Our approach in preparing your Travel Plan is to assess not only your interests, but also any previous Italian travel experiences you may have had. First-time visitors seek a week or a month that will enrich their knowledge of the country and lifestyle, while providing the perfect Italian experience.
Those who are returning for their second, fifth, or tenth visit usually want to recapture what made earlier visits so enchanting while also extending both knowledge and appreciation of Italy. Take a look at our sample itineraries for insight into how we optimize your journey through Italy.

THE SPLENDORS OF ITALY
10 days incl. air, or 9 days Rome/Rome

Day 1 - BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2 - ARRIVAL IN ROME, ITALY. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 3 - ROME. Included sightseeing with Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum.

Day 4 - ROME-SIENA. Journey northwest to the charmingly located city of Viterbo, known for its beautiful women and elegant fountains. Next make a stop in Orvieto in the province of Umbria to visit its black basalt and yellow limestone cathedral, an excellent example of Italian Gothic architecture. By early evening you’ll be in Siena with time to visit this jewel of Tuscany. Sit in one of the cafés surrounding the Campo and admire one of Italy’s most unique squares, famed the world over for its Palio horse race.

Day 5 - SIENA-FLORENCE AREA. Drive this morning to San Gimignano, one of Tuscany’s greatest attractions. Its medieval squares, town walls, streets, alleyways, and 14 towers make it unique. Next into the very heart of the Chianti vineyards; watch out for names such as Castellina in Chianti, Badia, Gaiole, and Brolio where classical Chianti wines are produced. Stop in Greve for some wine tasting at a local wine producer. Arrive in the Florence area in time to join the outing for an optional Tuscan dinner.

Day 6 - FLORENCE. This Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled for a whole day. Traffic is banned in part of the historic center so visitors can wander at leisure and admire the city’s timeless beauty in relative peace and quiet. Don’t miss out on the included walking tour with a Local Guide which features most of the city highlights. You will see the Piazza Santa Croce; the beautiful Piazza Signoria; the Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard; the Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry known as the “Gate to Paradise.”

Day 7 - FLORENCE AREA-EXCURSION TO PISA-VENICE AREA. This morning drive to Pisa for a visit to its Square of Miracles and the amazing Leaning Tower, 180 feet high and no less than 16 feet out of the perpendicular. Later head across the wooded Apennine Hills into the farmlands of the Po Valley for overnight in the Venice Area.

Day 8 VENICE. It’s really more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with its criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and little quiet piazzas. The included tour starts with a boat ride and is followed by a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you.

Day 9 - VENICE AREA-ASSISI-ROME. A long but interesting drive southward, cutting across the Po Delta, then joining the expressway which skirts the Adriatic coast. After crossing the Apennines, stop in Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the Basilica, then head for Rome. Day 10 - YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY.

THE BEST OF ITALY
14 days incl. air, or 13 days Rome/Rome

Day 1 - BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2 - ARRIVAL IN ROME, ITALY. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 3 - ROME. Included sightseeing with Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum.

Day 4 - ROME-FLORENCE AREA. This morning vistas of undulating hills, austere rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Reach Florence in time to enjoy the included walking tour with a Local Guide, featuring most of the city highlights. You will see the Piazza Santa Croce; the beautiful Piazza Signoria; the Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard; the Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry known as the “Gate to Paradise.”

Day 5 - FLORENCE. EXCURSION TO PISA. An easy drive this morning to see more of the Tuscan countryside on the way to Pisa. Stop for a visit and see the Square of Miracles and the amazing Leaning Tower. Return to Florence for the afternoon. End the day by joining the optional Tuscan dinner in a typical restaurant.

Day 6 - FLORENCE AREA-MILAN-LAKE MAGGIORE. This morning leave hilly Tuscany to travel north into the plains of Lombardy crossing the great River Po with new and quite different scenery as you approach Milan for a stop to see its great Duomo. Overnight in Baveno on the Lake Maggiore area.

Day 7 - LAKE MAGGIORE. Time to relax and get to know the area. Lake Maggiore is one of Italy’s largest lakes and is located on the very edge of Alpine Switzerland. In fact on clear days you can see the peaks of the Swiss Alps. Take advantage of the included excursion to visit Lugano and its lake in Switzerland. Day 8 - LAKE MAGGIORE-SIRMIONE-VERONA-VENICE AREA. This morning journey eastwards for a first stop in Sirmione on the shores of Lake Garda. Next, Verona for another stop to see Romeo and Juliet’s balcony before the relatively short drive to the Venice area. Day 9 - VENICE. It’s really more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with its criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces and little quiet piazzas. The included tour starts with a boat ride and is followed by a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you.

