Italy group tour including Sicily, Amalfi Coast, Capri Island and Rome

On the day of your arrival, you will arrange your own transfer to the hotel in the charming town of Catania in Sicily (optional private transfer available upon request).

In the evening, you will meet the tour leader and your fellow companions for a short meeting. This is the perfect occasion to get acquainted with your fellow travel companions for the next days.

Accommodation at the hotel in Catania.

After breakfast, you will visit Etna, the highest volcano in Europe (about 3350 m) and one of the largest and most active in the world, between the cities of Messina and Catania, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will reach the “Crateri Silvestri”, small volcanic cones now inactive, surrounded by ancient flows of lava. You will visit a beekeeping company later this day, where you will see the honey extraction lab, taste homemade honey and typical local products.

You will then proceed to Taormina, a charming town on the east coast of the island of Sicily, renowned for its magnificent location above the sea with an amazing view of Etna. Lunch will be served in a typical restaurant where you will also attend a cooking class on some typical Sicilian dishes. In the afternoon, you will visit the fascinating Greek theater of Taormina and then you will have free time to walk through the more picturesque medieval narrow streets, go shopping and see the local crafts (coral jewels, precious laces, ceramics, sweets and much more).

The day will end with an overview of the beautiful Riviera of the Cyclops (Riviera dei Ciclopi), a mythical and legendary stretch of coastline north of Catania leading from Aci Castello to Acireale. The bizarre Cyclops islands in front of Aci Trezza have one of the most well known mythical stories, that comes from Homer’s book ‘Odyssey’ and tells the story of Ulysses and the one eyed Cyclops, Polyphemus.

Dinner and accommodation at the hotel in Catania.

In the morning, you will visit Catania, the second largest city of Sicily after Palermo, the old town of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its original Baroque style and its unique streets built with black lava stone. The guided tour starts from the "pescheria" (the ancient fish market) to reach the picturesque Duomo square with its magnificent cathedral and the famous statue of "Liotru," antique lava-stone elephant, symbol of the city. Not far from here, you will reach University Square and you will have a walk along the splendid baroque Via dei Crociferi, where you will admire the famous S. Benedict Monastery, Unesco World Heritage Site. Before continuing along the precious city center, you will make a stop at a historic bar in the city in order to taste the typical “granita and brioche”.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a delicious light lunch.

After lunch, you will be more transferred to Cefalù, charming medieval town situated on the northern coast of Sicily. You will visit the amazing Norman Dome and have free time to walk through the city or visit the famous Mandralisca Museum.

You will proceed to Palermo for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation at the hotel in Palermo.

After breakfast, you will spend the morning in Monreale. Here, you will see the huge Norman Cathedral, proclaimed the 8th Wonder of the World, and its splendid Cloister in Arab-Norman style: admirable masterpiece of art, sculpture, and semi-precious stones marquetry. It is one of the nine structures included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale.

Then, you will have a stop in Palermo, that is the cultural, economic and tourism capital of Sicily. While the Baroque predominates in Palermo, there is a profusion of different architectural styles reflecting the city’s multicultural past: Punic walls, Art Nouveau villas, noble residences, 17th century squares, including an elegant opera house. During the guided tour you will visit the wonderful Arab-Norman Cathedral, the astonishing Martorana Church and the amazing Palatine more Chapel included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site mentioned above. In Palermo, you will also enjoy tasting local Sicilian street food. Next, you will stop for a food surprise at a local bakery and will have free time for lunch. The walk will continue after lunch, and you will have the opportunity to admire the Teatro Massimo and the debated fountain in Pretoria Square.

Accommodation at the hotel in Palermo.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have free time to discover the beauties of Palermo. According to the flights scheduled for this day, you will depart to Rome and be transferred to the hotel.

Free dinner and accommodation at the hotel in Rome.

After breakfast, you will depart to Naples. The city center is a mix of overlapping architectural styles, enclosed in about 2800 years of history stated Unesco World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, you will have a walk in the historical centre to admire Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace, Piazza del Municipio, the Gallery of Umberto I and San Carlo Opera House.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a group lunch with beverages included.

After lunch, you will visit Pompeii excavations, UNESCO listed ruins. This ancient Roman city was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which buried and preserved it under a sea of volcanic ash for almost 1700 years. At the end of the tour, you may be given the opportunity to visit a coral and cameo factory, to admire items manufactured with a technique dating back to Ancient Greek times.

You will proceed to Sorrento for dinner and more overnight.

Today’s Amalfi Coast and Sicily Tour brings you from Sorrento to the island of Capri, home of the “Dolce Vita” and international VIP, as known as the “World living room”. You will board the ferry boat and arrive at Marina Grande. Once on the island, you will visit the Blue Grotto or the Grotta Azzurra (if the weather allows) that is a sea cave on the coast of the island named after the blue reflection created by the sunlight passing through the underwater cavity that illuminates the cavern. The Blue Grotto is 60 m long, 25 m wide and about 150 m deep. In order to enter the grotto you will have to board one of the waiting rowboats, which are small enough to pass through the cave’s mouth.

Next stop will be at the famous Piazzetta. A minibus will take you up to Anacapri, the second town of the island, where you will have lunch. In the afternoon, you will go back to Marina Grande to more board the ferry boat to Sorrento.

Accommodation at the hotel in Sorrento.

In the morning, you will depart towards Amalfi to discover the stunning Amalfi Coast, UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have free time in the picturesque village of Positano. The village features a mild climate and beautiful views - including the famous Belvedere. This is why Positano has been considered a summer holiday location since the Roman Empire. You will have time to walk through the narrow streets of the downtown and go shopping in the typical shops. Alternatively, you can lie on the beach or visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. After leaving Positano, you will reach Amalfi and have free time to enjoy on your own.

Free dinner and accommodation at the hotel in Amalfi.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have a free day for visiting Amalfi on your own. Founded by the Romans, it gives its name to the famous Coast and it is popular for being one of the four Italian Maritime Republics. Its historical center is with good reason considered an outdoor museum, and preserves, almost intact, architectural and urban digs from its rich past. You can also visit the picturesque city of Ravello, with the beautiful Villa Ruffolo and the magnificent gardens of Villa Cimbrone, or you can decide to spend the day on the beach.

Free dinner and accommodation at the hotel in Amalfi.

This day you will have a free morning. You will be transferred to Pompeii where you will join the bus in order to return to Rome.

Free dinner and accommodation at the hotel in Rome.

On departure day, you will arrange your own transfer from the hotel to the airport. If your flight is in the afternoon, you can enjoy the morning on your own.