Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy

Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Holy Grounds CASTEL GANDOLFO Take a [LOCAL FAVORITE] guided visit of the Papal Palace and the Barberini Gardens. (B) 193 mi / 310 km LOCAL FAVORITE ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Enjoy an extraordinary, guided visit to explore 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.

Coves, Cliffs & The Clear Blue Sea SORRENTO AREA Jetfoil ride to Capri. CAPRI Take a funicular ride from the harbor to the village for guided sightseeing, including the Augustus Gardens. Free time for lunch. SORRENTO Free time. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Nestled 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.

A Slice of Life in Naples POMPEII Take a guided walking tour of the excavations. Free time to browse. NAPLES Guided sightseeing includes an orientation drive on the panoramic road to Posillipo, a stop in Piazza Plebiscito. (B) 68 mi / 110 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDS & LORE The fascinating archaeological site of Pompeii is a treasured glimpse into Roman life near the Bay of Naples. This once thriving and sophisticated Roman city was consumed by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., with its residents and structures buried beneath inescapable ash and stone. See the preserved site of excavated ruins that reveal remarkable frescoes, artwork, and artifacts within its streets and the dwellings of the people who perished here.

Spectacular Apulia SORRENTO COAST Scenic drive to Bari. (B) 186 mi / 300 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT 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.

Sweet Strolls in Apulia 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. [LOCAL FAVORITE] Taste traditional pasticciotto (filled pastry) with almond-infused iced coffee. (B,D) 186 mi / 300 km LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITIONS Traditional pasticciotto is the beloved cream-filled pastry of Lecce, which graces the shelves of Apulia’s bakeries and restaurants. Legend has it that this ubiquitous confection was invented by happy accident when chef Andrea Ascalone made too much cake batter, using the excess ingredients to mix up the original pasticcio (meaning mishap or mess in Italian) - a smaller cake with a creamy filling. Sink your teeth into this heavenly pastry with an almond iced coffee to complete the experience.

Stone Houses ALBEROBELLO Guided walking tour includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional conical-roof house). Free time this afternoon and evening. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE 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.

Creamy Desserts & Cave Dwellings 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 [LOCAL FAVORITE] 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) 280 mi / 450 km LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES The only thing better than a taste of gelato is having a few different tastes inside a chocolate-shelled truffle! Indulge in a tartufo dessert that will melt in your mouth during a visit to Pizzo Calabro.

Grand Greek Drama STRAIT OF MESSINA Ferry crossing to Sicily. TAORMINA Visit the ancient Greek theatre. Free time to explore. (B) 81 mi / 130 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE The Greek Theatre of Taormina is considered one of the most impressive examples of auditorium engineering and architecture for its superb natural setting and acoustical design. This ancient marvel was dug into the hard rock slopes of Mount Tauro in the 3rd-century BC, with seating to accommodate thousands of spectators. The Teatro Antico di Taormina was built in the Greek tradition of incorporating the natural surroundings to become part of the performance, with light and air permeating the columns to become part of the story.

The Pearl of the Mediterranean TAORMINA RIVIERA Enjoy a free day in Taormina. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION 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.

Sicilian Summits TAORMINA RIVIERA Enjoy a free day, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE What better way to spend this free day than with an 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.

Timeless Temples AGRIGENTO Take a guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples en route to Palermo. (B) 211 mi / 340 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia sits in spectacular setting upon a ridge where it served as a beacon for homecoming sailors and today draws enthralled visitors to revel in the remarkable Valley of the Temples.

Cathedrals & New Beginnings PALERMO Guided sightseeing includes 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. [LOCAL FAVORITE] Hear about “Addiopizzo”, an anti-mafia movement that supports the local community. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE FAIR TRADE “Addiopizzo” literally means “good-bye protection payment” and is an association founded in Palermo by a group of young, local people. They will share with you their story of how they are supporting local communities and helping with the regeneration in some of the urban areas. As they have gained support over the years, the movement can now also be found in other Italian cities.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)