10 Day Italy & Sicily Premium Small Group Tour

Welcome to Rome! Upon arrival, please make your own way to your hotel. For added convenience, private transfers are available to pre-book. This evening, we invite you to attend a welcome meeting at approximately 6:30pm—an opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and get an overview of the journey ahead. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at your leisure and perhaps begin exploring the Eternal City's charming streets and vibrant culinary scene. Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before we leave the bustling capital of Rome for Southern Italy. We head to Pompeii, arguably the most famous archeological site of the Roman era. While there are some exemplary remains of the Roman Empire left behind, Pompeii is unique in that almost a whole town has been preserved, rather than a standalone villa or temple, but at the cost of tragic circumstances. In AD79, nearby Mount Vesuvius, had a major eruption completely destroying surrounding towns and cities in metres of volcanic ash, wiping Pompeii off the map. But while Pompeii ceased to exist, the volcanic ash that now blanketed the town acted as a preservation for the city. What remains is a striking insight into the daily life and social structure of the Roman Empire. You will enjoy a guided tour through the ancient ruins, which includes an amphitheatre, intact frescoes and probably the world's oldest take-away restaurant. Following the tour, we will indulge in a wine tasting and lunch at Cantine del Vesuvio, situated on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. This visit promises both pleasure and discovery, including a tour of the cellars to understand the unique production methods of Lacryma Christi Vesuvian wines, a stroll through the vineyard and gardens, and lunch set against a panoramic backdrop. Concluding the meal, we drive to the still-active Vesuvius, reaching an elevation of 1277 metres. From 1000 metres above sea level, we embark on a short hike to the crater's rim, where smoking solfataras on the steep slopes of the 200-metre-deep crater create an impressive spectacle. Afterwards, we proceed to nearby Torre Del Greco, on the outskirts of Naples, where we will spend the next two nights. Dinner in the hotel. Please note: Depending on your departure date the order of the itinerary on this day might slightly change. Valid ID is required for entry to Pompeii. Please ensure you have it accessible for this day.

We leave the Italian mainland behind and set course for one of its renowned islands, Capri. This island is a true gem, boasting breathtaking beauty at every turn. Capri's allure dates back to Roman times, with Tiberius himself constructing a remarkable 12 villas on the island, designating it as his primary residence. In the present day, Capri has become synonymous with luxury, attracting the elite with its opulent hotels and streets adorned with high-end designer boutiques. During today's excursion, you'll have the opportunity to embark on a day trip, including the chance to visit to the Blue Grotto (optional) and a tour of Villa San Michele, one of Capri's most exquisite residences. We return to Torre Del Greco in the early evening, where you can enjoy an overnight stay and dinner at the hotel.

This morning, we embark on a journey to Naples, often described as the 'true Italy.' As a major cosmopolitan hub in Southern Italy, Naples stands out, particularly for its culinary delights. Whether you're savoring a meal at a charming curbside café or indulging in the offerings of high-end restaurants, Naples is hailed as the capital of Italian cuisine, boasting some of the finest food and wine in Europe. Naples invites us to delve into its rich history, featuring two royal palaces, three castles, and ancient ruins that will captivate us throughout our tour. Today, we'll have the opportunity to relish fantastic local cuisine during lunch at a nearby restaurant and enjoy some leisure time for exploration. Later, we'll board an overnight ferry for the next leg of our journey, venturing towards the enchanting island of Sicily.Special information:The cabin category allocated on the ferry is an internal double cabin: cosy upper deck cabin, equipped with two single or double beds, with or without porthole, ensuite facilities, bedside table with a lamp, international plugs, laundry and bathroom supplies. External cabin with sea view can be requested (subject to availability). Please note the ferry transfer is unescorted.

The charming island of Sicily is strategically nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Its shores bear witness to the passage of major civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. Today, the island encapsulates a rich tapestry of its intricate historical legacy, making it one of the most captivating destinations in Europe. Our journey brings us to Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily. Upon checking in, you'll have the entire day and evening to discover the city at your own pace.

Time to escape the hustle of the capital and immerse ourselves in the authentic beauty of Sicily. Our journey takes us to Agrigento, renowned for its iconic Greek temples, with delightful stops along the way to explore some Sicilian gems. First on the list is the medieval village of Erice, perched atop a hill, adorned with striking medieval fortifications. Wander through its narrow cobblestone streets before we continue our journey to the coastal town of Marsala. Our final destination is Agrigento, a picturesque city nestled on a hilltop with a profound historical legacy. The highlight of our visit is the Valley of the Temples, home to one of the world's best-preserved Greek Doric temples—the Temple of Concordia. We'll marvel at these magnificent structures before relishing dinner at our hotel and spending the night in the charming town of Agrigento.

We bid farewell to the southern part of the island and set our course toward the enchanting east coast, reaching the picturesque seaside village of Taormina. Along our journey, we make a captivating stop at Piazza Armerina. Piazza Armerina is home to the renowned Villa Romana del Casale, constructed in the 4th century AD as a hunting lodge. This villa boasts some of the best-preserved and extensive examples of Roman mosaics. Our visit to the villa precedes our onward journey to the hotel, conveniently situated near Taormina, in the beachside town of Giardini di Naxos.

After breakfast, we'll set off on a scenic drive through the hills north of Taormina to explore the picturesque villages of Savoca and Forza D'Agrò. Perched high above the coast, these traditional Sicilian towns are rich in charm, with winding stone streets, historic churches, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and Ionian Sea. You'll have time to wander at your own pace, take in the peaceful atmosphere, and admire the architecture and panoramic vistas that make these villages such a hidden gem. After the visit, we'll return to Taormina in time for lunch. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

After breakfast, we farewell the beautiful town of Taormina and begin our journey inland to one of Sicily's most iconic natural landmarks—Mount Etna. Towering over the island and boasting more than 400 craters, Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe and is in a constant state of gentle activity. We'll travel by coach up to 1,900 metres, where panoramic views stretch across the Sicilian landscape. Here, we'll pause for a coffee break and take in the crisp mountain air before setting out on a relaxed walk to explore the lateral craters—offering a firsthand look at the raw power and geological history of the volcano. After our Etna adventure, enjoy some time for lunch at leisure before continuing to Catania, a vibrant city nestled at the foot of the volcano. On arrival, we check in to our hotel and unwind before heading out on a guided walking tour through the city's historic heart. Discover Catania's striking baroque architecture, lively piazzas, and rich heritage shaped by centuries of eruptions and resilience. The evening is yours to enjoy with dinner at leisure.

Today your tour concludes upon checking out of your hotel. We hope you've enjoyed this extraordinary journey. At the appropriate time, make your way to the airport for your onward arrangements.Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.