Mediterranean Fantasy | 11 Days

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TRIP IN BRIEF

Mediterranean Fantasy

4.5
(5 Reviews)
From $10,954 AUD
  • 11 Days
  • Cities Visited

    Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Palermo, Monreale, Erice, Marsala, Agrigento, Ragusa, Noto, Siracusa, Taormina, Etna

    Group Size:
    2 to 40
    Age Range:
    0 to 99
    Languages: English
    Type: Partially Guided Tours

Or contact your local travel agent.

Italy
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Tour at a Glance

Tour at a Glance

Uncover charming destinations on the western half of unique Sicily and visit the beautiful Sorrento

  • Visit Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe
  • Discover ancient sites in stunning Siracusa
  • Enjoy a boat trip to islands off the Saline della Laguna salt reserve
  • Guided tour of Pompei
  • View a variety of architecture styles throughout gorgeous towns of Sicily
  • Start Point:
  • End Point:
  • Stops:
  • Map is an indication of destinations visited and may not depict the exact route taken.

Itinerary

DAY 1:                                   ROME

Make your own way to your tour hotel. At 07:45pm pickup from the hotel and reach Via del Teatro Marcello. Our local expert guide will lead you to discover the wonders of the Eternal City, charming by day – abso­lutely romantic at sunset. You will cross the characteristic area of the Jewish Ghetto, one of Rome’s most beautiful neighbourhoods, filled with history and with a real Roman atmosphere. See the Turtle Fountain (Fontana delle Tartarughe) in Piazza Mattei. The Jewish Ghetto of Rome is the second most ancient after the one in Venice, and it can be considered the heart and soul of Roman cuisine. Walk into Piazza Della Rotonda and enjoy the lit view of the Pan­theon, the former temple of Marcus Agrippa later convert­ed into a church: this is the only ancient Roman temple that remained untouched through the centuries and it’s stunning at night when the crowds are away. Next stop, close your eyes and throw a coin over your right shoulder straight into the Trevi Fountain: it’s said that those who do so, are granted to come back to Rome someday. Your walk continues towards Piazza di Spagna, one of the city’s most popular squares, known for its setting at the bottom of the Spanish Steps. Walk up these famous steps to enjoy a lovely view from the top. After this intense and gratifying walk, there is only one thing missing to end this experi­ence: a creamy and tasty Gelato, it’s on us! The tour ends in the Spanish Steps area. Make your own way back to the hotel for overnight.

DAY 2:                                   ROME – NAPLES – POMPEII – SORRENTO

After breakfast, pick up from your hotel at approximately 7:00 am. Depart by coach, heading south crossing the regions of Lazio and Campania. Arrive in Naples and enjoy a short panoramic tour climbing up to Vomero hill to enjoy beauti­ful views over the Gulf of Naples with the Vesuvius, Capri, Ischia and Procida and the city below; time to take some nice pictures. Descending towards the port of Mergellina you will leave the city and travel south towards Mount Ve­suvius. Once you reach the town of Pompeii, you will have lunch, enjoying a real Neapolitan pizza. After lunch, enter one of the most important archaeological sites in the world: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of Pompeii, with Skip the Line entrance and a guided tour. Visit the haunting ruins of Pompeii, travelling back in time to the tragic days in 79 AD when the silent Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted, covering the prosperous Roman city in deadly volcanic ashes and poisonous gases, leaving this prosperous city crystallized until our days. You’ll learn how people lived at that time, visiting houses and “bars” of the time, admiring frescoes and mosaics, imagining how rich and prosperous the city was before the dreadful day. After the visit, you will drive along the Sorrentine Coast, arriving in Sorrento for dinner (dress code: jacket for men). Overnight in Sorrento. (B, L, D)

DAY 3:                                   SORRENTO – CAPRI – SORRENTO

After breakfast, depart on an excursion to the island of Capri: one of the most exclusive summer desti­nations of the Mediterranean. Depending on weather and sea conditions, you will admire the dreamy Blue Grotto on a small rowboat. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the island at your own pace. Once back on the mainland, return to Sorrento for overnight. (B,D)

