Rome, Campania and Sicily Highlights - 8 Days

Welcome to Rome. We arrange your transfer to the hotel, then you have free time to settle in. In the afternoon you will receive information, either in person or via the information board at hotel reception.

In the morning we take a panoramic guided tour of the Eternal City lasting about three hours, passing the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius and Castel Sant’Angelo. The tour ends at Vatican City around 11:00. You may choose to join an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. At the end of the day we include an evening transfer to lively Trastevere – return to the hotel is around 20:30.

You have a full day to continue exploring Rome at your own pace – the Eternal City reveals history at every turn.

We start early, travelling south from Rome towards Naples, where we embark for the enchanting island of Capri – boat tickets are included. You may opt to visit the dazzling White Grotto or take the scenic cable car up to Capri town. After lunch we sail to Sorrento, a picturesque resort at the foot of dramatic cliffs – you have time to wander and soak up its atmosphere. We then continue to the Gulf of Salerno to spend the night in Salerno.

We journey further south through the landscapes of Cilento National Park. We arrive in Paola on the Tyrrhenian coast to visit the Sanctuary of St Francis of Paola, and you have free time for lunch in its charming historic centre. We continue to Villa San Giovanni and take the short ferry crossing to Sicily. On arrival in Messina you have time to stroll by the cathedral, before we continue to Taormina. Dinner is included. Note: accommodation is normally in the Taormina area, but on certain dates it may be provided in Messina.

At the foot of Mount Etna lies beautiful Taormina, once described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. Early this morning we head to Giardini Naxos, the first Greek settlement in Sicily, with its attractive seafront and popular beaches. Afterwards you have time to explore Taormina’s old town and its magnificent Greek Theatre overlooking unforgettable views. After lunch we continue to the Roman Villa del Casale – admission and guided visit included – a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its exceptionally preserved mosaics from the fourth century. Crossing the mountainous heart of the island, we continue to Palermo, arriving at day’s end. Dinner is included.

Today we embark on a guided tour of Palermo with a local expert. We visit the cathedral, renowned for its blend of styles and royal tombs – admission included – and see the Palazzo dei Normanni. We also visit Monreale to admire its cathedral – admission included – a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its breathtaking golden mosaics. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.

After breakfast the journey comes to an end – you depart with lasting memories.