LADIES SICILY AND SOUTHERN ITALY!
MAY 27-JUNE 10, 2023
-ESCORTED BY SHELLEY
-SHARED COACH
-ROOM MATE MATCHING AS AVAILABLE
On this amazing Undiscovered Tour of Southern Italy and Sicily you’ll delightfully find yourself caught between Byzantine and Roman culture, flanked by Norman and Italian influences, and in the midst of a cross-cultural wonderland. Your comparison of cobblestones, customs, and cuisine gets underway in Rome, heads down to the dramatic Sorrento Coast, and then kicks the fun from Italy’s heel to its toe and all the way into the great melting pot of Sicily. From Italy’s lower half to its largest island, ruins, resorts—a rich history (and food and wine!) awaits.
ITINERARY:
May 27, 2023....fly to Rome
Day 1 ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY
WELCOME TO ROME!
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At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant (D)
Day 2 ROME–CASTEL GANDOLFO–SORRENTO COAST
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CASTEL GANDOLFO Take a guided visit of the Papal Palace and beautiful Barberini Gardens. Stroll the spectacular grounds of the grand papal retreat of Castel Gandolfo, where Holy Fathers and world dignitaries walked and talked about faith and the world at large followed by lunch at Villa Barberini en route to the Sorrento Coast. (B,L)
Day 3 SORRENTO COAST. EXCURSION TO ISLE OF CAPRI
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SORRENTO COAST Jetfoil ride to Capri.
CAPRI Take a funicular ride from the harbor to the village for guided sightseeing where high above the sea on the island of Capri lie the exquisite Gardens of Augustus. This natural paradise promises 180-degree panoramic views and a kaleidoscope of botanical beauty on the cliffs overlooking island and the sapphire sea below. Free time for lunch. SORRENTO Free time. (B)
Day 4 SORRENTO COAST. EXCURSION TO POMPEII AND NAPLES
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POMPEII Take a guided walking tour of the excavations. Free time for lunch.
NAPLES Guided sightseeing includes an orientation drive on the panoramic road to Posillipo, a stop in Piazza Plebiscito, and a slice of Neapolitan pizza. (B,D)
Day 5 SORRENTO COAST–BARI
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SORRENTO COAST Free morning before departing for Bari. The Puglia region forms the heel of Italy’s “boot,” with whitewashed towns, centuries-old pastoral landscapes, and the magnificent Mediterranean coastline. The vibrant port of Bari and its lovely Baroque architecture is a feast for the eyes and palate in the quintessential Italian style. (B)
Day 6 BARI–LECCE–ALBEROBELLO AREA
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BARI Guided sightseeing includes a walking tour of Bari Vecchia, the city’s oldest district, and San Nicola’s Church.
LECCE Walking tour with a Local Guide includes the Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica. Taste traditional pasticciotto (filled pastry) with almond-infused iced coffee. (B,D)
Day 7 ALBEROBELLO AREA
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ALBEROBELLO Guided walking tour includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional conical-roof house).The iconic round houses (Trulli) date back hundreds of years. These Trulli, constructed of dry stone and cone-shaped roofs include the oldest structures built in the 16th century and were used as grain storage or residences. Made without cement in the masonry techniques of the day, these whitewashed homes were easily disassembled to avoid property taxes when the collectors came calling! Today, you can stroll the streets lined with Trulli houses to see their conical rooftops decorated with symbols such as a cross, heart, astronomical symbol, or the evil eye. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
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Highly suggested optional excursion: Italian Fairytale: Apulian Farm Dinner & Music!
Day 8 ALBEROBELLO AREA–MATERA–PIZZO CALABRO–REGGIO CALABRIA
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MATERA Orientation walk with panoramic view of the picturesque sassi house (cave houses). Take a scenic drive along the Gulf of Taranto.
PIZZO CALABRO Enjoy a traditional tartufo (ice cream dessert) tasting.
REGGIO CALABRIA Join a guided visit of the museum that houses the Bronzi di Riace (famous bronze warrior sculptures). (B,D)
Day 9 REGGIO CALABRIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA
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STRAIT OF MESSINA Ferry crossing to Sicily.
TAORMINA Visit the ancient Greek theatre. Free time to explore. (B)
Day 10 TAORMINA RIVIERA
THE PEARL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN
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TAORMINA RIVIERA With a backdrop of the Volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea providing the cinematic setting for the resort town of Taormina, this Pearl of the Mediterranean is a picturesque coastal gem that will spoil you with its stunning beaches, village beauty, and sumptuous culinary specialties.Enjoy a free day in Taormina, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 11 TAORMINA RIVIERA
TAORMINA RIVIERA Enjoy a free day.
What better way to spend this free day than with an optional excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano and one of the most active in the world. Learn how in 1669, an eruption that lasted 112 days developed a record long stream of lava that destroyed the city of Catania. (B)
Day 12 TAORMINA RIVIERA–AGRIGENTO–PALERMO
TIMELESS TEMPLES
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AGRIGENTO Take a guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples en route to Palermo.(B)
Day 13 PALERMO
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PALERMO Guided sightseeing includes the Church of Immacolata and a visit to the cathedral. Scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. Enjoy an Aperitivo (pre-dinner cocktail) at a noble palace followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 14 PALERMO
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Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Options to extend can be looked at for you. (B)
4919.00 per person double occupancy (land only)
Single add: 940.00 (limited space)
After January 30th, 2023 Contact Shelley for availability and up to date pricing
Non-refundable deposit of 250.00 per person is required to book your spot! (Plus a non-refundable 100.00+gst booking fee).
Final payment is due March 2023
Travel insurance is not included but strongly advised. A valid Canadian passport is required and must be valid 3 months past date of return.
Contact Shelley to book (see contact info below)