Speak with an experienced advisor
Speak with an experienced advisor
Collette
OFFER ID 1703941
Journey through a crossroads of civilizations in Sicily and on to the spectacular coastlines of Southern Italy. Travel to the historic hilltop town of Taormina and take in sweeping views from its ancient Greek Theatre, with Mount Etna rising in the distance. Visit a local winery for a wine tasting and agriturismo dinner. Venture to the ancient cave dwellings of Sassi di Matera and wander through the distinctive trulli houses of Alberobello in the heart of Puglia. Explore Sorrento and stunning Positano, the pearl of the Amalfi Coast. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in the excavated ruins of 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 $4,999 per person
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 Giardini Naxos, Sicily
Your Italian journey begins in Giardini Naxos, a seaside resort on Sicily’s eastern shores. Settle in and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere, with Mount Etna rising in the distance. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day at leisure, exploring independently or relaxing by the waterfront. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for an orientation briefing, followed by an evening at leisure.
Day 3 Giardini Naxos
This morning, explore beautiful Taormina, home to ancient relics, rocky hills, and charming gardens. With an expert local guide, you’ll stroll the lively pedestrian main street and climb to the city’s well-preserved Greek theatre. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Taormina or relax in Giardini Naxos – the “garden of Sicily.” This evening, gather for a welcome dinner where traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air.(B, D)
Day 4 Giardini Naxos
Today is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps you’ll opt to experience Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure up Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Take in awe-inspiring views from a 4x4 vehicle and hop out to walk amid lava formations and basalt rocks. After a wine-paired lunch at a winery on the slopes of Mount Etna, return to your hotel in the late afternoon.(B)
Day 5 Giardini Naxos
This morning, it’s your choice! Linger in Giardini Naxos, enjoying a leisurely morning of dolce far niente (sweet do nothing): stroll along the beach, dip your toes in the Mediterranean Sea, perhaps treat yourself to some gelato -OR- take a walk in old-world Sicily as you visit the hilltop village of Savoca. Known to film lovers as a setting for The Godfather, Savoca captures a sense of quiet nostalgia and cinematic history. The afternoon is at leisure: remain in Giardini Naxos or head to nearby Taormina to wander its streets and browse local shops.(B)
Day 6 Giardini Naxos - Matera
Take a short and scenic ferry ride across the narrow Strait of Messina, separating Sicily from Italy’s mainland. During your full day bus transfer, pass through the unspoiled region of Calabria and onto 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 7 Matera
Explore the Sassi di Matera, an ancient settlement of carved cave dwellings that has been continuously inhabited for millennia. A local guide shares the history and explains why film producers are seeking out this unique landscape. The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you’ll visit the Palombaro Lungo, an underground cistern once essential to the city’s water storage system, or explore independently, discovering the surrounding countryside and rock churches that reflect Matera’s prehistoric and medieval past.(B)
Day 8 Matera
This morning, explore Alberobello, in the nearby region of Puglia. During a walking tour, marvel at the town’s whimsical trulli homes, known for their distinctive cone-shaped roofs. Then, explore another side of Puglia during a guided visit to the Castellana Caves, a vast underground system featuring dramatic chambers, towering stalactites, and striking rock formations shaped over millennia. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.(B, D)
Day 9 Matera - Sorrento
After a full morning’s drive, stop at a sustainable buffalo dairy farm* for a taste of freshly made mozzarella and a peek into the history of this iconic cheese. After lunch at the dairy, continue to the Sorrentine Peninsula and settle in for a three-night stay.** This evening, discover the allure of Sorrento during a walk around its charming old town.(B, L)
Day 10 Sorrento
This morning, take in the sights and colors of the Mediterranean Sea as you sail*** along the initial stretch of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. 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 relaxing along the beach, before returning to Sorrento mid-afternoon. This evening, learn a few tips and tricks behind authentic Neapolitan-style pizza making before a pizza dinner, capped with homemade limoncello.(B, D)
Day 11 Sorrento
Enjoy a day at leisure to take in the laid-back charm of Sorrento. Perhaps you will embark on an optional ferryboat trip**** to the Mediterranean isle of Capri. Upon arrival, admire the island’s iconic scenery on a panoramic cruise,**** passing by steep cliffs, endless small caves, and the famous Faraglioni rocks, jutting out of the water. Spend time in Capri town with its world-famous piazzetta and explore this island paradise of chic boutiques, lush vegetation, and outdoor cafés. Return to Sorrento in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.(B)
Day 12 Sorrento - Pompeii - Rome
Journey north to Rome. En route, experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii. Here, it’s your choice! Soak in the history of this 2000-year-old Roman town at your own pace by picking between a leisurely-paced walking tour of Pompeii’s essential sights -OR- a faster-paced walk combining the highlights with Pompeii's further-out gems. Step into another time as you explore the 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.(B, D)
Day 13 Rome - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close today.(B)
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 Giardini Naxos, Sicily
Your Italian journey begins in Giardini Naxos, a seaside resort on Sicily’s eastern shores. Settle in and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere, with Mount Etna rising in the distance. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day at leisure, exploring independently or relaxing by the waterfront. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for an orientation briefing, followed by an evening at leisure.
