Itinerary
- Day 1
Rome
You can show up anytime since the welcome meeting doesn't kick off until 6 pm. If you arrive early, there's plenty to see around Rome. Walk through the Colosseum and the Forum, check out Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps, or head over to Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica. Grab an espresso at a sidewalk café, try some gelato in Trastevere, and toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain for good luck.
Optional Activities
- Visit Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
- Climb St Peter's Dome (with elevator option)
- Explore Castel Sant'Angelo
- Visit Christian Catacombs
- Tour Galleria Borghese
- Visit Pantheon
- Explore Keats-Shelley Memorial House
- Visit Venezia Palace
- Visit St Peter's Basilica
- Throw coin in Trevi Fountain
- Sample gelato in Trastevere
- Sip espresso at streetside cafes
- Visit Piazza Navona
- Visit Spanish Steps
- Explore Via Condotti shopping district
Landmarks Colosseum Roman Forum Piazza Navona Spanish Steps Trevi Fountain St Peter's Basilica Vatican City Castel Sant'Angelo Pantheon Galleria Borghese Via Condotti Piazza Venezia Trastevere 
- Day 2
Rome to Naples
Take a train to Naples, a city shaped by different empires over time. Your leader takes you on an orientation walk through the city center and Spanish Quarter. Since Naples invented pizza, head to a local pizzeria for the real thing. Later you'll catch a train to Pompeii and settle into your accommodation near the archaeological site.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk through Naples city center
- Leader-led orientation walk through Spanish Quarter
- Caffè sospeso (suspended coffee tradition)
Optional Activities
- Visit Naples Archaeological Museum
- Visit Naples Duomo
- Visit St Claire's Church and Cloister
- Sample local pizza at a pizzeria
- Explore narrow winding streets and ancient churches
- Stroll along the coast
- Sample local cuisine
Landmarks Spanish Quarter Naples Historic Centre Mount Vesuvius 
- Day 3
Pompeii
Start with a local coffee in Pompeii's Old Town square. The main event is a guided tour through the ancient ruins, a Roman city buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and left frozen in time for nearly 2000 years. You'll walk through villas, temples, theatres, and markets. Spend your afternoon relaxing or check out nearby Herculaneum if you want more.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Pompeii Archaeological Site entrance and exploration
- Walking tour of Pompeii ruins with local guide
Optional Activities
- Visit Herculaneum ruins
- Visit Sanctuary of St Mary of the Rosary
- Explore Old Town square
- Sample authentic Italian coffee
Landmarks Pompeii Herculaneum Mount Vesuvius - Day 4
Pompeii to Sorrento
Early morning private transfer takes you up Mount Vesuvius to meet a local volcanologist. Climb to the summit for 360-degree views over the Bay of Naples and down into the still-active crater where the 79 AD eruption started. In the afternoon, head by private vehicle to Sorrento, a seaside resort known for its piazzas, old streets, and lemon groves. Try limoncello if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Mount Vesuvius crater rim walk and summit climb with volcanology guide
- Limoncello tasting in Sorrento
Optional Activities
- Explore Sorrento's piazzas and old streets
- Visit local shops
- Dine at local restaurants
- Sample limoncello liqueur at a local venue
Landmarks Mount Vesuvius Bay of Naples Sorrento 
- Day 5
Sorrento
You have a free day to explore Sorrento however you like. Stroll along the marina or cool off at the small beaches. If you want to go further, take a hydrofoil to Capri to see natural grottoes, citrus groves, and the famous Blue Grotto. Back in town by evening, you'll join your group for a gelato-making demonstration.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Gelato making demonstration
Optional Activities
- Stroll along the marina
- Swim in small beaches
- Visit island of Capri by hydrofoil
- Boat trip to Blue Grotto (La Grotta Azzurra)
- Explore natural grottoes
- Walk through citrus groves and villages
- Shop along Capri main street
- Dine at local restaurants
Landmarks Sorrento Capri Blue Grotto - Day 6
Minori