DAY 4:                                   SORRENTO – PALERMO – AT SEA

After breakfast, morning is at leisure to explore Sorrento. In the afternoon, depart for the port of Naples where to board the Tirrenia/Snav ferry to Paler­mo. Overnight is on board the ferry. (B)

DAY 5:                                   PALERMO

Arrive in Palermo and transfer to your hotel. That night, have dinner in the hotel. (D)

DAY 6:                                   PALERMO – MONREALE – PALERMO

After breakfast, depart on a morning excursion to Monreale, re­cently included on the UNESCO World Her­itage List, an ancient royal town famous for its almonds, olive oil and citrus fruits, as well as its fine Norman architecture. Visit the elaborate Cathedral of Monreale and then en­joy some shopping. Return to Palermo for a walking tour of the city. Wander the streets of the Old Town, hearing tales of Palermo’s 3,000-year history and discovering attractions like Palermo Cathedral. Walk inside the im­pressive-looking place of worship and marvel at its arches, cupolas, and mosaics with an incredible mix of influences coming from several dominations on the island. Enjoy some free time in the late afternoon. Overnight Palermo. (B, D)

DAY 7:                                   PALERMO – ERICE – MARSALA – AGRIGENTO  

Early breakfast and departure to Erice, a me­dieval village stacked into the side of Monte San Giuliano. Many say that little has changed in the village since the sixth century, and its labyrinth-like twist of lanes is perfect for a cool and pleasant morning amble. Continue to visit the Saline, an extraordinary lagoon, where history, nature, and archaeology find a perfect synthesis and allow the visitor to try different, unique, and charming experiences. Afterwards, we’ll set off to Marsala whose lands are known for its Marsala wine. Visit a traditional tavern and taste region­al products during a light but unforgettable lunch. Continue to Agri­gento. Visit Ancient Greek monuments and ruins at the Valley of Temples, a UNE­SCO World Heritage site, and learn about ar­chaeological relics. Overnight Agrigento. (B, L, D)

DAY 8:                                   AGRIGENTO – RAGUSA

After breakfast, travel to Ragusa and visit the enchanting historical centre “Ibla”, with its stunning baroque palaces and churches. Together with seven other cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the old gate of San Giorgio, the Giardini Iblei, and then walk to Piazza Pola where we will visit the church of San Giuseppe. Be enchanted by the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Church of the Souls in Purgatory, and the magnificent Cosentini Palace, one of the most interesting Late Baroque palaces in Sicily. Overnight Ragusa. (B, D)

DAY 9:                                   RAGUSA – NOTO – SIRACUSA – TAORMINA

After breakfast, travel to Noto, a pic­turesque fishing town popular for its stately Baroque architecture. Visit the Cathedral of San Nicolò, recently restored after an earthquake, and then have a nice walk in the town’s centre. Continue along the south coast to Siracusa, located on Sicily’s southeastern tip. Upon arrival, cross one of the city’s bridges for a visit to the island of Ortigia, the most ancient part of Siracusa, home to a wealth of Ba­roque churches and medieval palaces. In the late afternoon arrive in Taormina for overnight. (B, D)

DAY 10:                                TAORMINA – MT. ETNA – TAORMINA

After breakfast, depart for Mount Etna, the largest ac­tive volcano in Europe and the highest mountain in Italy. Learn about volcanic activity and marvel at the old lava fields and black mag­ma rock that comprises Etna’s landscape. If weather permits, you have a chance to climb to the summit (1800 m). After, return to Taormina, the beautiful and romantic town located on Mount Tauro. Spend the rest of your day at leisure. Overnight Taormina. (B)

DAY 11:                                 TAORMINA

After breakfast, the tour ends. End of our services. (B)

Accommodation (or similar):

ROME: San Martin Hotel, Diana Roof Garden Hotel

SORRENTO: Michelangelo Hotel, Grand Hotel Vesuvio

PALERMO: Mercure Hotel

AGRIGENTO: Della Valle Hotel

RAGUSA: Poggio del Sole Hotel

TAORMINA: Hotel Splendid

Includes:

–          Transportation by deluxe motorcoach

–          English speaking tour escort

–          Accommodation in 4 stars hotels

–          Meals as per itinerary

–          Entrance tickets to the archaeological site in Pompeii with “Skip the Line”

–          Visit of Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Palermo, Agrigento, and Siracusa with local expert guide

–          Entrance tickets to the archaeological sites in Sicily

–          Visit of the Blue Grotto in Capri 

–          Porterage service included only on our escorted tours in Sicily region

Not Included:

–          Tips

–          Porterage service

–          Drinks

–          Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned

–          City tax for overnight stays (according to each city council rules)

–          Everything that is not mentioned in “Includes”

Things to Note:

–          Accommodation is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to avoid hotel changes but should a mid-tour hotel change become necessary after this list has been printed, contact details of the new hotel will be supplied to you by your Tour Director.