Day 10 - VENICE AREA-RAVENNA-PERUGIA. An interesting drive southwards right across the Po Delta to Ravenna. In the afternoon, journey to Assisi enclosed by ramparts and little changed since the Middle Ages. This is the town of the deeply mystical and poetic St. Francis—see the Church of St. Clara, founder of the Order of Poor Clares, the medieval castle, and cathedral. Overnight in beautiful nearby Perugia, capital of Umbria.

Day 11 - PERUGIA-SORRENTO. Bypass Orvieto, then drive south on the excellent autostrada to Pompeii. Time stopped for the rich, aristocratic town of Pompeii with the terrible eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. On the included visit you can see the luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum. Next Sorrento—set on a plateau above the waters of the Bay of Naples. Wander the winding streets lined with shops and stalls, and sit with a glass of wine absorbing the easygoing life of this charming resort.

Day 12 - SORRENTO. BOAT TRIP TO CAPRI. This legendary island is surrounded by rocky coastline where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town with its pretty piazza, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants is a mecca for the jet set. An optional island tour is available.

Day 13 - SORRENTO-ROME. A comfortable drive northwards this morning for arrival in Rome well in time to enjoy most of the afternoon and evening.

Day 14 - YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY.

LEISURELY TUSCANY & ROME
9 days incl. air, or 8 days Rome/Rome

Day 1 - BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2 - ARRIVAL IN ROME, ITALY. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 3 - ROME. The “Eternal City” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive, exciting and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. Time too for your own exploring, shopping or just relaxing at a sidewalk café.

Day 4 - ROME-PISA-MONTECATINI. Journey northward for a stop in Pisa to visit the famous Square of Miracles with the Leaning Tower. Then continue to Montecatini, in the heart of Tuscany, where you’ll spend the next four nights. It’s ideally located to explore the best of Tuscany.

Day 5 - MONTECATINI. A day of leisure or an opportunity to join an included excursion to visit Siena and San Gimignano. Siena, without a doubt, is Tuscany’s most beloved and inviting city. A walk through its narrow streets lined with medieval palaces into the Piazza del Campo, which is shaped like a fan, is truly a memorable experience. San Gimignano, a hilltop town with more towers than churches, is uniquely situated among vineyards, olive groves, and the delightful Tuscan countryside.

Day 6 - MONTECATINI. EXCURSION TO FLORENCE. Enjoy a full-day excursion to the city known as the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Traffic is banned in part of the historic center, so visitors can wander at leisure and admire Florence’s timeless beauty. The included walking tour with a Local Guide will introduce you to the city’s highlights.

Day 7 - MONTECATINI. A day to do as you please or join an optional half-day excursion to two of Tuscany’s best-known cities. First to Lucca, renowned for its narrow streets, quaint shops and magnificent palaces and churches. Next to Vinci, the birthplace of that true Renaissance man, Leonardo.

Day 8 - MONTECATINI-ASSISI-ROME. Travel south today for a first stop in the walled city of Assisi, home of the mystical St. Francis. Marvel at the remarkable treasures of the magnificent Basilica. Leave this peaceful old town to head across the Apennines to Rome. Celebrate your last evening in Rome by joining the optional farewell dinner.

Day 9 - YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY.

JEWELS OF ITALY
16 days incl. air, or 15 days Rome/Rome

Day 1 - BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2 - ARRIVAL IN ROME, ITALY. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Italy’s ancient capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 3 - ROME-ORVIETO-TUSCANY. This morning start your journey northwards to Orvieto in the province of Umbria to visit its black basalt and yellow limestone cathedral. Next enjoy the beauty of the Tuscan countryside with its hillside towns and villages that skirt the Chianti wine growing region of Castellina. Overnight in Poggibonsi, situated in the heart of Tuscany almost halfway between Pisa and Siena and next door to San Gimignano. No better place than this to easily get around in Tuscany.

Day 4 - TUSCANY. EXCURSION TO FLORENCE. A full day is dedicated to the city that’s known as the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Wander at leisure and admire the city’s timeless beauty. Traffic is banned in part of the historic center. The included walking tour with a Local Guide will introduce you to most of the city’s highlights.

Day 5 - TUSCANY. Take advantage of today’s optional excursion to San Gimignano, one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval towns. Admire its 14 towers and the countryside dotted with vineyards and olive trees. Next is Siena, rightly considered the jewel of Tuscany. The Piazza del Campo is quite unique in shape and setting, and famous the world over for the Palio horse racing event. Tonight join the optional Tuscan dinner.

