Southern Italy and Sicily - 10 Days
10 Days
Rome
Palermo
***
Trafalgar Tours
10-Day Italy Tour of Rome, Sorrento, Capri and Sicily
The sun-kissed south and Sicily are the star attractions on this mesmerising southern Italy trip from Rome to Palermo. Taste local Sicilian wine on the slopes of snow-capped Mount Etna, learn about the ancient Greek heritage of Agrigento and get lost in the medieval cobbled streets of Erice...
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Rome
Ciao Roma! The 'Eternal City' is yours to explore on your own. Have a stroll around the city centre before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner this evening.
Arrival Transfer: Depart Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 09:30, 12:30, 15:00
Welcome: Meet your Travel Director at 17:00
Day 2: Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento
From Rome, journey south to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii. Your Local Specialist will take you on a walking tour of the excavations buried for centuries under a layer of volcanic ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted. See such sites as the Gymnasium, the Temple of Apollo and the impressive Basilica before continuing to your hotel in Sorrento.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Sorrento Countryside and Farmhouse Meal - EUR 77 pp
Join a local family at their farm in the Sorrento countryside. Walk through lemon groves, visit the olive oil mill and see how mozzarella is made. Sit down to a spread of home-produced cold cuts, marinated vegetables and fresh olives, all served with wine made from their own grapes.
Dinner Neapolitan Style - EUR 84 pp
Dine at a family-run restaurant and enjoy an evening of Neapolitan specialities. Tuck into local dishes prepared with regional ingredients and generations of know-how.
Day 3: Cruise to the Isle of Capri
Take a ferry to Capri, the isle of sirens according to Greek mythology. You’ll ascend to Capri town by funicular railway and see the famous Piazzetta during your guided walking tour with a Local Specialist. Spend some free time people-watching at one of the local cafes before returning to the mainland, where you can enjoy free time in Sorrento or perhaps choose to visit the famed town of Positano. Let the day's delightful discoveries sink in as you relax at dinner this evening.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Discover The Isle Of Capri - EUR 60 pp
Experience a private, guided cruise along the beautiful southern coast to see spectacular cliffs, the famous Faraglioni Rocks and White Grotto sea cave with its small red coral. View the turquoise waters and private villas and hear the stories of Roman Emperors and famous people through history who have called Capri home before ascending to Capri town. This optional experience is weather dependent and may be replaced by a minibus tour of the Island with a visit to Anacapri and either the Villa San Michele or the Anacapri chairlift.
Amalfi Coast and Positano - EUR 74 pp
Take a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast, one of Italy’s most iconic stretches of road. Stop in Positano, a cliffside village known for its steep streets, vibrant boutiques and Mediterranean views that have long drawn artists and travellers alike.
Day 5: Gardens and More in Taormina
Your Local Specialist will take you on a walking tour of Taormina on the slopes of Monte Tauro, overlooking the sea. Visit the Greek theatre and see the terraced botanical gardens. Then, stroll along the elegant Corso Umberto and on to the Piazza IX Aprile for splendid panoramic views across the bay. Later, enjoy some free time to shop for souvenirs and handmade ceramics along the Corso, or indulge in a delicious gelato.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Mt. Etna, Savoca and The Godfather - EUR 65 pp
Discover rustic village life with your Local Specialist as we visit Savoca, the Sicilian setting for 'The Godfather'. Enjoy the stunning views before a visit to Vitelli's bar, featured in the film and famous for 'granita di limone'. Later, you’ll journey up Mt.Etna, one of the most intriguing volcanoes in the world. (Footwear such as trainers or boots advised)
Dinner in Castelmola - EUR 97 pp
Climb by minibus to the heights of Castelmola, above Taormina, to enjoy a tasty Sicilian dinner with local wine in a characteristic restaurant with some of the best views of this magical part of the island.
Sicilian Dinner and Entertainment - EUR 87 pp
Join us for a fantastic Sicilian evening where you’ll enjoy a dinner of Southern Italian specialities with musical entertainment.
Day 6: Taormina Riviera Your Way
Enjoy a full day to do as you please in this beautiful resort town. Shop, relax, see the sights of your choice, or consider an Optional Experience. Whatever you decide, your Travel Director will be on hand to help you get the most out of your day. Tonight, enjoy a Be My Guest experience.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Syracuse - The Wonder of Ancient Sicily - EUR 70 pp
With your Local Specialist, you’ll visit the most fascinating town in Sicily, once the capital of Magna Graecia, including the beautiful island of Ortygia. Entrance to the archaeological site of Syracuse is included.
