Tour Details - Highlights of Southern Italy and Sicily 2012

Welcome to Rome! After check-in at your hotel, relax and unwind before meeting with your Travel Director in the afternoon. This evening, why not take a stroll around this fascinating city and enjoy the incredible atmosphere in the many beautiful squares.

Your expert Local Guide takes you on a guided visit of St. Peter's Basilica, home of Michelangelo's masterpiece the 'Pietà'. Cross the Tiber and view the Forum and Colosseum in ancient Rome. Spend leisure time seeing Rome's amazing landmarks – you might like to take a trip to the ancient Catacombs or shop for souvenirs and experience la dolce vita at a pavement café near the Spanish Steps.(Buffet Breakfast)

Drive south through Lazio and visit the Commonwealth Cemetery at Monte Cassino in the valley below the Abbey. There is the chance to take an optional excursion to visit the excavations at Pompeii, buried for centuries when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD with commentary from an expert Local Guide. Later, enjoy a dramatic scenic drive to Sorrento, and dine at your hotel tonight.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Your day starts with an orientation tour of Sorrento and a visit to an inlaid wood workshop to see how these wonderful local crafts are produced. Later don't miss the opportunity to take an optional cruise excursion to the Isle of Capri, featuring a funicular railway ride through lemon groves to the Piazzetta in Capri town, a guided walking tour and spectacular views across the Faraglioni rocks.(Buffet Breakfast)

Continue south via Salerno and through the mountainous region of Calabria and continue to the very 'toe' of Italy to take the ferry across the Straits of Messina to Sicily. After the short crossing drive to the magnificent resort of Taormina. Dine tonight at your hotel.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Your expert Local Guide takes you on a walking tour of Taormina which clings to the slopes of Mount Tauro overlooking the sea. Admire the Greek theatre and the subtropical terraced gardens. Stroll along the elegant Corso Umberto to the Piazza for splendid panoramic views across the bay. Later spend free time shopping for souvenirs and handmade lace on the Corso.(Buffet Breakfast)

This morning there is the opportunity to join an optional excursion to Europe's only active volcano, Mount Etna. Then drive southwards via Catania, Sicily's second largest city, and inland passing Enna, the impressive fortress town. Later, arrive in the bustling island capital, Palermo.(Buffet Breakfast)

See the sights of Palermo during your orientation tour including Piazza Bellini and visit the Cathedral. View the Conca d’Oro in Monreale and visit the 12th century Norman Cathedral. Relax this afternoon or explore Palermo and maybe celebrate this evening with your fellow travellers as you enjoy dinner together in the hotel on the last night of your .(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

This morning after breakfast say 'arrivederci' to your Travel Director and travelling companions. Transfers are available, conditions apply.(Buffet Breakfast)