Private vehicle takes you along the Amalfi Coast, a dramatic landscape of rocky cliffs, turquoise seas, lemon groves, and whitewashed villages. Walk through Amalfi town and visit the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea and Chiostro del Paradiso, or if you prefer hiking, tackle the Valley of Mills. There's also an optional walk up the Valley of Dragons to reach Ravello. You'll stay overnight in Minori, just 15 minutes from Amalfi.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Walk across Amalfi town from one side to the other
- Visit Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea
- Visit Chiostro del Paradiso
- Hike through Valley of Mills
- Bus ride up Valley of Dragons to Ravello
- Explore Ravello and its lofty position
- Visit local shops and restaurants
- Explore Minori beach area
Landmarks Amalfi Coast Amalfi Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea Chiostro del Paradiso Valley of Mills Valley of Dragons Ravello Minori - Day 7
Amalfi
Short bus ride to Amalfi, then start the half-day Path of the Gods hike, a famous narrow trail with dramatic coastal views. You'll pass through forests, wildflower fields, olive groves, vineyards, and ancient stone huts with sheer granite walls around you. The trail ends in Positano where you have time to explore and swim. Return to Minori by ferry and bus, then gather for a farewell dinner with your group.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Sentiero Degli Dei (Path of the Gods) half-day hike with leader
- Coastal ferry cruise from Positano to Amalfi
Optional Activities
- Explore Positano
- Swim in Positano
- Visit local shops
- Dine at local restaurants
- Join celebratory farewell dinner with group
Landmarks Sentiero Degli Dei Amalfi Positano Minori - Day 8
Minori to Naples
After breakfast, take an organized transfer to Naples. Your trip leader won't travel with you, but you'll get instructions. Arrive anytime before the 6 pm welcome meeting. If you get there early, explore the coast, find a local pizzeria for dinner, have a glass of local wine, and take in views of the Gulf of Naples.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Stroll along the coast
- Find local pizzeria for pizza dinner
- Sample local wine
- Explore Naples streets and ancient churches
- Join welcome meeting at 6 pm
Landmarks Gulf of Naples Naples - Day 9
Naples to Civita
Travel to Civita by boat, train, and private vehicle. This medieval village was founded by Albanian refugees and is home to an ethnic minority. The locals speak Arberesh, a unique mix of Italian and Albanian found only here and in parts of Sicily. Spend time walking through the village, checking out local shops for regional food, or taking scenic walks in the surrounding hills.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Nature-based hike in Civita area
Optional Activities
- Explore Civita village on foot
- Visit local shop for regional delights
- Take scenic walks in nearby hills
- Learn about Arberesh language and culture
Landmarks Civita - Day 10
Civita
Eat a good breakfast because you have the option to hike Mount Sellaro in Pollino National Park. Stop at Cerchiara di Calabria, a small town famous for its bread, and stock up on local produce. Continue to a remote Byzantine sanctuary on a rocky hillside, then the hike begins with rewarding summit views of the Achaean coast. If hiking isn't your thing, explore the National Park's cliffs, narrow canyons, and wildlife instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Hike Mount Sellaro to summit
- Visit Cerchiara di Calabria
- Purchase local bread and produce
- Visit Byzantine sanctuary
- Explore Pollino National Park
- Wildlife watching for peregrine falcon, eagle owl, Egyptian vulture
Landmarks Mount Sellaro Pollino National Park Cerchiara di Calabria Achaean coast - Day 11
Civita to Tropea
After breakfast, transfer from Civita to Paola, then take the train to Tropea. This coastal town has faded buildings and fortifications along the cliffs. Your leader takes you on an orientation walk, then you can optionally visit the Norman cathedral (Duomo) with its icon of Madonna of Romania. Check out the Museo Diocesano with religious art and wooden statues, or head to the beach to see the impressive cliff structures.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk through Tropea
Optional Activities
- Visit Norman cathedral (Duomo)
- See icon of Madonna of Romania
- Visit Museo Diocesano
- View religious art and wooden statues
- Head to beach and explore cliff structures
- Explore town's winding streets and shops
Landmarks Tropea Duomo Museo Diocesano 
- Day 12
Tropea
