Collette > Southern Italy and Sicily

Southern Italy and Sicily
11 Days starting from $1,749

Countries Visited:
Italy

 

Length: 11 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Europe Tour
Operator: Collette
Tour Code: 3336
   
 
About This Tour


Glorious art, classic Greek and Roman antiquities and ruins, centuries-old hilltop villages, fine wine, and great Italian food are all part of this 12-day journey exploring both the well-known and hidden treasures of Southern Italy and Sicily. Following a two-night stay in Rome, see the 2,000-year-old city of Pompeii that was frozen in time by a volcanic eruption. Your vacation highlights include southern Italy's breathtaking Amalfi Coast, Naples, Sorrento, the Calabria region, the gardens of Taormina, Mt. Etna Volcano National Park, Agrigento, and the Valley of the Temples. Your journey ends in Palermo, with its lovely squares and an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Sip Sicily's famous sweet, dark wine during a wine-tasting and tour of a local Marsala winery. Amid soft, cooling ocean breezes and almond trees, explore the ruins of ancient temples dedicated to Zeus and other mythological Greek gods and goddesses in the Valley of the Temples in the coastal city of Agrigento - one of the most important archeological sites in the world. Stories of ancient Roman life are told in the impressive collection of Roman mosaics at the Villa Casale while a local expert interprets Palermo's mix of Moorish, Norman and Spanish architecture. You'll enjoy six nights on the island of Sicily - known as the crossroads of civilization.
 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing
  • Details

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
9 Breakfast(s), 6 Dinner(s)

Hotel Accommodations:
Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

PALERMOGrand Hotel et des Palmes
AGRIGENTOJolly Hotel Della Valle
GIARDINI NAXOSHotel Russott or Giardino dei Greci
CETARAHotel Reginna Palace, Maiori or Hotel Cetus
ROMEHotel Qurinale
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling.
Sightseeing
Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach
Day 1
Overnight Flight
Join Collette Vacations in exploring the hidden treasures of southern Italy and Sicily. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, historic cities, centuries old hilltop villages, and wonderful cuisine. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to the magnificent capital city of Italy, Rome.

Day 2
Rome, Italy - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Rome where you have some time at leisure. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.

Day 3
Rome
Begin your day with an optional tour* of the "Magnificent Treasures of the Vatican Museums." Later, enjoy the Italian capital with a sightseeing tour of Classical Rome featuring the Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, and the Arch of Constantine. The beauty of contemporary Rome is highlighted through the Spanish Steps and the famous Trevi Fountain.

Day 4
Rome - Pompeii - Amalfi Coast
Today you will leave Rome and travel south to experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. A local expert explains the history of this remarkable Roman city, preserved by a volcanic eruption 2,000 years ago. The forms of people who died in Pompeii are evident and cast an insight into how they lived.

Day 5
Sorrento - Amalfi Coast
Begin your day exploring the popular seaside resort town of Sorrento. Visit local artisans and watch them demonstrate the art of inlaid wood making. Travel the Amalfi Drive where stunning views exist around every bend in the road. En route, view picturesque Positano before arrival in Amalfi, where you have free time to explore the town square, ceramic shops and cafes.

Day 6
Amalfi Coast - Giardini Naxos, Sicily
Travel down through the region of Campania to one of the least discovered and most beautiful regions of Italy, Calabria. In Villa San Giovanni take a short ferry over to Messina, Sicily. Arrive in Giardini Naxos, known as "the garden of Sicily."

Day 7
Giardini-Naxos - Taormina - Giardini-Naxos
This morning you tour beautiful Taormina, known for its charming atmosphere, significant monuments and flowering gardens. Join a local guide on a walking tour that features the Greek Temples, Corso Umberto and the beautiful Public Gardens. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to further explore this beautiful resort town.

Day 8
Giardini-Naxos - Piazza Armerina - Agrigento
Begin your day with an excursion to Mt. Etna Volcano National Park to see the spectacular landscapes sculpted by nature. Later, cross the central part of Sicily to the town of Piazza Armerina. Here you pay homage to the Roman past at the Villa Casale, which houses one of the most incredible collections of ancient mosaics in the world. Continue to the western coastal city of Agrigento, your home for the next two nights.

