~ SICILY & AMALFI COAST ~
18 Days Tour
Embark on your Sicilian adventure in the heart of the Mediterranean, the largest island in the region. Sicily is a captivating blend of history, culture, and culinary traditions. Witness the influences of Byzantine, Greek, Roman, Phoenician, Arab, Jewish, Gothic, and Norman cultures reflected in its art and architecture.
Start your journey with 4 nights in Palermo, the capital city and your strategic base for exploring Sicily's western region. Read more...Immerse yourself in Palermo's rich history by visiting the Palatine Chapel within the Norman Palace, the baroque and Byzantine churches, and the Teatro Massimo, the second largest opera house in Europe. Visit the captivating Greek temple and theater of Segesta and the charming medieval town of Erice, famous for its delectable pastries.
Next, venture to Cefalù for a 2-night stay. En route, make a stop at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, one of the largest and most well-preserved ancient Greek sites outside of Greece. In Cefalù, unwind on the beautiful beach, savor delicious seafood, and explore the nearby towns of Castelbuono and Gangi nestled within the Madonie National Park.
Continue your journey eastward towards Syracuse. Take a break along the way to explore the Villa Romana del Casale, which boasts the largest and most impressive collection of Roman mosaics in the world. Syracuse, your home for the next 3 nights, was once the largest city in the ancient world, even surpassing Athens. Uncover more of Sicily's rich history in the charming towns of Noto, Ragusa, and Modica, the latter renowned for its exquisite chocolate production.
Conclude your Sicilian adventure with a 2-night stay in Castelmola, a picturesque town perched on the mountain above Taormina. For an unforgettable experience, consider ascending the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe's tallest and most active volcano. Sample the unique wines produced from grapes grown on the volcanic slopes as a delicious finale to your trip. ...Read less
After visiting Sicily, continue your journey on the mainland with a night stay in Paestum. You can take a ferry from Messina to Reggio Calabria to see the impressive Riace Bronzes and the Certosa di Padula monastery. Explore the ancient city of Paestum, boasting some of the best-preserved Greek ruins in mainland Italy..
Move on to Amalfi for a 3-night stay. This former maritime republic gave its name to the renowned Amalfi Coast. Read more...Explore charming fishing villages and the cliffside town of Ravello with its breathtaking views. Take a day trip to the famous island of Capri, famous for inspiring the Caprese salad.
Continue with a 2-night stay in Pompeii, the Roman city tragically buried by ash from Mount Vesuvius. Witness ongoing excavations and marvel at the remarkably preserved remains. Explore the nearby Roman towns of Herculaneum and Oplontis, further testaments to the power of Vesuvius. Compare this volcano with the mighty Mount Etna in Sicily.
End your journey in Naples for a final night. Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere and rich history, visiting the town with the largest historic center in Italy and the most important museum of Roman frescoes and artifacts. ...Read less
Tour highlights
- Tour starts in Palermo and ends in Naples.
- Experience a delightful journey and enjoy Italy with the locals!
- Stay in small, charming hotels.
- Our intimate group size (max 6 people*) offers flexibility and efficiency, plus personalized service.
- Travel in a comfortable minivan.
- Choose your favorite dishes and drinks from à la carte menus.
- Prepare authentic Italian dishes in hands-on cooking classes.
- Drink wines from Sicily and Campania regions, including those grown on Etna and Vesuvius lava fields.
- Sample Sicily’s distinct cuisine, a blend of many influences.
- Savor the real buffalo mozzarella, the limoncello from the Amalfi Coast and the world-famous Neapolitan Pizza.
- Enjoy special dinners in amazing settings.
Sightseeing
- Explore stunning baroque cathedrals, medieval hilltop cities, Greek and Roman archaeological sites, Roman and Byzantine mosaics, Mount Etna and Vesuvius active volcanoes, Norman-Arab palaces and chapels, street markets, picturesque fishing villages, and the Amalfi Coast, accompanied by our English-speaking local Italian guides.
- Sicily region: Palermo, Cefalú, Segesta, Castelbuono, Erice, Monreale, Agrigento, Villa del Casale, Noto, Syracuse, Ragusa, Mount Etna, Castelmola and Taormina.
View map. - Calabria region: Reggio Calabria and Riace Bronzes.
- Campania region: Certosa di Padula, Paestum, Amalfi, Capri Island, Atrani, Ravello, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum, Oplontis, and Naples.
View map.
Activities
- Visit the oldest Sicilian chocolate producer and learn about chocolate making based on Aztec methods.
- Visit the workshop of tambourine makers.
- Take part in winery tours and taste renowned wines.
- Participate in hands-on cooking classes*.
- Visit a water buffalo farm and mozzarella producer.
- Learn how paper was made in an ancient medieval papermaking workshop.
- Visit a lemon grove and learn how limoncello is made.