Experience Highlights
Palermo
Your Italian sojourn opens in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Discover the city’s vibrant culture as you take in its gritty, unshakable spirit and captivating energy. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine.
Monreale
Begin the day with a walking tour of Palermo’s old town. Uncover cobblestoned piazzas and ornate buildings, many worn by time and conflict. Visit hilltop Monreale (UNESCO), ascending on foot to its 12th-century cathedral for a guided tour of its majestic Byzantine mosaics. Explore the cathedral’s cloisters, taking in their serene atmosphere of the monastic complex before returning to Palermo for an evening at leisure.
Cefalu
This morning, set off for the stunning seaside town of Cefalù on Sicily’s northern coast. Stroll the charming medieval streets with a local guide and visit the city's impressive cathedral showcasing Norman architecture. Next, journey to a family-owned farmhouse, picturesquely set in the surrounding hills. Meet the owners and discover what a typical day on a Sicilian farm is like. Sit back and tuck into a hearty farm-to-table lunch, made with family recipes. Relax aboard your bus as you travel over rolling hills and peaceful farmland to Sicily’s southern coast for a relaxing 2-night stay.
Valley of the Temples
Step back 25 centuries and delve into ancient Greek history for a visit of the stunning Valley of the Temples (UNESCO), one of the world’s most esteemed archeological site. Get an up-close view of the temples of Juno, Concordia, and Hercules during an extensive walking tour of this vast archeological site. The afternoon is yours to relax. Perhaps you’ll venture into Agrigento’s old town or stroll along the beach close to your hotel, taking in the glittering Mediterranean Sea. This evening, pause for dinner at a local restaurant and an evening view of the illuminated Valley of the Temples.
Piazza Armerina
Venture deep into Sicily’s countryside to Piazza Armerina, home of the ancient Villa Romana del Casale (UNESCO) and explore the site with an expert insider for a locally guided tour of its impressive mosaics. In the afternoon, journey east to Sicily’s Ionian Coast and to Giardini Naxos – the “garden of Sicily” – for your 2-night stay.
Taormina
This morning, explore beautiful Taormina, home to ancient relics, rocky hills, and charming gardens. With an expert local guide, you’ll stroll the lively pedestrianized main street, see the imposing Corvaja Palace and climb to the city’s well-preserved Greek theatre. The afternoon is yours to explore more of this hillside resort. This evening linger over an exquisite four-course meal while traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air. Join us on your free evening for an unforgettable dinner at a popular local restaurant. Your evening begins with a typical Italian antipasto and continues with a variety of local specialties and fine Sicilian wines. Delight in the lively music performed by talented local musicians who are sure to have you clapping and singing along. Sit back and savor the flavors of Sicily during a fun-filled evening with true Italian ambiance and local cuisine.
Villa San Giovanni
Take a short ferry ride to Villa San Giovanni, located on Italy’s mainland. During your full day bus transfer, pass through the unspoiled region of Calabria to 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.
Matera
Explore the Sassi di Matera (UNESCO), an ancient settlement of carved cave dwellings. A local guide shares the history and explains why film producers are seeking out this unique landscape. Visit a local shop and get a taste of regional specialties. The afternoon journey to Puglia, Italy’s bread-basket region. In the company of an expert local guide, explore fanciful Alberobello, a whimsical, UNESCO-protected city that hosts a collection of cone-shaped trulli homes. Enjoy some free time to meander through a labyrinth of these gnomish houses, sometimes featuring symbols with superstitious connotations before returning to Matera in the early evening.
Sorrento
After a stop at a sustainable buffalo dairy farm* for a taste of freshly made mozzarella and a peek into the history of this iconic cheese, arrive in Sorrento where you’ll settle in for a 2-night stay.Later this afternoon, discover this charming seaside town during a walking tour and learn about the local tradition of wood marquetry.
Positano
This morning, take in the sights and colors of the Mediterranean Sea as you sail*** along the initial stretch of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast (UNESCO). 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 resting along the beach, before returning to Sorrento for an afternoon at leisure.
Pompeii
Journey north to Rome. En route, experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii (UNESCO). A local guide gives you an in-depth look into this 2,000-year-old Roman town, nestled in the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Step into another time as you explore its 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 in a local restaurant.
Rome
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Classical Rome, leading you through the Eternal City’s most iconic monuments. Walk over cobblestone streets and weathered passageways to discover famous sights such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most breathtaking Baroque piazzas. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps you’ll wander through one of Rome’s many museums, such as the Capitoline or stroll the Avenue of the Imperial Forum for views of the Colosseum.