SOUTHERN ITALY & SICILY
11 DAYS FROM $1,849 US
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
Discover Sicily, the
crossroads of civilizations, where Moorish and Norman influences
intertwine in the architecture and Greek and Roman ruins stand guard on
the hillsides and valleys. Travel off the beaten path through the
beautiful and unspoiled region of Calabria in southern Italy. Explore
the stunning Amalfi coast and Sorrento. In evocative Pompeii, walk in
the footsteps of ancient Romans who perished in the foothills of Mount
Vesuvius.
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: 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.
Day 3: Palermo - Monreale - Agrigento
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. 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.
Day 4: Agrigento
Start your day at 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 and colors have inspired poets, writers and painters. Here you get an up-close view of the temples of Juno, Concordia, Hercules and Jupiter. Learn about ancient Greek cultures when you visit the Archeological Museum, known for its extensive collection of Greek vases, statues and other important artifacts.
Day 5: Agrigento - Piazza Armerina - Mt. Etna - 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.
Day 6: Giardini Naxos - Taormina - Giardini Naxos
This morning you visit beautiful Taormina, known for its charming atmosphere, significant monuments and flowering gardens. Enjoy viewing the Greek Amphitheater, Corso Umberto and the bountiful Public Gardens. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to further explore this delightful town.
Day 7: Giardini Naxos - Salerno
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 in the seaside town of Salerno, famous for its Allied landings during WWII.
Day 8: Salerno - Sorrento - Amalfi Coast - Salerno
Begin your day exploring the popular seaside resort town of Sorrento. Visit local artisans and watch them demonstrate the art of inlaid wood making. Next, travel the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, where the Mediterranean Sea and mountains meet. Upon arriving in Amalfi, you will have free time to explore the town square, ceramic shops and cafes. Enjoy a visit to one of the coast’s family-owned Limoncello factories to learn how this lemon-flavored liqueur is made and to sample the delicious results.
Day 9: Salerno - 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. A local guide will provide an in-depth view of this remarkable archeological sight. Later, travel to Rome, the magnificent capital of Italy.
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 also highlighted through the famous Trevi Fountain. Tonight you will celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Day 11: Rome - Depart for Home
Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.
11 days, 15 meals
Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento, Valley of the Temples, Piazza Armerina, Mt. Etna Volcano, Giardini Naxos, Taormina, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Rome Colosseum, Trevi Fountain
Experience the benefits of Whisper Headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour.
Ancient Greek culture comes to life during a guided tour of Agrigento's Valley of the Temples.
Spend a day exploring the jewel of Sicily, the historic hill top town of Taormina.
Enjoy regional wine with every dinner.
Travel the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, where the Mediterranean Sea and mountains meet.
History comes alive during a guided visit to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.
Rome sightseeing includes the Roman Forum, the Vatican and the famous Colosseum.
Enjoy exploring the beautiful island of Sicily, the crossroads of civilization.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Grande Albergo Sole,
Palermo
Centrale Palace Hotel,
Palermo
Hotel Della Valle
Italy
Hellenia Yachting Hotel
Italy
Hotel Giardino dei Greci
Italy
Grand Hotel Salerno
Italy
Hotel Cardinal St. Peter's
Italy
Nova Domus Hotel Suites
Italy
On some dates alternative hotels may be used.
Grande Albergo Sole,
Palermo
Centrale Palace Hotel,
Palermo
Hotel Della Valle
Italy
Hellenia Yachting Hotel
Italy
Hotel Giardino dei Greci
Italy
Grand Hotel Salerno
Italy
Hotel Cardinal St. Peter's
Italy
Nova Domus Hotel Suites
Italy
On some dates alternative hotels may be used.
Optional Excursions for
Southern Italy & Sicily Plan Ahead, Reserve Now!
Add a touch of personalization to your vacation by selecting from our well-researched list of options. While we are known for our many inclusions, we also want to be sure you have adequate free time and options to enhance your vacation – your way. And now, you can reserve your options in advance of your tour!
