Best of Italy & Sicily 2010 - About this Tour

Tour Details | Departure Dates and Pricing

Details

• Duration (with arrival/departure): 16
• Tour Style: Regional
• Destinations: Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi, Palermo, Agrigento, Taormina, Sorrento, Isle of Capri

Itinerary

• Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to Rome.



• Day 2 - Arrive Rome (2 nights) Welcome to Rome, capital of Italy, and the Eternal City! The remainder of your day is at leisure. Later, we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and fellow travelers.
  
  Hotel: Grand Hotel Tiberio (2 nights)
  



• Day 3 - Rome sightseeing and at leisure This morning we enjoy a fascinating tour of St. Peter’s Basilica brought clearly to life by our local guide using our effective audio system. From here we cross the Tiber into ancient Rome where we overlook the Forum and the Circus Maximus, scene of chariot racing, and visit the mighty Colosseum. Then there’s time to sightsee further – ‘Roma non basta una vita’ – a lifetime is not enough to see all Rome has to offer! (Buffet breakfast)
  



• Day 4 - Rome – Florence First we have a highlight guided visit of the Vatican Museums and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, Michaelangelo’s artistic masterpiece. Then we leave for Florence, cradle of the Renaissance and capital of Tuscany, with the balance of the day at leisure. (Buffet breakfast) 
  
  Hotel: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo



• Day 5 - Florence sightseeing – Venice (2 nights) Our guided walking tour, including our special audio system, features a visit to the Duomo, Signoria Square and the Ponte Vecchio. We will also admire the panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo. Later, we drive to the floating city of Venice and our hotel for the next two nights. This evening, why not experience this city from an elegant gondola? (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: NH Laguna Palace (2 nights)
  



• Day 6 - Venice sightseeing and at leisure Today we savour the sights and sounds of this serene city on an included canal cruise by motor launch to St. Mark’s Square. We view the Bridge of Sighs and Doge’s Palace before a visit to a glass-blowing factory. Then free time to shop or sightsee. Why not discover the colorful island of Burano in the Venetian lagoon and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch? (Buffet breakfast)



• Day 7 - Venice – Ravenna – Assisi Today’s morning drive takes us along the Adriatic coast and to the Church of St. Apollinaris in Classe near Ravenna, famous for wonderful mosaics. Then we continue to the pink-stoned city of Assisi situated on the slopes of Mount Subasio, where our walking tour with audio system highlights St. Francis’ Basilica, which dominates the city. There’s also time to visit the Church of St. Clare and explore this tranquil magical place and maybe buy some of the colorful ceramic pottery.  (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
  
  Hotel: Grand Hotel
  



• Day 8 - Assisi – Pompeii – Naples – At Sea After breakfast this morning we drive through Umbria to Pompeii, the town which was destroyed and completely buried during a catastrophic eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius, spanning two days in August 79 AD, for a walking tour with audio system of the excavations. From here it’s a short journey to nearby Naples where we will board our steamer for the overnight crossing to Palermo, Sicily’s capital. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
  



• Day 9 - At Sea – Palermo After our morning arrival in Palermo we join our coach for a sightseeing tour with a local guide which includes the Piazza Bellini. Then we stop to admire the view of the Conca d’Oro from Monreale and visit the 12th century Norman Cathedral. Next, we visit the village of Mondello before returning to Palermo. (Buffet breakfast) 
  
  Hotel: Astoria Palace
  



• Day 10 - Palermo – Selinunte – Agrigento Our first stop is at Selinunte to visit the Dorian Temples and the Acropolis. Then with a local guide, we make our way to Agrigento where we visit the nearby Valley of the Temples. Dating from the 6th century BC, they rival those of Athens in their Grecian grandeur! Later, we continue on to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Kore
  



• Day 11 - Agrigento – Piazza Armerina – Enna – Taormina (Giardini Naxos) (2 nights) Today we will travel through the vineyards of the Southern Hills to enjoy an included visit to see the colorful mosaics of the 4th century Roman Villa of Casale in Piazza Armerina. En route to the seaside resort of Taormina we see the fortress town of Enna in the distance. (Buffet breakfast)
   