Weather permitting, you'll head out on a boat trip to the island of Stromboli. Visit San Vincenzo to swim in the blue Aeolian waters, shop along the main street, or eat at a local restaurant. Depending on the season, you'll depart Stromboli in the evening and cruise to Sciara del Fuoco (Steam of Fire) to see the lava path that flows during the volcano's eruptions.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Boat trip to island of Stromboli by night (Stromboli by Night tour)
Optional Activities
- Swim in the blue waters of the Aeolian Islands at San Vincenzo
- Shop along main street
- Dine at local restaurant
- View Sciara del Fuoco (Steam of Fire) and lava flows
Landmarks Stromboli Aeolian Islands San Vincenzo Sciara del Fuoco 
- Day 13
Tropea to Reggio Calabria
Train takes you to Reggio Calabria, the gateway to Sicily. This earthquake-prone city has fewer historical sites but a unique mix of old and modern architecture. An orientation walk shows you the city's character. Visit the National Archaeological Museum to see exhibits from Greek-influenced sites, including the famous Bronzi di Riace bronze statues found on the seafloor in the 1970s. Hunt down local restaurants for grilled swordfish or pasta with cauliflower.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk through Reggio Calabria
- National Archaeological Museum visit (includes Greek exhibits and Bronzi di Riace statues)
Optional Activities
- Explore old buildings and modern structures
- Dine at local restaurants for grilled swordfish or pasta dishes
- Visit local shops and cafes
Landmarks Reggio Calabria National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Bronzi di Riace 
- Day 14
Reggio Calabria to Catania
Drive to Taormina on the east coast for a private boat excursion. Sail along the Sicilian coast exploring bays and caves with imposing rock formations. You'll get sunshine, an aperitif with snacks, and learn about the village from your skipper. Stop for a swim to cool off before heading on to Catania. Once you arrive, the evening is yours to explore the bar scene and find a good dinner spot.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Private boat excursion along Sicilian coast from Taormina
Optional Activities
- Swim during boat excursion
- Enjoy aperitif with snacks
- Explore Taormina bays and caves
- Explore Catania bar culture
- Dine at local restaurants in Catania
Landmarks Taormina Sicilian coast Catania 
- Day 15
Catania
Take an orientation walk with your leader through Catania's grand piazzas and wide streets. You'll get treated to a granita tasting, a semi-frozen dessert made with sugar, water, and various flavors. Optionally visit Val di Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for Late Baroque architecture, or join your group for a farewell dinner. Wherever you end up, toast to a trip well traveled.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk through Catania
- Local granita tasting
Optional Activities
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage site of Val di Noto
- See Late Baroque architecture
- Join group for farewell dinner
- Explore city's bars and restaurants
- Toast to the trip
Landmarks Catania Piazza del Duomo Val di Noto - Day 16
Catania
You have a free day in Catania. Walk through cobblestone laneways with Mount Etna volcano towering above and visit Piazza del Duomo. At 6 pm, a welcome meeting happens for new travelers joining the tour. After the meeting, head out for dinner with your group to get to know each other.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Walk through cobblestone laneways
- View Mount Etna volcano
- Visit Piazza del Duomo
- Explore the city
- Dine with group after welcome meeting
Landmarks Catania Mount Etna Piazza del Duomo 
- Day 17
Catania to Syracuse
Come face-to-face with Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. At about 2000m altitude on the northern side, you'll visit a lava cave with helmets and torches and walk into extinct craters on the Sartorius Mountains. Afterward, travel to Syracuse where your leader takes you on an orientation walk through the city's most interesting areas. The evening is yours to explore or relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Mount Etna day trip with lava cave exploration
- Lava cave visit with helmets and torches
- Walk into extinct craters on Sartorius Mountains
- Leader-led orientation walk through Syracuse
Optional Activities
- Explore Syracuse independently
- Visit local restaurants and cafes
- Relax after active day
Landmarks Mount Etna Sartorius Mountains Syracuse - Day 18
Syracuse
