The Jewels of Southern Italy: Rome, Sicily, Calabria & Sorrento
Embrace the charm of Italy's South
Vacation through the enchanting landscapes and renowned landmarks of southern Italy on this guided tour that spans multiple cities. Commence your journey in the historic city of Rome, followed by an overnight ferry ride to the picturesque island of Sicily. Continue your exploration through the region of Calabria, and finally, bask in the coastal beauty of the Sorrentine Peninsula. With the ease of having airfare, transportation, lodging, and guided tours all meticulously arranged, this 9-night expedition offers the Italian getaway you've always envisioned.
This is an escorted tour (max 50 passengers per vehicle) which provides many extra benefits, including:
- Stress-free: Everything is planned – transportation, accommodations, tours/sightseeing, some meals, and more.
- Insider knowledge: Expert tour guides with prime understanding of the area's culture and safest, most convenient travel routes.
- New friends: Group tours are a great way to meet new people with similar interests.
What's Included
- Roundtrip, economy-class airfare to Rome (FCO)
- 9 nights accommodation in Italy, in the following hotels or similar:
- 2 nights in Rome at Hotel Marc'Aurelio
- Overnight ferry from Civitavacchia or Naples to Palermo (Sicily)*
- 2 nights in the Taormina area (Giardini Naxos) at Nike Hotel
- 1 night in the Tropea area at Villaggio Cala di Volpe
- 2 nights in the Sorrento area at Grand Hotel Due Golfi
- 1 night near Rome Airport at Best Western Hotel Rome Airport
- Tours & Tastings
- Half-day Ancient Imperial Rome tour with local guide**
- Half-day Classic Rome tour with local guide
- Full-day Palermo and Cefalù tour (en-route from ferry to Taormina hotel)
- Full-day Etna and Taormina tour
- Gelato tasting in Scilla (en-route from Sicily to Calabria)
- Visit to a buffalo farm in Cilento with mozzarella tasting (en-route from Calabria to Campania)
- Full-day Sorrento & Amalfi Coast tour
- Full-day Pompeii and Naples tour, including entrance to Pompeii excavation site (en-route from Campania to Rome area)
- Transportation, Meals & More
- Transfers to/from Rome Airport (FCO) on arrival and departure
- 8 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- Coach transportation as needed throughout the trip***
- Local English-speaking tour manager at the group's disposal throughout the trip
- Headsets throughout the trip to hear the tour guides clearly
- 24-hour emergency telephone support via the local office in Italy
Not Included:
- Local city taxes (apx. €2-€8 per person, per night and must be paid directly to hotels in destination)
- Porterage at hotels
- Entrance fees/meals other than those mentioned above (Note entry to Vatican Museums, Colosseum, Pantheon, Palatine Chapel and Greco Roman Theatre are not included on the guided tours)
- Gratuity (Suggestions below but note exceptional circumstances may warrant a higher tip)
- €3 per person for local guides on half-day tours, €5 on full-day tours
- €5 per person per day for drivers
- €5 per person per day for Tour Director
*Due to logistical reasons and pending ferry schedules, on Day 3 the group may travel to Palermo from Civitavecchia (apx. 15 hour ferry + 1 hour transfer) or from Naples (apx. 12 hour ferry + 2 hour transfer). This does not affect the itinerary or price in any way. Ferry embarkation will be at apx. 8pm or 9pm.
**Please note for 2024 departures, the Day 2 Rome tour is full-day (apx. 8 hours). For 2025, this is a half-day (apx. 4 hours) tour and passengers have the afternoon free to explore at leisure.
***Passengers are asked to limit themselves to one full-size piece of luggage and one personal item (i.e handbag, small tote bag, camera bag) per person.
Please Note: This is a fully escorted group tour with a maximum of 50 passengers per vehicle. Departures are guaranteed.
Great Ways to Explore
Explore the city of Sorrento, renowned for its world-famous limoncello.
Sample fresh mozzarella during your included tour of a buffalo farm in Cilento!
Immerse yourself in the ancient wonders of Pompeii with your included guided tour.
Savor the exquisite wines and cuisine of Rome.
Discover the wonders of Vatican City and the legendary Colosseum!
Embark on a 9-night guided tour through southern Italy's captivating regions. Begin in Rome, the "Eternal City," to explore iconic treasures like Palatine Hill, the Imperial Palace Complex, and the Colosseum. Delve into Vatican City's sacred highlights before journeying to Sicily.
In Palermo, tour the Palatine Chapel and visit the charming fishing village of Cefalu`. Reunite at your Taormina hotel, with an opportunity to explore Mount Etna's majesty and the Greco-Roman Theatre in scenic Taormina.