  Hotel: Caesar Palace (2 nights)
  



• Day 12 - Taormina at leisure A full day to relax in this fun-loving Sicilian resort. Perhaps swim and sunbathe or shop for handmade lace on the Corso. There’s also a chance to visit the Church of San Pancrazio or take an excursion to the crater of Sicily’s active volcano, Mount Etna, which is regarded as one of the most impressive in the world. This evening, we will enjoy dinner in a family run restaurant where we will taste the local specialties of the region. (Buffet breakfast / 'Be My Guest' Dinner)
  



• Day 13 - Taormina (Giardini Naxos) – Bay of Naples (2 nights) A splendid Hidden Treasure is revealed today! We take the ferry across the Straits of Messina to mainland Italy. Next through rustic Calabria via Salerno – landing place of the Allied Armies in 1943 - and on to our hotel where we dine tonight. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
  
  Hotel: Grand Hotel La Medusa (2 nights)
  



• Day 14 - Isle of Capri Excursion First a morning visit to an inlaid wood workshop to see a demonstration of this local craft. Next we board our ferry for a short cruise to the charming Isle of Capri. On our arrival we enjoy a walking tour with audio equipment in Capri town where we enjoy views across the sea to the Faraglioni Rocks and Marina Piccola. Then free time to explore further or perhaps take a chairlift from Anacapri. Later, we cruise back to Sorrento, which is famous for the production of the alcoholic digestive, Limoncello, made from lemon rinds, alcohol, water and sugar. Here we see Piazza Tasso, with its many cafés plus the Corso Italia with its shops and boutiques before we head to our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
  



• Day 15 - Sorrentine Peninsula – Rome This morning we enjoy a spectacular drive along the Bay of Naples before we continue on our way north to view the Abbey of Monte Cassino famous for its crucial role in the World War II battle in 1944 when so many thousands of soldiers lost their lives. From here we make our way back to Rome, with the rest of the day at leisure to complete our last minute shopping or to enjoy one of the many museums. This evening, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our Tour Director and new-found friends. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Sheraton Golf
  



• Day 16 - Rome – USA This morning it is time to say ‘buon viaggio’ to our Tour Director and traveling companions as our Italian vacation comes to an end. There are airport transfers available to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)
  
  



• Free airport transfers Transfers on Day 2 at Rome Fiumicino Airport will operate at 09.30, 12.30, and 15.30. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers on the last touring day will arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport at 07.00 and 09.30.



• Note Friday departures will visit the Sistine Chapel before the departure to Pisa on Day 4


Depart USAArrive Rome Rome sightseeing and at leisureRome – FlorenceFlorence sightseeing – Venice Venice sightseeing and at leisureVenice – Ravenna – AssisiAssisi – Pompeii – Naples – At SeaAt Sea – PalermoPalermo – Selinunte – AgrigentoAgrigento – Piazza Armerina – Enna – Taormina (Giardini Naxos) Taormina at leisureTaormina (Giardini Naxos) – Bay of Naples Isle of Capri ExcursionSorrentine Peninsula – RomeRome – USAFree airport transfersNote

Whats Included

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Sightseeing Highlights

• Rome: Views of the Forum and Circus Maximus plus visits to St. Peters Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum.
• Florence: See Signoria Square, the Duomo and a visit to the Santa Croce Basilica. Views from Piazzale Michelangelo.
• Venice: Canal cruise by private launch. View St. Mark's Square, the Byzantine Basilica, Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Visit a glass-blowing factory.
• Ravenna: Visit the Church of St. Apollinaris in Classe.
• Assisi: Sightseeing including St. Francis' Basilica.
• Pompeii: A guided tour of the excavations.
• Palermo: See Piazza Bellini and the Cathedral.
• Monreale: Visit the Norman Cathedral.
• Mondello: Visit the fishing village.
• Selinunte: Visit the Dorian Temples and Acropolis.  
• Agrigento: Visit the Valley of the Temples.
• Piazza Armerina: Visit the Roman Villa of Casale.
• Enna: View the fortress town.
• Sorrento: Orientation includes a visit to an Inlaid Wood factory.
• Isle of Capri: Visit this charming Isle. See the Faraglioni Rocks and Marina Piccola.
• Monte Cassino: View the Abbey.

