Collette > Southern Italy and Sicily

Southern Italy and Sicily
11 Days starting from $1,999

Countries Visited:
Italy

 

Length: 11 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Europe Tour
Operator: Collette
Tour Code: 3336
   
 
About This Tour


Glorious art, classic Greek and Roman antiquities and ruins, centuries-old hilltop villages, fine wine, and great Italian food are all part of this 12-day journey exploring both the well-known and hidden treasures of Southern Italy and Sicily. Following a two-night stay in Rome, see the 2,000-year-old city of Pompeii that was frozen in time by a volcanic eruption. Your vacation highlights include southern Italy's breathtaking Amalfi Coast, Naples, Sorrento, the Calabria region, the gardens of Taormina, Mt. Etna Volcano National Park, Agrigento, and the Valley of the Temples. Your journey ends in Palermo, with its lovely squares and an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Sip Sicily's famous sweet, dark wine during a wine-tasting and tour of a local Marsala winery. Amid soft, cooling ocean breezes and almond trees, explore the ruins of ancient temples dedicated to Zeus and other mythological Greek gods and goddesses in the Valley of the Temples in the coastal city of Agrigento - one of the most important archeological sites in the world. Stories of ancient Roman life are told in the impressive collection of Roman mosaics at the Villa Casale while a local expert interprets Palermo's mix of Moorish, Norman and Spanish architecture. You'll enjoy six nights on the island of Sicily - known as the crossroads of civilization.
 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • Additional Details

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
9 Breakfast(s), 6 Dinner(s)

Hotel Accommodations:
Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

PALERMOGrand Hotel et des Palmes
AGRIGENTOJolly Hotel Della Valle
GIARDINI NAXOSHotel Russott or Giardino dei Greci
CETARAHotel Reginna Palace, Maiori or Hotel Cetus
ROMEHotel Qurinale
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling.
Sightseeing
Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach
Day 1
Overnight Flight
Join Collette Vacations in exploring the hidden treasures of southern Italy and Sicily. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, historic cities, centuries old hilltop villages, and wonderful cuisine. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Palermo.

Day 2
Palermo, Sicily - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Sicilian cuisine.

Day 3
Palermo - Monreale - Agrigento
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. A Palermo cultural tour features the lovely squares of Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria and Piazza Bellini. Note the exotic mixture of Moorish, Norman and Spanish Baroque styles that make this city special. You also see the Palace of the Normans, La Martorana Church, and the Cathedral, which houses the Imperial Crown of Constance of Aragon in its treasury. In the nearby town of Monreale, visit the 12th century Cathedral with its dazzling interior of multicolored marbles, paintings, mosaics and cloisters. Depart Palermo for Agrigento later this afternoon.

Day 4
Agrigento
Learn about ancient Greek cultures when you visit the Archeological Museum, known for its extensive collection of Greek vases and mosaics. Then, proceed to the stunning Valley of the Temples, one of the most important archeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From ancient times to the present day, the Valley of the Temples’ ruins, landscape flora and colors have inspired poets, writers and painters. Here, get an up-close view of the temples of Hercules, June, Dioscuris, Vulcan and Olympian Zeus.

Day 5
Agrigento - Piazza Armerina - Giardini Naxos
Depart Agrigento today and travel to the central part of Sicily, arriving in the town of Piazza Armerina. Here you pay homage to the Roman past at Villa Casale, which houses one of the most incredible collections of ancient mosaics in the world. Later, visit Mt. Etna Volcano National Park to see the spectacular landscapes sculpted by nature. Arrive in Giardini Naxos, the “garden of Sicily” and your home for the next two nights.

Day 6
Giardini Naxos - Taormina - Giardini Naxos
This morning you visit beautiful Taormina, known for its charming atmosphere, significant monuments and flowering gardens. Enjoy viewing the Greek Temples, Corso Umberto and the bountiful public gardens. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to further explore this delightful town.

