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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.

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.

Day 2: Palermo, Sicily - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring traditional Sicilian cuisine.
Today dinner will be included.

Day 3: Palermo - Monreale - Palermo
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. Also see the Palace of the Normans, La Martorana Church, and the Cathedral, which houses the Imperial Crown of Constance of Aragon. In the nearby town of Monreale, visit the 12th century Cathedral with its dazzling interior of multicolored marbles, paintings, mosaics and cloisters. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to visit some of the city’s great museums and shops.
Today breakfast will be included.

Day 4: Palermo - Agrigento
After a short lesson on the local language, travel through the beautiful countryside with rolling hills and working farms towards the town of Agrigento. Upon arrival, visit 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.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Agrigento - Catania - Mt. Etna - Giardini Naxos
Depart Agrigento and travel across Sicily, with its spectacular landscapes and picturesque towns. Arrive in vibrant Catania where a local guide will share its history. Visit the cathedral and view the main sites of this historic and baroque city. Witness the daily spectacle of bartering for fresh fish and produce when you visit the local market. Later, visit Mt. Etna Volcano National Park to see the spectacular landscapes sculpted by nature. Arrive in Giardini Naxos, the “garden of Sicily.”
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

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.
Today breakfast will be included.

Day 7: Giardini Naxos - Basilicata
Travel to Messina where you will take a short ferry ride to Villa San Giovanni on Italy’s mainland. Travel through the beautiful and unspoiled region of Calabria and into the Basilicata region, arriving this afternoon in the seaside town of Scanzano Jonico. Late afternoon you’ll visit one of the area’s local wineries for a wine tasting and informative visit through the cellars and vineyards. Linger over a delicious regional dinner in the winery’s own “agriturismo” restaurant.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 8: Basilicata - Taranto - Alberobello - Basilicata
Today, venture into the region of Apulia. Begin your day with a drive towards Taranto, one of Italy’s most important port cities. Your visit to this southern town will include a special tour of the Aragonese Castle, dating back to the 15th century and belonging today to the Italian Marines. Then it’s off to the mystical town of Alberobello where you will see some of the most unusually built homes, known as “trulli,” with cone-shaped roofs and no mortar to hold the stones together. Return to Basilicata for a special Italian evening! Tonight’s dinner will include a pasta-making demonstration and an extensive dinner with all the local favorites and an entertaining performance of traditional music.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 9: Basilicata - Matera - Amalfi Coast
Travel to the Amalfi Coast, one of the most breathtaking areas of Italy. Visit a local cheese producer to learn the secrets of making mozzarella and ricotta cheeses. Then stop at the “Sassi di Matera,” an ancient town known for its cave dwellings, both modern and ancient. A local guide will help you learn the history of this site and why it has recently caught the eye of many film producers. Arrive at the Amalfi Coast in the late afternoon and take in the views of this magical place.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 10: 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. This afternoon take time to explore this lovely town on your own. You may choose to sign up for an optional tour exploring the Amalfi Coast by boat.
Today breakfast will be included.

Day 11: 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. A local guide will provide an in-depth view of this remarkable archeological sight. Later, travel to Rome where you will spend your last evening. Tonight, celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 12: Rome
Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.
Today breakfast will be included.

HIGHLIGHTS & INCLUSIONS
12 days, 17 meals
Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento, Valley of the Temples, Catania, Mt. Etna Volcano, Giardini Naxos, Taormina, Taranto, Alberobello, Matera, Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Pompeii

• 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.
• Visit the “Sassi of Matera” and experience how people lived in their cave dwellings.
• Visit a local winery and agriturismo for a tasting and regional dinner.
• History comes alive during a guided visit to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.
• Travel to Alberobello, one of the most unique sights in the region of Apulia.

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.

Amalfi Coast Experience $65.00
City: Amalfi Coast
At the conclusion of the included sightseeing, a minibus transfers you to the center of the famous Mediterranean playground, Positano. Enjoy some free time to wander its charming, narrow streets. Then, explore the breathtaking Amalfi coast - by boat! What better way to enjoy views of the towering cliffs and picturesque waterfronts. Sail past Amalfi and Praiano before arriving in charming Minori, where you will have the opportunity to sample some of the local specialties. Learn about the production of the area’s most popular drink at a family-owned limoncello factory. Limoncello is the delightful yellow liqueur made from the lemons that are so abundant along the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy a typical Italian afternoon break at a local café and pastry shop. Return to your vessel and cruise along the coastline, taking in the vistas of medieval towers, stunning villas and tiny fishing settlements. Pass underneath your hotel in Vietri-sul-Mare before disembarking in Salerno and returning by coach.
Please note that Positano has some steep cobbled streets and walking is required to fully enjoy this option. This option will operate weather permitting.
Your transportation is included.
Please note a minimum of 20 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately 4 hour(s).

Visit Cefalu and a Local Farm $125.00
City: Palermo
This afternoon, set off for the stunning seaside town of Cefalù on Sicily’s northern coast. Stoll the charming medieval streets with a local guide and visit its magnificent cathedrals that showcases popular Norman architecture. Next, proceed to a family owned farm picturesquely set in the mountains. Meet the owners and discover what a typical day on a Sicilian farm is like during a private tour of the facilities where you learn about its traditional products. Later, sit back and relax as a chef prepares local specialties for you featuring the farm’s own products and secret recipes. Then, sit down to a hearty dinner – Italian-style, complete with wine of course!
Gratuities are included.
Your transportation is included.
Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately 6 hour(s).

Dinner by the Bay Alla Siciliana $75.00
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).

Salerno by Night $70.00
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).