Day 7: Journey to Ancient Agrigento
Day 8: Explore Erice and on to Palermo
Journey to Erice, a famous hilltop medieval town in western Sicily with its cobbled streets, Norman castles and stunning views of the sea, salt pans and wooded hillsides. Perhaps take a walk to the ruins of Venus Castle with its Balio Gardens. Continue your day with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Palermo. This evening, you could choose to join an Optional Experience to a coastal village where the colourful fishing boats line the harbour.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Sferracavallo with Dinner - EUR 75 pp
Join us for a drive to the coast of Sicily, where you’ll arrive at the quaint fishing village of Sferracavallo. You’ll have the chance to sample a delicious feast of local Palermo specialities, accompanied by wine and soft drinks.
Day 9: Enjoy the Views in Monreale
Travel to Monreale for views of La Conca d'Oro and explore the magnificent 12th-century Norman Cathedral with your Local Specialist. Later, join your fellow travellers to celebrate your journey with dinner at a local restaurant.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
A Visit to Cefalù - EUR 44 pp
Take a drive along the blue coastal highway to the quaint medieval village of Cefalù. You'll have the chance to stroll from the long golden beaches into the winding Arab streets with your Local Specialist.
Hidden Palermo and Local Colourful Market - EUR 36 pp
Your local specialist will take you for a stroll through the heart of Palermo with some hidden gems. This discovery will take you to the most exciting local market where you will taste some of the Palermitano street food.
Includes
- 9 nights in handpicked 3 & 4 star hotels in great locations
- Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
- Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
- Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
- Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour
Choose Your Departure Date
Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.
The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.
YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.
What does the tour cost include?
The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
Can i book flights through you?
Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines.
When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for any flight requirements.
You are, of course, welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.
Can i add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?
Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.
Can i book twin beds or triple/quad rooms?
Yes, we have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.
If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.
For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.
For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.
How much is the solo/single supplement?
Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
How many guests will be on this tour?
Trafalgar welcomes guests from all over the world to have an amazing, shared travel experience. While we can’t share details of who you’ll be travelling with and how many people are on your tour in advance of your tour, you can see our average group sizes below. You’ll meet your group at your tour welcome when you start your trip.
Europe trips: An average of 40 to 45 guests and a maximum of 53
United States and Canada trips: A maximum of 52 guests
Australia and New Zealand trips: A maximum of 50 guests
Asia trips (except Sri Lanka): A maximum of 32 guests
Sri Lanka trips: A maximum of 48 guests
Africa trips: A maximum of 36 guests
Latin America trips: A maximum of 40 to 45 guests
How much walking will be on this tour?
With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.
Leisurely: Tours will typically have 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.
Do your coaches have on-board wifi and bathroom faclilites?
Regardless of where in the world your tour visits, we do our best to ensure your coach is as comfortable as it can be. However, there can be differences depending on where in the world you're visiting:
Europe, North & South America, Australia & New Zealand trips:-
We pride ourselves on having the best-in-class fleet of fuel-efficient coaches. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city centre. Facilities you’ll enjoy are:
- Reclining seats
- An on-board restroom
- Charging points (please note that these are power points, and not USBs)
- WiFi
- Air-conditioning
Africa & Asia trips:-
Africa and Asia tour vehicles do not have Wi-Fi. On Asia trips, there are no onboard rest rooms, but we always ensure there are regular rest stops.
Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?
Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.
Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.
Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.
We suggest that your insurance covers the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
- Loss or damage to your property and baggage
- Loss of cash, credit cards etc
- Medical costs and personal accidents
Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive.
Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel.
Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.
What does a guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure means the tour will operate no matter how many people are booked to travel on that departure.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure you are booked on has to be withdrawn due to unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid, or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.
What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.
Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:
Europe trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.
Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:
From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.
USA trips incl transiting travellers:
US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.
Canada trips:
Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.
Rest of the World trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
What if I have mobility issues?
Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.
What if I have food allergies?
Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.
You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.
How much luggage can I bring?
Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in).
In addition guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).
Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.