ADVENTURES WITH SHANNON AND MARIO
Day 2 Arrive in Rome
Benvenuti a Roma. The Eternal City welcomes all visitors. Upon arrival in Rome you will transfer to your hotel. Then you have some time to get your legs back with a stroll around the “Eternal City.” Get ready for its majesty, beauty, and history. This evening you’ll meet your tour director who will be your Italy tour escort from Rome through southern Italy and Sicily. This evening you’ll be welcomed to Italy and Rome with an authentic Roman dinner with local wines while enjoying the company among like-minded travelers. (Dinner)
DAY 3 – Guided Tour of Castel Gandolfo
Visit the Papal Palace Castel Gandolfo, former summer residence of the popes and since October 2016 a museum that is open to the public. Also visit the magnificent Barberini Gardens, where ruins of the residence of Roman Emperor Domitian are still visible. Then, continue south on the Highway of the Sun, to your hotel in Stabiae in Southern Italy. (Breakfast)
DAY 4 – Sorrento to Capri Tour
Today you’ll cross the Bay of Naples to the world famous jetsetters paradise Capri. A fabulous beach side resort since the Ancient Greeks and Roman Emperors build their summer homes on this lovely island. Upon arrival in the port you’ll take the funicular up the rock to the charming pizza to begin your tour of this picturesque village. After your guided tour you’ll also have free time to stroll around the shops and quaint alley ways. After your day in Capri you’ll return to your hotel for a free evening. (Breakfast)
DAY 5 – Pompeii Tour
Pompeii is located across the Bay of Naples from Naples, and a few miles from Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. It was covered in ash when the volcano Mt Vesuvius exploded 2000 years ago. Today Pompeii provides a picture of life during the ancient Roman period. During your guided tour of Pompeii you’ll visit the patrician homes, public baths, and commercial districts that were simultaneously destroyed and preserved by the volcanic ash. After your tour of Pompeii you have an afternoon free. You may also join an optional tour to the Amalfi Coast. (Breakfast)
Day 6 – Naples Tour
Today we journey around the Bay of Naples to the vibrant city of Naples. Naples is the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. Since the ancient Greeks inhabited the area during the Magna Grecia, to the ancient Romans, and through successive invaders, Naples is layer upon layer of history. After you’ll continue on to Bari. (Breakfast)
DAY 7 – Southern Italy tour continues to Lecce and Alberobello
Today your southern Italy tour continues when you follow your Local Guide for a pleasant walk through BARI VECCHIA, the city’s oldest district. Next is Lecce, where your guided walking tour reveals why Lecce is called the “Florence of the South.” Admire its baroque buildings and squares, and taste pasticciotto with almond-flavored iced coffee. Continue to Alberobello.. (Breakfast & Dinner)
DAY 8 – Alberobello
In the morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of the town, and visit one of its unique trulli—whitewashed, stone, circular houses with pinnacled, conical roofs. Balance of the day is at leisure. You may wish to join an optional dinner at a traditional Apulian agriturismo. (Breakfast)
DAY 9 – Southern Italy Tour of Sassi Matera in Basilicata and Calabria
Stop in Matera, and enjoy a panoramic view of the picturesque Sassi houses. Afterwards, enjoy a spectacular drive south along the Gulf of Taranto and stop in Scilla, called the “Venice of Calabria.” Leaving the coast, arrive in Reggio Calabria and enjoy a guided visit of the museum that houses the world-famous bronze warrior sculptures, Bronzi di Riace. (Breakfast & Dinner)
DAY 10 – Sicily tour to Taormina
This morning the Southern Italy tour continues by ferry across the Strait of Messina to the beautiful island of Sicily. Sicily’s location in the Mediterranean made it the melting pot of the Mediterranean world: Carthaginians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Saracens, Normans, French, and Spanish all left their marks and contributed to Sicily’s culture and heritage. From Messina your Sicily tour travels to Taormina. This 4000 year old resort town is located on hilltop town overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mt Vesuvius. The ancient Greek’s amphitetheater located here is one of the best preserved from the Magna Grecia period. Upon arrival you’ll have tome to stroll around this charming town and shop along Corso Umberto I. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste local specialties, like the Sicilian Granita (a treat similar to sorbet). (Breakfast)
DAY 11 and 12 – Taormina Area. Excursion to Syracuse and Mt Etna
Here you have two days to just relax in this beautiful resort or choose from our exciting optional excursions: to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, and to the fascinating archaeological site of Syracuse, birthplace of mathematician Archimedes and once a powerful Greek port whose fleet was feared throughout the Mediterranean. On Tuesday evening, an included dinner with wine at a local restaurant with breathtaking sea view has been organized. On Wednesday evening, enjoy an included dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner daily)
DAY 13 – Sicily Tour from Taormina to the Valley of the Temples and Palermo
Today you’ll travel around the island of Sicily from Taormina to Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples. There you’ll tour one of the finest ancient Greek archaeology sites in the world. The massive Temples have stood here for 2500 years. You’ll also visit the Dorian Temples and Acropolis at Selinunte. This site with its vast sea views is a favorite Sicily tour destination. Later this afternoon you’ll arrive in Sicily’s capital Palermo.
DAY 14 – Palermo and Monreale Escorted Tours
This morning your local expert tour guide will escort you around Palermo’s sightseeing highlights. Your Palermo escorted tour includes the Palermo Cathedral, Piazza Bellini, and the Arab-Norman Palatine Chapel in Palermo’s Royal Palace. After touring Palermo your Sicily tour will continue to Monreale. There you will visit the Norman Cathedral, famous for its byzantine mosaics. This afternoon visit a local farm and meet the casaro to see how he prepares a fresh ricotta. Then, enjoy your exclusive farewell dinner with local specialties and wine, the perfect way to celebrate your Italian vacation. (Breakfast, Dinner)