South Italy

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

Late afternoon arrival in Naples. Hotel check-in. Evening Welcome Dinner included. (D)

Today we will take a cruise ship from the pier of Naples and travel to Capri, one of the highlights of our trip. Capri is an enchanting and picturesque island made of limestone rock. One of the favourite places of the Roman emperors, the rich and famous, artists, and writers: it’s still one of the Mediterranean’s must-see places.

The island’s top attraction is the famous Blue Grotto “Grotta Azzurra”: it is the most fascinating cave. Refraction of sunlight into the cave makes an iridescent blue light in the water. The other attraction of the day is the town of Capri, reachable with a funicular from the main harbour Marina Grande. Late in the afternoon return to Naples for a traditional dinner and overnight. (B/D)

We dedicate the day to drive down the Amalfi Coast. Magically suspended between the blue sky and the iridescent colored sea, the Amalfi coast seems to be born from the palette of a painter who wanted to use the warmer color gradients for creating a landscape that enchants the visitor at the first shot. There are 13 towns spreading across a strip of land kissed by the sun and declared by UNESCO “World Heritage Site”.
We will have dinner and overnight in Salerno (B/D)

We start early in the morning and drive down to Sicily. In the afternoon we will reach Taormina. Taormina also called “the Mediterranean Pearl”, is situated on a natural terrace sheer above the sea. The Greek theatre is one of the most suggestive spots, sited in a fantastic position and dipped into the blooming nature of this land. Dinner and overnight in Taormina. (B/D)

Driving to Siracusa we will stop to Mt. Etna. Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe and one of the world’s most frequently erupting volcanoes. It is also the volcano with the longest record of continuous eruption. Mount Etna also made an appearance in a “Star Wars” movie.
In the afternoon we will visit Ortigia for some souvenir shopping time. Ortigia is considered “the Eighth Wonder of the World”. Late afternoon hotel check-in in nearby Siracusa. (B/D)

Today we will have a more leisurely day. We start with wine and olive oil tasting. Followed by a free lunch in Noto.
In the afternoon the guide will take the group to another UNESCO site: The Valley of the Temples. It includes the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas, a vast archaeological site with well-preserved Greek temples. Evening dinner included, and overnight. (B/D)

Driving to Porto Empedocle and see the UNESCO Heritage site called Scala dei Turchi (Stairs of the Turks). The origin of the name comes from the many invasions of Turkish pirates and the “stairs” are formed by eroded Marl, clay and silt similar to calcite and limestone. Looking at one end, we will see the white steps, where Turkish and Barbary Coast pirates slipped in on several raids for plundering. Free time to explore and eat lunch.
In the afternoon we will drive to Palermo. (B/D)

We will spend the day to explore Palermo. Palermo is famous throughout the world; it is a city of a thousand faces. Its beauty, traditions and people attract and enchant thousands of visitors from all over the world. We will board our overnight cruise later this afternoon. (B/D)

Early arrival in Naples. Drive to Rome for a full day sightseeing including time for a last-minute shopping. Farewell dinner with entertainment. (B/D)

Transfer to Rome Airport and fly back home.