Italian Adventure to Rome, Amalfi Coast and Sicily

There is an almost physical response to the adventures and excitement of visiting a new city. As you make your way into Rome, you may notice this Italian capital is no different. The pulse quickens, the eyes dart from towering obelisks to crumbling villas, and the mind reels at the sheer amount of beauty and historical legacy contained in this bustling city. After you have had a chance to settle in to your conveniently located accommodation, you will be able to explore the adjacent neighborhood and satisfy your rising anticipation.

Along with the Italian State, Rome is also the capital of the Catholic Church. Today, you will be able to visit the basilicas and museums of this famous territory within a city. After arriving at the plaza of St. Peter's, the massive profile of the basilica will greet you along with an expert guide, who will introduce you to this world and the priceless artifacts found in the museum. Next, you will enter the subterranean world of an ancient cemetery or necropolis where St. Peter's tomb is located before concluding your tour on the steps of the Vatican.

As you learned the day before, beneath the well-trod streets of Rome's center lies an entire world often missed by the hasty traveler. Into this world you will step on a visit to the catacombs and crypts that contain the remains of early Christians and monks. A local guide will first introduce you to the catacombs before you descend into the depths of the Bone Chapel, where the remains of Capuchin monks are used to decorate the interior of this subterranean vault. As your eyes adjust to the dimly lit interior, Rome's striking character will reveal itself.

Despite its abundance, history is not even close to the only reason Rome has captivated the imagination of travelers for centuries. Italian food is widely regarded as some of the best in Europe. As the nation's capital, Rome presents what is best from Italy's many regions. For your final full day in Rome, you will be able to familiarize yourself with this savory side on a food tour through the city center. From the outdoor markets of Campo de' Fiori to the flavors of the Jewish Quarter, a local guide will walk you through the dynamic world of Italian culinary habits.

Today, you will turn your back on the warm interior of Italy's Lazio region and make your way by train to the bustling port city of Naples. The timeless elegance of Rome will be replaced by the windswept vistas of the Tyrrhenian sea as you make your way by private transfer to the nearby town of Sorrento to start your seaside adventure. The quaint shops and cobbled streets of the old town of Sorrento will provide the perfect environment to kick the travel dust from your shoes and savor a glass of limoncello.

After a leisurely wake up, your first full day will be spent on a boat tour of the nearby island of Capri. As you will undoubtedly notice, the rugged cliffs and coast make boat travel one of the best ways to get around, and the many attractions of Capri are most easily reached from the sea. Do not let the quaint charm of this town fool you because Capri has been a top destination for travelers since Roman times, and there are villas on the island that were once used by visiting emperors.

As far as Mediterranean coasts go, those around Naples are some of the best. On the opposite side of the peninsula from Sorrento, you will witness a retreat that has been cherished by honeymooners and romantics for centuries. As rugged mountains fall into the azure waves below, the Amalfi coast will charm you with its cascading villages that cling to the slopes. Your visit will start at the town for which the coast is named before venturing on to Ravello and finally Positano.

Your final morning in Sorrento will allow you some final moments to take in the breathtaking views of the bay or Mt. Vesuvius before being whisked to the nearby airport for your trip further south. Your destination will be the island world of Sicily, where many proud natives consider themselves Sicilian before Italian. A private transfer will ensure the smooth arrival at your conveniently located hotel in Sicily's capital of Palermo. You will have the remainder of the day to explore this dynamic port city and its rustic character.

Sicily has long existed at the juncture of many cultural and social influences. Into this rich heritage of Arabic, Italian, and African influence you will venture on a walking tour of Palermo's markets, squares, and major monuments. Your knowledgeable guide will make sure no question goes unanswered as you sample the authentic street food and learn about the incredible amount of variety on display at Palermo's famous outdoor markets.

Much like the Romans who were to come later, the Greek civilization at its peak influenced much of the Mediterranean world. You will be able to witness this influence on a day trip beyond Palermo to the nearby Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. The archeological excavations completed here have unearthed numerous Greek ruins. Today, you will enjoy a guided tour through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple-hopping tour will help familiarize you with the legacy of Greeks in Sicily and give you a front-row seat for the turbulent changes of the island's past.

Just because it is an island does not mean that you cannot enjoy all the benefits of a road trip well beyond the confines of Palermo's city limits. Today, you will leave the crowds of the city behind and head west to the medieval town of Erice. Perched atop a mountain of the same name, this village offers visitors commanding views of the surrounding countryside and sea as well as charming alleys lined with shops and stalls. You will end your tour at the inland community of Segesta with its remarkably well-preserved Doric temple before returning to Palermo.

It is not without a wistful glance behind that you will board your departing flight from Palermo's Falcone-Borsellino airport. From North to South, you have seen much of Italy's illustrious past and vibrant present and enjoyed a leisurely reverie through Rome, Sorrento, and Sicily; however, you can rest assured that this is just the tip of the Italian iceberg, and there is still much to see and do in this storied land.