Day 7
Giardini Naxos - Amalfi Coast
Today, travel to Messina where you will take a short ferry to Villa San Giovanni on the mainland of Italy. Travel northward through the beautiful and unspoiled region of Calabria and into Campania, arriving later this afternoon on the Amalfi Coast.

Day 8
Amalfi Coast – Pompeii - Sorrento - Amalfi Coast
Experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Soak in the history of the preserved original buildings of a typical Roman town 2,000 years ago. The forms of people who died in Pompeii are evident and cast an insight into how they lived. Next, explore the popular seaside resort town of Sorrento. Visit local artisans and watch them demonstrate the art of inlaid wood making.

Day 9
Amalfi Coast - Capri - Amalfi Coast
Today, delight in a boat trip* (weather permitting) to the wonderful Mediterranean island of Capri. Enjoy free time to explore the town of Capri, shop its elegant designer shops, or sip a coffee in the Piazza and watch the world go by.

Day 10
Amalfi Coast - Avellino - Rome
Today depart the Amalfi Coast and travel to the small town of Avellino to visit the Sanctuary of St. Philomena. Next, travel to the capital city of Rome, “The Eternal City.”

Day 11
Rome
Begin your day in Vatican City by soaking in the unique experience of being at the Papal Audience. Then embark on a tour of Classical Rome that features such incredible sights as the Piazza Venezia, the Pantheon, the Piazza Navona, the Circus Maximus, and the Colosseum.

Day 12
Rome
This morning enjoy a tour of the “Magnificent Treasures of the Vatican Museums.” Then, have the remainder of the day at leisure in Rome. Perhaps you will visit some of the many museums, and churches, or just relax and enjoy the captivating ambiance of Rome. Tonight you will celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Day 13
Rome - Depart for Home
Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
9/11/2008 - 9/21/2008
$2,149
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9/18/2008 - 9/28/2008
$2,149
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10/4/2008 - 10/14/2008
$2,149
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10/9/2008 - 10/19/2008
$2,149
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10/16/2008 - 10/26/2008
$2,149
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10/23/2008 - 11/2/2008
$2,149
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10/30/2008 - 11/9/2008
$2,149
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11/8/2008 - 11/18/2008
$2,099
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3/5/2009 - 3/15/2009
$1,999
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4/16/2009 - 4/26/2009
$2,049
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4/18/2009 - 4/28/2009
$2,049
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4/23/2009 - 5/3/2009
$2,049
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Package Notes:
Many activities in this itinerary include walking on uneven terrain, or require significant walking at times. Some of the unique experiences, such as visiting historical areas, means accessing locations by foot because motorcoaches are restricted. If you require a walker or wheelchair, or have difficulty walking, you may not be able to access some of these areas and may want to consider an alternate vacation. Our travel counselors can provide additional information or assistance to help you determine the perfect trip for you.
Vatican Museums are not available Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
If you have not purchased air through Collette and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.
Included Breakfasts are Buffet Breakfasts.
Enjoy exploring the beautiful island of Sicily, the crossroads of civilization.

Ancient Greek culture comes to life during a guided tour of the Agrigento's Valley of the Temples.

Spend a day exploring the jewel of Sicily, the historic hill top town of Taormina.

Stay two nights on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, where the Mediterranean Sea and mountains meet.

History comes alive during a guided visit to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.

Rome sightseeing includes the Roman Forum, the Vatican and the famous Colosseum.

Language Discovery: Your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language you will experience on your tour. Learn key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the local people you meet.

Visit the Cathedral in Monreale

visit te Greek Archeological Museum in Agrigento.

Visit Mt. Etna National Park

Package Notes:
Many activities in this itinerary include walking on uneven terrain, or require significant walking at times. Some of the unique experiences, such as visiting historical areas, means accessing locations by foot because motorcoaches are restricted. If you require a walker or wheelchair, or have difficulty walking, you may not be able to access some of these areas and may want to consider an alternate vacation. Our travel counselors can provide additional information or assistance to help you determine the perfect trip for you.
Vatican Museums are not available Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
If you have not purchased air through Collette and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.
Included Breakfasts are Buffet Breakfasts.
   
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