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Itinerary
Day 1 Rome
Benvenuti a Roma! After you arrive at the airport, make your way to your hotel and then enjoy your first day in the city at your leisure.
At 07:45 pm pick up at the hotel and reach Via del Teatro Marcello. A local expert guide will lead you to discover the wonders of the Eternal City, charming by day - absolutely romantic at sunset. You will cross the characteristic area of the Jewish Ghetto, one of Rome’s most beautiful neighborhoods, full of history and Roman atmosphere. As you know, one of Rome’s typical landmarks is its beautiful fountains, and one of the prettiest is the Turtle Fountain (Fontana delle Tartarughe) in Piazza Mattei. The Jewish Ghetto of Rome is the second most ancient after the one in Venice, and it can be considered the heart and soul of Roman cuisine!
Then you will walk into Piazza Della Rotonda and enjoy the lit view of the Pantheon, the former temple of Marcus Agrippa later converted into a church: this is the only ancient Roman temple that remained untouched through the centuries and it’s stunning at night when the crowds are away.
Close your eyes and throw a coin over your right shoulder straight into the Trevi Fountain as your next stop: it said that those who do so, are granted to come back to Rome someday. Your walk continues towards Piazza di Spagna, one of the city’s most popular squares, known for its setting at the bottom of the Spanish Steps. Walk up these famous steps to enjoy a lovely view from the top! After this intense and gratifying walk, there is only one thing missing to end this experience: relax enjoying a creamy and tasty Gelato! The tour ends in the Spanish Steps area. Enjoy the rest of the night on your own.
Overnight stay in Rome at Hotel San Martin or similar.
Day 2 Rome Naples Pompeii Sorrento
After breakfast, pick up at your hotel approximately 7:00 am. Depart by coach heading south, crossing the regions of Lazio and Campania.
Arrive in Naples and have a short panoramic tour. Climb up to Vomero hill to enjoy beautiful views over the Gulf of Naples with the Vesuvius, Capri, Ischia, and Procida and the city below and take some nice pictures. Descending towards the port of Mergellina, you will leave the city and travel south toward Mount Vesuvius, and once you reach the town of Pompeii, you will have lunch with Neapolitan pizza!
After lunch, you will enter one of the most important archaeological sites in the world: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of Pompeii, with Skip the Line entrance and a guided tour. Visit the haunting ruins of Pompeii, traveling back in time to the tragic days in 79 AD when the silent Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted, covering the prosperous Roman city in deadly volcanic ashes and poisonous gases, leaving this city crystallized until our days. You'll learn how people lived at that time, visiting houses and bars of the time, admiring frescoes and mosaics to imagine how prosperous was the city before the dreadful day.
After the visit, you will drive along the Sorrentine Coast, arriving in Sorrento for dinner (dress code: jacket for men)
Overnight stay in Sorrento at Hotel Michelangelo or similar.
Day 3 Sorrento Capri Sorrento
After breakfast, get ready for an exciting excursion to the island of Capri: one of the most exclusive summer destinations of the Mediterranean! Depending on the weather and sea conditions, you will admire the dreamy Blue Grotto on a small rowboat. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and roam the island at your own pace.
Once back on the mainland, return to the hotel for dinner and your last overnight in Sorrento.
Overnight stay in Sorrento at Hotel Michelangelo or similar.
Day 4 Sorrento Palermo (overnight on ferry boat)
Breakfast at your hotel, then spend a leisurely morning exploring Sorrento.
In the afternoon, you will reach the port of Naples, where you will board the Tirrenia/Snav ferry to Palermo. Let the waves rock you to sleep. Dinner and breakfast are not included on the ferry.
Overnight onboard the Tirrenia/Snav Ferry to Palermo.
Day 5 Palermo
Arrive in Palermo and transfer to your hotel. That night, have dinner in the hotel and rest for the adventure that lies ahead.
Overnight stay in Palermo at Hotel Mercure or similar.
