Overview
Itinerary
Your Italian sojourn opens in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Discover the city's vibrant culture as you take in its picturesque harbors, cobblestone piazzas, and captivating energy.
Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine. (D) Stay: NH Palermo (3 Nights)
Get to know “Palermo in a Nutshell” and discover the city's Moorish, Norman, and Spanish architecture on a walking tour. Explore the Kalsa district – home to Mafia legends and lush gardens – before continuing your walk through Palermo's famous landmarks such as the Fontana Pretoria, the Quattro Canti, and the Cathedral.
This evening visit a medieval palace, where a countess guides you through her family's home, joining you for an aperitif and hors d'oeuvres. (B)
Decide how you spend your day in the Sicilian capital. Perhaps you'll peruse the open-air markets, visit one of Palermo's art galleries, or relax in an outdoor café. Or you might venture further afield and join a full-day optional excursion to medieval Cefalù (UNESCO). Tour this remarkable seaside town with a local guide before visiting a nearby farm for a ricotta cheese demonstration and farm-to-table dinner, made with family recipes. (B)
Visit the nearby hilltop town of Monreale (UNESCO), ascending on foot to its 12th-century cathedral for a guided tour of its majestic Byzantine mosaics. Then, it's your choice! Explore the cathedral's cloisters, taking in their serene atmosphere of the monastic complex -OR- ascend the southern tower to the panoramic terraces for a bird's-eye view over Palermo. Travel over rolling hills and peaceful farmland to the town of Agrigento.
Upon arrival, explore the stunning Valley of the Temples (UNESCO), one of the world's most esteemed archeological sites, and get an up-close view of the temples of Juno, Concordia, and Hercules. (B/D) Stay: Baia di Ulisse
Journey east to Sicily's Ionian Coast. En route, discover beautiful Taormina, home to ancient relics, rocky hills, and charming gardens. With an expert local guide, you'll stroll the lively pedestrian only main street, the Corso Umberto, see the imposing Corvaja Palace, and the city's well-preserved Greek theatre.
Later this afternoon, continue on to Giardini Naxos – the “garden of Sicily” – for your 2-night stay. (B/D) Stay: Una Hotel Naxos Beach Sicilia (2 Nights)
This morning, set out for the impressive Mt. Etna Volcano National Park (UNESCO) where a local expert introduces you to the park's spectacular landscapes sculpted by nature.
This afternoon, enjoy free time in Giardini Naxos to relax in this seaside resort. Or perhaps you'll join an optional tour to charming Savoca. This historic hill-top village was one of the filming locations for the classic 1972 movie The Godfather. Then let traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air as you savor a traditional Sicilian dinner before returning to Giardini Naxos. (B)
Take a short ferry ride to Villa San Giovanni, located on Italy's mainland. Pass through the unspoiled region of Calabria to the Basilicata region. Wander through the twisting vines of a local winery before touring the cellar for a tasting. Linger over regional cuisine at dinner in the winery's agriturismo restaurant. (B/D) Stay: MH Matera Hotel (2 Nights)
Explore the Sassi di Matera (UNESCO), an ancient settlement of carved cave dwellings. A local guide shares the history and explains why film producers are seeking out this unique landscape. Visit a local shop and get a taste of regional specialties.
This afternoon decide how you explore because it's your choice! Discover more of Matera with a guided tour of an underground cistern followed by free time to browse the city's stores and cave churches -OR- head to Alberobello (UNESCO) and marvel at the town's whimsical trulli homes, known for their distinct, cone-shaped roofs. (B/D)
After a stop at a sustainable buffalo farm for a taste of freshly made mozzarella and a peek into the history of this iconic cheese, arrive in Sorrento, where you'll settle in for a 2-night stay.
Later this afternoon, discover this charming seaside town during a walking tour and learn about the local tradition of wood marquetry. (B) Stay: Hotel Michelangelo (2 Nights)
This morning, take in the sights and colors of the Mediterranean Sea as you sail along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast (UNESCO). Gaze out over the deep blue hues of the sea paired with the bright citrus fruits lining the hillsides. Pause in Positano with its pastel-colored houses and pebbly beaches. Spend time in this legendary locale browsing the posh boutiques or resting along the beach, before returning to Sorrento for an afternoon at leisure.
This evening, celebrate the end of your journey with a delightful farewell dinner in a local restaurant. (B/D)
Journey north to Rome. En route, experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii (UNESCO). A local guide gives you an in-depth look into this 2,000-year-old Roman town, nestled in the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Step into another time as you explore its preserved buildings and imagine life in the 1st century.
Later, check in to your hotel located close to Fiumicino Airport. (B/D) Stay: Shangri-la Hotel
Your tour comes to a close today. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Stand in awe before the ancient Greek theatre in Taormina.
- Experience Mt. Etna Volcano National Park with a local expert.
- Tour a vineyard and cellar located in the badlands of Basilicata, Matera's region.
- Venture along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.
- Experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius.
- Journey to Sassi di Matera, known for its cave dwellings.
- Indulge in a delicious regional dinner inside a winery's agriturismo restaurant.
- Enjoy hors d'oeuvres with a countess during a visit to a medieval palace.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Palermo. Cost: $168.
- This afternoon, set off for the stunning seaside town of Cefalù on Sicily’s northern coast. Stroll the charming medieval streets with a local guide and visit the city's magnificent cathedrals that showcase Norman architecture. Next, journey to a family-owned farm picturesquely set in the mountains. Meet the owners and discover what a typical day on a Sicilian farm is like during a private tour of the property, where you learn about its traditional products. Later, sit back and relax as a chef prepares local specialties for you featuring the farm’s own products and secret recipes. Then sit down to a hearty meal– Italian-style, complete with wine of course! Duration approximately 6 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Gratuities are included.
- Location: Pawtucket, RI. Cost: $226.
- You can now include pre-paid tipping into your guided tour purchase. You pay for your tipping up front, we handle the rest, and you can cross one more thing off your “To Do” list. No more running to an ATM at the last minute on tour, or carrying around cash you won’t spend. Transportation is not included Prepaid gratuities are only available to guests departing from Australia & New Zealand. This covers tips for the Tour Manager, driver(s), and local guides including optional tours. Airport transfer and extension gratuities are not included in this amount.
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2022-24)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