Day 6 - TUSCANY. EXCURSION TO PISA. This morning enjoy the short drive to Pisa to see its world-famous Square of Miracles and Leaning Tower. Take a stroll down the busy Via Santa Maria, perhaps Pisa’s most typical street. Plenty of time this afternoon at leisure or join one of the optional excursions available.

Day 7 - TUSCANY-VERONA-PADUA-VENICE AREA. A comfortable drive north today first through more of Tuscany, then into the flatlands of the Po Valley and across its river to Verona on the banks of the Adige. Get to know more about this enchanting city on your included sightseeing tour that will take in all the highlights and, of course, the famous balcony of Romeo and Juliet. Continue to Padua, famous for its university and the great Basilica of St. Anthony. Later a short drive to your overnight hotel in the Venice area.

Day 8 - VENICE. Venice is a city of unparalleled beauty and a feast of wonderful sights. View the delightful criss-crossing canals, the gondolas, water buses, arched bridges, palaces and quiet little piazzas. Enjoy the included city sightseeing with a Local Guide, which starts with a boat ride and is followed by most of the city’s highlights such as St. Mark’s Basilica and a visit to a typical Venetian glassblowing factory. In the afternoon join one of the many choice optional excursions.

Day 9 - VENICE AREA-RAVENNA-SAN MARINO. South today to Ravenna, at one time an imperial city known as the “Byzantium of the West.” After a short stop here, continue to the tiny hilltop republic of San Marino.

Day 10 - SAN MARINO-URBINO-GUBBIO-ASSISI AREA. First to Urbino, with its magnificent Ducal Palace towering over the town. Then on to medieval Gubbio where a superb view of the rooftops of the town from the Consul’s Palace is a must. Continue on to Assisi, birthplace of the mystical St. Francis, and overnight in nearby Foligno.

Day 11 - ASSISI AREA-MONTE CASSINO-NAPLES. Start the day by visiting the Basilica of St. Francis. Travel south across the Apennines into the province of Latium for a stop in Monte Cassino, famous for its Benedictine Abbey. Next continue to the shores of the Mediterranean for overnight in Naples, rightly known as Italy’s most colorful city.

Day 12 - NAPLES. EXCURSION TO CAPRI. Cross the blue sea to Capri. This legendary island, surrounded by rose-tinted rocks, has incredibly beautiful coves of translucent blues and greens. The town, with its pretty piazza, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. An optional tour takes you round the island with its steep roads and panoramic views.

Day 13 - NAPLES. EXCURSION TO POMPEII. This morning get to know more about lively, bustling, and mind-boggling Naples on the included orientation drive. Next Pompeii, where time stopped for the rich, aristocratic town with the terrible eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Return to Naples in time for the optional dinner outing.

Day 14 - NAPLES-ROME. North this morning back to the “Eternal City” with plenty of time to enjoy one of the optional excursions, to do last minute shopping, or maybe sip a drink in Piazza Navona and watch the world go by.

Day 15 - ROME. This city is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting and absolutely unique. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. Then some more time to do just as you please.

Day 16 - YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY.

ITALIAN MASTERPIECE
16 days incl. air, or 15 days Venice/Venice

Day 1 - BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2 - ARRIVAL IN VENICE AREA, ITALY. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this bustling city. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 3 - VENICE AREA-PADUA-BOLOGNA-SAN MARINO. Start the morning with a drive into Padua, by way of the Brenta Riviera, to see its magnificent Basilica dedicated to St. Anthony. Next head south across the River Po to Bologna, the city with Europe’s oldest university. See its famous towers and the Piazza Maggiore. Next southeast for an overnight in Europe’s tiniest state, the Republic of San Marino.

Day 4 - SAN MARINO-URBINO-GUBBIO-ASSISI AREA. First to Urbino, epitome of the Renaissance with its magnificent Ducal Palace towering over the town. On to medieval Gubbio for a superb panoramic view from the Consul’s Palace. Continue across the Umbrian region to the Assisi area for overnight.

Day 5 - ASSISI AREA-VITERBO-ROME. This morning travel to Assisi for the included visit of the Basilica and its remarkable frescoes. From the Apennines to Viterbo to admire the exceptionally beautiful Piazza San Lorenzo. Leave this walled medieval city to motor south to Rome for an evening arrival.

Day 6 & 7 - ROME. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. Plenty of time to do your own thing or join one of the optional excursions.

