amalfi Coast
Journey through a crossroads of civilizations in Sicily and on to the spectacular coastlines of Southern Italy. Uncover Sicily’s capital Palermo and its Moorish and Norman influences. Explore seaside Cefalù and Agrigento’s ancient Valley of the Temples. Travel to the historic hilltop town of Taormina. Visit a local winery for a wine tasting and agriturismo dinner. Venture to the ancient cave dwellings of Sassi di Matera. Explore Sorrento and stunning Positano, the pearl of the Amalfi Coast. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in the excavated Pompeii. Allow the unique culture to capture your heart and get a glimpse into an age-old heritage composed of ancient monuments and cultivated lands.
11 nights from $3,699 per person
Itinerary Details
Southern Italy & Sicily featuring Taormina, Matera and the Amalfi Coas
Day 1 Overnight Flight
The hidden treasures of Southern Italy and Sicily are yours to explore, for it’s here you’ll find breathtaking scenery, historic cities, centuries-old hilltop villages and iconic cuisine.
Day 2 Palermo, Sicily - Tour Begins
Hotel: NH Palermo
Your Italian sojourn opens in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Discover the city’s vibrant culture as you take in its gritty, unshakable spirit and captivating energy. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine.(D)
Day 3 Palermo - Monreale - Palermo
Hotel: NH Palermo
Begin the day with a walking tour of Palermo’s old town. Uncover cobblestoned piazzas and ornate buildings, many worn by time and conflict. Visit hilltop Monreale (UNESCO), ascending on foot to its 12th-century cathedral for a guided tour of its majestic Byzantine mosaics. Explore the cathedral’s cloisters, taking in their serene atmosphere of the monastic complex before returning to Palermo for an evening at leisure.(B)
Day 4 Palermo - Cefalù - Agrigento
Hotel: Baia di Ulisse
This morning, set off for the stunning seaside town of Cefalù on Sicily’s northern coast. Stroll the charming medieval streets with a local guide and visit the city's impressive cathedral showcasing Norman architecture. Next, journey to a family-owned farmhouse, picturesquely set in the surrounding hills. Meet the owners and discover what a typical day on a Sicilian farm is like. Sit back and tuck into a hearty farm-to-table lunch, made with family recipes. Relax aboard your bus as you travel over rolling hills and peaceful farmland to Sicily’s southern coast for a relaxing 2-night stay.(B, L, D)
Day 5 Agrigento - Valley of the Temples
Hotel: Baia di Ulisse
This morning, enjoy time at leisure at your hotel, where you can take in the views from its panoramic terrace and walk along the beach or venture into Agrigento’s old town for a stroll through its historic center and free time to explore. This afternoon, step back 25 centuries and delve into ancient Greek history for a visit of the stunning Valley of the Temples (UNESCO), one of the world’s most esteemed archeological sites. Get an up-close view of the temples of Juno, Concordia, and Hercules during an extensive walking tour of this vast archeological site. This evening, pause for dinner at a local restaurant and an evening view of the illuminated Valley of the Temples from a panoramic spot located nearby.(B, D)
Day 6 Agrigento - Piazza Armerina - Giardini Naxos
Hotel: Una Hotel Naxos Beach Sicilia
Venture deep into Sicily’s countryside to Piazza Armerina, home of the ancient Villa Romana del Casale (UNESCO) and explore the site with an expert insider for a locally guided tour of its impressive mosaics. In the afternoon, journey east to Sicily’s Ionian Coast and to Giardini Naxos – the “garden of Sicily” – for your 2-night stay.(B, D)
Day 7 Giardini Naxos - Taormina - Giardini Naxos
Hotel: Una Hotel Naxos Beach Sicilia
This morning, explore beautiful Taormina, home to ancient relics, rocky hills, and charming gardens. With an expert local guide, you’ll stroll the lively pedestrianized main street, see the imposing Corvaja Palace and climb to the city’s well-preserved Greek theatre. The afternoon is yours to explore more of this hillside resort or opt to see Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna. During this optional tour, stare up at the iconic peak as your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe’s largest active volcano. Spend the day exploring this legendary giant, passing by lava formations and basalt rocks. This evening let traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air during an optional Sicilian dinner with musical accompaniment.(B)
Day 8 Giardini Naxos - Matera
Hotel: MH Matera Hotel
Take a short ferry ride to Villa San Giovanni, located on Italy’s mainland. During your full day bus transfer, pass through the unspoiled region of Calabria to the Basilicata region. Wander through the twisting vines of a local winery before touring the cellar for a tasting. Linger over regional cuisine at dinner in the winery’s agriturismo restaurant.(B, D)
Day 9 Matera
Hotel: MH Matera Hotel
Explore the Sassi di Matera (UNESCO), an ancient settlement of carved cave dwellings. A local guide shares the history and explains why film producers are seeking out this unique landscape. Visit a local shop and get a taste of regional specialties. The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you’ll join an optional tour to Alberobello (UNESCO) in the nearby region of Puglia. Here, marvel at the town’s whimsical trulli homes, known for their distinct, cone-shaped roofs.(B, D)
Day 10 Matera - Sorrento
Hotel: Hotel Michelangelo