Day 6 Palermo
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and then head out on a morning excursion to Monreale, recently included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, an ancient royal town famous for its almonds, olive oil, and citrus fruits, as well as for its fine Norman architecture. Visit the elaborate Cathedral of Monreale and then enjoy shopping at the local delicatessen and souvenirs.
Back to Palermo and continue with a walking tour of the city. Wander the streets of the Old Town, hearing tales of Palermo’s 3,000- year history and discovering attractions like Palermo Cathedral. Walk inside the impressive-looking place of worship and marvel at its arches, cupolas, and mosaics - with an incredible mix of influences coming from several dominations on the island. Enjoy free time in the late afternoon.
Dinner at the hotel is included.
Overnight stay in Palermo at Hotel Mercure or similar.
Day 7 Palermo Erice Marsala Agrigento
Early breakfast and departure to Erice, a medieval village stacked into the side of Monte San Giuliano. Many say that little has changed in the Village since the sixth century, and its labyrinth-like twist of lanes is perfect for a cool and pleasant morning amble.
Continue to visit the Saline, an extraordinary lagoon, where history, nature, and archeology find a perfect synthesis and allow the visitor to try different, unique and charming experiences. Afterward, we’ll set off to Marsala, whose lands are known for its Marsala wine. You’ll take part in a delectable experience, for you will visit a traditional tavern and taste regional wine and products during a light but unforgettable lunch.
Return to your coach and travel to Agrigento, your last destination of the day. Visit Ancient Greek monuments and ruins at the Valley of Temples (entrance included) - a UNESCO World Heritage site - and learn about archaeological relics like the Classical Temple of Concord, the Temple of Hercules; the Temple of Jupiter, one of the largest Doric-style buildings.
Dinner at the hotel is included.
Overnight stay in Agrigento at Hotel Della Valle or similar.
Day 8 Agrigento Piazza Armerina Ragusa Ibla Ragusa
Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Piazza Armerina, a pretty and historic town nestled into the heart of Sicily. Entrance to Villa Romana del Casale to admire the largest, richest, and most complex Roman mosaics and one of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy since 1997. The mosaics spread over 3,500 sq m show mythological scenes and portrayals of daily life.
Depart to Ragusa and visit the enchanting historical center Ibla with its stunning baroque palaces and churches; together with seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the old gate of San Giorgio, the Giardini Iblei, and then walk to Piazza Pola, where we will visit the church of San Giuseppe: a little gem.
Be enchanted by the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Church of the Souls in Purgatory, and the magnificent Cosentini palace, one of the most interesting Late Baroque palaces in Sicily!
Dinner at the hotel is included.
Overnight stay in Ragusa at Hotel Poggio del Sole or similar.
Day 9 Ragusa Noto Siracusa Taormina
Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Noto, a picturesque fishing town popular for its stately Baroque architecture. Visit the Cathedral of San Nicolò, recently restored after an earthquake, and then have a nice walk in the town’s center.
Continue along the south coast to Syracuse, on Sicily’s southeastern tip. Visit Parco Archeologico della Neapoli, Syracuse’s famous archaeological area, home to a vast collection of Greek and Roman ruins from all over Sicily. Head inside to see impressive landmarks such as the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, and the Ear of Dionysius - an artificial limestone cave.
After the visit, cross one of the city’s bridges to visit the island of Ortygia - the most ancient part of Syracuse - home to a wealth of Baroque churches and medieval palaces. In the late afternoon, arrive in Taormina, check in to your hotel, and enjoy dinner.
Overnight stay in Taormina at Hotel Olimpo Le Terrazze or similar.
Day 10 Taormina
Breakfast at your hotel and then head off to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and the highest mountain in Italy. Learn about volcanic activity and marvel at the old lava fields and black magma rock that comprises Etna’s landscape. If weather permits, you have a chance to climb to the summit (1800 m).
Lastly, return to Taormina, the beautiful and romantic town on Mount Tauro. Return to Taormina in the afternoon and spend the rest of your day at leisure.
Dinner at the hotel is included.
Overnight stay in Taormina at Hotel Olimpo Le Terrazze or similar.
Day 11 Taormina
Enjoy one final breakfast before the tour comes to an end.
