Discover Sicily, the crossroads of civilizations, where Moorish and Norman influences intertwine in the architecture and Greek and Roman ruins stand guard on the hillsides and valleys. Travel off the beaten path through the beautiful and unspoiled region of Calabria in southern Italy. Explore the stunning Amalfi coast and Sorrento. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in haunting, evocative Pompeii.

Day 2: Palermo, Sicily - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Sicilian cuisine.

Day 3: Palermo - Monreale - Agrigento
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. A Palermo cultural tour features the lovely squares of Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria and Piazza Bellini. Note the exotic mixture of Moorish, Norman and Spanish Baroque styles that make this city special. You also see the Palace of the Normans, La Martorana Church, and the Cathedral, which houses the Imperial Crown of Constance of Aragon in its treasury. In the nearby town of Monreale, visit the 12th century Cathedral with its dazzling interior of multicolored marbles, paintings, mosaics and cloisters. Depart Palermo for Agrigento later this afternoon.

Day 4: Agrigento
Learn about ancient Greek cultures when you visit the Archeological Museum, known for its extensive collection of Greek vases and mosaics. Then, proceed to the stunning Valley of the Temples, one of the most important archeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From ancient times to the present day, the Valley of the Temples’ ruins, landscape flora and colors have inspired poets, writers and painters. Here, get an up-close view of the temples of Hercules, June, Dioscuris, Vulcan and Olympian Zeus.

Day 5: Agrigento - Piazza Armerina - Giardini-Naxos
Depart Agrigento today and travel to the central part of Sicily, arriving in the town of Piazza Armerina. Here you pay homage to the Roman past at Villa Casale, which houses one of the most incredible collections of ancient mosaics in the world. Later, visit Mt. Etna Volcano National Park to see the spectacular landscapes sculpted by nature. Arrive in Giardini Naxos, the “garden of Sicily” and your home for the next two nights.

Day 6: Giardini Naxos - Taormina - Giardini Naxos
This morning you visit beautiful Taormina, known for its charming atmosphere, significant monuments and flowering gardens. Enjoy viewing the Greek Amphitheater, Corso Umberto and the bountiful Public Gardens. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to further explore this delightful town.

Day 7: Giardini Naxos - Amalfi Coast
Today, travel to Messina where you will take a short ferry to Villa San Giovanni on the mainland of Italy. Travel northward through the beautiful and unspoiled region of Calabria and into Campania, arriving later this afternoon on the Amalfi Coast.

Day 8: Amalfi Coast - Sorrento - Amalfi Coast
Begin your day exploring the popular seaside resort town of Sorrento. Visit local artisans and watch them demonstrate the art of inlaid wood making. Upon arriving in Amalfi, you will have free time to explore the town square, ceramic shops and cafes.

Day 9: Amalfi Coast - Pompeii - Rome
Travel towards the Bay of Naples and experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Soak in the history of the preserved original buildings of a typical Roman town 2,000 years ago. The forms of people who died in Pompeii are evident and cast an insight into how they lived. Later, travel to Rome, the magnificent capital of Italy.

Day 10: Rome
Begin your day with an optional tour to the “Magnificent Treasures of the Vatican Museums.” Later, enjoy a tour of Classical Rome featuring the Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, and the Arch of Constantine. Contemporary Rome is highlighted through the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Tonight you will celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Day 11: Rome - Depart for Home
Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.

Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento, Valley of the Temples, Piazza Armerina, Mt. Etna Volcano, Giardini Naxos, Taormina, Sorrento, Pompeii, Rome, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain

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