best_of_sicily

Rome • Isle of Capri • Sorrento • Taormina • Syracuse • Agrigento • Palermo
The magic is endless starting in the 'Eternal City' of Rome and on to Monte Cassino, Sorrento and the Isle of Capri. Then the highlight of this fabulous tour as we enter Sicily, visiting Taormina, Syracuse, Agrigento, Palermo, Monreale and the fishing village of Mondello. It's an offer you can't refuse!

Day 1 Depart USA Overnight flight to Rome. Day 2 Arrive Rome (2) On your arrival in Rome you are met by Trafalgar and transferred to your hotel. Time to unwind this afternoon before we enjoy a welcome beverage with our Tour Director. Hotel: Olympic (2 nights) Day 3 Rome sightseeing Today's highlight is our visit to the Sistine Chapel where we admire Michelangelo's Creation. Then we are taken into St. Peter's Basilica to see the famous Pieta – among other great works. From here we cross the Tiber to ancient Rome stopping at the Forum to admire the mighty Coloseum. Finally our local guide takes us to the Trevi Fountain where we have the chance to throw in a coin to ensure our safe return to the 'Eternal City'! Later some free time to perhaps visit the Catacombs and this evening why not dine on that famous Roman cuisine in a typical trattoria?
Day 4 Rome – Isle of Capri This morning we drive into the Campania and past the Abbey of Monte Cassino to Naples. Here we embark on our cruise to the picturesque Isle of Capri. With a local guide, we ascend to Capri town by funicular to stroll through the gardens and enjoy views over the Faraglioni Rocks. Later enjoy time at leisure. Tonight, why not join the 'jet-set' on the Piazzetta? Regina Cristina
Day 5 Isle of Capri – Sorrento – Taormina (3) We cruise to fun-loving Sorrento where orientation includes a visit to an inlaid wood workshop, a local craft of the region. Then we drive via Salerno, landing place of the U.S. 5th Army in 1943, and on through Calabria. Next, we board our ferry to cross the Straits of Messina and drive into Sicily to the resort of Taormina for the next three nights. We dine at our hotel this evening. Hotel: Caesare Palace (3 nights) Day 6 Taormina orientation & at leisure After breakfast, we see the Greek Theatre and Corso Umberto on our orientation. Later, there's time at leisure maybe join in an excursion to the top of Mount Etna!
Day 7 Syracuse Our day begins with a drive to Syracuse. On our arrival and with a local guide we visit the celebrated archeological Greek Theatre, the so-called Ear of Dionysius and the Roman Amphitheatre. In the afternoon, we walk on the island of Ortygia – the picturesque original center of Syracuse, before returning to Taormina for the night. This evening, we enjoy dinner in a typical restaurant. Day 8 Taormina – Agrigento We visit Piazza Armerina where we enjoy an included visit to see the colorful mosaics of the 4th century Roman Villa of Casale. Next, we stop to view the fortress town of Enna before reaching Agrigento. Our local guide takes us to visit the Valley of Temples, rivaling those of Athens in their Grecian grandeur! This evening we enjoy dinner at our hotel. Hotel: Grand Hotel dei Templi Day 9 Agrigento – Palermo (2) Off to Selinunte to visit the Dorian Temples and the Acropolis. Drive to Erice, where the houses cluster within the town walls, almost vertically above the sea. Visit the Castle gardens for splendid views across the Mediterranean! Finally, we drive to the Sicilian capital, Palermo for the next two nights. We dine at our hotel tonight. Astoria Palace (2 nights) Day 10 Palermo sightseeing This morning our sightseeing tour with a local guide takes us to the Piazza Bellini and the Cathedral. Later we will stop to view the Conca d'Oro from Monreale and visit the 12th century Norman Cathedral. Finally, we visit the village of Mondello, before time at leisure in this beautiful city. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow traveling companions tonight at our hotel. Day 11 Palermo – Rome – USA After breakfast our Tour Director arranges our transfer to Palermo Airport. Here we board our flight to Rome. We will arrive at Fiumicino airport at approximately 10.00am in order to connect with our return flight to America.
Airport Transfers Transfers on arrival will be provided only for passengers who have booked their flights on a Trafalgar recommended airline and advised Trafalgar of their flight dates. Transfers on arrival at Rome Airport will operate at 09.30, 12.30 and 15.30. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel.