10-Night Sorrento Coast and Sicily Tour from Rome

Explore southern Italy and Sicily on a 10-night tour that starts in Rome and finishes in Taormina! Spend a night in Italy’s magnificent capital before traveling south to discover the Sorrento Coast and Campania regions, with time in Sorrento, Capri, Naples and UNESCO-listed Pompeii. Then, take an overnight ferry to Sicily and head for Mt Etna as well as history-packed towns such as Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento, Syracuse and Taormina. Plus, delve into two traditional villages where scenes from the iconic 'The Godfather' films were shot. Standard or superior hotel accommodation is included.

Itinerary

Day 1: ROME

Stop At: Roman Forum, Piazza Santa Maria Nova, 53, 00186 Rome Italy
Check in to your Rome hotel in the early afternoon and spend the rest of your day at leisure. The city is a sightseers’ paradise with architectural delights to be found around every twist and turn. Maybe stroll around the area known as ancient Rome to see the Colosseum or check out the Vatican City, home of the pope. All entrance fees, attractions and meals are at your own expense.

Overnight: standard accommodation at 3-star or superior accommodation at 4-star in Rome
Duration: 8 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Rome depending on the category is Rome Garden 3* - Santa Costanza 4* or Bettoja Hotels 4*

Day 2: ROME>NAPLES>POMPEII>SORRENTO

Stop At: Pompeii - Archaeological Area., Porta Marina Superiore (Via Villa dei Misteri) Piazza Immacolata, Piazza Porta Marina inf., 80045 Pompeii Italy
The city is mainly famous for the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii, located in the zone of Pompei Scavi.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompei, dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, has become a site for Catholic pilgrimages in recent years. It houses a canvas by Luca Giordano. It was founded by a convert who experienced a divine grace from Blessed Virgin Mary; miracles are reported since its foundation and the Rosary is a devotion associated with great graces for anyone who faithfully prays it. The ex-votos that cover the walls of the church are an impressive testimonial of the miracles granted from Blessed Virgin Mary since the church was consecrated in 1891. Many churches, chapels, and shrines in the world are dedicated to Our Lady of Pompei
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight in Sorrento depending on the category is Central 4* - Cristina 4* or Michelangelo 4* - Grand Hotel Vesuvio 4*

Day 3: Sorrento > Capri > Sorrento

Stop At: Blue Grotto, 80071 Anacapri, Island of Capri Italy
After breakfast, get ready for an exciting excursion to the island of Capri: one of the most exclusive summer destinations of the Mediterranean! Depending on weather and sea conditions, you will admire the dreamy Blue Grotto on a small rowboat. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then roam the island at your own pace. Once back on the mainland, return to the hotel for dinner and your last overnight in Sorrento.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight in Sorrento depending on the category is Central 4* - Cristina 4* or Michelangelo 4* - Grand Hotel Vesuvio 4*

Day 4: Sorrento > Palermo (Overnight on ferry boat)

Pass By: Porto Di Napoli, Piazzetta di Porto, 80133 Napoli NA, Italy
Breakfast at your hotel, then spend a leisurely morning exploring Sorrento. In the afternoon, you will reach the port of Naples, where you will board on the Tirrenia/Snav ferry to Palermo. Let the waves rock you to sleep. Dinner and breakfast are not included on the ferry.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 5: Palermo

Stop At: Cattedrale di Palermo, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 90040, Palermo, Sicily Italy
Arrive in Palermo and transfer to your hotel. That night, have dinner in the hotel and rest up for the adventure that lies ahead.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in Palermo at hotel Mercure 4*

Day 6: Palermo

Stop At: Cattedrale di Palermo, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 90040, Palermo, Sicily Italy
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and then head out on a morning excursion to Monreale, recently included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, an ancient royal town famous for its almonds, olive oil and citrus fruits, as well as for its fine Norman architecture. Visit the elaborate Cathedral of Monreale and then enjoy some shopping of local delicatessen and souvenirs. Back to Palermo and continue with a walking tour of the city. Wander the streets of the Old Town, hearing tales of Palermo’s 3,000-year history and discovering attractions like Palermo Cathedral. Walk inside the impressive-looking place of worship and marvel at its arches, cupolas and mosaics - with an incredible mix of influences coming from several dominations on the island. Enjoy free time in the late afternoon and return to your hotel for dinner. Overnight.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in Palermo at hotel Mercure 4*

Day 7: Palermo > Erice > Saline della Laguna > Agrigento

Stop At: Borgo Storico Erice, Via Salerno, 91016, Erice, Sicily Italy
Early breakfast and departure to Erice, a medieval village stacked into the side of Monte San Giuliano. Many say that little has changed in the village since the sixth century, and its labyrinth-like twist of lanes is perfect for a cool and pleasant morning amble.Continue to visit the Saline ,an extraordinary lagoon, where history, nature, archeology find a perfect synthesis and allow the visitor to try different, unique and charming experiences.

