Southern Italy and Sicily

GUARANTEED DEPARTURE

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Rome

Welcome to Rome! Meet up with your tour guide at our hotel in the afternoon and prepare for the tour of a lifetime! This evening, we’ll enjoy a ‘Rome by night’ driving tour, where you’ll see the many historical sights of Ancient Rome, including the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum and Pantheon. During the tour we will stop off at a local restaurant for dinner so you can really get to know the other passengers on your tour.

Breakfast. Overnight accommodation.

Day 2: Rome – Sorrento

Leaving Rome, we’ll head to the Sorrento peninsula, stopping off along the way to see Mount Vesuvius and to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, destroyed in 79AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Upon arrival on the Sorrento peninsula we have a two night stay. This area is famous for limoncello (a sweet lemon liqueur), the perfect way to finish off your included dinner this evening!

Breakfast, dinner. Overnight accommodation.

Day 3: Free day in Sorrento

A gorgeous old town hugging the coastline, the Sorrento peninsula is our base for the day. Explore the towns in your own time, or alternatively choose our optional excursion to the famous Isle of Capri, where you can spend some free time exploring the rugged coastline, ancient Roman ruins and stylish piazzas.

Breakfast. Overnight accommodation.

Day 4: Sorrento – Alberobello

Today we’ll head east and explore the southern Italian region of Apulia. Arriving in Alberobello, we’ll enjoy an orientation tour of the region’s famous ‘trullo’ houses. These beautiful 14th century whitewashed stone huts have iconic conical roofs and are specific to the Itria Valley. This afternoon you’ll have free time to further explore Alberobello; check out the trullo church of St Antony and the trulli museum.

Breakfast. Overnight accommodation.

Day 5: Alberobello – Matera – Taormina

This morning we’ll make our way to the ‘football’ of Italy, taking a comfort stop along the way in the ancient cave city of Matera. Known as “la Città Sotterranea” (the Subterranean City), it is famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts, the ‘sassi’. We’ll then take a drive through the beautiful Reggio Calabria region before enjoying a ferry crossing to the island of Sicily. Prepare for a stunning view of Mount Etna as we make our way to Taormina, where we’ll enjoy an evening walking tour before dinner.

Breakfast, dinner. Overnight accommodation.

Day 6: Free day in Taormina

Enjoy a free day to relax on Sicily’s beautiful beaches, or explore the island’s quaint towns. The town of Taormina itself is one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations, perched on the side of a mountain and offering medieval churches, a castle and Greek amphitheatre. For those looking to explore further afield on their Italian tour, speak to your tour leader for their recommendations, including boat tours of the beautiful coast line, paragliding and ‘Godfather’ tours.

Breakfast. Overnight accommodation.

Day 7: Taormina – Catania – Agrigento

Today we’ll drive to through the heart of Sicily, along the way taking a comfort stop in Catania. With a Unesco-listed historic centre boasting many beautiful baroque buildings. This afternoon, get your cameras ready as stopping at the ‘Valle dei Templi’ (Valley of the Temples), one of the most outstanding examples of Greater Greece art and architecture. We’ll then arrive at our accommodation in Agrigento.

Breakfast. Overnight accommodation.

Day 8: Agrigento – Palermo

Enjoy a beautiful drive this morning as we make our way round the western tip of Sicily to the island’s capital, Palermo. Founded more than 2,700 years ago by the Phoenicians, Palermo is noted for its history, culture, architecture and food. Arriving early afternoon, you’ll enjoy a walking tour to introduce you to the city’s highlights, including the San Giovanni degli Eremiti church, Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova (The New Gate) and the Cathedral of Palermo.

Breakfast, dinner. Overnight accommodation.

Day 9: Free day in Palermo

Enjoy a full day to further explore Sicily’s capital. Over the centuries Palermo has been colonized by many different rulers over the centuries, including the Greeks, Romans and Normans. This melting pot has resulted in a variety of architectural styles for you to explore in the historic old town. This evening, we’ll take an overnight ferry back to the Italian mainland. For travellers who wish to stay on in Palermo, tonight’s hotel accommodation will be included in the tour price.

Breakfast. Overnight accommodation.

Day 10: Palermo – Rome

After breakfast we’ll say goodbye to Palermo and depart to Rome. The coach will drop off at the hotel in the evening.

Breakfast. Overnight accommodation.

Day 11: Rome

Today you will have a free day in Rome. You can enjoy the whole day shopping in one of countless boutiques and department stalls in the centre of Rome or if you are after bargains visit one of outlet malls on the outskirts of Rome. You could also take one of our optional tours and visit Naples and Pompei.

Breakfast. Overnight accommodation

Day 12: Time to say goodbye

After breakfast, our tour concludes and it’s time to say your goodbyes. Private transfer will take you from your hotel to the airport. In case you have an afternoon or late evening fight you can continue with your last-minute shopping or gallery and museum hopping. Arrivederci Italia!

Breakfast. Overnight accommodation.

What’s included

• 11 nights’ accommodation in twin rooms with private en-suite facilities. Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room.
• 11 breakfasts, 4 dinners
• Return private airport transfer on the first and the last day.
• All taxes and fees
• Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
• Modern air conditioned coach with reclining seats, TV for showing DVDs and toilet.
• 11 Experiences (including guided walking tours, orientation walks, driving tours of cities plus other exciting experiences)
• A complimentary memorable gift of your once in a lifetime trip.

Accommodation

Please see the file section below.

Files

• HAPPY TOURS – Southern Italy and Sicily – 12 days
• HAPPY TOURS – Southern Italy and Sicily – Travel Information