Day 9
Agrigento
Learn about ancient Greek cultures when you visit the Archeological Museum, known for its extensive collection of Greek vases and mosaics. Then, proceed to the stunning Valley of the Temples, one of the most important archeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From ancient times to the present day, the Valley of the Temples’ ruins, landscape flora and colors have inspired poets, writers and painters. Here, get an up-close view of the temples of Hercules, June, Dioscuris, Vulcan and Olympian Zeus.

Day 10
Agrigento - Palermo - Monreale - Palermo
Today you will travel to Palermo where you will experience a cultural tour featuring the lovely squares of Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria and Piazza Bellini. Note the exotic mixture of Moorish, Norman, and Spanish Baroque styles that make this city special. You also see the Palace of the Normans, La Martorana Church, and the Cathedral, which houses the Imperial Crown of Constance of Aragon in its treasury. In the nearby town of Monreale, visit the 12th century Cathedral with its dazzling interior of multicolored marbles, paintings, mosaics and cloisters. Celebrate the end of a wonderful trip with a delightful farewell dinner.

Day 11
Palermo - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Palermo.


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
4/10/2008 - 4/20/2008
$1,749
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4/17/2008 - 4/27/2008
$1,749
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5/22/2008 - 6/1/2008
$2,099
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6/19/2008 - 6/29/2008
$2,099
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7/10/2008 - 7/20/2008
$1,899
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8/7/2008 - 8/17/2008
$1,899
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9/11/2008 - 9/21/2008
$2,149
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9/18/2008 - 9/28/2008
$2,149
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10/4/2008 - 10/14/2008
$2,149
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10/9/2008 - 10/19/2008
$2,149
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10/16/2008 - 10/26/2008
$2,149
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10/23/2008 - 11/2/2008
$2,149
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10/30/2008 - 11/9/2008
$2,149
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11/8/2008 - 11/18/2008
$2,099
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11/15/2008 - 11/25/2008
$2,099
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3/5/2009 - 3/15/2009
$1,999
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3/26/2009 - 4/5/2009
$1,999
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4/16/2009 - 4/26/2009
$2,049
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4/18/2009 - 4/28/2009
$2,049
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4/23/2009 - 5/3/2009
$2,049
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Package Notes:
Many activities in this itinerary include walking on uneven terrain, or require significant walking at times. Some of the unique experiences, such as visiting historical areas, means accessing locations by foot because motorcoaches are restricted. If you require a walker or wheelchair, or have difficulty walking, you may not be able to access some of these areas and may want to consider an alternate vacation. Our travel counselors can provide additional information or assistance to help you determine the perfect trip for you.
Vatican Museums are not available Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
If you have not purchased air through Collette and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.
Included Breakfasts are Buffet Breakfasts.
Enjoy exploring the beautiful island of Sicily, the crossroads of civilization.

Ancient Greek culture comes to life during a guided tour of the Agrigento's Valley of the Temples.

Spend a day exploring the jewel of Sicily, the historic hill top town of Taormina.

Stay two nights on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, where the Mediterranean Sea and mountains meet.

History comes alive during a guided visit to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.

Rome sightseeing includes the Roman Forum, the Vatican and the famous Colosseum.

Language Discovery: Your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language you will experience on your tour. Learn key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the local people you meet.

Visit the Cathedral in Monreale

visit te Greek Archeological Museum in Agrigento.

Visit Mt. Etna National Park

Package Notes:
Many activities in this itinerary include walking on uneven terrain, or require significant walking at times. Some of the unique experiences, such as visiting historical areas, means accessing locations by foot because motorcoaches are restricted. If you require a walker or wheelchair, or have difficulty walking, you may not be able to access some of these areas and may want to consider an alternate vacation. Our travel counselors can provide additional information or assistance to help you determine the perfect trip for you.
Vatican Museums are not available Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
If you have not purchased air through Collette and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.
Included Breakfasts are Buffet Breakfasts.
   
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