Day 1: DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight (not included).

Day 2: ROME AT LEISURE
Welcome to Rome! On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30. Later, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and light meal.(Welcome Reception)

Day 3: ROME - ALBEROBELLO
Pass the hilltop monastery of Cassino and follow the scenic route across the Apennines to the Adriatic coast. Your destination is the region known for its strange white Trulli buildings. Sunday evenings are popular for the traditional ritual of passeggiata, a pre-dinner promenade.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 4: MATERA EXCURSION
Admire the Trulli of Alberobello today - circular structures with conical roofs and domed within, built with local limestone and stacked without using mortar. Later, venture along the country roads to the nearby town of Matera where Mel Gibson utilized the extraordinary cave-dwellings known as ‘Sassi’ as a location for his film ‘The Passion of the Christ’.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 5: ALBEROBELLO - TAORMINA MARE
First past the town of Castellaneta, birth place of the Latin lover Rudolph Valentino. Your route then follows the shores of the Gulf of Taranto to the mountainous region of Calabria. Continue around the Purple Coast to the very toe of Italy. After the short ferry crossing to Sicily, drive to your hotel in Taormina Mare.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 6: TAORMINA SIGHTSEEING
Taormina’s old town clings to the side of Mount Tauro, forming a balcony overlooking the sea and Mt Etna. Walk with your guide to the tiny courtyard of the Palazzo Corvaja. Visit the Greek Theatre, graced with the most spectacular of backdrops. Now stroll along elegant Corso Umberto to Piazza IX Aprile for more panoramic views. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 7: TAORMINA AT LEISURE
A full day to enjoy the beautiful Bay of Mazzarò or the amazing views, scented gardens and historic monuments of the old town. Don’t miss the chance of an optional drive through the vineyards to Mt Etna, Europe’s largest volcano! Or the picture perfect hill village, chosen for the filming of The Godfather. For your dining pleasure this evening, you are offered a selection of local restaurants.(Buffet Breakfast / Dine Around)

Day 8: TAORMINA MARE - AGRIGENTO - PALERMO
Drive to Agrigento on the southern coast of Sicily where the Valley of the Temples once formed part of the ancient Greek colony of Akragas. Walk with your guide along the fortified ridge to witness the main temples. In the afternoon, continue to the Sicilian capital of Palermo.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 9: PALERMO SIGHTSEEING
A local guide shows you the highlights of the city. Pass the huge Teatro Massimo to the baroque Quattro Canti Square and glimpse the beauties of the ‘fountain of shame’. Visit Palermo Cathedral and admire the golden mosaics in the Palatine Chapel of the Palace of the Normans. In the afternoon there is free time to explore or shop in Palermo or continue sightseeing.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 10: PALERMO - OVERNIGHT FERRY
Drive eastwards along the coast to the charming fishing town of Cefalu. Visit the cathedral which was erected to fulfil a vow made by the Norman King Roger II. Stroll down to the medieval stone fountain, and seek out the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina for a picture perfect view of the little harbour. Later, return to Palermo to board your overnight ferry to Naples.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 11: FERRY - POMPEII - SORRENTO
Arrive in Naples in time for breakfast and an orientation tour of the city. Afterwards, continue to Pompeii, buried in 79 AD by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Walk through the cobbled streets with your guide and inspect some of the villas before continuing along the cliff tops to your hotel. Maybe take an optional excursion to Positano or relax by the pool.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 12: CAPRI EXCURSION
Cross the Bay of Naples to the delightful Isle of Capri. Ascend to Capri Town to spend some time amid the narrow alleyways and exclusive boutiques. Board your open top taxis for the beautiful drive along the corniche road to the shady streets of Anacapri. Now down to the waters edge where a small row boat takes you inside the glistening Blue Grotto. Afterwards, a delicious three course lunch with wine awaits at the stylish Il Riccio, overlooking the sea.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Dinner)

Day 13: SORRENTO – ROME
On your return to Rome, visit the famous Colosseum where gladiators once fought, and see the Forum – former religious, political and commercial heart of the Roman Empire. Continue to the Vatican City to tour St Peter’s Basilica, housing works of art by Michelangelo and Bernini. Tonight join your fellow passengers for a last night Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.(Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)

Day 14: RETURN TO USA
Arrivederci Roma! Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 & 09:30.(Buffet Breakfast)