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| Positano, on the Amalfi Coast
Day 1: Wednesday, October 5
Rome, Italy (1) Arrival The trip starts with your arrival at Rome International Airport on the morning of Wednesday, October 5, 2016. (Departure from USA on Tuesday, October 4)
James Derheim picks you up at the airport and we head into the Eternal City for one night at a small hotel in a quiet neighborhood on the Aventine Hill, one of the seven hills of ancient Rome. R&R, taking it easy, if you want we can go see the heart of the ancient city later on. Dinner with James at a typical place with great food. (This tour can be extended with more time in Rome if you desire)
Day 2: Thursday, October 6
Amalfi Coast with stop in Pompeii (3)
We drive south with a stop in Pompeii to see the highlights. We spend no more than an hour or so at Pompeii. Frankly, it all starts to look very much the same after that time. And, the walking is difficult.
Later, continue on to the glittering Amalfi Coast, where we stay three nights in a Bed and Breakfast with a stunning view of the coast and town of Amalfi.
Day 3: Friday, October 7
Amalfi and Ravello
Enjoying the center of Amalfi and later, we take the fun open-top shuttle minibus to the high town of Ravello. The ride up and back is a highlight. We visit a small, independently-owned limoncello factory for a tasting and to see the process of how this famous drink is created. Ravello itself is a very pretty town full of gardens.
Day 4: Saturday, October 8
Boat Ride, Positano
We take a boat over to Positano for lunch and a walk around. James had some of the best mozarella di bufala here a couple of years ago. This is a great way to take in the scenery of the Amalfi Coast.
Day 5: Sunday, October 9
En Route along the Sea (1)
We cross over the country and take the coast road along the Adriatic, stopping for a one-night stay in Alberobello, a town listed by Conde Nast as one of the 10 most beautiful small towns in Italy. It has some of the most unique architecture in all of Italy, with houses have roofs that look like ice cream cones. It's supposed to be very impressive.
Day 6: Monday, October 10
Crotone (2) As we work our way south, a two-night stay in the area of Catanzaro, with a stop in Crotone for a look around. Crotone has ancient Greek origins.
Day 7: Tuesday, October 11
Calabria
Exploring Calabria, a region of Italy that has great scenery but not many tourists.
Day 8: Wednesday, October 12
Crossing over into Sicily via Messina
Taormina, Sicily (2)
We take a ferry from the mainland over to Messina and from there, the coastal road to Taormina, where we stay two nights.
We stay in a very nice hotel with terrific views. This is a very beautiful place and from here, we can explore a bit of the park which surrounds the active volcano, Etna. We will also visit the famous Roman theater ruin at Taormina.
Day 9: Thursday, October 13
Taormina and area
Checking out one of Europe's most active volcanos. It is a surreal experience to stand on crunchy, dried lava and to look out over the moonscape of the flanks of this huge mountain.
Day 10: Friday, October 14
Agrigento (2)
Making our way to the southwestern side of Sicily, stopping to take photos and explore along the way.
Day 11: Saturday, October 15
Agrigento
One
of the most spectacular arrays of ancient Greek and Roman architecture
is here, and we will spend most of a day exploring it.
Day 12: Sunday, October 16
Monreale (2)
Located
just outside of Palermo, this smaller city has a walkable center plus a
magnificent main church. We headquarter here and make a day trip to
Erice, a very interesting town perched on the top of a high mountain. We
also get out into the countryside to explore the "real" Sicily away
from the tour buses. We have always wanted to see "Corleone," setting
for the Godfather saga! It's only about 45 minutes away from Monreale.
Day 13: Monday, October 17
Monreale and area
We spend our day visiting Erice, a town perched on the top of a huge hill. When James was here many years ago, he learned that this was an important Greek and Roman site, with many temples. Later, the people built a church on the top of every temple. So, tiny Erice has more than 30 churches!
Day 14: Tuesday, October18
Departure from Palermo Airport en route to Cleveland
Your Private Tour in Italy with Sicily
Lodging: Everything from very comfortable B&Bs to hotels. Links to the places where we stay will be sent after a deposit is made and our contract is returned. James has identified some very unique places which will be like destinations in themselves. Food: All breakfasts and all lunches plus two dinners with James Sightseeing entry fees, tolls, fuel, cost of a rental van or SUV, incidentals. Only thing you would need to cover are your other dinners. Total time away from home: 15 days Priced for a group of four (Two couples) Per Person: 6,800 Euro (About $7,600) plus mandatory trip insurance This offer expires on April 25 due to availability of B&Bs and hotels showing as "limited" during this period. This tour can be booked for other periods. This itinerary was prepared for clients of ours who have taken other trips with European Focus. To book this tour contact European Focus today. info@europeanfocus.com 800-401-7802 "Southern Italy and Sicily Trip" |
Thursday, March 24, 2016
From Rome to Palermo
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