Venture to Calabria, pausing for a gelato-tasting in Scilla and savoring buffalo mozzarella in Cilento. Your next stop is the Sorrentine Peninsula, where you can enjoy Piazza Tasso, the renowned Amalfi Coast, and the region's limoncello.
Complete your adventure back in Rome, with captivating detours to Pompeii, Naples, and their historic ruins, including the Forum, temples of Zeus and Apollo, and the striking Mount Vesuvius. Conclude your journey with a farewell dinner in Rome before your departure the next morning.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Roundtrip, economy-class airfare to Rome (FCO)
- 9 nights accommodation in Italy, in the following hotels or similar:
- 2 nights in Rome at Hotel Marc'Aurelio
- Overnight ferry from Civitavacchia or Naples to Palermo (Sicily)*
- 2 nights in the Taormina area (Giardini Naxos) at Nike Hotel
- 1 night in the Tropea area at Villaggio Cala di Volpe
- 2 nights in the Sorrento area at Grand Hotel Due Golfi
- 1 night near Rome Airport at Best Western Hotel Rome Airport
- Tours & Tastings
- Half-day Ancient Imperial Rome tour with local guide**
- Half-day Classic Rome tour with local guide
- Full-day Palermo and Cefalù tour (en-route from ferry to Taormina hotel)
- Full-day Etna and Taormina tour
- Gelato tasting in Scilla (en-route from Sicily to Calabria)
- Visit to a buffalo farm in Cilento with mozzarella tasting (en-route from Calabria to Campania)
- Full-day Sorrento & Amalfi Coast tour
- Full-day Pompeii and Naples tour, including entrance to Pompeii excavation site (en-route from Campania to Rome area)
- Transportation, Meals & More
- Transfers to/from Rome Airport (FCO) on arrival and departure
- 8 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- Coach transportation as needed throughout the trip***
- Local English-speaking tour manager at the group's disposal throughout the trip
- Headsets throughout the trip to hear the tour guides clearly
- 24-hour emergency telephone support via the local office in Italy
Not Included:
- Local city taxes (apx. €2-€8 per person, per night and must be paid directly to hotels in destination)
- Porterage at hotels
- Entrance fees/meals other than those mentioned above (Note entry to Vatican Museums, Colosseum, Pantheon, Palatine Chapel and Greco Roman Theatre are not included on the guided tours)
- Gratuity (Suggestions below but note exceptional circumstances may warrant a higher tip)
- €3 per person for local guides on half-day tours, €5 on full-day tours
- €5 per person per day for drivers
- €5 per person per day for Tour Director
*Due to logistical reasons and pending ferry schedules, on Day 3 the group may travel to Palermo from Civitavecchia (apx. 15 hour ferry + 1 hour transfer) or from Naples (apx. 12 hour ferry + 2 hour transfer). This does not affect the itinerary or price in any way. Ferry embarkation will be at apx. 8pm or 9pm.
**Please note for 2024 departures, the Day 2 Rome tour is full-day (apx. 8 hours). For 2025, this is a half-day (apx. 4 hours) tour and passengers have the afternoon free to explore at leisure.
***Passengers are asked to limit themselves to one full-size piece of luggage and one personal item (i.e handbag, small tote bag, camera bag) per person.
Please Note: This is a fully escorted group tour with a maximum of 50 passengers per vehicle. Departures are guaranteed.
Explore the city of Sorrento, renowned for its world-famous limoncello.
Sample fresh mozzarella during your included tour of a buffalo farm in Cilento!
Immerse yourself in the ancient wonders of Pompeii with your included guided tour.
Savor the exquisite wines and cuisine of Rome.
Discover the wonders of Vatican City and the legendary Colosseum!
Embark on a 9-night guided tour through southern Italy's captivating regions. Begin in Rome, the "Eternal City," to explore iconic treasures like Palatine Hill, the Imperial Palace Complex, and the Colosseum. Delve into Vatican City's sacred highlights before journeying to Sicily.
In Palermo, tour the Palatine Chapel and visit the charming fishing village of Cefalu`. Reunite at your Taormina hotel, with an opportunity to explore Mount Etna's majesty and the Greco-Roman Theatre in scenic Taormina.
Venture to Calabria, pausing for a gelato-tasting in Scilla and savoring buffalo mozzarella in Cilento. Your next stop is the Sorrentine Peninsula, where you can enjoy Piazza Tasso, the renowned Amalfi Coast, and the region's limoncello.
Complete your adventure back in Rome, with captivating detours to Pompeii, Naples, and their historic ruins, including the Forum, temples of Zeus and Apollo, and the striking Mount Vesuvius. Conclude your journey with a farewell dinner in Rome before your departure the next morning.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
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Day 1. Welcome to Rome!
