14-Nights Best of Italy and Sicily from $4,246

Trafalgar

OFFER ID 1478099

Best Of Italy And Sicily
Ancient history and fabulous food are the cornerstones of this colorful journey through Italy and Sicily. You’ll enjoy local seafood in Sicily, follow the shadow of Mount Etna and admire the Leaning Tower in Pisa’s Square of Miracles.

Dining Summary

6 Dinner (D)
14 Breakfast (B)

Be My Guest

Acireale: Join a family-owned lemon farm and enjoy a Be My Guest dinner overlooking Mount Etna.

Iconic Experience

Palermo: Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for an introductory orientation of Palermo's highlights.
Palermo: Discover the Sicilian capital with your Local Specialist. See Pretoria Square and the 16th-century fountain. View the composite architectural styles of the Palermo Cathedral and visit the Cathedral of Monreale.
Agrigento: A Local Specialist will lead you through the magnificent remains of the Greek colony in the Valley in the Temples. See the massive Temple of Concord and clifftop Temple of Juno.
Capri: Join a Local Specialist on a walk through elegant Capri to gain insight into the island's local culture and historic landmarks.
Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums.
Rome: Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you past the city's most iconic sites.
Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a Local Specialist. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, and stand beside the Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
Vatican: Visit Vatican City and tour St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Piet.
Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artisitic achievements of 13th-century Europe.
Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Specialist, visit this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked away on the mountainous Italian Riviera coastline. Admire the charming fishing villages and perhaps snap some memorable pictures.
Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Must-see Highlights

: Fast-track Entry to the Vatican Museums
: Explore Palermo, Agrigento, Pompeii, Capri, Rome, Assisi, Cinque Terre and Florence
: Discover Taormina, Sorrento and Venice
: Visit the Norman Cathedral at Monreale, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Isle of Capri, the excavations at Pompeii, the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and a glassblowing factory in Venice
: View Palermo Cathedral, the ancient sites of Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence and the Byzantine St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
: Scenic Cruise to the Isle of Capri and by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice

Whats Included

: An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
: Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
: All porterage and restaurant gratuities
: All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
: Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
: Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
: Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
: Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
: Ferry across the Straits of Messina to mainland Italy
: Return cruise to the Isle of Capri
: Optional Experiences and free time
: On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Whats Included

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Ferry across the Straits of Messina to mainland Italy
Return cruise to the Isle of Capri
Optional Experiences and free time
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

