South Italy

Check-in at Los Angeles Airport. Depart for Naples, Italy.

Late afternoon arrival in Naples. hotel check-in and Dinner (D).

After breakfast, transfer to the pier and depart by hydrofoil to Capri. The isle of Capri is described in many ways; the Blue Island; the Sleeping Beauty, or better, the Island of Love. Due to its beauty, Emperor Tiberius lived on this island for 10 years, ruling the Roman Empire. Take a panoramic tour of the island with a local guide, including a visit to the wonderful Marina Piccola; the salto di Tiberio; the “heart” of Capri, Piazza Umberto I, a small, closed off square resembling a courtyard; the gardens of Augusto, built on the ruins of ancient Roman structures. Return this afternoon. Dinner and overnight. (B/D)

After breakfast, enjoy a guided visit to one of the most important and interesting archaeological museums in the world. This famous ancient city was buried by the ashes of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79. Visit the famous Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary and learn about the life of the Blessed Bartolo Longo, who built the shrine and dedicated his life to serving orphans and preparing them for careers. Continue to Naples. On arrival begin our tour of the historic center of Naples. The tour begins with the story of San Genaro in the Naples Cathedral. The blood of the city’s patron saint is said to re-liquefy at certain times of the year: an important event for Naeopolitans. We’ll also visit the works of art held in the Santa Restituta Basilica, which along with the cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in the city. The solemn towers of the Castel Nuovo will receive us in the Piazza Municipio, and here we will stop to explain how this fortress has been witness to thousands of historical episodes and following a photo stop in the Posillipo viewpoint. The route will continue to the Piazza Plebiscito, where the Neapolitan Royal Palace can be found. Whilst admiring the facade we’ll go over the most amazing stories to have been set inside it, which currently houses the largest library in southern Italy. In front of this palace can be found the Church of San Francisco de Paola, whose aspect is highly reminiscent of the Roman Pantheon. Return to Sorrento for dinner. (B/D)

Continental breakfast. Today is a day you will remember for a lifetime. Your guide will take you on a breathtaking drive along the Amalfi coast, one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Each winding turn reveals a dazzling and unforgettable view of the coastline and sea. With villas perched on the rocky coastline that seem to hang from the heavens. Stop in Amalfi and visit the Amalfi Cathedral, devoted to St. Andrew. Time for leisure, along the pedestrian street with various bars and cafes, where you can taste the original limoncello. Continue to Ravello, which is nestled 1,110 feet above sea level! Visit Villa Rufolo, which gave the musician Richard Wagner the inspiration to create one of his most famous works. Continue to Salerno for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

Early departure to Villa San Giovanni. Stop for lunch en route. Ferry to Messina. Transfer to your hotel in Taormina for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

This morning we’ll tour Taormina’s remarkably situated ancient Greek theater, which is still used today for open-air performances. Later you will depart to discover the Mount, the tallest active volcano in Europe and a UNESCO wonder, walking along the inactive volcanic cones. Return to Taormina for dinner. (B/D)

After breakfast depart Taormina and travel to Siracusa. We’ll visit this place which illustrates the ancient history of the Mediterranean and Europe. Its vast archeological site, on the edge of the modern city, is a rare treasure of temples, amphitheaters, and an ancient castle. Located near the southeastern corner of Sicily on the Ionian coast, Siracusa is built on an ancient Greek settlement founded by Corinthians in 734. Continue to Noto, capital of Sicilian Baroque, recently declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Wine tasting at a local winery. Continue to Agrigento for dinner. (B/D)

This morning we’ll enjoy the ruins of Agrigento, one of the richest of the Greek colonies and a thriving democracy 2,500 years ago. We’ll focus on Agrigento’s “Valley of the Temples”, the largest, best preserved, collection of ancient Greek buildings outside of Greece itself. We’ll depart Agrigento and travel to Palermo. Stop en route at Scala dei Turchi, roughly translated as the ‘Turkish Stairs’ for a view. Gambero rosso tasting. Dinner and overnight in Palermo. (B/D)

After breakfast, spend a day exploring the best of Palermo. We’ll tour through Palermo’s colorful and bustling Ballaró street market – all spiced with an evocative whiff of Africa. See the top attractions in the old town of the Sicilian capital of Palermo, including the Teatro Massimo, Cathedral, and Politeama Theater. Evening ferry to Naples. Dinner and overnight on board. (B/D)

Early morning disembarkation in Naples. Depart for Rome. Time at leisure in the “Eternal City”. B/D)

Take a city tour to the exterior of main attractions in Rome. Farewell dinner with entertainment. (B/D)

Transfer to Rome Airport and fly back home.