Have a nice boat trip to the islands, located nearby. The tour of the natural reserve of the "Stagnone di Marsala" is a one of a kind archaeological and naturalistic experience. Board on these special boats, designed ad hoc to be able to navigate in the lagoon bottoms that at low tide reach only 25 cm. With a helpful audioguide, you will admire all the islands of the lagoon of the Stagnone up close, remaining comfortably seated in the boat, sailing at a speed of 4 knots. You will pass from the Island of Mozia, Isola Lunga, Isola di Schola, from the Ancient Via Punica Sommersa. After this wonderful experience enjoy your lunch in a restaurant by the lagoon. Return to your coach and travel to Agrigento, your final destination of the day. Visit Ancient Greek monuments and ruins at the Valley of Temples (entrance included) - a UNESCO World Heritage site - and learn about archaeological relics like the Classical Temple of Concord the Temple of Hercules; the Temple of Jupiter, one of the largest Doric-style buildings. Check in to your hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight.

Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in Agrigento at the hotel Della Valle 4*

Day 8: Agrigento > Piazza Armerina > Ragusa Ibla > Ragusa

Stop At: Ragusa Terra Iblea, Piazza Giovan Battista Odierna, 5 Di fronte ai giardini iblei, 97100, Ragusa, Sicily Italy
Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Piazza Armerina a pretty and historic town nestled into the heart of Sicily. Entrance in Villa Romana del Casale to admire the largest, richest and most complex Roman mosaics in the world. It is one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy since 1997. The mosaics spread over 3,500 sqm show mythological scenes and portrayals of daily life. Depart to Ragusa and visit of the enchanting historical centre “Ibla”, with its stunning baroque palaces and churches; together with other seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the old gate of San Giorgio, the Giardini Iblei and then walk to Piazza Pola where we will visit the church of San Giuseppe: a little gem. Be enchanted by the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Church of the Souls in Purgatory and the magnificent Cosentini palace, one of the most interesting Late Baroque palaces in Sicily! Arrive in hotel, dinner and overnight.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in Ragusa at the hotel Poggio del Sole 4*

Day 9: Ragusa > Noto > Siracusa > Taormina

Stop At: Noto Antica, Strada Provinciale 64 Monte Alveria, 96017, Noto, Sicily Italy
Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Noto, a picturesque fishing town popular for its stately Baroque architecture. Visit Cathedral of San Nicolò, recently restored after a earthquake, and then have a nice walk in the town’s center. Continue along the south coast to Syracuse, on Sicily’s southeastern tip. Visit “Parco Archeologico della Neapolis”, Syracuse’s famous archaeological area, home to a vast collection of Greek and Roman ruins from all over Sicily. Head inside to see impressive landmarks such as the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater and the Ear of Dionysius - an artificial limestone cave. After the visit, cross one of the city’s bridges for a visit to the island of Ortygia - the most ancient part of Syracuse - home to a wealth of Baroque churches and medieval palaces. In the late afternoon arrive in Taormina, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in Taormina at Hotel Olimpo le Terrazze 4*

Day 10: Taormina

Stop At: Ancient Theatre of Taormina, Via Teatro Greco 1, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy
Breakfast at your hotel and then head off to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and the highest mountain in Italy. Learn about volcanic activity and marvel at the old lava fields and black magma rock that comprises Etna’s landscape. If weather permits, you have a chance to climb to the summit (1800 m). After, return to Taormina, the beautiful and romantic town located on Mount Tauro. Return to Taormina in the afternoon and spend the rest of your day at leisure. Dinner and overnight.

Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in Taormina at Hotel Olimpo le Terrazze 4*

Day 11: Taormina

Pass By: Ancient Theatre of Taormina, Via Teatro Greco 1, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy
Enjoy one final breakfast before the tour comes to an end.


Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.