Day 3 Giardini Naxos
This morning, explore beautiful Taormina, home to ancient relics, rocky hills, and charming gardens. With an expert local guide, you’ll stroll the lively pedestrian main street and climb to the city’s well-preserved Greek theatre. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Taormina or relax in Giardini Naxos – the “garden of Sicily.” This evening, gather for a welcome dinner where traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air.(B, D)
Day 4 Giardini Naxos
Today is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps you’ll opt to experience Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure up Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Take in awe-inspiring views from a 4x4 vehicle and hop out to walk amid lava formations and basalt rocks. After a wine-paired lunch at a winery on the slopes of Mount Etna, return to your hotel in the late afternoon.(B)
Day 5 Giardini Naxos
This morning, it’s your choice! Linger in Giardini Naxos, enjoying a leisurely morning of dolce far niente (sweet do nothing): stroll along the beach, dip your toes in the Mediterranean Sea, perhaps treat yourself to some gelato -OR- take a walk in old-world Sicily as you visit the hilltop village of Savoca. Known to film lovers as a setting for The Godfather, Savoca captures a sense of quiet nostalgia and cinematic history. The afternoon is at leisure: remain in Giardini Naxos or head to nearby Taormina to wander its streets and browse local shops.(B)
Day 6 Giardini Naxos - Matera
Take a short and scenic ferry ride across the narrow Strait of Messina, separating Sicily from Italy’s mainland. During your full day bus transfer, pass through the unspoiled region of Calabria and onto 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 7 Matera
Explore the Sassi di Matera, an ancient settlement of carved cave dwellings that has been continuously inhabited for millennia. A local guide shares the history and explains why film producers are seeking out this unique landscape. The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you’ll visit the Palombaro Lungo, an underground cistern once essential to the city’s water storage system, or explore independently, discovering the surrounding countryside and rock churches that reflect Matera’s prehistoric and medieval past.(B)
Day 8 Matera
This morning, explore Alberobello, in the nearby region of Puglia. During a walking tour, marvel at the town’s whimsical trulli homes, known for their distinctive cone-shaped roofs. Then, explore another side of Puglia during a guided visit to the Castellana Caves, a vast underground system featuring dramatic chambers, towering stalactites, and striking rock formations shaped over millennia. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.(B, D)
Day 9 Matera - Sorrento
After a full morning’s drive, stop at a sustainable buffalo dairy farm* for a taste of freshly made mozzarella and a peek into the history of this iconic cheese. After lunch at the dairy, continue to the Sorrentine Peninsula and settle in for a three-night stay.** This evening, discover the allure of Sorrento during a walk around its charming old town.(B, L)
Day 10 Sorrento
This morning, take in the sights and colors of the Mediterranean Sea as you sail*** along the initial stretch of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. 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 relaxing along the beach, before returning to Sorrento mid-afternoon. This evening, learn a few tips and tricks behind authentic Neapolitan-style pizza making before a pizza dinner, capped with homemade limoncello.(B, D)
Day 11 Sorrento
Enjoy a day at leisure to take in the laid-back charm of Sorrento. Perhaps you will embark on an optional ferryboat trip**** to the Mediterranean isle of Capri. Upon arrival, admire the island’s iconic scenery on a panoramic cruise,**** passing by steep cliffs, endless small caves, and the famous Faraglioni rocks, jutting out of the water. Spend time in Capri town with its world-famous piazzetta and explore this island paradise of chic boutiques, lush vegetation, and outdoor cafés. Return to Sorrento in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.(B)
Day 12 Sorrento - Pompeii - Rome
Journey north to Rome. En route, experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii. Here, it’s your choice! Soak in the history of this 2000-year-old Roman town at your own pace by picking between a leisurely-paced walking tour of Pompeii’s essential sights -OR- a faster-paced walk combining the highlights with Pompeii's further-out gems. Step into another time as you explore the 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.(B, D)
Day 13 Rome - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close today.(B)
Giardini Naxos: Greek Taormina Walking Tour - 3 hours
Giardini Naxos: Syracuse & Ortigia Island - 8 hours
Giardini Naxos: Catania and Piazza Armerina - 8 hours
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.
Rome Highlights and Vatican: 9 hours
Meet your private English-speaking driver at the pier side of Civitavecchia port.