Availability is limited and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Payment must be received no later than 15 days prior to departure. Prices are subject to change. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult.
The Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica $75
City: Rome
The Vatican Museums are not only home to one of the world’s greatest collections of art, but also to the world-famous Sistine Chapel. Priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt, Etruscan Italy and cultures around the world are preserved in the Vatican’s palaces, galleries, halls and rooms. Follow a local expert guide on a three hour, in-depth visit through this vast collection. Highlights include the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, and of course, a visit to the Sistine Chapel. The chapel’s famous ceiling frescoes took Michelangelo four years to complete. His brilliant Last Judgment, which rests on the altar wall, was a topic of controversy for centuries. Other walls feature paintings by Pietro Perugino, Sandro Botticelli, Cosimo Rosselli and Domenico Ghirlandaio. Your final stop will be at St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most important churches in Christendom, and until recently, the largest in the world.
Price includes admission and the use of head-phones inside the museum.
Your transportation is included.
Please note: A minimum of 15 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately 4 hour(s).
"Meet the Baron" Winery Tour $70
City: Agrigento
Enjoy the hospitality of a Sicilian Baron and his family with a visit to their 18th century baglio and winery, nestled in the countryside in the seaside town of Licata. A baglio is a traditional country dwelling from the late 1700s. Indulge in a buffet lunch featuring Sicilian specialties and fine local wines. Take a step back into the past as you tour their property and learn about the family’s history and wine production. The Baron and his family will also welcome you into their 19th century palace in the center of Licata. This beautifully preserved noble palace shines with its original elegance and furnishings. This experience will leave you with lasting memories of Sicily’s specialties, its people and its rich history.
Gratuities are included.
Your transportation is included.
Please note: A minimum of 15 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately hour(s).
Rome by Night $80
City: Rome
“Dine with the Tenors” at a very popular Roman restaurant, where you’ll indulge in a hearty, traditional, four-course menu complete with wine. As you enjoy the delicious tastes of Italy, talented performers serenade you with favorite arias from best-loved operas. This lively, fun-filled evening will be an unforgettable part of your visit to Rome and an engaging immersion into Italian culture. After dinner, embark on the enchanting Rome by Night tour, seeing the famous landmarks of the “Eternal City” illuminated against the night sky. See the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Victor Emmanuel Monument and many other highlights. Remember your evening of Italian romance and charm with a souvenir opera CD – one per couple and one for singles.
Gratuities are included
Your transportation is included.
Please note: A minimum of 10 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately 4 hour(s).
Salerno by Night $65
City: Amalfi Coast
Picturesque Salerno sits where the hills of the Sorrento peninsula plunge into the sea. Take a scenic drive to Salerno for dinner at one of its new, chic restaurants. Stroll through Salerno’s charming, narrow streets, arriving in one of the city’s historic buildings in the center of the old town. The Taverna Santa Maria de Domno was once a 10th century church, Santa Maria de Dominabus. Enjoy an exquisite 4-course meal complete with local fine wines in a romantic, unforgettable atmosphere. Buon appetito!
Gratuities are included.
Your transportation is included.
Please note: A minimum of 10 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately 3 hour(s).
Dinner by the Bay Alla Siciliana $85
City: Giardini-Naxos
Linger over an exquisite four course meal while traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air. Join us on your free evening in Giardini Naxos for an unforgettable dinner at a popular local restaurant on the bay overlooking Taormina’s appropriately named Isola Bella - “Beautiful Island.” Your evening begins with a local “Aperitivo” and a typical Italian antipasto. So sit back, take in the romantic Italian ambiance, and enjoy the variety of local specialties and fine Sicilian wines that are yours to savor throughout the evening.
Gratuities are included.
Your transportation is included.
Please note: A minimum of 15 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately 2.5 hour(s).
Add a touch of personalization to your vacation by selecting from our well-researched list of options. While we are known for our many inclusions, we also want to be sure you have adequate free time and options to enhance your vacation – your way. And now, you can reserve your options in advance of your tour!
