Rome, Naples & Sicily Highlights - 11 day tour

Welcome to Italy! On arrival in Rome, make your own way to our start hotel. Our tour begins at 19:45 so if you arrive early you will have time to do some independent sightseeing - perhaps head to the Colosseum?

When better to explore this most romantic of cities than with a sunset walking tour? Our expert local guide takes us to highlights including the Spanish Steps and the Piazza Della Rotonda, home of the Pantheon. Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain for good luck and taste some authentic Italian gelato. After our tour ends, the rest of the evening is at leisure.

Please note: Pick-up from the hotel is at 19:45 for our evening walking tour of Rome, so please make sure you arrive in Italy in plenty of time on day 1 or before, to avoid missing the tour!
Overnight: Rome

Rome - Naples - Sorrento. Setting off from Rome, we head south, passing through Lazio and Campania to reach Naples, the birthplace of pizza! We'll take a short hike up Vomero Hill to enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, Capri, Ischia and Naples below.

Then we make the short drive to Pompeii, in the shadow of Vesuvius. Lunch is included so you can try some authentic Neapolitan pizza before our tour of Pompeii.

In the year 79 AD, the residents of Pompeii, a prosperous and sophisticated Roman city, were going about their day. Suddenly and without warning, the normally quiet Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying the city in up to 6 meters of ash and pumice. Whilst many Pompeiians escaped, approximately 2,000 people were buried and perished. The ash perfectly preserved the city, and on our guided tour we will see some of the surviving artifacts, mosaics and buildings, and will find out more about the eruption and what life was like in the city before this fateful day.

After our tour of Pompeii we head along the picturesque Sorrentine coast to Sorrento, where dinner is included - please dress smartly as it is a formal dinner!
Overnight: Sorrento  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sorrento - Capri - Sorrento. Today we explore the beautiful and exclusive Mediterranean island of Capri. Weather permitting, we will visit the Blue Grotto sea cave by row boat. You can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before there is free time to explore the island. Capri was a summer home for the Roman emperor Augustus and today is popular with celebrities. After our visit, we return to Sorrento.
Overnight: Sorrento  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Sorrento - Palermo. There is free time this morning for you to explore Sorrento. Perhaps enjoy some shopping, or sample some local limoncello. In the afternoon we drive to the port of Naples, and board the overnight ferry to Palermo, capital of Sicily.
Overnight: Overnight ferry   |  Breakfast

We arrive in Palermo and disembark the ferry before transferring to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to head out and explore Palermo.
Overnight: Palermo  |  Dinner

This morning we visit Monreale, located in the fertile valley of La Conca d'Oro and renowned for its almonds, citrus fruits, and olive oil. We'll visit UNESCO-listed Monreale Cathedral and there will be time for some lunch and shopping if you choose.

Returning to Palermo, we enjoy a guided walking tour of the Sicilian capital. This 3,000-year-old city has a rich history which our local guide will share with you. Step back in time as we explore the narrow streets of the Old Town and visit the impressive Palermo Cathedral. After our tour, you will have free time to further sightsee independently.
Overnight: Palermo  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Palermo - Erice - Saline della Laguna - Marsala - Agrigento. We enjoy a busy day of Sicilian sightseeing today! Departing Palermo, we head to the medieval village of Erice, where little has changed since the 6th century. Hewn into the side of Monte San Giuliano, Erice offers incredible views and delightful labyrinthine lanes to explore.

Our next stop is Saline della Laguna, a historic salt pan. We then continue to a traditional tavern in the wine-producing region of Marsala. Here we can visit the wine cellar before enjoying included wine tasting and lunch. Then it's onwards to Agrigento, on Sicily's south coast.

This afternoon we visit the Valley of the Temples, one of the most outstanding surviving examples of Ancient Greek architecture in the world. We take in the incredible Temple of Concordia, Temple of Hercules and the Temple of Jupiter, which was once the largest Doric temple ever constructed. Reaching our hotel, the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Agrigento  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Agrigento - Ragusa. Today we drive to the hilltop town of Ragusa. Here we visit the enchanting historical center, known for its Baroque palaces and churches. We see the old gate of San Giorgio, and the Giardini Iblei, a picturesque public garden with sweeping views of the surrounding area. Then we head to Piazza Pola to visit the Baroque Church of San Giuseppe, a hidden gem in the city. We also see the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio and Cosentini Palace, a beautiful Baroque villa protected by UNESCO.
Overnight: Ragusa  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Ragusa - Noto - Syracuse - Taormina. Our first stop after departing Ragusa this morning is the picturesque town of Noto. We visit the Cathedral of San Nicolò, rebuilt in the years following an earthquake in 1990.

Driving along the coast, we then reach Syracuse, at Sicily's southeastern tip. Here we visit Ortygia, an island that is also home to Syracuse's oldest area, with lots of medieval streets and Baroque architecture to admire. There is free time to explore this fascinating and historic area. Continuing to Taormina, the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Taormina  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Today we visit the largest active volcano in Europe - Mount Etna. This stratovolcano last erupted in 2022, and you may well see signs of volcanic activity including smoke billowing from the top of the volcano. On our visit, we learn about this volcanic activity and see the lava fields from previous eruptions. Weather and conditions permitting, we have the opportunity to hike to the summit, 1,800m above sea level.

Returning to Taormina, the rest of the day is free for you to explore this hilltop coastal town. We recommend visiting the Ancient Greek amphitheater, Teatro Antico di Taormina, which is still in use today.
Overnight: Taormina  |  Breakfast