Southern Italy and Sicily

Welcome to Rome, the 'Eternal City', which you'll have an opportunity to explore on your own before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception this evening. Enjoy an orientation drive - a perfect introduction to this beautiful city, the centre of which has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ruins, imposing monuments, statues and fountains.

From Rome, visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Cassino to commemorate those who died here in the WWII battle. Then, view the Benedictine, originally founded by Saint Benedict in the 6th century. Next, stop at 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.

Take a ferry to the Isle of 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 cafés before returning to the mainland where you can enjoy free time in Sorrento.

Drive south via Salerno and through Calabria, crossing the straits of Messina to Sicily and the beachside resort town of Giardini Naxos below Taormina. Tonight 'Connect With Locals' during a 'Be My Guest' dinner hosted at a beautiful Sicilian winery and restaurant overlooking Mount Etna.

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 with a gelsi gelato and on to the Piazza for splendid panoramic views across the bay. Later, there's free time for shopping for souvenirs and handmade lace on the Corso.

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. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Enjoy views of Enna on the way to Agrigento, where your 'Local Specialist' will take you to the Valley of the Temples - the finest Greek sanctuary in Sicily. See the splendid Temple of Concord and the Temple of Juno overlooking the sea.

Travel to Erice and explore this 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. Before arriving in Palermo, the Sicilian capital, visit the chic seaside resort of Mondello, with its beautiful beach, popular with the elite Palermitans.

Meet your 'Local Specialist' this morning for a sightseeing tour of Palermo. See Palermo's Opera House and the Cathedral. Travel to the town of Monreale for views of La Conca d'Oro and explore the magnificent 12th-century Norman Cathedral. Later join your companions and celebrate your journey with a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Say arrivederci to Sicily and your newfound friends at the end of a memorable holiday. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.