The indelible effects of Greek, Byzantine, and Christian traditions permeate culture and customs during your customizable Italy tour. Follow the dramatic influence that shaped civilization south of Rome. Wander through the antiquated ruins of former Greek settlements in Sicily. Stroll along the unearthed roads of Pompeii to find mosaics depicting epic tales. Indulge in the beauty of Capri and the Amalfi Coast. Sip Sicilian wine on family-owned vineyards. Immerse yourself in the golden glow of...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Rome – Arrive in Rome with a Fascinating Walking Tour of the Eternal City
Rome has shined across its Seven Hills for more than two millennia, intertwining faith, art, and politics that continue to draw people from around the world. The dramatic walls of the Colosseum continue to stand majestically. The statue of Oceanus proudly watches over the water trickling into the Trevi Fountain. The dome of the historic Pantheon has inspired architects from its inception, including Michelangelo and Brunelleschi. Your flight lands at Fiumicino Airport. Your private transfer greets you upon your arrival and escorts you to a grand hotel located in the heart of the historic city with terraces overlooking the obelisk of Piazza del Popolo and gardens of the Villa Borghese.
Restaurants hide amongst the hidden cobblestone alleys and fill the air with the aromas of fresh pasta and delectable pizzas. Gelateries offer colorful mixtures of creamy sweet treats along the roadside, accompanied by the subtle scent of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and coffee. Your guide greets you in the hotel lobby, eager to lead you on an exceptional tour of the churches of Rome, tracing the lineage of Christianity across the city center. Before reaching the crowning dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, you find the remarkable church of St. John Lateran.
The structure acted as the Papal residence before the existence of the Vatican. Your guide points to an inscription on the façade that reads in Latin, “Mother and Head of all the churches of the city and the world.” The captivating 16th and 17th-century architectural styles were built over the 4th-century foundations of an earlier church. The bronze doors decorating the façade were taken from the ancient Curia located in the Roman Forum. Copies of the original Christian mosaics decorate the apse. The sweet spice of frankincense drifts beneath the timber ceiling.
Consider reading some of our travelers' Italy trip reviews for further inspiration in perfecting your own dream Italy vacation.
What's Included:
Day 2
Capri – Transfer to the Famous Island of Capri with the Day at Leisure
Day 3
Ravello – Tour Stunning Capri before Transferring to Ravello
Day 4
Ravello – Explore the Charm of the Amalfi Coast with a Private Driver
Day 5
Ravello – Travel to the Greek Ruins of Paestum and Visit a Dairy Farm
Day 6
Naples – Visit Ancient Pompeii and Tour Naples’s Archaeological Museum
Day 7
Palermo – Fly to Palermo, Sicily and Enjoy the Remaining Day at Leisure
Day 8
Palermo – Traverse the Layers of Palermo and Cathedral of Monreale
Day 9
Sciacca – Wander Ancient Segesta and Medieval Erice en route to Sciacca
Day 10
Sciacca – Delight in a Half-Day Wine Tour and Tasting around Sciacca
Day 11
Taormina – Discover the Ruins of Agrigento and Architecture of Taormina
Day 12
Taormina – Stroll through the Layers of History and Culture in Syracuse
Day 13
Catania – Enjoy an Expedition to Mt. Etna and Culture in Catania
Day 14
Catania – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Stroll beneath the brilliant golden glow of the Byzantine mosaics decorating the Palatine Chapel in Palermo
- Discover the splendor of the largest preserved Doric temple in the world, located in the ruins of Segesta in Sicily
- Wander along the Greek temples rising out of the verdant plains of Campania at Paestum before partaking in a cheese-making lesson at a local dairy farm
- Travel the famous scenic road along the Amalfi Coast to visit the charming towns overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, leading to the Cathedral at Amalfi
- Visit the historical and legendary churches of Rome on a private tour taking you from St. John Lateran to the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica
- Explore the preserved marvels of Syracuse on an epic ancient tour to find wild papyrus, a magnificent theater, and an ancient cathedral
- Indulge in the splendid tastes of Sicily with a wine tour around Sciacca, sampling the delightful flavors fortified by the surrounding terrain
- Witness the prestigious art of the ancients while exploring the streets of Pompeii and the National Archaeological Museum in Naples
- Traverse the rugged landscape of Mt. Etna on a guided four-wheel-drive excursion to the fuming craters overlooking the lush foothills
Detailed Description
Art, architecture, and customs of Southern Italy and Sicily highlight the deeply embedded layers of kingdoms, trade, and traditions that influenced daily life south of Rome. Your two week Southern Italy itinerary embarks on a discovery of Greek, Byzantine, and Christian cultures, from Rome to Palermo. Your adventure begins with your arrival in Rome. Your private transfer greets you at Fiumicino Airport and escorts you to the heart of the Eternal City. Embark on a fabulous walking tour of the city center, focused on the famous and fabled churches of Rome. The next day, you travel south to the island of Capri. Relax in the comforts of your luxurious hotel overlooking the cliffs of the island. Stroll through Capri Town or Anacapri at your own pace to find the historical churches and private vistas of the treasured island.
The following day, your guide greets you in the hotel lobby, eager to introduce you to the history of Capri, leading from the villas of Roman emperors to the Carthusian monastery of St. James. You transfer by ferry to the Amalfi Coast for the remainder of the day at leisure at your gorgeous hotel in Ravello. Then, your private driver takes you along the Amalfi Coast at your leisure to indulge in the splendor of the Mediterranean seaside. Visit the town of Positano to discover remnants of Byzantine design. Venture outside of the Amalfi Coast to explore the Doric temples of Paestum. Continue to a dairy farm outside of the ancient Greek ruins for an in-depth class on how to make the celebrated buffalo mozzarella.
Afterward, your private transfer leads you across the Bay of Naples, stopping at Mt. Vesuvius to reach the top of the famous crater. You continue to the legendary city of Pompeii to walk along the preserved archaeological park. Upon reaching Naples, you have a private guided tour of the National Archaeological Museum to find a mixture of Roman and Greek artwork filling the galleries. Next, you fly to Palermo, Sicily to enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Spend time visiting the outdoor markets or dip into warm Mediterranean waters at Mondello Beach. You have a guided tour of the historical city, delving deeper into the Norman, Arab, and Christian architecture decorating the city.
You continue to the small town of Monreale to explore the fascinating cathedral before returning to your hotel in Palermo. You visit the Greek ruins in Segesta to find the largest Doric temple in Italy. Explore the Medieval town of Erice before settling in the luxuries of your seaside resort in Sciacca. You can relax on a half-day wine tour learning about the ways the locals produce the celebrated varietals before relishing the remainder of the day at leisure. Embark on an immersive tour of a Greek settlement in the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento. Find preserved structures and fallen statues before reaching the serene cliff-top town of Taormina.
Your guide leads you on a fascinating tour of the baroque and medieval charms culminating at the Greek Theater, which offers a view of Mt. Etna. Visit the ancient city of Syracuse. Sit in the largest Greek theater ever discovered and stroll the ancient lanes of a city preserved alongside the Mediterranean Sea. Venture to the foothills and craters of Mt. Etna with a guided tour. Witness the lush orchards and greenery at the mountain base before wandering through the lunar landscape of the upper crater. Once in Catania, you have a private tour of the ancient baroque city rebuilt after a 17th-century earthquake. Your private transfer greets you at the hotel on the final day. You make your way out of the city to reach Catania-Fontanarossa Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$6,300 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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