Arrive in Rome, Italy! Collect your luggage and hop on your transfer to the hotel. After settling into your room, venture out to discover Rome's charms. In the evening, indulge in an authentic meal at one of the nearby restaurants.
Transfer from Rome Airport to hotel
Check-in - Hotel Marc'Aurelio
Hotel Marc 'Aurelio is a 4-star hotel offering sophistication and refinement at the core of the Eternal City. The front desk is available 24-hours to accommodate guests' needs around the clock, and there is a continental buffet breakfast served daily. Guests can unwind after a long day of exploring at the on-site bar and sip cocktails in the beauty of the hotel's garden. The hotel also offers free, on-site parking.Â
Guest rooms are spacious and cozy, sporting modern décor. Amenities include air-conditioning, a private bathroom, a hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi. Additionally, there is a TV in the rooms, an in-room safe, and a minibar.Â
The Cornelia Metro Station is a convenient 10-minute walk from the hotel. Historical sites such as the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Square, and Castel Sant'Angelo are all within an 18-minute drive from the hotel. Additionally, Fiumicino Airport is closest to this hotel.
Day 2. Rome
Begin your first day in Rome with a captivating half-day Ancient Imperial Rome Tour*, included in your itinerary. This tour will transport you back to the glorious days of the Roman Empire. Your journey into antiquity commences on Capitoline Hill, where you'll receive a comprehensive introduction before getting an up-close look at the remnants of the illustrious Roman era. Ascend Palatine Hill to marvel at the ruins of the Imperial Palace complex. Next comes a view of the iconic Colosseum,
before returning to the Piazza Venezia at the foot of Capitoline Hill. Â
This afternoon you are free to explore Rome at your leisure. You may want to explore Vatican City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to St. Peter’s Basilica.
A Tip For Your Trip: *Please note for 2024 departures, the Day 2 Rome tour is full-day (apx. 8 hours). For 2025, this is a half-day (apx. 4 hours) tour and passengers have the afternoon free to explore at leisure. Please note entrance to Vatican Museums and the Colosseum is not included in the tour today. You may wish to book your own entry prior to departure for Day 1 or the afternoon of Day 2.
Day 3. Rome and overnight ferry to Sicily
Following a satisfying breakfast set off towards the city center for a 3-hour walking tour of the Dolce Vita highlights: the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon. After the tour, relish a leisurely and light lunch before resuming your afternoon exploration with your well-informed guide.
In the late afternoon, proceed to Civitavecchia or Naples port to embark on the overnight ferry voyage to Palermo, Sicily.
A Tip For Your Trip: Due to logistical reasons and pending ferry schedules, on Day 3 the group may travel to Palermo from Civitavecchia (apx. 15 hour ferry + 1 hour transfer) or from Naples (apx. 12 hour ferry + 2 hour transfer). This does not affect the itinerary or price in any way. Ferry embarkation will be at apx. 8pm or 9pm.
Overnight ferry to Palermo
Day 4. Sicily
Upon your morning arrival in Palermo via ferry, the largest city and capital of Sicily, embark on your exploration of this vibrant urban center. Palermo's rich history reflects influences from Latin, Byzantine, and Islamic cultures, and the highlight of your visit is the awe-inspiring Palatine Chapel. Inside this extraordinary structure adorned with intricate Byzantine mosaics, you'll experience a seamless fusion of all three cultural elements.
Your next destination is the ancient fishing village of Cefalù. This charming town is celebrated not only for its picturesque beaches but also for its exceptionally preserved architectural gems dating back to the Arabic-Norman period. To reach the magnificent 12th-century cathedral, wander through the narrow alleys of the historic district. After a full day immersed in Sicilian culture, proceed to your hotel in the vicinity of Taormina.
Check-in - Hotel Nike
Hotel Nike is a charming haven, designed with a genuine Mediterranean aesthetic, nestled within a picturesque bay near Naxos. The hotel's front desk is available 24-hours, and the on-site restaurant serves authentic Sicilian cuisine starting from lunchtime. The hotel features a bar, as well as a private beach area where guests can soak in the sun. Spa services are also available.Â
Guest rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with a shower and hairdryer. Breakfast in the room is available. Other amenities include a TV, desk, wake-up service, and free Wi-Fi.
Day 5. Sicily
Today's adventure takes you to explore the charming town of Taormina and Europe's tallest active volcano, Mount Etna. Revel in the splendor of this natural marvel as you stroll beside the Silvestri craters and the lava flows from the eruptions of 1983 and 2001, all at an elevation of 1,900 meters.
In the afternoon, you'll be transported to Taormina, a town embraced by the striking juxtaposition of rocky cliffs, lush gardens, and the azure sea. Taormina's crowning jewel is the Greco-Roman Theatre, renowned for offering breathtaking vistas across the bay and towards the imposing Mount Etna.