–          Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00 p.m.

–          Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling are not included in the tour price.

–          Tour can be a combination of regular tours, therefore coach changes may be required. The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.

–          For operational reasons, order of itinerary and/or excursions is subject to change at any time. Optional excursions not specified in our itinerary will be suggested by the tour leader.

–          A government tourist tax may need to be paid locally upon arrival at your hotels.

–          During peak season, visiting the Blue Grotto in Capri may involve long lines and limited capacity. If access is not possible, or the weather conditions do not allow it, our guides will suggest alternative attractions to ensure a satisfy­ing and memorable tour (e.g., Faraglioni rocks).

–          In case of bad weather conditions, the boat trip will be replaced with the visit inside to the mill “Mulino Ettore e Infersa”

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Pricing & Availability

Filter Dates
2024
2025
Departing Ending

All rates are based on twin/double share. Please enquire for single and triple rates. Rates are based on AUD. Availability is conditional on final confirmation from the supplier and is subject to change.

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Reviews for Mediterranean Fantasy

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Maria
17 day tour great weather

Review for: Glorious Italy

We were lucky to have great weather from Rome to Rome taking in the sights of Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Padua, Venice, Montepulciano, Rome beautiful destinations and incredible history. Both Nancy our tour guide who was knowledgeable and Luigi our bus driver they  were fantastic and worked great together. We had a different tour guide and driver from Naples to Taormina sights seen were great as well Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri then to Palermo, Monreale, Erica, Marsala, Agrigento, Armenian, Ragusa, Noto, Siracusa, Mt Etna not to forget the beautiful Taormina. We loved Sorrento full of life and Palermo great arancini and Sicilian canoli (was in heaven).
Review Image
Review Image
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Elizabeth and Gordon Wood
The standard of hotels and the level of guide expertise was excellent

Review for: Fantasy of Puglia

The standard of hotels and the level of guide expertise was excellent. The fact that breakfast and dinner were included in the pre-tour costs was of benefit to us. Our only concern would be the quality of the dinners presented to us during our 2 night stay in Alberobello. As the "dispersed hotel" did not have catering facilities, we ate at the same restaurant for 2 nights. This restaurant made little effort to give us meals comparable to the standard of the other included meals. On our first night the first course was a pasta with minimal sauce, the second course was 2 small Italian sausages with a small scoop of fried potato and the dessert was a chocolate sauce on ice-cream. Some of our group complained to Angela, our guide, who agreed that it was not satisfactory and rang the restaurant to ask for a higher quality meal the next night. On the second night, for the first course we were given a very similar pasta to the night before, then a small undressed tomato, mozzarella and lettuce salad accompanied by a small dressed tomato and lettuce salad. This was topped off by a slice of watermelon for dessert. We particularly enjoyed the final dinner at the 'Masseria le Stanzie' outside Lecce.
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Tim
We were lucky to

Review for: Art Cities & Tuscany with Rome Winter

We were lucky to have such an amazing tour director- really the best of the 3 trips we had with Sun Island!

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TRIP IN BRIEF

Mediterranean Fantasy

4.5
(5 Reviews)
From $10,954 AUD
  • 11 Days
  • Cities Visited

    Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Palermo, Monreale, Erice, Marsala, Agrigento, Ragusa, Noto, Siracusa, Taormina, Etna

    Group Size:
    2 to 40
    Age Range:
    0 to 99
    Languages: English
    Travel Style: Partially Guided Tours

Or contact your local travel agent.

Italy
Speak to our Italy Expert - Natalie

Natalia is in love with Italy. Contact her for advice on Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, Como, Cinque Terre, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Puglia and Sicily.

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