Rome- Pompeii-Sorrento

Depart Rome after breakfast, and travel to the Sorrento peninsula. En route, stop off to see Mount Vesuvius, and to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii; destroyed in 79AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, travel onwards to tonight’s hotel in Sorrento. Arrive in the Sorrento peninsula, where we have a two-night stay. This area is famous for limoncello (a sweet lemon liqueur); the perfect way to finish off your included dinner this evening!

Experiences

See Mount Vesuvius and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii: Preserved since ancient times under metres of ash and pumice, Pompeii offers superb insights into life (and death) in the ancient Roman Empire. An expert local guide will accompany and introduce you to the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was destroyed in 79 AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption.

Sorrento - Free Day

Made up of a number of gorgeous old towns hugging the coastline, the Sorrento peninsula is our base for the day. Explore the towns in your own time. Alternatively, choose our optional excursion to the famous Isle of Capri, where you can spend some free time exploring the rugged coastline, ancient Roman ruins and stylish piazzas. Top the day trip off with a boat trip around the islands. It is sure to be an unforgettable day in the south of Italy!

Sorrento - Matera - Alberobello

Today, it is time to head east and explore the southern Italian region of Apulia, making a stop along the way in the ancient cave city of Matera. Known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City), it is famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts; the ‘sassi’. Arrive in Alberobello, and enjoy an orientation tour of the region's famous ‘trulli’ houses. These beautiful 14th century whitewashed stone huts have iconic conical roofs, and are specific to the Itria Valley. This afternoon, enjoy free time to further explore Alberobello. Great places to see include the trullo church of St Antony, and the Trulli museum. Find a beautiful spot to enjoy dinner this evening before returning to the hotel for the night. 

Experiences

Stop over in the ancient cave city of Matera: Known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City), it is famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts; the ‘sassi’.

Walking tour of Alberobello: Discover the area’s beautiful 14th century whitewashed stone huts that have iconic conical roofs, and are specific to the Itria Valley, with a local guide.

Alberobello - Taormina

Enjoy a coastal drive along the Ionian Sea this morning. Soon, it is time to head back to the mainland, and enjoy a short ferry ride over to the island of Sicily; home of Mount Etna. Prepare for stunning views while on the way to Taormina. Arrive, and enjoy an orientation walking tour of this hilltop town. Keep an eye out for some of the highlights you can explore further on your free day tomorrow. This evening, top off the Sicilian experience with an included dinner at the beachside hotel.

Experiences

Ferry ride to Sicily: Take a ferry ride to the island of Sicily; the home of Mount Etna.

Orientation walk of Taormina: One of the most popular holiday resorts in Sicily, Taormina, was founded by the Greeks who built an amphitheatre in a stunning hilltop location overlooked by Mount Etna. Learn about the art of passeggiata, an Italian social custom, during your exploration with your tour leader. As you roam through the streets and alleyways, the presence of the active volcano Mount Etna adds to the excitement of visiting this Greco-Roman town.

Dinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina: Join the group for a lovely dinner at a restaurant overlooking the ocean.

Taormina - Free Day

Enjoy a free day to relax on Sicily's beautiful beaches, or explore the island's quaint towns. The town of Taormina itself is one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations, perched on the side of a mountain, and home to medieval churches, a castle and Greek amphitheatre. For those looking to explore further afield on their Italian tour, speak to your tour leader for their recommendations, including boat tours of the beautiful coastline, day trips to Mount Etna, and 'Godfather' tours.

Optional Excurions available

Taormina Sunset Cruise €40

Mount Etna Day Trip €140

Taormina - Syracuse - Agrigento

Take an easy drive through the heart of Sicily today and be charmed by the sweet Sicilian scenery en route. Along the way, take a comfort stop in Syracuse, an ancient town on the southeast coast of Sicily that was built in ancient Greek times. Then drive the final stretch for the day to ‘Valle dei Templi’ (Valley of the Temples), one of the most outstanding examples of Magna Grecia art and architecture. Spend the night in the hilltop city of Agrigento.