Availability is limited and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Payment must be received no later than 15 days prior to departure. Prices are subject to change. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult.
The Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica $75
City: Rome
The Vatican Museums are not only home to one of the world’s greatest collections of art, but also to the world-famous Sistine Chapel. Priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt, Etruscan Italy and cultures around the world are preserved in the Vatican’s palaces, galleries, halls and rooms. Follow a local expert guide on a three hour, in-depth visit through this vast collection. Highlights include the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, and of course, a visit to the Sistine Chapel. The chapel’s famous ceiling frescoes took Michelangelo four years to complete. His brilliant Last Judgment, which rests on the altar wall, was a topic of controversy for centuries. Other walls feature paintings by Pietro Perugino, Sandro Botticelli, Cosimo Rosselli and Domenico Ghirlandaio. Your final stop will be at St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most important churches in Christendom, and until recently, the largest in the world.
Price includes admission and the use of head-phones inside the museum.
Your transportation is included.
Please note: A minimum of 15 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately 4 hour(s).
"Meet the Baron" Winery Tour $70
City: Agrigento
Enjoy the hospitality of a Sicilian Baron and his family with a visit to their 18th century baglio and winery, nestled in the countryside in the seaside town of Licata. A baglio is a traditional country dwelling from the late 1700s. Indulge in a buffet lunch featuring Sicilian specialties and fine local wines. Take a step back into the past as you tour their property and learn about the family’s history and wine production. The Baron and his family will also welcome you into their 19th century palace in the center of Licata. This beautifully preserved noble palace shines with its original elegance and furnishings. This experience will leave you with lasting memories of Sicily’s specialties, its people and its rich history.
Gratuities are included.
Your transportation is included.
Please note: A minimum of 15 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately hour(s).
Rome by Night $80
City: Rome
“Dine with the Tenors” at a very popular Roman restaurant, where you’ll indulge in a hearty, traditional, four-course menu complete with wine. As you enjoy the delicious tastes of Italy, talented performers serenade you with favorite arias from best-loved operas. This lively, fun-filled evening will be an unforgettable part of your visit to Rome and an engaging immersion into Italian culture. After dinner, embark on the enchanting Rome by Night tour, seeing the famous landmarks of the “Eternal City” illuminated against the night sky. See the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Victor Emmanuel Monument and many other highlights. Remember your evening of Italian romance and charm with a souvenir opera CD – one per couple and one for singles.
Gratuities are included
Your transportation is included.
Please note: A minimum of 10 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately 4 hour(s).
Salerno by Night $65
City: Amalfi Coast
Picturesque Salerno sits where the hills of the Sorrento peninsula plunge into the sea. Take a scenic drive to Salerno for dinner at one of its new, chic restaurants. Stroll through Salerno’s charming, narrow streets, arriving in one of the city’s historic buildings in the center of the old town. The Taverna Santa Maria de Domno was once a 10th century church, Santa Maria de Dominabus. Enjoy an exquisite 4-course meal complete with local fine wines in a romantic, unforgettable atmosphere. Buon appetito!
Gratuities are included.
Your transportation is included.
Please note: A minimum of 10 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately 3 hour(s).
Dinner by the Bay Alla Siciliana $85
City: Giardini-Naxos
Linger over an exquisite four course meal while traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air. Join us on your free evening in Giardini Naxos for an unforgettable dinner at a popular local restaurant on the bay overlooking Taormina’s appropriately named Isola Bella - “Beautiful Island.” Your evening begins with a local “Aperitivo” and a typical Italian antipasto. So sit back, take in the romantic Italian ambiance, and enjoy the variety of local specialties and fine Sicilian wines that are yours to savor throughout the evening.
Gratuities are included.
Your transportation is included.
Please note: A minimum of 15 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately 2.5 hour(s).
Departures:
September - November
Prices:
From approx $1,849 US per person based on double occupancy
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A-Z Tours International - Company Profile
Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
tours@a-ztravel.com