Southern Italy and Sicily

Day 1: Welcome to Rome

Ciao Roma, the 'Eternal City', is yours to explore on your own before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception this evening. Enjoy an orientation drive – a perfect introduction to this beautiful city, the centre of which has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ruins, imposing monuments, statues and fountains.

Day 2: Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento

From Rome, journey south to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii. Your Local Specialist will take you on a walking tour of the excavations buried for centuries under a layer of volcanic ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted. See such sites as the Gymnasium, the Temple of Apollo and the impressive Basilica before continuing to your hotel in Sorrento.

Day 3: A Day on the Isle of Capri

Take a ferry to Capri, the isle of sirens according to Greek mythology. You’ll ascend to Capri town by funicular railway and see the famous Piazzetta during your guided walking tour with a Local Specialist. Spend some free time people-watching at one of the local cafés before returning to the mainland where you can enjoy free time in Sorrento or perhaps choose to visit the famed town of Positano. Let the day's delightful discoveries sink in as you relax at dinner this evening.

Day 4: Cross the Strait to Taormina

Drive south via Salerno and through Calabria, crossing the straits of Messina to Sicily and the beachside resort town of Giardini Naxos below Taormina. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Day 5: Gardens and More in Taormina

Your Local Specialist will take you on a walking tour of Taormina on the slopes of Monte Tauro, overlooking the sea. Visit the Greek theatre and see the terraced botanical gardens. Then, stroll along the elegant Corso Umberto with a gelsi gelato and on to the Piazza for splendid panoramic views across the bay. Later, there's free time for shopping for souvenirs and handmade ceramics on the Corso.

Day 6: Taormina Your Way Connect with Locals

Enjoy a full day to do as you please in this beautiful resort town. Shop, relax, see the sights of your choice, or consider an Optional Experience. Whatever you decide, your Travel Director will be on hand to help you get the most out of your day. Tonight, Connect With Locals during a Be My Guest experience hosted at a beautiful family owned Sicilian lemon farm overlooking Mount Etna.

Day 7: Journey to Ancient Agrigento

Enjoy views of Enna on the way to Agrigento, where your Local Specialist will take you to the Valley of the Temples - the finest Greek sanctuary in Sicily. See the splendid Temple of Concord and the Temple of Juno overlooking the sea.

Day 8: Explore Sicilian Towns and on to Palermo

Discover hidden Palermo as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, and learn about the civil anti-mafia movement. Travel to Erice and discover this famous hilltop medieval town in western Sicily with its cobbled streets, Norman castles and stunning views of the sea, salt pans and wooded hillsides. Perhaps take a walk to the ruins of Venus Castle with its Balio Gardens.

Day 9: Enjoy the Views in Monreale Make Travel Matter

Travel to Monreale for views of La Conca d'Oro and explore the magnificent 12th century Norman Cathedral. Later, join your companions and celebrate your journey with a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10: Journey Home

Say arrivederci to Sicily and your newfound friends at the end of a memorable holiday.