Experiences

Visit Syracuse: The historically significant Sicilian city of Syracusa (as the locals call it) is located on the southeast coast of Sicily. Syracuse was originally a Greek colony, and today is home to a number of Greek remains like a Greek theatre that dates back to the 5th Century BC. You will be transported back in time as you meander cobbled lanes, pavement cafes and baroque architecture. While here, shop locally-grown pistachios, almonds and sun-dried pachino (tomatoes).

Explore the Valley of the Temples: The ‘Valle dei Templi’ is a national monument of Italy, and archaeological site in Agrigento. The Valley includes the remains of seven temples built in the Doric style. It is famous for being home to incredible examples of Magna Grecia art and architecture.

Arigento - Cefalu-Palermo

Leaving Agrigento this morning, take a scenic drive through central Sicily and arrive in the town of Cefalù for lunch. Cefalù is a historic town that boasts some of Italy’s finest beaches. Next, travel on to Palermo. Arrive in the early afternoon, and enjoy a walking tour that will introduce you to the city’s highlights. Founded more than 2,700 years ago by the Phoenicians, Palermo is noted for its history, culture, architecture and food. Sights on the walking tour include the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova (The New Gate) and the Cathedral of Palermo. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.

Experiences

Visit Cefalù: Travel to the historic city of Cefalù where you have free time to find a place to enjoy lunch. This coastal city is famous for its incredible beaches as well as its Norman cathedral complete with soaring towers and Byzantine mosaics.

Walking tour of Palermo: Follow your guide, and look out for popular attractions like the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova (The New Gate) and the Cathedral of Palermo.

Palermo - Free Day

Enjoy a free day to further explore Sicily’s capital; Palermo! Over the centuries, Palermo has been colonised by many different rulers, including the Greeks, Romans and Normans. This melting pot has resulted in a variety of architectural styles for you to explore in its historic old town. Be sure to visit Italy’s largest opera theatre which is widely considered the city’s most beautiful building! Palermo is also renowned for its delicious cuisine and irresistible dishes like arancini and cannoli. To try some of these delectable treats at two of Palermo’s most vibrant markets, join today’s optional excursion! This evening, take an overnight ferry back to the Italian mainland.

Optional Excursions available today 

Palermo Markets and Food Tour €50

Rome

Arrive in Naples after the overnight ferry this morning. The tour group will continue on the coach with the tour leader, and travel back to Rome, where the tour will come to an end later this morning. Make your own way to your next hotel for a 3 night stay in Rome. 

Overnight Quality Accommodation in Rome

Rome - Free Day

Its your chance to get out and explore all the Rome has to offer.  Take a trip to the Colosseum or people watch from the Spanish Steps - the choice is yours!

Overnight Quality Accommodation in Rome

Rome - Free Day

Its your last chance today to go and enjoy some true Italian Cuisine!The day is yours to explore 

Overnight Quality Accommodation in Rome

Rome - Civitavecchia (Cruise Port)

This morning is at leisure in Rome. Around mid day you will be picked up and driven to the Rome Cruise Port to embark on your 7 night Med Cruise

Depart 5pm

Siracusa Italy - (Cruising)

Arrive 2pm

Depart 9pm

Valletta Malta (Cruising) 

Arrive 7am

Depart 6pm

At Sea Day

MSC Divina boasts a real stone piazza, a Casino Veneziano and Broadway-size Pantheon Theatre. From the elegant Swarovski crystal staircases to the  Infinity Pool extending seamlessly out to sea,stylish and luxurious leisure facilities are all around for you to explore today. 

Santorini Greece (Cruising)

Arrive 7am

Depart 6pm

Mykonos Greece (Cruising)

Arrive 8.30pm

Depart 2.30 pm the next day (docked overnight in port)

Mykonos Greece

Arrive day prior 

Depart 2.30 pm 

At Sea (Cruising)

A wealth of wellness treatments await in the tranquil atmosphere of the MSC Aurea Spa. You can also relax and be pampered in the open air, on the Top 18 sun-deck with its stunning sea views, a dedicated spa service and a bar menu with complimentary fruit skewers.

Civitavecchia

Your package finishes this morning when you disembark the ship at 9am. Please do not book International flights until after 4pm. 

If you require a transfer to be booked for your return to the airport or rome hotel we can add this for $100 per person extra.