11 Nights / 13 Days
 

Day 1: USA - Rome (Italy)
Your flight is with a good itinerary.

Day 2: Rome
Arrival at the airport in Rome. You will be greeted by our local representatives after exiting the customs and transferred to your hotel in Rome. The rest of your day is free for you to relax or start your exploration of the Eternal City.

Day 3: Rome
After breakfast at your hotel, you will depart around 8.30AM toward the most representative building of Ancient Rome: The Roman Forum. You will step into a fascinating journey by strolling through the iconic Arch of Constantine and traversing the historic Roman Forum, once the vibrant cultural and political heart of Ancient Rome. Let the tour guide take you back in time and try to imagine how it was like to be a Roman citizen 2000 years ago. You will continue with a visit to the legendary Palatine Hill, the very site where Rome was said to have been founded, and where you will be awestruck by the captivating remnants of the Imperial palaces. Your visit will end with the mesmerizing beauty of the Colosseum's breathtaking panoramic views (from the outside), where the Ancient Romans used to watch a variety of events, such as gladiatorial shows or staged animal hunts. 

After the tour, you will have the afternoon at leisure. You will have some free time to get inside the Colosseum (tickets not included) or stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town between Piazza Navona, Campo del Fiori and Piazza di Spagna. Take a coffee break or have a delicious typical gelato in one of the many café in Rome. You can also visit the world's largest and most sacred church, St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and relax in the gardens of Villa Borghese before joining the crowds admiring the Trevi Fountain, a landmark of Rome. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Rome (Breakfast)

*Please note that the Vatican may be closed due to unforeseen circumstances, sometimes linked to papal activities.

Day 4: Rome - Naples - Pompeii - Sorrento
After breakfast at the hotel in Rome, you will head south along the so-called Sun Highway, crossing the fertile Roman countryside and the area known as Castelli Romani, dotted with enchanting medieval villages. Upon your arrival in Naples, the third-largest city in Italy, you will take a short panoramic tour climbing up to Vomero hill to enjoy beautiful views over the Gulf of Naples with the Vesuvius and the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida in the background: a great time to take pictures! Descending toward the port of Mergellina, you will leave the city and travel in the direction of Mount Vesuvius, and Pompeii after having lunch at a local pizzeria with the opportunity of eating a real Neapolitan pizza!

Following lunch, you will enter one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, the ruins of Pompeii, a site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a "Skip the Line" ticket and a local guide. You will visit the haunting ruins of Pompeii, traveling back in time to the tragic days in 79 AD when the silent volcano Vesuvius suddenly erupted covering the prosperous Roman city in deadly volcanic ashes and poisonous gases, leaving this city crystallized until our days. You will learn how people lived at that time, visiting houses and "bars" of the ancient time, admiring frescoes and mosaics imagining how rich and prosperous the city was before the dreadful day. After the visit, you will drive along the Sorrentine Coast, arriving in Sorrento at your hotel for dinner (dress code: no shorts and no sandals for men) and overnight. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner) 

Day 5: Sorrento - Capri - Sorrento
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the port of Sorrento where you will embark on a ferry in the direction of the island of Capri. Depending on weather conditions, you will take a boat ride to the popular and dreamy "Grotta Azzurra" (Blue Grotto), where the sunlight passes into an underwater cavity and shines through the seawater, creating a magical blue reflection. After returning to the port, you will board a minibus for a scenic drive to Anacapri, 918 feet (280 meters) above sea level. You will see wonderful views of the bay of Naples before continuing to a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore Capri at leisure. Then, you will return to the mainland and Sorrento for dinner (dress code: no shorts and no sandals for men). Overnight in Sorrento. (Breakfast-Dinner)

Day 6: Sorrento - Palermo (Overnight on a ferry boat)
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, free time to explore Sorrento and the surroundings. In the afternoon, depart to reach the port of Naples where you will board on the ferry to Palermo. (Breakfast)

Day 7: Palermo
Upon arrival in Palermo early morning, you will be transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to discover the 'City of delights'. Palermo is known for its beautiful monumental churches, historical palaces, old markets, and more. The city has been home of many different cultures during all its history and each has left its mark. (Dinner)

Day 8: Palermo - Monreale - Palermo
Breakfast at the hotel before heading to Monreale, an ancient royal town famous for its almonds, olive oil, and citrus fruits, as well as for its fine Norman architecture. Visit the Cathedral of Monreale and enjoy some shopping for local delicatessen and souvenirs. You will then have some free time to eat at a local restaurant before going back to Palermo. In the early afternoon, the guide will take you on a walking tour of Palermo. 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. End of the day at leisure before returning to your hotel for dinner. (Breakfast-Dinner)

Day 9: Palermo - Erice - Saline Della Laguna - Agrigento 
Breakfast at the hotel early in the morning 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 the saline, an extraordinary lagoon, where history, nature, archeology allow visitors to try unique and charming experiences.

Afterwards, you will set off to Marsala, whose lands are known for its Marsala wine. You will take part in a sensorial experience, for you will visit a traditional tavern and taste regional wine and products during a light but unforgettable lunch. Afterwards travel to Agrigento, your final destination of the day. Visit the Ancient Greek monuments and ruins at the Valley of Temples; a UNESCO World Heritage site. 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. Dinner at your hotel and overnight in Agrigento. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)

Day 10: Agrigento - Ragusa Ibla - Ragusa
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will travel to Ragusa, where you will visit the enchanting historical center “Ibla”, with its stunning baroque palaces and churches. Visit the old gate of San Giorgio, the Giardini Iblei, and then walk to Piazza Pola where we will visit a little gem: the church of San Giuseppe. 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. Dinner at your hotel and overnight in Ragusa. (Breakfast-Dinner)

Day 11: Ragusa - Noto - Siracusa - Taormina 
Breakfast at the hotel. Direction Noto, a picturesque fishing town popular for its stately Baroque architecture. Visit the Cathedral of San Nicolò and walking tour of the town. 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, you will arrive at your charming hotel which is in the heart of Taormina. Dinner and overnight in Taormina. (Breakfast-Dinner)

Day 12: Taormina 
Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will visit 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).   Return to Taormina in the afternoon, a beautiful and romantic town located on Mount Tauro, to have the rest of your day at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Taormina. (Breakfast)

Day 13: Taormina (Catania) - USA
After breakfast, greeting in the lobby of your hotel by our local representatives and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)

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