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Dining Highlights

• 14 Buffet breakfasts
• 5 three-course dinners in hotels and 1 dinner on mini-cruise
• ‘Be My Guest’ speciality dinner with wine in a family run restaurant in Taormina.
22 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)

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First Class Travel Highlights

• First Class hotel accommodation includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes.
• Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard.
• The services of one of Trafalgar's top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors.
• A qualified local city guide in Rome, Florence, Assisi, Pompeii, Palermo and Agrigento
• Overnight cruise from Naples to Palermo.
• Ferry across the Straits of Messina to mainland Italy.
• Cruise to the Isle of Capri.
• Airport transfers are provided on Day 2 and Day 16 (conditions apply)
• A stylish wallet, tour documents and a Welcome on Tour book.

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Airport Transfers

• London Gateways: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the airport and your London hotel. But when you book your Trafalgar tour and take advantage of our land and air packages, we have included a FREE transfer to and from London’s airports and your Trafalgar London hotel. For passengers who have their own flight arrangements we offer you the opportunity to purchase inexpensive transfers to and from London’s Heathrow – Trafalgar has negotiated special rates for the Dot2Dot transfer from London’s Heathr
• Important – Please Note: Passengers will only be entitled to transfers to and from London Airports providing the following conditions are met:
• For included transfers: Your flights must be booked directly by Trafalgar no fewer than 21 days prior to departure. For chargeable transfers: Your Travel Agent provides detailed flight information to Trafalgar no fewer than 21 days prior to departure. Once transfers are booked they cannot be changed.
• For London arrivals, you must stay at a London hotel booked by Trafalgar on the night of arrival and the night prior to your departure date.
• Trafalgar only includes one inbound and one outbound transfer.
• In the event of flight delays outside of Trafalgar’s control, the transfers will be deemed to be cancelled.
• All transfers are based on group transfers. No refund is therefore available for missed transfers, or passengers not using this service.
• In the event of unforeseen events (such as road or rail works, strikes or demonstrations), Trafalgar will not be responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
• Heathrow Airport: National Express Dot2Dot will pick up and drop off in time to meet all flights to/from London’s Heathrow Airport. For guests arriving at the Dot2Dot desk after 22.00 hrs please make use of the courtesy phone to arrange your transfer to your Trafalgar hotel.
• Gatwick Airport: Passengers who have booked Trafalgar’s Land and Air packages arriving at London’s Gatwick Airport are provided with a Gatwick Express train voucher. The Gatwick Express train journey from Gatwick Airport to London’s Victoria Station takes 30 minutes. Guests then need to make their way from Victoria Station to their Trafalgar hotel.
• European Gateways: With Trafalgar all passengers will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers on the scheduled arrival and departure day of their tour at the times specified below. Please ensure your Travel Agent reserves your flight to co-ordinate with the transfer times shown.
• Trafalgar Bonus - Passengers who book Trafalgar's Land+Air package and who arrive or depart outside of these specified times on the scheduled arrival and departure day of the tour will also be provided with a transfer.
• Passengers arriving before or leaving after the scheduled tour days are not entitled to a transfer but may book and purchase one through Trafalgar providing that they also purchase the additional pre and/or post tour hotel night(s) from Trafalgar. Please ask for prices of transfers at the time of booking your extra night accommodation.
• Land only passengers arriving or departing on the scheduled tour arrival or departure days but whose flights don't coincide with the listed transfer times below may also book and purchase these transfers. Flight details must be provided to Trafalgar not less than 21 days before the flight departure.
• Click here to see scheduled transfer times.

Options

Child Prices: Apply to children under the age of 16.