South Italy

Depart from Los Angeles to Rome, Italy.

Late afternoon arrival in Rome. Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to Naples for an afternoon hotel check-in. Evening Welcome Dinner (D).

After breakfast, transfer to the pier and cruise 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)

A journey to visit Sorrento, the birthplace of the world-famous song “Come Back to Sorrento”. Its narrow streets and the vibrant houses built along the cliffs create a picturesque, watercolor-like scene. The name Surriento comes from the mythological tale of Surrentum. Legend has it that the beautiful Sirens enchanted sailors with their singing, causing them to lose their sense of direction and crash their ships into the dangerous cliffs. Only Odysseus and his crew were able to resist their mysterious song. It is said that the Sirens then turned into stone, forming the island known as Li Galli (meaning ‘The Sirens Turned to Stone’). With the naturally romantic soul of an Italian, composer Ernesto de Curtis created an immortal piece dedicated to his beloved hometown of Surrento. This is the famous song ‘Torna a Surriento’, which musician Phạm Duy later adapted into Vietnamese as ‘Trở về mái nhà xưa’.
Continue the journey along the coastline of the Amalfi Coast, one of the most beautiful shores in Italy and all of Europe. With its breathtaking scenery of steep cliffs, rocky beaches, and 13 colorful towns, this area has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Stop to take photos from above and admire the breathtaking beauty of the town of Positano, famously known as the ‘heaven on earth.’
Each winding turn reveals an unforgettable view, with houses clinging to the cliffs as if suspended in the sky. Stop in Amalfi to visit the Amalfi Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Andrew. Guests can enjoy a leisurely walk lined with bars and cafés, where you can taste the original limoncello.
Continue on to Ravello, perched 1,110 feet above sea level. Visit Villa Rufolo—the place that inspired composer Richard Wagner to create one of his most famous works – the opera Parsifal. Then proceed to Salerno for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

Continues to Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean and one of the world’s most captivating travel destinations. In the afternoon, arrive in Taormina, known as the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean.’ This charming town is famous for landmarks such as its cathedral and the ancient Greek Theater. Nearby, dramatic cliffs embrace the coastline, where the sea shimmers in a jade-green hue.” 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. In the afternoon, visit Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and one of the most frequently erupting volcanoes in the world. Mount Etna is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has even appeared in the film Star Wars.
Travel eastward to Ortigia, known as the ‘8th Wonder of the World.’ Check into the hotel and enjoy dinner in Siracusa. (B/D)

Enjoy wine and olive oil tasting, specialties of the Mediterranean region. Have lunch in Noto.
In the afternoon, visit the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for preserving the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas. This archaeological park is carefully protected and features remarkable structures and temples from ancient Greece.
Check in to the hotel and have dinner in Agrigento. (B/D)

Visit the limestone cliff of Scala dei Turchi, formed by a mixture of clay, limestone, and sedimentary rock, creating an enchanting pure white landscape. Marvel at its beauty – ‘from wonder to awe’—a masterpiece shaped by nature’s miraculous hands over centuries. Arrive in Palermo in the afternoon. (B/D)

Visit Palermo, the capital of Sicily—a city with a thousand years of culture and architecture, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Enjoy the local cuisine and the beautiful Sicilian sunset. In the evening, board the cruise ship for the return journey to Naples. Overnight on the cruise. (B/D)

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

“All roads lead to Rome.” Indeed, the Italian capital is one of the most romantic and inspiring cities in the world—a destination everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime. Admire the Colosseum from the outside, one of the greatest monuments of ancient Rome. Built in 72 AD, the Colosseum could hold over 50,000 spectators and hosted deadly gladiator battles, wild animal hunts, and simulated naval battles. Marvel at its magnificent architecture and feel the weight of a thousand years of history and the power of Roman civilization.
Visit the Spanish Steps, a graceful staircase of 135 white steps connecting Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church atop Pincio Hill. Built in the 18th century, the steps were designed like a “silken ribbon” winding through the city and have long been a favorite gathering place for artists, poets, and travelers. The name “Spanish Steps” comes from the Spanish Embassy that once stood in the square below. Here, visitors can pause to enjoy an espresso, admire renowned Italian brands, and watch the bustling crowd like a scene from a classic film.
Not far from the Spanish Steps is Trevi Fountain, Rome’s largest and most famous fountain. Completed in 1762, this Baroque masterpiece by Nicolas Salvi features the god Oceanus riding a chariot pulled by sea horses, symbolizing the power and abundance of water—the lifeblood of Rome. According to legend, tossing a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder into the fountain ensures your return to Rome.
Explore the Vatican Museums, home to over 70,000 artworks spanning from antiquity to the Renaissance. At the heart of the museum is the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo painted legendary frescoes such as The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment. Every step inside the museum reveals new discoveries in history, art, and culture.
Step outside the museum to St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro)—a vast, majestic space designed by Bernini in the 17th century. The oval square is surrounded by 284 columns arranged in two sweeping curves, like the open arms of the Church embracing humanity. At its center stands an Egyptian obelisk over 3,000 years old, and in front is St. Peter’s Basilica, the resting place of Saint Peter, the first pope. Each year, millions of pilgrims and tourists gather here to attend Mass and receive the Pope’s blessing.
In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner together in the heart of Rome, soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and timeless charm. (B/D)

Transfer to Rome Airport and fly back home.