Booking for : Elite Sicily & Southern Italy
Elite Sicily & Southern Italy
Tour Details
13 Days
Experience the landmarks of Rome, the history of Pompeii, and the blue waters of Capri and Sicily
See the highlights of Southern Italy and Sicily on this once-in-a-lifetime 13-night journey. Begin in the bustling city of Rome, then make your way south – through Sorrento, Capri, Naples, Reggio Calabria, Taormina, Palermo, and more! Enjoy tons of stops, tours, and tastings as you experience Italy’s true beauty.
What’s Included
Transportation:
- Round-trip economy class air to Rome (FCO) and return from Palermo (PMO)
- Round-trip airport transfers
Accommodations in hotels listed, or similar:
- 2 nights in Rome at Della Conciliazione
- 3 nights in Sorrento at Hilton Sorrento Palace
- 2 nights in Alberobello at Victor Country
- 1 night in Reggio Calabria at Grand Hotel Excelsior
- 3 nights in Taormina Riviera at Hilton Giardini Naxos
- 2 nights in Palermo at Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa
Tours & Sightseeing:
- Guided walking tour of excavations of Pompeii and Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, tour of National Archaeological Museum
- Visits to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, Colosseum, Reggia di Capodimonte, one of the Sassi Houses, Bronzi di Riace Museum, Greek Theater, Capo Market, Church of Immacolata, Norman Cathedral in Monreale
- City tours of Rome, Naples & Palermo, Village of Capri, orientation tour of Alberobello, walking tour of Matera
Other Inclusions:
- Full buffet breakfast daily
- 1 lunch with wine in Trani; 6 three-course dinners with wine, including a special welcome dinner in Rome, a special dinner in Taormina, and a special farewell dinner at a Sicilian farmhouse
- Gelato Demonstration & Tasting, Cheese-Making Demonstration at an original Sicilian farm
- Sorrento to Capri by Jetfoil, Ferry Crossing of the Strait of Messina to Sicily
- Transportation by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach with complimentary WiFi
- Services of a professional Tour Director
- Hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges
Unique Explorations
- Enjoy guided sightseeing in Rome, Sorrento, Taormina and Palermo.
- Listen to your knowledgeable travel director for useful information and suggestions.
- Admire fascinating Greek architecture throughout Taormina in Sicily.
- Enjoy unforgettable tours of the Vatican Museums in Rome, the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, Pompeii, and more.
- Take in stunning views as you travel by ferry from Sorrento to Capri, and then again from Reggio Calabria to Sicily.
Spectacular scenery combined with fascinating architectural remains and ancient history—all of this awaits you on this fabulous vacation through Sicily and Southern Italy. If you’re interested in Roman history, this tour is certainly for you. You’ll stop in Matera, where you’ll visit one of the Sassi Houses—prehistoric cave dwellings built into the rock—thought to be some of the first human settlements in Italy. You’ll also visit Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, known for its blue skies and rich heritage. Visit the ancient Greek Theater in Taormina, built in the 3rd century BC; the ancient Greek structures that have survived for 2,400 years in Agrigento; and the 12th-century Norman Cathedral in Monreale, famous for its 50,000 square feet of precious byzantine mosaics. Photos and words cannot adequately capture these sights.
History buffs will also enjoy Pompeii, which was completely buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Imagine what life was like some 2,000 years ago! This preserved town gives you an amazingly detailed look into life at the peak of the Roman Empire. Of course, you’ll also visit some of the ancient structures in Rome, such as the Colosseum. In Naples, you’ll visit Reggia di Capodimonte, a grand Bourbon palace that houses the National Museum of Capodimonte.
For those desiring amazing scenery, this Italy tour is sure to delight. You’ll visit Sorrento and Capri—both offering breathtaking views of the crystal-clear, blue sea. Spend time gazing at the mesmerizing water, shop at the boutiques, and dine at the fabulous restaurants visited by celebrities.
History, amazing scenery, tasty cuisine, and so much more are waiting for you on this Italy tour. So pack your bag and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
Day 1,Welcome to Rome!
Arrive in the historic city of Rome. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your first hotel. After checking into your hotel, enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring the city on your own.
At 5:00 pm, meet your tour director and traveling companions for a special welcome dinner. Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine and clink glasses of wine at one of Rome's lively restaurants. (Dinner)
Day 2,Rome
After breakfast, grab your camera and get ready to embark on a unique guided sightseeing tour. Come face-to-face with the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square and Basilica, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and more. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the Eternal City on your own. (Breakfast)
Day 4,Sorrento. Excursion to Capri
Feel your hair blow in the wind as you speed across the bright blue bay by Jetjoil to the stunning Isle of Capri. Take a ride on the Funicular to Capri village and enjoy a guided visit of this picturesque town.
Enjoy free time to stroll through the quaint shops on the piazzetta before returning to Sorrento. (Breakfast)
Day 5,Sorrento. Excursion to Naples
Spend today in vibrant Naples. First, join your local guide on a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, which holds some of the worl'd greatest Greco-Roman treasures.