14 nights from $4,246 per person

Itinerary

Trafalgar Tours: Best of Italy and Sicily

Day 1 - Welcome to Palermo
The multicultural capital of Palermo is the launchpad for your journey across Sicily and Italy. You’ll have some free time before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner and orientation of the city’s attractions, so why not head straight out to explore its fascinating streets on your own?
Accommodations: Mercure Centro
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Enjoy the Views in Monreale
Join your?Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour, which includes the Teatro Massimo and old 'La Cala' harbor. Later, travel to Monreale on the slopes of Monte Caputo overlooking the almond, olive and orange groves of La Conca d'Oro. Here you’ll visit the 12th-century Norman Cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Accommodations: Mercure Centro
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Journey to Ancient Agrigento
Take it easy this morning or explore further on the Optional Experience taking in different views of the city. Later, journey onwards to Agrigento to tour the impressive Greek Valley of the Temples, dating back to the 6th century BC, with a Local Specialist. This evening, dinner is served at your hotel.
Accommodations: Dioscuri Bay Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Onwards to Scenic Taormina
Travel through the vineyards of the southern hills towards the seaside resort of Taormina, your home for the next two nights. Enjoy spectacular vistas and a taste of la dolce vita?in this hillside town, with some free time on arrival.
Accommodations: Caesar Palace Giardini Naxos
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Taormina Your Way Connect with Locals
Spend the day relaxing at your chic Sicilian resort. Dive into the warm Mediterranean waters, shop for exquisite hand-painted ceramics on Corso Umberto or indulge in a mulberry granita. Consider joining an optional experience to Savoca, the village made famous by ‘The Godfather', and Europe's most active volcano - Mount Etna. This evening, join a Be My Guest experience hosted at a beautiful family owned Sicilian lemon farm overlooking Mount Etna.
Accommodations: Caesar Palace Giardini Naxos
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Travel to Sorrento
Today we cross the Strait of Messina to mainland Italy by ferry, driving north through rustic Calabria and past Salerno to our hotel in Sorrento where we’ll spend the next two nights. Tonight perhaps consider an Optional Experience to explore the famous culinary culture of Southern Italy.
Accommodations: Grand Cesare Augusto
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Visit the Isle of Capri
We cruise to the Isle of Capri where we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Capri town with a?Local Specialist. Window-shop along Via Camerelle and watch the beautiful people in the Piazzetta before returning to Sorrento. This afternoon perhaps consider a drive along the famed Amalfi Coast to Positano, a true Mediterranean gem. You will have the evening at leisure to indulge in a little limoncello in one of Sorrento's many cafés.
Accommodations: Grand Cesare Augusto
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Explore Pompeii’s Ruins and Rome
This morning we visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins of Pompeii where a Local Specialist will take you on a walking tour. For centuries this city was lost to the world, but its rediscovery in the 18th century revealed a time capsule of well-preserved ruins, providing insights into the day-to-day life of a Roman city centuries ago. Later, admire the dramatic coastline as we drive north from Pompeii to the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Head to the Vatican City and visit the Vatican Museums with works of art collected over the centuries, admire Michaelangelo's spectacular frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. This evening, Roman flavors and ancient ruins take center stage as you dine at Ristorante Pancrazio, built over the ruins of the first-century-BC Theater of Pompey. Indulge in a selection of signature Roman dishes handed down over four generations since 1922.
Accommodations: Grand Tiberio
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 - Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
Rome was once the capital of the world and is a city with an irrepressible spirit. Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour including Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the magnificent Piet inside St. Peter’s Basilica and marvel at the city's iconic and unexpected highlights. Head to Ancient Rome, where you’ll see Circus Maximus and experience an in-depth walking experience around the walls of the Colosseum. Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain on an optional experience discovering piazzas and fountains of Rome with a Local Specialist this afternoon. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city your way.
Accommodations: Grand Tiberio
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Off to Historic Assisi
Today, we drive north to the mystical medieval hilltop town of Assisi, most famous for being the birthplace of St. Francis. Join a?Local Specialist ?for a tour of the Basilica of St. Francis to view its magnificent frescoes and carvings.
Accommodations: Grand Assisi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 - Admire Pisa and on to La Spezia
We venture to Pisa to visit the Square of Miracles and view the Leaning Tower that bears this city's name. A short drive north takes us to La Spezia, known as the 'Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea'. Tonight is free to explore as you wish.
Accommodations: Firenze & Continentale La Spezia, B&B HOTELS Park Hotel Suisse
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Enjoy Colorful Cinque Terre and Florence
Join a Local Specialist to visit Cinque Terre, a series of centuries-old seaside villages clinging impossibly to rugged cliffs that plunge into the Ligurian Sea. Continue later to Florence, once a vibrant republic under the rule of the dynamic Medici family, whose love for art and antiquities created one of the world's most cultural cities. Tonight perhaps consider dinner in the famed Tuscan Hills.
Accommodations: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Journey to Venice
The magnificent marble Duomo, Santa Croce Basilica, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria feature on your walking tour with a?Local Specialist through Florence's historic streets. Later, journey north to Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic'.
Accommodations: Le Boulevard Lido
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - Cruise the Canals of Venice Make Travel Matter
Embark on an orientation cruise by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square, which Napoleon once called the 'drawing room of Europe'. See the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners would have one last look at their beloved city before facing imprisonment. Next, witness the centuries-old craft of glassblowing. Your unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps keep alive this delicate tradition for which Venice is justifiably famous, and you’ll watch in awe as master craftsmen shape molten glass into the exquisite pieces that adorn homes all over the world.The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore more of the sights or consider an Optional Experience, navigating the city's elegant canals aboard a traditional gondola. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner and toast to shared memories that will linger long after the evening ends.
Accommodations: Le Boulevard Lido
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15 - Farewell Venice
For now, it's a fond?ciao Venezia as you say goodbye to new friends and prepare to depart for your journey home.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Palermo

Agrigento

Taormina

Sorrento

Sorrento is a town of extraordinary beauty and is known as a popular gateway to Italy's most spectacular stretch of coastline - the Amalfi Drive lined with fishing villages and famous resorts. The seaside resort of Amalfi sits with weathered houses scrambling up steep cliffs. Visitors marvel at its location and its magnificent cathedral. The religious sanctuary of Cloister of St. Francis is worth a visit. The tiny, exclusive resort of Positano has its famous world-class hotel, San Pietro. Excavations of the ruined city of Pompeii, which was destroyed in 79 A.D. during the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius, give visitors a vivid impression of life in a very wealthy ancient city and the tragic end of its population. The Isle of Capri ranks as one of the most beautiful islands and has captured visitors for centuries with excellent climate, spectacular landscape and fantastic sea caverns. Capri has lavish villas, elegant hotels, chic boutiques and quaint restaurants. Museo Correale contains a death mask of poet Torquato Tasso and some special editions of his works, pictures, furniture and porcelain.

Excursions

Sorrento: The Ancient City of Pompeii - 6 Hours

Sorrento: The Iconic Amalfi Coast - 6 Hours

Sorrento: Capri Exploration by Private Motorboat – 8 hours

Rome

Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.

Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.

Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.

Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.

Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.

Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.

Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.

Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.

Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:

Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.

The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.

Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.

Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.

St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.

St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.

Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.

Assisi

La Spezia

Florence

Venice

With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.

Excursions

Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours

Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

07/11/2024 - 07/25/2024

from $4,272 per person *

07/25/2024 - 08/08/2024

from $4,246 per person *

08/22/2024 - 09/05/2024

from $5,025 per person *

08/29/2024 - 09/12/2024

from $5,175 per person *

09/05/2024 - 09/19/2024

from $4,399 per person *

09/12/2024 - 09/26/2024

from $5,175 per person *

09/26/2024 - 10/10/2024

from $5,175 per person *

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $4,246 per person

Length

14 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1478099

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

Rio Grande Travel Centers, Inc.

6500 Holly Ave. NE Suite A-2
Albuquerque, NM 87113
USA

(505) 292-7044
(877) 768-7913