The sun-kissed south and Sicily are the star attractions on this mesmerising southern Italy trip from Rome to Palermo. Taste local Sicilian wine on the slopes of snow-capped Mount Etna, learn about the ancient Greek heritage of Agrigento and get lost in the medieval cobbled streets of Erice.
1 night(s) in Rome
2 night(s) in Sorrento
3 night(s) in Taormina
1 night(s) in Agrigento
2 night(s) in Palermo
Day 1: Welcome To Rome
Ciao Roma, the 'Eternal City', which you’ll have an opportunity to explore on your own before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception this evening. Enjoy an orientation drive – a perfect introduction to this beautiful city, the centre of which has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ruins, imposing monuments, statues and fountains.
Day 2: Explore The Ruins Of Pompeii And Sorrento
From Rome, journey south to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii. Your Local Specialist will take you on a walking tour of the excavations buried for centuries under a layer of volcanic ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted. See such sites as the Gymnasium, the Temple of Apollo and the impressive Basilica before continuing to your hotel in Sorrento.
Day 3: A Day On The Isle Of Capri
Take a ferry to Capri, the isle of sirens according to Greek mythology. You’ll ascend to Capri town by funicular railway and see the famous Piazzetta during your guided walking tour with a Local Specialist. Spend some free time people-watching at one of the local cafés before returning to the mainland where you can enjoy free time in Sorrento.
Day 4: Cross The Strait To Taormina
Drive south via Salerno and through Calabria, crossing the straits of Messina to Sicily and the beachside resort town of Giardini Naxos below Taormina. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 5: Gardens And More In Taormina
Your Local Specialist will take you on a walking tour of Taormina on the slopes of Monte Tauro, overlooking the sea. Visit the Greek theatre and see the terraced botanical gardens. Then, stroll along the elegant Corso Umberto with a gelsi gelato and on to the Piazza for splendid panoramic views across the bay. Later, there's free time for shopping for souvenirs and handmade ceramics on the Corso.
Day 6: Taormina Your Way
Enjoy a full day to do as you please in this beautiful resort town. Shop, relax, see the sights of your choice or consider an Optional Experience. Whatever you decide, your Travel Director will be on hand to help you get the most out of your day. Tonight, Connect With Locals during a Be My Guest experience learning how to make macaroni and toasting the day with a traditional Sicilian feast with the locals in the Jewish village of Castiglione di Sicilia.
Day 7: Journey To Ancient Agrigento
Enjoy views of Enna on the way to Agrigento, where your Local Specialist will take you to the Valley of the Temples - the finest Greek sanctuary in Sicily. See the splendid Temple of Concord and the Temple of Juno overlooking the sea.
Day 8: Explore Sicilian Towns And On To Palermo
Travel to Erice and discover this famous hilltop medieval town in western Sicily with its cobbled streets, Norman castles and stunning views of the sea, salt pans and wooded hillsides. Perhaps take a walk to the ruins of Venus Castle with its Balio Gardens. Before arriving in Palermo, the Sicilian capital, visit the chic seaside resort of Mondello, with its beautiful beach, popular with the elite Palermitans.
Day 9: Enjoy The Views In Monreale
Meet your Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of Palermo. See Palermo’s Opera House and the Cathedral. Travel to the town of Monreale for views of La Conca d'Oro and explore the magnificent 12th-century Norman Cathedral. Later, join your companions and celebrate your journey with a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 10: Journey Home
Say arrivederci to Sicily and your newfound friends at the end of a memorable holiday. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.