From there, move on to the city center and admire the magnificent Triumphal Arch of the New Castle, St. Charles Theater, the Royal Palace, Galleria Umberto, and the famous semicircular Piazza Plebiscito. Next, visit the historic Reggia Di Capodimonte.
Head back to Sorrento and enjoy a fun gelato demonstration and tasting. (Breakfast)
Day 6,Sorrento – Trani – Alberobello
On your way to Alderobello, stop for a special lunch in Trani. Indulge in delicious local dishes at a beautiful seaside restaurant.
After lunch, arrive in the unique, picturesque town of Alberobello, where you will stay for the next two nights. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7, At Leisure in Alberobello
In the morning, enjoy an orientation of the town, famous for its unique trulli—whitewashed, stone, circular houses with pinnacled, conical roofs. Balance of the day will be at your leisure. Overnight in Alberobello (Breakfast)
Day 8,Alberobello – Matera – Reggio Calabria
Stop in Matera for a guided walking tour through one of the picturesque Sassi Houses. Afterwards, take in the views on a spectacular drive along the Gulf of Taranto before heading inland to Reggio Calabria. Enjoy a visit to the museum that houses the world-famous bronze warrior sculptures, Bronzi di Riac. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 9. ,Reggio Calabria – Taormina Riviera
Enjoy stunning views on your ferry ride across the Strait of Messina, then begin your discovery of Sicily. The island of Sicily is known for being the melting pot of the Mediterranean world. Phoenicians, Greeks Romans, Normans, French, Spanish, and Saracens, have all left their marks and contributed to Sicily's rich heritage.
Arrive in Taormina, a charming hilltop town overlooking the Ionian Sea. Visit its famous ancient Greek Theater that dates back to the 3rd century BC. Stroll along the shop-lined Corso Umberto, and be sure to treat yourself to some Sicilian Granita (a treat similar to sorbet).
Day 10,At Leisure in Taormina Riviera
Spend the next two days relaxing at a beautiful resort in one of Sicily's most popular destinations. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 11. At Leisure in Taormina Riviera
Continue taking in the beauty of Taormina Riviera today. After a relaxing day, enjoy an included dinner with wine at a local restaurant with breathtaking sea views. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 12.,Taormina Riviera – Agrigento – Palermo
Travel south to Agrigento and join your local guide on a walk through the stunning Valley of Temples. The gigantic yet graceful Greek structures that miraculously survived 24 centuries of tormented history consistently "wow" even the most experienced travelers. After an exciting day, arrive at your comfortable hotel in Palermo. (Breakfast)
Day 13,Palermo
Spend your last day seeing all of Palermo's "must see" sights. Visit the ornate Piazza Bellini, Capo Market, Church of Immacolata, and the Cathedral. Take a scenic drive up to Monreale and enjoy a panoramic view of the Conca d'Oro and a visit to the 12th-century Normal Cathedral, famous for its 50,000 square feet of precious byzantine mosaics.
In the afternoon, visit an original Sicilian Farm, Antica Masseria Barone di Salvo in Tumminia. Spend time with the casaro (cheese-maker) and see how he prepares fresh ricotta. Enjoy a memorable farewell dinner with local specialties and wine. Reflect on your journey and celebrate the success of your amazing Italian vacation.
Grand Hotel Excelsior – 5 Star
As the premier destination among 5-star Valletta hotels, the Grand Hotel Excelsior is ideally located on the doorstep of a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Capital City of Valletta, with all its major attractions, culture, art treasures, and historical architectural gems.
Victor Country Hotel – 4 Star
Head outside to the large, sparkling swimming pool. Take a dip, enjoy the view, then lounge in the warm sun with a cold drink in-hand. Pamper yourself with a massage, or find your inner peace in a yoga class. When it's time to eat, dine in the charming on-site restaurant, serving authentic Italian dishes made from the hotel's very own fresh garden ingredients.
Hilton Sorrento Palace – 4 Star
Unpack your swimsuit and head out to the massive, sparkling outdoor pool. Take a refreshing swim, or lounge in the warm sun with a cold drink in-hand. Take a whack at a match of tennis, or practice with some table tennis. Work all your stresses away in the fitness room, then freshen up for a delicious dinner at the on-site restaurant. Indulge in authentic mouthwatering cuisine while you feast your eyes on breathtaking views.
Hotel Della Conciliazione – 4 Star
In just steps, find yourself in awe at the Basilica di San Pietro. From there, hop on one of the many nearby bus or train lines and continue your day of sightseeing. Feel like you need some help with directions, tours, or recommendations? This hotel's friendly multi-lingual staff will be happy to help you. At the end of your exciting day, grab a drink and indulge in a truly Italian meal at the hotel's on-site bar and restaurant. When it's time to rest, kick back and relax in your comfortable spacious room, equipped with everything you'll need to make you feel at home.