ITINERARY
Day 1 - Rome
Arrival at Rome on your own. Day at leisure. Arrival at hotel and overnight.
Day 2 - Assisi/Siena/Florence
Departure at 7:30 am from hotel Diana by deluxe motor coach to Assisi. Arrival and time at leisure to visit this little medieval city. We recommend a visit to the famous San Francesco’s Basilica, where you shall find Giotto’s and Cimabue’s Masterpieces. (free time for lunch, not included). Driving on the “Autostrada del Sole” arrive to Siena. This gothic city is constructed on three hills in the heart of Tuscany. It is encircled by ancient walls and is famous for its splendid square “Piazza del Campo”, designed in the shape of a shell. Here, every year the famous “Palio” takes place. See also the elegant Palace and the Cathedral. In the afternoon proceed on to Florence. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Florence
Breakfast at the hotel and morning city tour during which you shall appreciate the artistic beauty of Florence with its Dome by Brunelleschi, Bell tower by Giotto and Baptistery. Continue through Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio and finally the church of Santa Croce. Time at leisure and return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4 - Florence/Padua/Venice
Breakfast at hotel. Departure towards Padua for a short visit of St. Anthony’s Basilica, Continuing then towards Venice, the city of gondolas. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 - Venice
Breakfast at hotel and visit of this mysterious city built on 177 islands, 150 canals and 400 bridges. The sightseeing includes a panoramic of St. Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace (external). During the morning stop in one of the famous shops of Murano glass. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 6 - Venice/San Marino/Rome
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for San Marino. Arrival in one of the smaller states in the world that still has its own currency, stamps and preserves its political system since over nine centuries. Free time for lunch (not included). In the afternoon arrival to Rome. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 - Rome/Naples/Pompeii/ Sorrento
Breakfast at the hotel. After leaving Rome, the coach will take the “Sun Route” motorway, driving through the regions of Lazio and Campania, with a view of the Abbey of Montecassino. Upon arrival in Naples there will be a short panoramic city tour: Mergellina, Castel dell'Ovo Plebiscito Square, the Royal Palace, the Maschio Angioino and the port. Lunch in a restaurant on our way to Pompeii and then visit the excavations of the famous Roman city, destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Leave Pompeii and drive along the coast, arrival in Sorrento. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Day 8 - Capri/Palermo
After breakfast board the boat for the Island of Capri, where, weather and sea conditions permitting, visit the Blue Grotto in small rowing boats. Lunch in a restaurant and free time. Return to Sorrento. In the afternoon depart to Naples harbour to board Tirrenia Ferry Boat to Palermo. Overnight on boat.
Day 9 - Palermo
Arrival in Palermo and transfer from the pier to the hotel. Day at leisure. Dinner and overnight.
Day 10 - Palermo/Monreale
Buffet breakfast at hotel. In the morning visit of the town of Palermo including: the Palatine Chapel, the Cathedral of Palermo. Continue to Monreale to visit the Cathedral and its Cloister. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon, time at leisure to enjoy this Sunday afternoon in the Sicilian capital or possibility to participate to an optional excursion (paid locally) to Cefalù to visit the famous Cathedral and Castelbuono, a beautiful village on the Madonie mountains giving a glimpse of the Sicilian inland way of life. Back to Palermo. Dinner, overnight.
Day 11 - Segesta/Erice/Marsala
Buffet breakfast at hotel, depart to Segesta to visit the Doric Temple placed on a hill surrounded by beautiful landscapes. After, visit the medieval village of Erice, with a view of Trapani. Erice will draw our attention thanks to the tiny and stony medieval streets. Time at leisure for lunch. Continue to Trapani to view the salt windmills and then to Marsala. We will close this exciting day with a special dinner, but before that a wine tasting of the well-known Marsala wine will delight us.
Day 12 - Agrigento/Piazza Armerina/Catania
Buffet breakfast at hotel and depart to Agrigento to visit the amazing Valley of the Temples, holding in their stone the weight of an important history. These Temples are better preserved than the Temples in Greece. Continue to Piazza Armerina. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon visit on your own the Roman Villa del Casale famous for its more than 3500 sqm of well-preserved mosaics. After the visit continue to Catania. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 13 - Catania/Syracuse/Ragusa
Buffet breakfast at hotel. In the morning, panoramic visit of Catania and depart for Syracuse to visit the archaeological area, including the Greek theatre, Dyonisios Ear, the Latomie of the Paradise. The visit continues with the historical and baroque center situated on Ortigia Island. Enjoy the beautiful atmosphere, which covers this small piece of land. Time at leisure for lunch and depart to Ragusa to visit the historical center in Ragusa Ibla. After this amazing visit enjoy your dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation at hotel.
Day 14 - Etna/Taormina
Buffet breakfast at hotel and, conditions permitting, depart to Mt. Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. We will reach 1800 meters and visit some of the Sylvester craters. After this unforgettable experience with nature, enjoy a special lunch at a farmhouse with Etna wine tasting. Continue to Taormina, called the Mediterranean pearl. Dinner and overnight.
Day 15 - Taormina
Buffet breakfast at hotel and visit on your own the Greek Theater viewing the beautiful bay of Naxos. Time at leisure for lunch. In the afternoon time at leisure or enjoy an optional excursion (paid locally) to visit in the village of Savoca the famous catacombs of the Cappuccini convent and Bar Vitelli - used in the shooting of the “Godfather” in 1971. Then a scenic drive to Forza D’agro’. Includes a walking tour trough the peaceful streets, churches and cathedrals. Return to Taormina. Dinner and overnight.
Day 16 - Taormina
Buffet breakfast at hotel. End of tour. |
