10 Days ~ Italy & Sicily

Tour Pace - This is a well paced itinerary with two night stops in every centre. This means once your morning sightseeing is completed, there is free time in the afternoon to rest, shop or explore at your own pace.

Fellow Passengers - This tour is ideal for second time visitors to Italy and Europe. Also, most of Sicily is mild and sunny all winter long, making it attractive to those wanting to avoid the extremes of the European weather.

DAY 1 – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Rome.

DAY 2 – ARRIVE ROME
Welcome to Rome - one of the greatest centres of Western Civilisation, bejeweled with ancient monuments. On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport there are complimentary transfers to the tour hotel at 09.30, 12.30 and 15.30. Then time to relax and enjoy the hotel’s wide range of services! Later, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza St Peters.

DAY 3 – ROME SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast, meet your local guide, who will reveal the grandeur of Rome on your city sightseeing tour. Begin with a visit to the Vatican City, complete with its own flag, anthem, stamps and coins. Once you have a photo of the colourful Swiss guards, venture inside St Peter’s Basilica to marvel at the Popes’ Altar by Bernini and Michelangelo’s powerful Pieta. Now cross the river Tiber where another highlight takes you inside the massive Colosseum, scene of great entertainment and occasional martyrdoms in imperial times. Your tour concludes with a view over the ruins of the Roman Forum.There is time at leisure this afternoon. This evening, drive to a local restaurant for a Highlight Dinner, complete with vino and entertainment. (BB,HD)

DAY 4 – ROME – SORRENTO
Heading south, stop briefly at the Commonwealth War Cemetery at Cassino, before continuing to Pompeii. With your local guide, stroll through the streets of this Roman town engulfed in AD79 by an eruption of Mt Vesuvius. This is a unique opportunity to glimpse a moment of every day Roman life, frozen for over 2,000 years. Now on to your hotel in the scenic cliff top resort of Sorrento.
Hotel: Michelangelo. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – SORRENTO
Today’s excursion is to Capri, the island of dreams! Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri Town by funicular railway. Here, there is time to explore the alleyways, small squares and enjoy the fabulous views. Perhaps join an optional excursion to Anacapri before returning to Sorrento? As evening falls, don’t miss the opportunity of a delicious dinner of local specialities at one of Sorrento’s top restaurants. (BB)

DAY 6 – SORRENTO – TAORMINA
Take the smooth Autostrada south along the edge of the mountainous Calabria region, so often compared to Switzerland. Continue along the Purple Coast to the very toe of Italy where you board your ferry for the short crossing to Sicily. According to ancient legend it was here at the Straits of Messina where the twin whirlpools of Scylla and Charybdis carried away unwary seafarers to their doom! Continue now to your hotel in the resort of Giardini Naxos, within close proximity to Taormina, Mount Etna and the Mediterranean Sea.
Hotel: Sant Alphio Garden. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – TAORMINA
Taormina, founded in 400BC, is beautifully located overlooking the sea and facing the snowy peak of Mount Etna. Enjoy a guided visit to the Greek Theatre (3rd Century B.C.), then continue to the glorious sub-tropical terraced gardens. Stroll with your Tour Director along the elegant Corso Umberto to Piazza 9 Aprile for splendid panoramic views across the bay to the Ionian Sea. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps ask your Tour Director about the possibility of an optional excursion to the active volcano of Mt Etna to witness the lava flow? (BB,D)

DAY 8 – TAORMINA – PALERMO
Cross the island to the small fishing town of Cefalu, hemmed between the sea and a rocky promontory. Visit the impressive cathedral, which was erected to fulfil a vow made by the Norman King Roger II. Later, follow the coast to the historical Sicilian capital of Palermo. This evening, maybe take the option of a fabulous dinner at a rustic farmhouse where Giuseppe Garibaldi was once a guest?
Hotel: Astoria Palace. (BB)

DAY 9 – PALERMO SIGHTSEEING
Palermo was the setting of some of the film locations for the 'Godfather' and you will surely recognise some of the scenes! Your guided tour shows you the Piazza Bellini, Cathedral and Palace of the Normans with its Palatine Chapel and dazzling mosaics. Then drive out to Monreale to admire the multi-coloured marble, paintings and mosaics inside the Cathedral and enjoy views over the fertile plain known as the Conca d’Oro (Golden Conch Shell). Return to Palermo this afternoon for time at leisure. (BB)

DAY 10 – RETURN USA
Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Transfers from the hotel arrive at Palermo Airport at 05.00 and 07.30 hrs. (BB)