Best of Southern Italy & Sicily

(17 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Rome, Capri, Amalfi Coast, Palermo, Sciacca & Agrigento, Taormina with Syracuse & Mount Etna

This private tour features the best of southern Italy, including Capri, the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. Enjoy fascinating history, delicious food, and some of the country's most beautiful luxury hotels and resorts.

Begin with a relaxing overnight stay in Rome before departing with your private driver to the fabled isle of Capri. While there, enjoy a guided tour of the island's highlights. Also enjoy time to explore Capri’s shops and cafes.

Continue to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Stay at a glamorous resort in the hills of Ravello with panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea. Depending on your interests, opt to browse local markets, tour Moorish gardens and churches, go wine tasting, or visit studios specializing in local items such as ceramics, cameos and sandals. Also visit local towns such as Amalfi and Positano.

Next, enjoy a guided tour of the ruins of Pompeii, a town preserved for centuries under volcanic lava and ash, en route to Naples for an overnight. During leisure time, perhaps visit small markets, the excellent archaeological museum, fine clothing boutiques and specialty shops that specialize in the flavors of Naples' Greek, Roman and French-influenced cuisine—and, of course, pizza, coffee and pastries!

Fly from Naples to Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital that's home to some of Italy's most fascinating cultural hidden gems including impressive private museums, the country's largest opera house and a robust food culture. During private touring, explore lively local markets, the old Arab quarter, and unique UNESCO-listed Arab-Norman architecture. One morning, visit a market to learn about seasonal ingredients, and buy supplies for your cooking class with a respected local chef. Also, take a private excursion to the stunning Cathedral of Monreale, a masterpiece of Arab, Norman and Byzantine art.

Next, tour the highlights of northwestern Sicily. Visit Segesta to see the amphitheater and well-preserved Doric temple in a bucolic hillside setting. Also tour Erice, a medieval hilltop village that's filled with cobblestone streets, flowering vines and the aroma of almond pastries, a local specialty.

Continue to Sciacca, a luxurious resort destination on the Mediterranean. In Sciacca, visit the local village, known for its ceramics and coral studios, and enjoy the resort's extensive leisure facilities and excellent restaurants. One day, take a private excursion to a renowned winery to sample some of Sicily's best wines and unique varietals.

Next, tour ancient Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples, an outstanding collection of well-preserved Hellenistic ruins and early Christian sites that's one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.

Continue to Taormina, a historic clifftop town overlooking the sea. One day, enjoy a private excursion to Syracuse, a powerful city in antiquity. Tour the city with an expert private guide and explore highlights such as the Greek theater, Roman amphitheater, the ancient cathedral, the cave known as the Ear of Dionysius, the historic center of the island of Ortygia, charming seaside neighborhoods and elegant architecture. Another day, enjoy a private excursion to Mount Etna, an active volcano synonymous with Sicily whose fertile soil supports vineyards, orchards and farms. Tour some of the most interesting volcanic sites on the mountain, and enjoy a lunch that incorporates the best of Sicily's fresh, regional ingredients and locally produced wine. In Taormina, also enjoy free time to explore the Greek theater, beautiful gardens, bougainvillea-lined backstreets and local boutiques. There will also be time to enjoy the extensive facilities at your luxury resort overlooking the Bay of Naxos.

Return to Rome for an overnight. During free time, enjoy la dolce vita and the city's excellent restaurants and boutiques.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Rome Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night Day 2 Rome – Capri Private transfer to Naples Port for hydrofoil to Capri. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 3 Capri Morning private island tour. Afternoon at leisure Day 4 Capri – Amalfi Coast Private transfer to pier for hydrofoil to Amalfi Coast. Continue by private car to resort for 3 nights Day 5 Amalfi Coast Driver at disposal for flexible half-day excursion along Amalfi Coast Day 6 Amalfi Coast Day at leisure Day 7 Amalfi Coast – Pompeii – Naples Private transfer to hotel for 1 night, with touring en route Day 8 Naples – Palermo, Sicily Private transfer to airport for flight to Palermo (flight not included). Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 9 Palermo & Monreale Morning market tour and cooking class. Afternoon private tour including Monreale Day 10 Palermo – Segesta & Erice – Sciacca Private transfer to resort for 3 nights, with touring en route Day 11 Sciacca Morning private winery tour and gourmet lunch. Afternoon at leisure Day 12 Sciacca At leisure to enjoy resort, with driver at disposal to visit town as desired Day 13 Sciacca – Agrigento – Taormina Private transfer to hotel for 3 nights, with tour of the Valley of the Temples en route Day 14 Taormina & Mount Etna Private excursion to Mount Etna including private winery tour and lunch Day 15 Taormina & Syracuse Full-day private excursion Day 16 Taormina – Catania – Rome Private transfer to Catania's airport for flight to Rome (flight not included). Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night Day 17 Depart Rome Private airport transfer

Hotels

Rome: Hotel de Russie, Hotel Eden and/or La Posta Vecchia Capri: Capri Palace Resort & Spa or Hotel La Palma Amalfi Coast: Belmond Hotel Caruso Naples: Grand Hotel Parker’s or Grand Hotel Vesuvio Palermo: Villa Igiea Sciacca: Verdura Resort Taormina: Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo or Four Seasons San Domenico Palace

Cost

Upon request