Welcome to Rome! Settle in at the hotel and meet up with your tour leader who will be with you for the duration of the tour. This morning, meet up with your fellow travellers as your tour leader gives you an overview of the upcoming itinerary. Then, embark on an orientation tour of the city. See top attractions such as the Spanish Steps and the Piazza Navona! Later, your tour leader will show you ‘Rome by night’ - explore some of the iconic sights of the Eternal City including the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. A welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included this evening.

Depart Rome after breakfast, and travel to the Sorrento peninsula. En route, stop off to see Mount Vesuvius, and to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii; destroyed in 79AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, travel onwards to tonight’s hotel in Sorrento. Arrive in the Sorrento peninsula, where we have a two-night stay. This area is famous for limoncello (a sweet lemon liqueur); the perfect way to finish off your included dinner this evening!

Made up of a number of gorgeous old towns hugging the coastline, the Sorrento peninsula is our base for the day. Explore the towns in your own time. Alternatively, choose our optional excursion to the famous Isle of Capri, where you can spend some free time exploring the rugged coastline, ancient Roman ruins and stylish piazzas. Top the day trip off with a boat trip around the islands. It is sure to be an unforgettable day in the south of Italy!

Today, it is time to head east and explore the southern Italian region of Apulia, making a stop along the way in the ancient cave city of Matera. Known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City), it is famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts; the ‘sassi’. Arrive in Alberobello, and enjoy an orientation tour of the region's famous ‘trulli’ houses. These beautiful 14th century whitewashed stone huts have iconic conical roofs, and are specific to the Itria Valley. This afternoon, enjoy free time to further explore Alberobello. Great places to see include the trullo church of St Antony, and the Trulli museum. Find a beautiful spot to enjoy dinner this evening before returning to the hotel for the night.

Enjoy a coastal drive along the Ionian Sea this morning. Soon, it is time to head back to the mainland, and enjoy a short ferry ride over to the island of Sicily; home of Mount Etna. Prepare for stunning views while on the way to Taormina. Arrive, and enjoy an orientation walking tour of this hilltop town. Keep an eye out for some of the highlights you can explore further on your free day tomorrow. This evening, top off the Sicilian experience with an included dinner at the beachside hotel.

Enjoy a free day to relax on Sicily's beautiful beaches, or explore the island's quaint towns. The town of Taormina itself is one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations, perched on the side of a mountain, and home to medieval churches, a castle and Greek amphitheatre. For those looking to explore further afield on their Italian tour, speak to your tour leader for their recommendations, including boat tours of the beautiful coastline, day trips to Mount Etna, and 'Godfather' tours.

Take an easy drive through the heart of Sicily today and be charmed by the sweet Sicilian scenery en route. Along the way, take a comfort stop in Syracuse, an ancient town on the southeast coast of Sicily that was built in ancient Greek times. Then drive the final stretch for the day to ‘Valle dei Templi’ (Valley of the Temples), one of the most outstanding examples of Magna Grecia art and architecture. Spend the night in the hilltop city of Agrigento.

Leaving Agrigento this morning, take a scenic drive through central Sicily and arrive in the town of Cefalù for lunch. Cefalù is a historic town that boasts some of Italy’s finest beaches. Next, travel on to Palermo. Arrive in the early afternoon, and enjoy a walking tour that will introduce you to the city’s highlights. Founded more than 2,700 years ago by the Phoenicians, Palermo is noted for its history, culture, architecture and food. Sights on the walking tour include the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova (The New Gate) and the Cathedral of Palermo. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.

Enjoy a free day to further explore Sicily’s capital; Palermo! Over the centuries, Palermo has been colonised by many different rulers, including the Greeks, Romans and Normans. This melting pot has resulted in a variety of architectural styles for you to explore in its historic old town. Be sure to visit Italy’s largest opera theatre which is widely considered the city’s most beautiful building! Palermo is also renowned for its delicious cuisine and irresistible dishes like arancini and cannoli. To try some of these delectable treats at two of Palermo’s most vibrant markets, join today’s optional excursion! This evening, take an overnight ferry back to the Italian mainland.

Arrive in Naples after the overnight ferry this morning. The tour group will continue on the coach with the tour leader, and travel back to Rome, where the tour will come to an end later this morning. After 10 days filled with Italian adventures and memories, it’s time to say arrivederci to Italy and your new travel friends. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onwards and hopes to see you again soon!