After a stop at a sustainable buffalo dairy farm* for a taste of freshly made mozzarella and a peek into the history of this iconic cheese, arrive in Sorrento where you’ll settle in for a 2-night stay.** Later this afternoon, discover this charming seaside town during a walking tour and learn about the local tradition of wood marquetry.(B, L)
Day 11 Sorrento - Positano - Sorrento
Hotel: Hotel Michelangelo
This morning, take in the sights and colors of the Mediterranean Sea as you sail*** along the initial stretch of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast (UNESCO). Gaze out over the deep blue hues of the sea paired with the bright citrus fruits lining the hillsides. Pause in Positano with its pastel-colored houses and pebbly beaches. Spend time in this legendary locale browsing the posh boutiques or resting along the beach, before returning to Sorrento for an afternoon at leisure.(B)
Day 12 Sorrento - Pompeii - Rome
Hotel: Radisson Blu GHR
Journey north to Rome. En route, experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii (UNESCO). A local guide gives you an in-depth look into this 2,000-year-old Roman town, nestled in the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Step into another time as you explore its preserved buildings and imagine life in the 1st century. An afternoon-long transfer leads to Rome where you arrive in the early evening. Celebrate the end of your journey with a delightful farewell dinner in a local restaurant.(B, D)
Day 13 Rome - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close today.(B)
Excursions
Giardini Naxos: Greek Taormina Walking Tour - 3 hours
Giardini Naxos: Greek Taormina Walking Tour - 3 hours
Highlights:
- Take in the incredible views from the town of Taormina, which overlooks the Bay of Naxos
- Wonder through Taormina's charming streets and visit the Greek Theatre
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan transfers between Giardini Naxos and Taormina
- An expert English-speaking guide throughout (3 hours)
- Entrance fees to the Greek Theatre
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Giardini Naxos: Syracuse & Ortigia Island - 8 hours
Giardini Naxos: Syracuse & Ortigia Island - 8 hours
Highlights:
- Explore the beautiful city of Syracuse
- Visit the Greek theatre at Neapolis, one of the most important examples of ancient theatre architecture in the world
- Discover the charming island of Ortigia
Tour Can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking guide throughout (8 hours)
- Entrance fees to the Neopolis Site
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Giardini Naxos: Catania and Piazza Armerina - 8 hours
Giardini Naxos: Catania and Piazza Armerina - 8 hours
Highlights:
- Explore the city of Catania,including the morning fish market and the many buildings in the city built using the lava stones of Etna.
- Explore central Sicily and the town of Piazza Armerina, where you will visit the site of Villa Romana del Casale
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking guide throughout (8 hours)
- Entrance fees to the Villa Romana del Casale
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.
Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.
Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.
Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.
Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.
Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.
Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.
Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.
Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:
Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.
The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.
Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.
Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.
St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.
St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.
Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.
Excursions
Sorrento: The Ancient City of Pompeii - 6 Hours
Sorrento: The Ancient City of Pompeii - 6 Hours
Highlights:
- Visit the incredibly preserved Roman city of Pompeii
Tour Can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking guide at the Pompeii site (3 hours)
- Entrance fees to the Pompeii site
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Sorrento: The Iconic Amalfi Coast - 6 Hours
Sorrento: The Iconic Amalfi Coast - 6 Hours
Highlights:
- Drive along the magnificent Amalfi Coast, stopping at Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.
Tour Can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking driver-guide throughout the tour (6 hours)
- Entrance fees to the Villa Ruffolo
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Sorrento: Capri Exploration by Private Motorboat – 8 hours
Sorrento: Capri Exploration by Private Motorboat – 8 hours
Highlights:
- Private skippered motorboat to explore the beautiful island of Capri, including Marina Piccola and Marina Grande.
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- 34-foot (1-4 pax) or 43-foot (5-6 pax) private motorboat with English-speaking skipper (8 hours)
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Excursions
Palermo and Monreale - 8 hours
Palermo and Monreale - 8 hours
Added value:
- Visit of Piazza Pretoria-Quattro Canti-Norman Palace and Monreale
- Visit of Palermos famous food market Vucciria
- Time for shopping
Included:
- Private sedan or van and English speaking guide for the day
- Clients are picked up and dropped off at the Port
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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