Day 6. Sicily - Calabria
After enjoying a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, commence your mainland expedition aboard a private coach. While en route to Calabria, your driver will organize a lunch break.
Don't forget to save room for dessert because your next stop is Scilla, where you'll indulge in a delightful gelato tasting. Upon arrival at the hotel near Tropea, complete your check-in and get comfortable in your lodgings. Tonight, anticipate an inclusive dinner at the hotel.
Check-in - Villaggio Cala di Volpe
Villaggio Cala di Volpe is a 4-star resort surrounded by a beautiful, tropical garden. The resort features a pool and private beach, along with a wellness area where guests can indulge in spa services such as a massage, or relax in the sauna. There are 2 restaurants - one serving modern Mediterranean cuisine with a view of the sea, the other, an alfresco Live Cooking Show dating back to ancient traditions. There is also a bar alongside the pool where guests can enjoy cocktails, ice cream and more.Â
Guest rooms are comfortable and elegant. Some have a view of the sea, while others have views of the stunning tropical garden. Amenities include air-conditioning, a private bathroom, hairdryer, in-room safe, desk, and television. Additionally, there is free Wi-Fi and room service is available.Â
Day 7. Calabria - Sorrento
As you journey to the next region, Campania, make a pit stop to visit a buffalo farm. Here, you'll partake in a guided tour and have the chance to savor their famous mozzarella.
Check-in - Grand Hotel Due Golfi
The Grand Hotel Due Golfi is a 4-star luxury hotel surrounded by lush green gardens and incredible views. The hotel boasts two restaurants serving delicious pasta dishes and more. Additionally, guests can enjoy a daily continental breakfast and a poolside bar, ideal for enjoying cocktails under the sun.
Guests rooms are spacious and all have a private balcony with a view of the sea or the hotel's stunning gardens. Amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, coffee maker, TV, in-room safe, and a hair dryer.Â
Naples International Airport is closest to the hotel. Fiordo di Crapolla Beach and Monumento Due Golfi are both within a 7-minute drive from the hotel, while it takes 17-minutes via car to get to the historic Valley Il Vallone dei Mulini.
Day 8. Sorrento
Begin your day with an early breakfast before commencing your Sorrento tour, a cherished gem in the region. Sorrento is renowned for its charming antique shops and the picturesque Piazza Tasso, its main square. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this quintessential Southern Italian town as you inhale the refreshing sea breeze.
After your exploration of Sorrento, step aboard your coach for a scenic voyage along the stunning Amalfi Coast, where breathtaking views await. Along the route, there will be opportunities to capture unforgettable photographs and enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Day 9. Sorrento - Rome
Following a delightful breakfast, complete your check-out and embark on a coach journey to explore Campania's treasures, featuring two essential destinations: Pompeii and Naples.
Pompeii, the ancient city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, awaits your exploration. Amidst a scenic backdrop, these extensive ruins provide a mesmerizing window into the days of the Roman Empire. On your guided tour, you'll have the chance to admire the forum, the temples of Zeus and Apollo, ancient shops, and even the intriguing brothel adorned with captivating paintings.
Situated just a quick 5-minute drive from Fiumicino Airport, the Best Western Hotel Rome Airport offers a range of amenities including a fitness center, pool, a well-equipped business center, and versatile meeting spaces. This 4-star hotel also boasts contemporary air-conditioned rooms, each equipped with an LCD TV and a selection of satellite channels. The hotel's restaurant delights guests with delectable Italian dishes, while the bar serves a variety of beverages.Â
Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property. Each room is furnished with a kettle and a private bathroom complete with a hairdryer. Located in Fiumicino, The Best Western Rome Airport is conveniently just a 15-minute drive from Lido Ostia Beach and just 30 minutes from the heart of Rome. Convenient shuttle services are offered to the airport, convention center, city center, and Civitavecchia harbor.
Hotel Isola Sacra Rome is a beautiful 4-star hotel surrounded by lush gardens. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool where guests can relax on a sunbed with a cocktail, or wander the hotel gardens. There is also an award winning restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including gluten free options.Â
Guest rooms are bright and spacious with a private bathroom. Amenities include a bidet, towels, a hair dryer, a minibar, an in-room safe, desk, alarm clock, and air-conditioning. Additionally, wake-up service and room service are available.Â
Nearby attractions include Ostia Lido Beach, Ostia Antica Archaeological Site, and The Village Parco de' Medici, which are all within a 20-minute drive from the hotel.Â
Day 10. Depart Italy
Complete your check-out from your accommodation and hop onto your airport transfer for your journey back home. Farewell for now, Italy!