Wake up without an alarm because today is completely free. Explore Syracuse however you like. Wander through streets admiring old building facades and balconies with ornate stone sculptures. Take a boat trip around the island of Ortigia for scenic views of the walled cityscape, or visit the Neapolis Archaeological Site. Spend your whole day just wandering through the city, stopping at cafes and grabbing a granita in the afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Wander through Syracuse streets
- View ornate building facades and balconies
- Take boat trip around island of Ortigia
- Visit Neapolis Archaeological Site
- Stop at cafes and restaurants
- Sample granita in the afternoon
- Explore walled cityscape
Landmarks Syracuse Ortigia Neapolis Archaeological Park - Day 19
Syracuse to Agrigento
After breakfast, head for Agrigento. Stop at Noto, a small town with dazzling limestone buildings. Next, see Ragusa, completely rebuilt after the devastating 1693 earthquake, creating two distinct sides to the city. Explore tangled alleyways and baroque palaces. Travel on to Agrigento and arrive late afternoon. Explore the historic center on Colle di Girgenti hill, head to Via Atenea and Viale della Vittoria for sunset views over the Valley of the Temples. Try the famous gelato pecorino.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Noto's limestone buildings
- Visit baroque city of Ragusa
- Explore tangled alleyways and baroque palaces
- Walk historic centre of Agrigento
- Head to Via Atenea and Viale della Vittoria for sunset views
- View Valley of the Temples
- Try famous gelato pecorino
- Visit local cafes and patisseries
Landmarks Noto Ragusa Agrigento Valley of the Temples Colle di Girgenti Via Atenea - Day 20
Agrigento
Step back in time exploring the nearby Valley of the Temples. Your local guide brings this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus, and Castor and Pollux. Try to grab a window seat for great views of the landscape and Mediterranean Sea. After the guided tour, head on to Marsala, a coastal town in west Sicily.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Valley of the Temples with local guide
- Temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux
Optional Activities
- Explore temples and archaeological site independently after guided tour
- Explore Marsala town
Landmarks Valley of the Temples Temple of Hera Temple of Herakles Temple of Zeus Temple of Castor and Pollux Marsala - Day 21
Marsala to Palermo
Set your sights on Palermo with scenic stops along the way. First, explore the beautifully preserved medieval town of Erice and pick up a Genovesi, a traditional Sicilian pastry filled with custard or ricotta cream. Then head to Palermo, Sicily's capital. Upon arrival, spend a free afternoon exploring small alleyways, buzzing market squares, and winding roads, or check out the 12th century cathedral in the old heart of the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Erice local sweets tasting (Genovesi pastry)
Optional Activities
- Explore medieval town of Erice
- Visit beautiful buildings in Erice
- Browse shops in Erice
- Explore Palermo's small alleyways
- Visit buzzing market squares
- Explore 12th century cathedral
- Wander historic areas of Palermo
Landmarks Erice Palermo Palermo Cathedral - Day 22
Palermo
Take a walking tour with a local guide this morning uncovering symbolic places of rebellion and anti-Mafia racketeering. Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria, and Beati Paoli Square all have rich histories and serve delicious street food. Meet shop owners who stood up to their extortionists. Optionally visit nearby Monreale with fantastic city and sea views, or wander Palermo at your own pace. Tonight, toast to your adventure with dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Anti-Mafia movement walking tour with local guide
- Street food tasting during tour
Optional Activities
- Visit Teatro Massimo
- Explore Cape Market
- Visit Piazza della Memoria
- Visit Beati Paoli Square
- Meet shop owners
- Visit Monreale
- Visit Monreale Cathedral
- Climb to cathedral roof
- View city and sea from Monreale
- Wander Palermo at own pace
- Dine for farewell dinner
Landmarks Teatro Massimo Cape Market Piazza della Memoria Beati Paoli Square Monreale Monreale Cathedral - Day 23
Palermo
Your adventure ends today after breakfast. If you'd like to stay and explore more in Palermo, contact your booking agent ahead of time to arrange it.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Extend stay in Palermo
- Continue exploring Palermo
Landmarks Palermo
