Fantasia Mediterranea 11 Days
11 Days/10 Nights –Rome – Naples – Pompeii – Sorrento – Capri – Palermo – Monreale – Erice – Saline della Laguna – Agrigento – Piazza Armerina – Ragusa Ibla – Noto – Siracusa – Taormina
Tour overview:
Arrive in Rome, Italy’s revered capital and discover the wonders of the Eternal City, before visiting the Colosseum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the ruins of Pompeii, one of the most well-known archaeological sites in the world. Drive along the Sorrentine Coast and take an exciting excursion to the island of Capri – one of the most exclusive summer destinations of the Mediterranean. Visit Monreale, an ancient royal town famous for its almonds, olive oil, citrus fruits, and Norman architecture. From discovering Palermo’s 3000-year old history to visiting the largest active volcano in Europe, this tour is bound to charm even the most seasoned of travelers!
Day 1 - Rome
Benvenuti a Roma! After your arrival at the airport, You will be meet and transfer to the Hotel. Hop on hop off daily ticket at disposal. Visit Rome by riding one of the Open-top Hop on Hop off Gray Line buses (I Love Rome City Tour) and spot your favourite city landmarks from a different point of view! Our open-top panoramic buses allow you to enjoy a spectacular view of the most iconic monuments of the Eternal City. All you have to do is jump on board and relax, listen to the audio commentary and get on and off at any of the eight stops available along the route. The bus ticket in¬cluded in the deal will be valid for a day. The bus will make eight stops and will provide you with an on-board audio commentary in 12 languages. Enjoy on your own the rest of the night. Return to the hotel on your own and overnight stay.
Day 2 - Rome - Sorrento
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, at 7:00 a.m., departure by coach heading south along the “Autostrada del Sole,” passing through the regions of Lazio and Campania. Along the way, marvel at the stunning landscapes of the Italian countryside and the spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast, where crystal-clear waters meet hills dotted with lemon trees and charming villages. Upon arrival in Sorrento, the jewel of the Amalfi Coast, you'll be captivated by its vibrant streets, artisan ceramic workshops, and historic churches. After checking into your hotel, enjoy the afternoon at leisure. If you're looking for more adventures, you can opt for an optional tour to explore the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at the hotel (dress code recommended: jacket for men), followed by an overnight stay in Sorrento. (BD)
Day 3 - Sorrento - Capri - Sorrento
After breakfast, get ready for an exciting excursion to the island of Capri: one of the most exclusive summer destinations of the Mediterranean! Depending on weather and sea conditions, you will admire the dreamy Blue Grotto on a small rowboat. Afterward, free time for lunch (lunch not included) and then roam the island at your own pace. Once back on the mainland, return to the hotel for dinner and your last overnight in Sorrento. (BD)
Day 4 - Sorrento - Pompeii - Palermo (Overnight on ferry boat)
After breakfast, get ready to leave Sorrento and head toward Pompeii, the last visit in the beautiful territory of the Campania region. Accompanied by our expert tour guide, we will head to Pompeii, where a professional local guide will lead you on a fascinating walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the remarkably well-preserved ruins of this ancient Roman city, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. We will have skip-the-line access, personal headsets, and a radio receiver so you won't miss a single detail as history comes to life. After the visit, departure by bus to the port of Naples to board the TIRRENIA/SNAV ferry boat bound for Palermo. Overnight on board without dinner or breakfast. (B)
Day 5 - Palermo.
Arrive in Palermo and transfer to your hotel. That night, have dinner in the hotel and rest up for the adventure that lies ahead. (D)
Day 6 - Palermo
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and then head out on a morning excursion to Monreale, recently included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, an ancient royal town famous for its almonds, olive oil and citrus fruits, as well as for its fine Norman architecture. Visit the elaborate Cathedral of Monreale and then enjoy some shopping of local delicatessen and souvenirs. Back to Palermo and continue with a walking tour of the city. Wander the streets of the Old Town, hearing tales of Palermo’s 3,000- year history and discovering attractions like Palermo Cathedral. Walk inside the impressive-looking place of worship and marvel at its arches, cupolas and mosaics - with an incredible mix of influences coming from several dominations on the island. Enjoy free time in the late afternoon and return to your hotel for dinner. Overnight. (BD)
Day 7 - Palermo - Erice - Agrigento
Early breakfast and departure to Erice, a medieval village stacked into the side of Monte San Giuliano. Many say that little has changed in the village since the sixth century, and its labyrinth-like twist of lanes is perfect for a cool and pleasant morning amble. Afterwards, we’ll set off to Marsala, whose lands are known for its Marsala wine. You’ll take part in a sensorial experience, for you will visit a traditional tavern and taste regional wine and products during a light but unforgettable lunch. Return to your coach and travel to Agrigento, your final destination of the day. Visit Ancient Greek monuments and ruins at the Valley of Temples (entrance included) - a UNESCO World Heritage site - and learn about archaeological relics like the Classical Temple of Concord the Temple of Hercules; the Temple of Jupiter, one of the largest Doric-style buildings. Check in to your hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight. (B,Light Lunch,Wine Tasting and D)
Day 8 - Agrigento - Ragusa Ibla - Ragusa
Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Ragusa and visit of the enchanting historical center “Ibla”, with its stunning baroque palaces and churches; together with other seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the old gate of San Giorgio, the Giardini Iblei and then walk to Piazza Pola where we will visit the church of San Giuseppe: a little gem. Be enchanted by the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Church of the Souls in Purgatory and the magnificent Cosentini palace, one of the most interesting Late Baroque palaces in Sicily! Arrive in hotel, dinner and overnight. (BD)
Day 9 - Ragusa - Noto - Siracusa - Taormina
Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Noto, a picturesque fishing town popular for its stately Baroque architecture. Visit Cathedral of San Nicolò, recently restored after a earthquake, and then have a nice walk in the town’s center. Continue along the south coast to Syracuse, on Sicily’s southeastern tip. Arrived in Syracuse, cross one of the city’s bridges for a visit to the island of Ortygia - the most ancient part of Syracuse - home to a wealth of Baroque churches and medieval palaces. In the late afternoon arrive in Taormina, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner. (BD)
Day 10 - Taormina.
Breakfast at your centrally located hotel and then head off to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and the highest mountain in Italy. Learn about volcanic activity and marvel at the old lava fields and black magma rock that comprises Etna’s landscape. If weather permits, you have a chance to climb to the summit (1800 m). After, return to Taormina, the beautiful and romantic town located on Mount Tauro. Return to Taormina in the afternoon and spend the rest of your day at leisure. Overnight. (B)
Day 11 - Depart Taormina
Enjoy one final breakfast before the tour comes to an end.(B)