Mediterranean Fantasy | 11 Days

After breakfast, pick up at your hotel at approximately 7:00 am. Departure by coach heading south crossing the regions of Lazio and Campania. Arrival in Naples and short panoramic tour climbing up to Vomero hill to enjoy beautiful views over the Gulf of Naples with the Vesuvius, Capri, Ischia and Procida and the city below; time to take some nice pictures. Descending towards the port of Mergellina, you will leave the city and travel south towards Mount Vesuvius and, once you reach the town of Pompeii, you will have lunch with the real Neapolitan pizza. After lunch, you will enter one of the most important archaeological sites in the world: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of Pompeii, with Skip the Line entrance and a guided tour. Visit the haunting ruins of Pompeii, traveling back in time to the tragic days in 79 AD when the silent Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted, covering the prosperous Roman city in deadly volcanic ashes and poisonous gases, leaving this prosperous city crystallized until our days. You’ll learn how people lived at that time, visiting houses and “bars” of the time, admiring frescoes and mosaics to imagine how rich and prosperous was the city before the dreadful day. After the visit, you will drive along the Sorrentine Coast, arriving in Sorrento for dinner (dress code: jacket for men) and an overnight in your new hotel.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, get ready for an exciting excursion to the island of Capri: one of the most exclusive summer destinations of the Mediterranean! Depending on weather and sea conditions, you will admire the dreamy Blue Grotto on a small rowboat. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then roam the island at your own pace. Once back on the mainland, return to your hotel for dinner and your last overnight in Sorrento.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at your hotel, then spend a leisurely morning exploring Sorrento. In the afternoon, you will reach the port of Naples, where you will board on the Tirrenia/Snav ferry to Palermo. Let the waves rock you to sleep. Dinner and breakfast are not included on the ferry.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Arrive in Palermo and transfer to your hotel. That night, have dinner in the hotel and rest up for the adventure that lies ahead.

Meals Included:

Dinner

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and then head out on a morning excursion to Monreale, recently included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, an ancient royal town famous for its almonds, olive oil and citrus fruits, as well as for its fine Norman architecture. Visit the elaborate Cathedral of Monreale and then enjoy some shopping of local delicatessen and souvenirs. Back to Palermo and continue with a walking tour of the city. Wander the streets of the Old Town, hearing tales of Palermo’s 3,000-year history and discovering attractions like Palermo Cathedral. Walk inside the impressive-looking place of worship and marvel at its arches, cupolas, and mosaics – with an incredible mix of influences coming from several dominations on the island. Enjoy free time in the late afternoon and return to your hotel for dinner and overnight in Palermo.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Dinner

Departures for 2022:

Early breakfast and departure to Erice, a medieval village stacked into the side of Monte San Giuliano. Many say that little has changed in the village since the sixth century, and its labyrinth-like twist of lanes is perfect for a cool and pleasant morning amble. Continue to visit the Saline, an extraordinary lagoon, where history, nature, archaeology, a perfect synthesis and allow the visitor to try different, unique, and charming experiences. Have a nice boat trip to the islands, located nearby. The tour of the natural reserve of the “Stagnone di Marsala” is a one of a kind archaeological and naturalistic experience. Board on these special boats, designed ad hoc to be able to navigate in the lagoon bottoms that at low tide reach only 25 cm. With a helpful audio guide, you will admire all the islands of the lagoon of the Stagnone up close, remaining comfortably seated in the boat, sailing at a speed of 4 knots. You will pass from the Island of Mozia, Isola Lunga, Isola di Schola, from the Ancient Via Punica Sommersa. After this wonderful experience enjoy your lunch in a restaurant by the lagoon. Return to your coach and travel to Agrigento, your final destination of the day. Visit Ancient Greek monuments and ruins at the Valley of Temples (entrance included) – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and learn about archaeological relics like the Classical Temple of Concord the Temple of Hercules; the Temple of Jupiter, one of the largest Doric-style buildings. Check in to your hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight in Agrigento.

Departures for 2023:

Early breakfast and departure to Erice, a medieval village stacked into the side of Monte San Giuliano. Many say that little has changed in the village since the sixth century, and its labyrinth-like twist of lanes is perfect for a cool and pleasant morning amble. Continue to visit the Saline, an extraordinary lagoon, where history, nature, archaeology find a perfect synthesis and allow the visitor to try different, unique and charming experiences. Afterwards, we’ll set off to Marsala, whose lands are known for its Marsala wine. You’ll take part in a sensorial experience, for you will visit a traditional tavern and taste regional products during a light but unforgettable lunch. Return to your coach and travel to Agrigento, your final destination of the day. Visit Ancient Greek monuments and ruins at the Valley of Temples (entrance included) – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and learn about archaeological relics like the Classical Temple of Concord the Temple of Hercules; the Temple of Jupiter, one of the largest Doric-style buildings. Check in to your hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Piazza Armerina, a pretty and historic town nestled into the heart of Sicily. Entrance in Villa Romana del Casale to admire the largest, richest, and most complex Roman mosaics in the world. It is one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy since 1997. The mosaics spread over 3,500 sq m show mythological scenes and portrayals of daily life. Depart to Ragusa and visit of the enchanting historical centre “Ibla”, with its stunning baroque palaces and churches; together with other seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the old gate of San Giorgio, the Giardini Iblei and then walk to Piazza Pola where we will visit the church of San Giuseppe: a little gem. Be enchanted by the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Church of the Souls in Purgatory and the magnificent Cosentini palace, one of the most interesting Late Baroque palaces in Sicily. Arrive in hotel, dinner and overnight in Ragusa.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Noto, a picturesque fishing town popular for its stately Baroque architecture. Visit Cathedral of San Nicolò, recently restored after an earthquake, and then have a nice walk in the town’s centre. Continue along the south coast to Syracuse, on Sicily’s south-eastern tip. Visit “Parco Archeologico della Neapolis”, Syracuse’s famous archaeological area, home to a vast collection of Greek and Roman ruins from all over Sicily. Head inside to see impressive landmarks such as the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the Ear of Dionysius – an artificial limestone cave. After the visit, cross one of the city’s bridges for a visit to the island of Ortygia – the most ancient part of Syracuse – home to a wealth of Baroque churches and medieval palaces. In the late afternoon arrive in Taormina area, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at your hotel and then head off to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and the highest mountain in Italy. Learn about volcanic activity and marvel at the old lava fields and black magma rock that comprises Etna’s landscape. If weather permits, you have a chance to climb to the summit (1800 m). After, return to Taormina, the beautiful and romantic town located on Mount Tauro. Return to Taormina area in the afternoon and spend the rest of your day at leisure. Dinner and overnight.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy one final breakfast at the hotel before the tour comes to an end. End of our services.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

English speaking tour escort

Visits with local expert guide as per itinerary (Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Palermo, Agrigento, Siracusa)

Touring as per itinerary

9 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 8 Dinners

Transportation by air conditioned vehicle

Entrance tickets to the archaeological sites in Pompeii with “Skip the Line”

Entrance tickets to the archaeological sites in Sicily

Visit of the Blue Grotto in Capri

Porterage service included in Sicily

Tips and gratuities to tour directors, drivers and local guides

Passport or visa fees

Any beverages or food not listed in itinerary

Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned

Baggage and personal insurance of any kind

Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling

City tax for overnight stays (according to each city council rules)

Any other items of personal nature