Day 8 - ROME-MONTE CASSINO-POMPEII-SORRENTO. Deeper into the south today, making a first stop in Monte Cassino to view the monastery and abbey perched high above the valley. The monastery was the motherhouse of the Benedictines, founded in 529 and destroyed four times over the past centuries. The last time it was laid to ruin was in 1944 during the great battle of Monte Cassino. Time stopped for the rich, aristocratic town of Pompeii with the terrible eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. You can see the luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum—even human and animal bodies solidified in lava (entrance fees and Local Guide are included). Just a few more miles to Sorrento for the next two nights.

Day 9 - SORRENTO. BOAT TRIP TO CAPRI. A legendary island, surrounded by rocky coastline, where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town with its pretty piazza, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants is a mecca for the jet set. An optional island tour is available.

Day 10 - SORRENTO-ORVIETO-SIENA. This morning retrace part of the route bypassing Rome for a stop in Orvieto in the province of Umbria to visit its black basalt and yellow limestone cathedral. An excellent example of Italian gothic architecture. Next, enjoy the quite extraordinary beauty of the Tuscan countryside. By early evening you’ll be in Siena to visit this jewel of Tuscany. Sit in one of the cafés surrounding the Campo and admire one of Italy’s more unique squares, famed the world over for its Palio horse race.

Day 11 - SIENA-PISA-FLORENCE AREA. Drive this morning to San Gimignano, bristling with medieval fortress towers, the status symbols of nobility. Continue to Pisa with time to admire its Square of Miracles with its amazing Leaning Tower. More of Tuscany’s green and olive-studded hillside landscape before reaching Lucca, an unspoiled town of ramparts, palaces and squares. Overnight in the Florence area. End the day by joining the optional Tuscan dinner in a typical restaurant.

Day 12 - FLORENCE. This renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled for a whole day. Traffic is banned in part of the historic center so visitors can wander at leisure and admire the city’s timeless beauty in relative peace and quiet. Your included walking tour with a Local Guide features most of the city highlights. See the Piazza Santa Croce; the beautiful Piazza Signoria; the Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard; the Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry known as the “Gate to Paradise.”

Day 13 - FLORENCE AREA-MANTUA-SIRMIONE-VERONA AREA. A day filled with highlights. First to Lombardy for a stop in Mantua, at one time the kingdom of the Gonzaga family who made it a seat of learning and the arts in the 15th and 16th centuries. Further north next to the quite enchanting town of Sirmione, located on an islet on the edge of Lake Garda. A few more miles eastward to the Verona area for overnight.

Day 14 - VERONA AREA-VICENZA-VENICE AREA. A wonderful opportunity to enjoy this Shakespearean region. Join the optional sightseeing tour of Verona and then motor to nearby Vicenza for the included sightseeing which will take in the main highlights and an inside visit of the famous Teatro Olimpico. Conclude the day with an evening arrival in the Venice area.

Day 15 - VENICE. Your included tour starts with a boat ride and is followed by a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica, and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip.

Day 16 - YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY.

ESSENTIAL ITALY
11 days incl. air, or 10 days Rome/Venice

Day 1 - BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2 - ARRIVAL IN ROME, ITALY. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 3 - ROME. Included sightseeing with Local Guide starts in St. Peter's Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum.

Day 4 - AT LEISURE IN ROME. The "Eternal City"—a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive, exciting and absolutely unique. Take advantage of the program of optional excursions, enjoy doing your own exploring, or perhaps just sitting at a sidewalk café doing some people watching. An optional excursion is available to visit the Vatican City.

Day 5 - ROME-PISA-LUCCA-FLORENCE. Look forward to today's itinerary, which starts with a drive northwards and a stop in Pisa. Wonder at the beauty of the Square of Miracles and, of course, the Leaning Tower. Next to Lucca, renowned for its narrow streets, quaint shops and magnificent palaces and churches. Finally to Florence for overnight.

Day 6 - FLORENCE. The Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled for a whole day. Traffic is banned in part of the historic center so visitors can wander at leisure and admire the city's timeless beauty in relative peace and quiet. Don't miss out on the included walking tour with a Local Guide, which features most of the city highlights. You will see the Piazza Santa Croce; the beautiful Piazza Signoria; the Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard; the Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry known as the "Gate to Paradise."

Day 7 - AT LEISURE IN FLORENCE. Time to do some shopping or personal exploring, or maybe join the optional excursion to visit two of Tuscany's best-known cities—Siena, with its Campo, and San Gimignano, with its towers.

Day 8 - FLORENCE-SAN MARINO-VENICE AREA. Drive northeast over the Apennines to the shores of the Adriatic for a stop in one of Europe's smallest republics—San Marino. It's perched atop Mount Titano and gives a splendid panorama of the coastline. Journey into the Po Valley for an overnight in the Venice area.