Rome is a mix of architecture styles, of antiques and new, of sacred and profane. In this full day tour you can enjoy a sample of this capital city. With your guide reach the Vatican city where you can visit the Museums, admiring its priceless collection of art and architecture: highlights include Raphael's Transfiguration, The Raphael Rooms, the Sculpture Garden featuring the famous Laokoon. Finally, the restored Sistine Chapel, famous all over the world for the breathtaking Michelangelo’s ceiling and the Last Judgment. From here you walk to St. Peter's Basilica to marvel at Michelangelo's Dome, his statue Pietà, Bernini's magnificent Baldacchino and the Tombs of the Popes. The tour will continue with a look at the ancient part of the Eternal city and its symbol: the Coliseum, where, jumping the lines, you will be able to enter in the magnificent Flavian Amphitheatre and admire where the gladiatorial duels, wild beast fights were arranged for the entertainment of Roman people.
The second part of the day will be dedicated to the visit of the city center, starting from Navona Square, the most important of Baroque Rome, where today it is possible to admire the monumental Fountain of the Rivers by Bernini. Continue your tour visiting the Pantheon, the jewel of Roman architecture, then Trevi Fountain, the most famous and beautiful fountain in Rome. End the tour at the Spanish Steps, built entirely in travertine in the 18th century.
We will ensure your timely return transfer to the Civitavecchia Port
Access to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica is allowed only to properly attired visitors.
Highlights:
Tivoli: Villas in the Countryside - 8 Hours
A trip out to Tivoli, just east of Rome, makes for a perfect and relaxing day, when you need a little rest from extensive sightseeing in the city. On your way out, you will pass the Travertine marble quarries from which so many of Rome’s important buildings were constructed. Tivoli itself is a very pleasant town, perched on a hill but its main claim to fame lies in its country villas, Hadrian’s Villa and the Villa d’Este. The emperor Hadrian was very well traveled and when he decided to build a country villa, he was greatly influenced by some of the spectacular sights he’d seen on his travels. The result was probably the largest and most sumptuous villa in the Roman Empire and by any standards, it is huge and covers an area that would normally be occupied by a small town. The site became a sort of retirement home for Hadrian, from 135AD until his death three years later. Here you will see the remains of peaceful and romantic gardens, pools, a theater and baths, which were of course an essential part of any Roman villa. From here, you will visit the stunning Villa d’Este, built for Cardinal Ippolito d’Este in the mid-16th century. Its gardens and fountains are legendery but the restored ground floor apartments have some stunning frescoes.
Duration: 8 hours
Pricing: Please Inquire
If you can’t fit in a trip to Pompeii, Ostia Antica makes a very worthwhile substitute and even though it is right by the airport, it is largely overlooked by the majority of tourists and never suffers from crowds. Ostia Antica was the main port for the city of Rome and consequently, where goods from all over the Empire were unloaded. You will see warehouses, high rise apartments for the workers and sumptuous villas for the nobility as well as baths complete with mosaics and the odd bar or two. Even the public lavatories have survived! Just outside the town, lies the beautiful castle of Pope Julius II, largely built from recycled bricks from Ostia Antica.
After the visit of the archaeological site, driving back towards the port, you will have the chance to stop for lunch in a great fish restaurant overlooking the sea.
Duration: 6 hours
Pricing: Please Inquire
The Castelli Romani (Roman castles) are a mere 35 minutes from Rome, but you could be hours away. Beautiful green hills, topped with ancient towns, a couple of volcanic lakes, delicious cuisine and abundant wines, the most famous being Frascati; all explain why Romans have been building their summer villas here for centuries. The most famous of these being Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope. Frascati is the largest of these towns, while Nemi, the smallest gives its name to one of the lakes. The route out of Rome is worthwhile too, as you will pass the remains of the aqueducts that once carried water into the city and other imposing ruins.
Duration: 8 hours
Pricing: Please Inquire
Lake Bracciano and the Monster Park - 8 Hours
You will start the day by being driven to Lake Bracciano, a delightful spot and much favored by Romans escaping from the heat of the city by having a refreshing swim in the lake. It burst onto the world stage in 2006, when Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes got married in the local castle.
After a stroll around the town, you will be taken to Viterbo where at nearby Bomarzo is a most extraordinary garden, known as the Parco dei Mostri, the Monster Park. This makes a great day out for children. Created by the hunchbacked Duke of Orsini in 1552, he set out to mock the Mannerist gardens of the time by deliberate vulgarity. At the entrance to the park stands a giant warrior, tearing apart a woodcutter, while deeper into the park, you will come across an English prince pouring the brains of a madman down an elephant’s trunk. The surprises continue to come; mossy sculptures of tortoises, elephants, a whale, dragons, nymphs and butterflies, to name but a few. After Orsini’s death, the park became very neglected but has now been restored to its former glory.
Duration: 8 hours
Pricing: Please Inquire
Sorrento: The Ancient City of Pompeii - 6 Hours
Sorrento: The Iconic Amalfi Coast - 6 Hours
Sorrento: Capri Exploration by Private Motorboat – 8 hours
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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