Best of the Amalfi Coast & Sicily

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

This private Italy tour features the best of the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Sicily. Enjoy fascinating cultural attractions, delicious food and wine, spectacular landscapes, and beautiful luxury hotels and resorts.

En route from the airport to the Amalfi Coast, enjoy cultural and culinary touring in Naples or tour ruins such as Pompeii and Herculaneum. With your private driver, continue to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Visit seaside villages such as picture-perfect Positano, Ravello, Sorrento or Amalfi. Depending on your interests, opt to browse local markets, visit historic gardens and churches, or stop by studios specializing in local items such as ceramics, cameos and sandals. Also enjoy ample time at leisure to frequent the pool or spa, shop at fashionable boutiques and sample the excellent local cuisine. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange private boat charters, reservations at top beach clubs and restaurants, cooking classes, and much more.

One day, enjoy an excursion by hydrofoil to the fabled island of Capri. Tour the village of Anacapri, take a private cruise to the Blue Grotto, and enjoy time to explore Capri’s shops and cafes.

Next, fly to Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily. During private touring, explore the city’s cultural and culinary highlights, including lively food markets, favorite Sicilian specialty shops, private museums, and UNESCO sites such as the Norman Palace and Cappella Palatina. Also take a private excursion to the UNESCO-listed Monreale Cathedral, a masterpiece of Arab, Norman, and Byzantine art and architecture. 

Transfer through the Sicilian countryside, stopping to visit the well-preserved ancient theater and Doric temple of Segesta. Also visit Erice, a hilltop medieval village filled with cobblestone streets, flowering vines and the aroma of almond pastries, a local specialty. Continue to Verdura Resort, one of Sicily’s top luxury resorts, which is in a beautiful seaside location in the countryside. During ample leisure time, enjoy the resort’s large spa, excellent restaurants, wide range of facilities and great sea views. If desired, visit ceramics and coral studios in the nearby town of Sciacca, take a private excursion to a renowned local winery to sample top Sicilian wines, and venture to a nearby hill town for breathtaking views over the region.

Next, you will be transferred to Agrigento to tour the Valley of the Temples, an outstanding archaeological site of well-preserved ancient Greek ruins that has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Continue to spectacular Taormina, an ancient clifftop town overlooking the sea that has a Greek theater, beautiful gardens, bougainvillea-lined backstreets and upscale boutiques. One day, enjoy a private excursion to Mount Etna, an active volcano with fertile slopes that support vineyards, orchards and farms. Tour some of the most interesting volcanic sites on the mountain and enjoy a lunch that incorporates fresh local produce and wine. 

Another day, enjoy a private excursion to Syracuse, one of the largest and most powerful cities in antiquity and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historic city center on the island of Ortygia, including the fascinating cathedral and charming neighborhoods filled with elegant architecture. Also see highlights such as the Greek theater, the Roman amphitheater and the cave known as the Ear of Dionysius.

There will also be free time to enjoy Taormina and its wonderful shops, restaurants, gardens, views, and leisure facilities at your luxurious resort overlooking the Bay of Naxos.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Naples, Italy – Amalfi Coast Private arrival transfer to luxury hotel for 4 nights, with tour of Naples and/or Pompeii en route Day 2 Amalfi Coast Private driver at disposal to visit Amalfi, Sorrento, Positano or elsewhere along the Amalfi Coast Day 3 Amalfi Coast & Capri Full-day private excursion, including private boat ride to the Blue Grotto Day 4 Amalfi Coast Day at leisure Day 5 Amalfi Coast – Naples – Palermo, Sicily Private transfer to Naples airport (flight to Sicily not included). Private arrival transfer to luxury hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private city touring as time permits Day 6 Palermo & Monreale Private city touring and excursion to Monreale Cathedral Day 7 Palermo – Segesta & Erice – Sciacca Private transfer to luxury resort for 2 nights, with touring en route Day 8 Sciacca Morning private winery tour and gourmet lunch. Afternoon at leisure Day 9 Sciacca – Agrigento – Taormina Private transfer to luxury hotel for 4 nights, with tour of Valley of the Temples and picnic lunch en route Day 10 Taormina & Mount Etna Private excursion, including lunch at local winery Day 11 Taormina & Syracuse Full-day private excursion Day 12 Taormina Day at leisure. Upon request, a private boat charter can be arranged Day 13 Taormina – Depart Catania Private airport transfer

Hotels

Amalfi Coast: Belmond Hotel Caruso Palermo: Villa Igiea Sciacca: Verdura Resort Taormina: Four Seasons San Domenico Palace or Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

Cost

Upon request