Day 1 – Friday, May 19 – Palermo, Sicily – Tour Begins
Join us in exploring the hidden treasures of Southern Italy and Sicily. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, historic cities, centuries-old hilltop villages and wonderful cuisine. Our tour begins in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. This evening, join your fellow travelers for an Amazing Journeys Welcome & Orientation. After, we’ll join together for an Amazing Journeys Shabbat Service. Later, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Sicilian cuisine. (D)
Day 2 – Saturday, May 20 – Palermo – Monreale – Palermo
A cultural tour of Palermo features 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. In the nearby town of Monreale, visit the 12th-century cathedral with its dazzling interior of multicolored marbles, paintings, mosaics and cloisters. This afternoon, set off for the stunning seaside town of Cefalù on Sicily’s northern coast. Stroll the charming medieval streets with a local guide and visit its magnificent cathedrals that showcase popular Norman architecture. Next, journey to a family-owned farm picturesquely set in the mountains. Meet the owners and discover what a typical day on a Sicilian farm is like during a private tour of the property, where you learn about its traditional products. Later, sit back and relax as a chef prepares local specialties for you featuring the farm’s own products and secret recipes. Then, sit down to a hearty dinner – Italian-style – complete with wine, of course! (B, D)
Day 3 – Sunday, May 21 – Palermo – Agrigento – Giardini Naxos
Today, travel to beautiful Taormina, known for its charming atmosphere, significant monuments and flowering gardens. Join a local guide for a tour introducing you to the city. You will see Corso Umberto and the bountiful public gardens and visit the Greek Theatre. Enjoy some free time to independently explore this delightful town. Continue on to Giardini Naxos, the “garden of Sicily,” for your 3-night stay. (B, D)
Day 4 – Monday, May 22 – Giardini Naxos – Taormina – Giardini Naxos
Ease your way into the local culture as your Tour Manager offers up a few key phrases of the native language before traveling through the countryside with rolling hills and working farms toward the town of Agrigento. Upon arrival, explore the stunning Valley of the Temples, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. From ancient times to the present day, the Valley of the Temples’ ruins, landscape and colors have inspired poets, writers and painters. Here you get an up-close view of the temples of Juno, Concordia, Hercules and Jupiter. (B)
Day 5 – Tuesday, May 23 – Giardini Naxos – Catania – Mt. Etna – Giardini Naxos
Journey to vibrant Catania. Join a local guide and view the main sights of this historic and Baroque city (UNESCO). Witness the daily spectacle of bartering for fresh fish and produce when you visit the local market. Later, everyone comes together to discover the impressive Mt. Etna Volcano National Park with a local expert during a light walk. Take in the spectacular landscapes of sculpted by nature. Return to Giardini Naxos. (B)
Day 6 – Wednesday, May 24 – Giardini Naxos – Matera
Travel to Messina where you will take a short ferry ride to Villa San Giovanni on Italy’s mainland. Travel through the beautiful and unspoiled region of Calabria and into the Basilicata region. This afternoon you’ll visit one of the area’s local wineries for a wine tasting and informative walk through the cellars and vineyards. Linger over a delicious regional dinner in the winery’s own “agriturismo” restaurant. (B, D)
Day 7 – Thursday, May 25 – Matera – Alberobello – Matera
Today, explore the “Sassi di Matera,” an ancient settlement of carved cave dwellings. A local guide will help you learn the history of this site and why it has recently caught the eye of many film producers. Afterward, stop at a local shop for a chance to sample some regional produce. Enjoy some free time in Matera to browse the shops or taste the local cuisine before heading to the mystical town of Alberobello. See some of the most unusually built homes (UNESCO)—known as trulli—that have cone-shaped roofs. Surprisingly, no mortar is used to hold the stones together. Return to your hotel for dinner. (B, D)
Day 8 – Friday, May 26 – Matera – Sorrento – Sorrento Peninsula
Today, travel towards Campania and the Bay of Naples, one of the most breathtaking areas of Italy. Take time to discover the lovely seaside resort town of Sorrento on your own. Later this afternoon arrive at the Sorrento Peninsula. Sit back and take in the views of this magical place. Before dinner, join your fellow travelers for Shabbat. (B, D)
Day 9 – Saturday, May 27 – Amalfi Coast Drive – Amalfi – Minori – Sorrento
This morning, begin your adventure experiencing the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Make a special stop in the charming town of Amalfi where you will have time to explore and have lunch at your leisure. Then it’s off to Minori where you have the opportunity to sample some of the local specialties at a family-owned limoncello factory. You’ll also take part in a typical Italian afternoon break at a local café and pastry shop. Later, return to Sorrento and enjoy your evening at leisure. (B)
Day 10 – Sunday, May 28 – Sorrento Peninsula – Pompeii – Rome
Drive along the Bay of Naples and experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Soak in the history of the preserved original buildings of a typical Roman town 2,000 years ago. A local guide will provide an in-depth view of this remarkable archaeological site. Later, we travel to Rome where you can enjoy an evening at leisure to discover Rome’s nightlife. (B)
Day 11 – Monday, May 29 – Rome
This morning, we set out on a tour of the Jewish Ghetto featuring The Marcellus Theatre, the Octavia’s Portico, Via del Portico, the Synagogue, the “Jewish Bridge”, and Tiber Island. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Rome to enjoy sightseeing, shopping or taking photos at your own pace. Rome has so much to offer! This evening, we join together for our Amazing Journeys Farewell Event, followed by dinner at a popular local restaurant. (B, D)
Day 12 – Tuesday, May 30 – Rome – Tour Ends
Your tour ends today as you head home with memories and friendships of an Amazing Journey. (B)
Our Hotels:
Day 1-2 Hotel Best Western Ai Cavalieri, Palermo
Day 3-5 Hilton Hotel Giardini Naxos, Giardini Naxos
Day 6-7 Hilton Garden Inn Matera, Matera
Day 8-9 Towers Hotel Stabiae, Sorrento Coast, Sorrento
Day 10-11 Albergo Santa Chiara, Rome
Please note, alternate hotels may be used.
The order of the tour may be changed
This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, be able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.
All rooms are non-smoking where we match roommates. Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until January 31, 2017, there is a $75 penalty for cancellation. From February 1 – March 8, 2017, the cancellation penalty is $450. From March 9 – April 19, 2017, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the package price. From April 20, 2017 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the total package price. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey.
Travel Protection: Amazing Journeys recommends you purchase Travel Protection. Information will be sent with your trip confirmation.
Taxes, Surcharges, Government Fees and Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges, visa fees and government fees are based on August 2016 rates and are subject to change. Gratuities have been included on this tour. Tips for the local drivers, guide, specialty guides, luggage porters and included meals are included.
International Air: Arrival is into Palermo, Sicily and out of Rome, Italy. International airfare is not included in the tour rate.
Transfers: The meeting location for the tour begins and ends at our starting and ending hotels. Transfers from and to the airport are not included. Transfers may be purchased at predetermined times for additional cost. Further details will be provided in the weeks prior to the tour departure.
Passport and Visa Requirements: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. At this time, no visas are necessary to enter Italy for those from the US, Canada, UK or EU countries. If you are a citizen of another country, please check the website for the Embassy of Italy to see if a visa is necessary.
Exchange Rate: If the rate of exchange between the US Dollar and the Euro is greater than 3%, we reserve the right to change the price of the tour. Once final payment is made, the price will not change.
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