Day 9 - VENICE. It's really more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with its criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and little quiet piazzas. The included tour starts with a boat ride and is followed by a visit to St. Mark's Basilica and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don't miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you.

Day 10 - AT LEISURE IN VENICE. Plenty to do and see or join one of the programmed excursions.

Day 11 - YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY.

SOUTHERN ITALY & SICILY
17 days incl. air, or 16 days Rome/Rome

Day 1 - BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2 - ARRIVAL IN ROME, ITALY. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring this great city which you’ll get to know even better at the end of your tour.

Day 3 & 4 - ROME. Two days in which to get well acquainted with Rome. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum.

Day 5 - ROME-VESUVIUS-POMPEII-CAPRI. South all the way today. First a stop to enjoy the awe-inspiring sights of one of Europe’s greatest live volcanoes—Vesuvius! Then to Pompeii where time stopped in 79 A.D., when the Vesuvius eruption totally destroyed it. On the included visit you can see the luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum—even human and animal bodies solidified by lava. Just a few more miles to the Neapolitan Riviera for embarkation on the ferry to Capri to enjoy two overnights on this charmed island.

Day 6 - CAPRI. This legendary island is surrounded by a rocky coastline—the crashing sea has formed remarkable caves. The town, with its pretty piazza, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set and optional excursions take you to see more of the island. Join Tiberius, Emma Hamilton, and Axel Munthe, who all fell in love with this exquisite spot. A full day to do exactly what you please. Maybe explore some of the island’s lovely walks or join an optional excursion to see Mount Solaro and the house of Axel Munthe (San Michele).

Day 7 - CAPRI-SORRENTO. EXCURSION TO AMALFITAN COAST. Take the ferry to Sorrento this morning. Few places in the world match the very special charm of Sorrento. This picturesque resort on the Bay of Naples boasts a marvelous climate, beautiful views, trendy shops and boutiques, interesting museums and a vibrant night life. Don’t miss out on the included excursion along the breathtakingly beautiful Amalfitan coast.

Day 8 & 9 - SORRENTO. Two full days to enjoy this town set on a plateau high above the waters of the Bay of Naples and with truly spectacular views as far as towering Vesuvius. Sorrento’s terraces, hung with flowers, jut from winding streets and alleys above a small harbor. Streets are filled with shops, cheerful bars, and cafés.

Day 10 - SORRENTO-VILLA S. GIOVANNI-FERRY CROSSING-TAORMINA AREA. Today, by way of the comfortable motorway, travel through the wild and mountainous scenery of Italy’s most southern regions before boarding the ferry for the 45-minute crossing to Sicily. Only a few more miles bring you to Taormina area, where you overnight.

Day 11 - TAORMINA. Magnificently situated on a 700-foot plateau, Taormina has wonderful views along the coast. The heart of the town is Piazza Nove Aprile, a paved square with unrivaled views to the sea and the Mount Etna volcano.

Day 12 - TAORMINA AREA-MOUNT ETNA-SYRACUSE. This morning take advantage of the visit to the heights of Mount Etna and the option of a jeep or cable-car ride for a better view of Europe’s largest active volcano. Drive even further south to Syracuse, where you have the option of visiting the ancient Grecian sites or doing just as you please.

Day 13 - SYRACUSE-PIAZZA ARMERINA-AGRIGENTO. Today you drive westward to Piazza Armerina, a maze of steep streets and rich in the atmosphere of Sicilian life. Nearby is Casale, once a palatial hunting lodge famous for its mosaics including the “Bikini Girls,” ten athletic maidens dressed for all the world as modern tourists! Then past Caltanissetta, surrounded by sulphur mines, to Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, one of Italy’s archaeological jewels—especially in spring when the slopes are frosted with almond blossoms. The Doric Temple of Concord is the best preserved outside Athens, and the hilltop Temple of Juno Lacinia is the valley’s most impressive.

Day 14 - AGRIGENTO-SELINUNTE-PALERMO. Leave Agrigento for Selinunte, one of the most striking and interesting sites in Sicily. See the remains of the Acropolis. Then, northeast to Palermo, the capital of Sicily. This evening enjoy an optional farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 15 - AT LEISURE IN PALERMO. A full day to enjoy this busy and colorful city full of interesting squares and marketplaces, churches and palazzos in every style from Moorish to baroque. Evening embarkation for the overnight ferry Palermo-Naples.

Day 16 - NAPLES (Disembarkation)-ROME. North this morning back to the “Eternal City” with plenty of time to enjoy one of the optional excursions, to do last-minute shopping, or maybe sip a drink in Piazza Navona and watch the world go by.

Day 17 - YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT FROM ROME ARRIVES THE SAME DAY.