DAY 1: Arrive in Rome
![Arrive in Rome]()
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.
Experiences
Orientation tour of Rome: Get acquainted with the enchanting city of Rome on an orientation tour of Rome with your tour guide. Admire the Spanish Steps, walk to the Piazza Navona to see the Fountain of the Quattro Fiumi) and learn about other attractions that make Rome a perennial favourite with travellers all over the world!
Rome by Night tour: Tonight, you will enjoy an evening tour of Rome. See the capital in all its glory, including views of the famous Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and ancient Pantheon.
Welcome dinner: Join your tour leader and tour group for a welcome dinner. Celebrate the first night of tour with some delicious Italian food at a local Roman restaurant.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
BV Oly Hotel
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 2: Rome - Sorrento
![Rome - Sorrento]()
Leaving Rome, we’ll head to the Sorrento peninsula, stopping off along the way to see Mount Vesuvius and to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, destroyed in 79AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Upon arrival on the Sorrento peninsula, 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!
Experiences
See Mount Vesuvius and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii: Preserved since ancient times under meters of ash and pumice, it offers superb insights into life (and death) in the ancient Roman Empire. An expert local guide will accompany you and introduce you to the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Delle Palme
Sisters Hotel
Hotel Aequa
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 3: Sorrento: Free Day
![Sorrento: Free Day]()
A gorgeous old town hugging the coastline, the Sorrento peninsula is our base for the day. Explore the towns in your own time, or 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.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Delle Palme
Sisters Hotel
Hotel Aequa
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 4: Sorrento - Matera - Alberobello
![Sorrento - Matera - Alberobello]()
Today we’ll head east and explore the southern Italian region of Apulia, taking a comfort 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’. Later we'll arrive in Alberobello, and enjoy an orientation tour of the region's famous ‘trullo’ houses. These beautiful 14th century whitewashed stone huts have iconic conical roofs, and are specific to the Itria Valley. This afternoon you’ll have free time to further explore Alberobello; check out the trullo church of St Antony and the Trulli museum.
Experiences
Comfort stop in the ancient cave city Matera: Human remains from 7,000 BC have been found here, and the historical center and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Alberobello: Explore the 14th century trulli stone houses, the Parrocchia Sant'Antonio di Padova church, and the Trullo Sovrano museum. Originally constructed as temporary shelters and storehouses by farm labourers, the trulli are now permanent features of Alberobello.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Colle del Sole
DAY 5: Alberobello - Taormina
![Alberobello - Taormina]()
Today we take a coastal drive beside the Ionian Sea, before we leave the mainland behind and take a short ferry ride over to the island of Sicily, home of Mount Etna. Prepare for stunning views as we make our way to Taormina. Upon arrival, your tour leader will take you on an orientation walk of this hilltop town, showing you some of the highlights you can explore further on your free day tomorrow. This evening we’ll top off our Sicilian experience with an included dinner at our beachside hotel.
Experiences
Orientation walk of Taormina: One of the most popular holiday resorts in Sicily, Taormina was founded by the Greeks who built an amphitheater in a stunning hilltop location overlooked by Mount Etna. During your exploration with your tour leader, you will be taught about the art of passeggiata, an Italian social custom. As you roam through the streets and alleyways, the presence of the active volcano Mount Etna adds to the excitement of visiting this Greco-Roman town.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Kennedy
DAY 6: Taormina: Free Day
![Taormina: Free Day]()
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 offering 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, paragliding and 'Godfather' tours.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Kennedy
Optional Excursions
- Taormina Sunset Cruise i €40
- Mount Etna Day Trip i €125
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 7: Taormina - Syracuse - Agrigento
![Taormina - Syracuse - Agrigento]()
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.
Experiences
Syracuse: Visit the historically significant Sicilian city of Syracusa (as the locals call it). Located on the southeast coast of Sicily, Syracuse was originally a Greek colony. Today it’s home to a number of Greek remains like a Greek theatre that dates back to the 5th century BC. You will be transported back in time as you meander cobbled lanes, pavement cafes and baroque architecture. While here shop locally-grown pistachios, almonds and sun-dried pachino.
Explore the Valley of the Temples: A national monument of Italy and archaeological site in Agrigento. The Valley includes the remains of seven temples built in the Doric style
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Dioscuri
DAY 8: Agrigento - Cefalù - Palermo
![Agrigento - Cefalù - Palermo]()
Leaving Agrigento this morning, take a scenic drive through central Sicily as you set out to the town of Cefalù for lunch. Cefalù is a historic town that boasts some of Italy’s finest beaches. Arriving in Palermo in the early afternoon, 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 you'll see on your walking tour include the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova (The New Gate) and the Cathedral of Palermo.
Experiences
Visit Cefalù: Cefalu is an attractive seaside town on Sicily’s northern coast. Cefalù's origin dates back to the ancient Greek times when it was built by the Norman King, Roger ll. Iconic sights include the Duomo, Cefalù’s two-towered Norman cathedral on the main square in the city centre; the picturesque port and promenade; as well as fine beaches like Kalura and Sant’Ambrogio. A local delight to order is pasta in a pan - ‘pasta taianu’.
Enjoy a walking tour of Palermo: See the highlights of this historic city, a melting pot of cultures over the centuries. Make a note of all the places you want to explore further on your free day tomorrow.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Athenaeum
DAY 9: Palermo: Free Day
![Palermo: Free Day]()
Enjoy a free day to further explore Sicily’s capital; Palermo. Over the centuries, Palermo has been colonized 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 the historic old town. The option of an excursion to Monreale is also on the table. Travel there by coach, and visit the spectacular Monreale Cathedral; a UNESCO-listed attraction. Then, visit an Italian farmhouse for a delicious lunch. This evening, we’ll take an overnight ferry back to the Italian mainland.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Athenaeum
DAY 10: End of tour in Rome
![End of tour in Rome]()
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 coach will drop everyone off at the hotel. After 10 days filled with Italian adventures and memories, the tour ends in Rome this afternoon.