• Day 1 - Arrive Rome
  Welcome to Rome, capital of Italy, and the Eternal City! The rest of the day is free to relax or explore on your own. This evening we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and fellow travellers. Afterwards, maybe enjoy an evening illuminations tour of the city or join the evening throng in cosmopolitan Piazza Navona with its centrepiece of Bernini’s magnificent fountain.
  Hotel : Crowne Plaza St Peter’s ( 2 nights )
   
• Day 2 - Rome Sightseeing
  A local guide introduces you to the grandeur of the city today. Your tour begins at St. Peter’s Basilica, mother church of the Catholic faith and built around the tomb of St Peter. Once inside, marvel at Michelangelo’s early masterpiece - the ‘Pieta’, as well as the splendid dome, completed after his death. Now cross the River Tiber to see one of the wonders of ancient Rome – the Colosseum, where gladiators (and sometimes martyrs) fought to the death against armed warriors or wild beasts. Your tour concludes with a view over the remains of the Roman Forum, once the bustling centre of commerce, law and religion. This afternoon is free to shop, relax on the Via Veneto, or continue sightseeing? Perhaps visit the Catacombs, the Pantheon, or the Spanish Steps. This evening, why not try a typically Roman dinner in one of the many restaurants? ( Buffet Breakfast )
   
• Day 3 - Rome - Capri - Sorrento
  Passing Monte Cassino, we drive to Naples where we cruise to the Isle of Capri. Our local guide takes us by funicular to Capri town to visit the famous gardens and admire the Faraglioni Rocks. Later we head for cliff-top Sorrento by boat. ( Buffet Breakfast / Dinner )
  Hotel : Parco Del Sole
   
• Day 4 - Sorrento - Taormina
  After visiting an inlaid wood workshop, we drive to Calabria via Salerno. Later we take the ferry across the straits of Messina to Sicily and to the resort of Taormina for three nights. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
  Hotel: S. Alphio Garden ( 3 nights )
   
• Day 5 - Taormina orientation & at leisure
  First we explore Taormina, founded in 400 BC, and beautifully located overlooking the sea and the peak of Mount Etna. We see the Greek Theatre and the glorious sub-tropical terraced gardens before strolling along elegant Corso Umberto to the Piazza for splendid panoramic views across the bay to the lonian Sea. Later, enjoy free time perhaps to shop for handmade lace on the Corso. Tonight, we enjoy a Be My Guest dinner of regional specialities in a local family run restaurant. (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest Dinner)
   
• Day 6 - Syracuse Excursion
  Today a unique Hidden Treasure is revealed to us! But first this morning we enjoy an included excursion to Syracuse, known as the Greek city, where the local guide, using the audio system, shows us the archeological excavation including the Greek centre, the so-called Ear of Dionysius and the Roman amphitheatre. In the afternoon we visit the Ortigia Island, the historical centre of Syracuse. ( Buffet Breakfast )
   
• Day 7 - Taormina - Enna - Piazza Armerina - Agrigento
  First we view the fortress town of Enna before visiting Piazza Armerina to see the splendid mosaics, which cover almost the entire floor in the Roman Villa of Casale. On arrival in Agrigento our local guide takes us to visit the Valley of the Temples, considered the finest Greek sanctuary in Sicily, rivalling those of Athens in their Grecian grandeur! Here we see both the impressive Temple of Concord and the Temple of Juno, overlooking the sea.
  ( Buffet Breakfast / Dinner )
  Hotel : Hotel Kore
   
• Day 8 - Agrigento - Selinunte - Palermo
  We drive to Selinunte to visit the Dorian temples and the Acropolis. Then to Palermo where our guide shows us the Piazza Bellini and the Cathedral. Later we view the Conca d’Oro from Monreale and visit the Norman Cathedral, then we drive to the fishing village of Mondello en route to our hotel. Tonight we get together with our travelling companions and Tour Director for a Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant. (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
  Hotel : Astoria Palace
   
• Day 9 - Depart Palermo
  Farewell to Sicily, our Tour Director and new-found friends as our Italian tour comes to an end. Airport transfers are available, conditions apply.
  ( Buffet Breakfast )

9 Days from US$1499

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07 Nov 2009    Sat