---

Glorious art, classic Greek and Roman antiquities and ruins, centuries-old hilltop villages, fine wine, and great Italian food are all part of this 11-day journey exploring both the well-known and hidden treasures of Southern Italy and Sicily. Following a two-night stay in Rome, see the 2,000-year-old city of Pompeii that was frozen in time by a volcanic eruption. Your vacation highlights include southern Italy's breathtaking Amalfi Coast, Naples, Sorrento, the Calabria region, the gardens of Taormina, Mt. Etna Volcano National Park, Agrigento, and the Valley of the Temples. Your journey ends in Palermo, with its lovely squares and an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Sip Sicily's famous sweet, dark wine during a wine-tasting and tour of a local Marsala winery. Amid soft, cooling ocean breezes and almond trees, explore the ruins of ancient temples dedicated to Zeus and other mythological Greek gods and goddesses in the Valley of the Temples in the coastal city of Agrigento - one of the most important archeological sites in the world. Stories of ancient Roman life are told in the impressive collection of Roman mosaics at the Villa Casale while a local expert interprets Palermo's mix of Moorish, Norman and Spanish architecture. You'll enjoy six nights on the island of Sicily - known as the crossroads of civilization.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Join us in exploring the hidden treasures of southern Italy and Sicily. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, historic cities, centuries old hilltop villages, and wonderful cuisine. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Palermo.

Day 2: Arrive Palermo, Sicily - Tour Begins

Your tour begins in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Sicilian cuisine.
Today dinner is included.

Day 3: Palermo - Monreale - Agrigento

A Palermo cultural tour features the lovely squares of Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria and Piazza Bellini. Note the exotic mixture of Moorish, Norman and Spanish Baroque styles that make this city special. You also see the Palace of the Normans, La Martorana Church, and the Cathedral, which houses the Imperial Crown of Constance of Aragon in its treasury. In the nearby town of Monreale, visit the 12th century Cathedral with its dazzling interior of multicolored marbles, paintings, mosaics and cloisters. Depart Palermo for Agrigento later this afternoon.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 4: Agrigento

Learn about ancient Greek cultures when you visit the Archeological Museum, known for its extensive collection of Greek vases and mosaics. Then, proceed to the stunning Valley of the Temples, one of the most important archeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From ancient times to the present day, the Valley of the Temples’ ruins, landscape flora and colors have inspired poets, writers and painters. Here, get an up-close view of the temples of Hercules, June, Dioscuris, Vulcan and Olympian Zeus.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 5: Agrigento - Piazza Armerina - Giardini-Naxos

Depart Agrigento today and travel to the central part of Sicily, arriving in the town of Piazza Armerina. Here you pay homage to the Roman past at Villa Casale, which houses one of the most incredible collections of ancient mosaics in the world. Later, visit Mt. Etna Volcano National Park to see the spectacular landscapes sculpted by nature. Arrive in Giardini Naxos, the “garden of Sicily” and your home for the next two nights.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 6: Giardini-Naxos - Taormina - Giardini-Naxos

This morning you tour beautiful Taormina, known for its charming atmosphere, significant monuments and flowering gardens. Enjoy viewing the Greek Temples, Corso Umberto and the bountiful Public Gardens. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to further explore this delightful town.
Today breakfast is included.

Day 7: Giardini Naxos - Amalfi Coast

Today, travel to Messina where you will take a short ferry to Villa San Giovanni on the mainland of Italy. Travel northward through the beautiful and unspoiled region of Calabria and into Campania, arriving later this afternoon on the Amalfi Coast.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 8: Amalfi Coast - Sorrento - Amalfi Coast

Begin your day exploring the popular seaside resort town of Sorrento. Visit local artisans and watch them demonstrate the art of inlaid wood making. Travel the Amalfi Drive where stunning views exist around every bend in the road. En route, view picturesque Positano before arrival in Amalfi, where you have free time to explore the town square, ceramic shops and cafes.
Today breakfast is included.

Day 9: Amalfi Coast - Pompeii - Rome

Travel towards the Bay of Naples and experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Soak in the history of the preserved original buildings of a typical Roman town 2,000 years ago. The forms of people who died in Pompeii are evident and cast an insight into how they lived. Later, travel to Rome, the magnificent capital of Italy.
Today breakfast is included.

Day 10: Rome

Begin your day with an optional tour to the “Magnificent Treasures of the Vatican Museums.” Later, enjoy a tour of Classical Rome featuring the Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, and the Arch of Constantine. Contemporary Rome is highlighted through the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Tonight you will celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 11: Rome - Depart for Home

Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.
Today breakfast is included.

11 Days, 15 Meals

9 Breakfast, 0 Lunch, 6 Dinner

Hotel Information

    * Grand Hotel et des Palmes, Palermo
    * Jolly Hotel Della Valle, Agrigento
    * Hellenia Yachting Hotel or Hotel Villa Esperia
    * Hotel Reginna Palace, Maiori or Hotel Cetus, Cetara (Amalfi Coast)
    * Hotel Qurinale, Rome

On some dates alternate hotels may be used