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Best of Italy and Sicily 2012

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St Peter's BasilicaValley of the TemplesSorrento
St Peter's Basilica
Valley of the Temples
Sorrento
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Guest Experiences

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Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1

    ARRIVE ROME (2 NIGHTS)

    Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City! Spend the day relaxing. Join your fellow travellers and Travel Director this evening for a Welcome Reception. Afterwards, enjoy an orientation drive through the city to see St. Peter's Basilica and other sights - a perfect introduction to this beautiful city.


    Meal(s): (Welcome Reception)

    Hotel: Ateneo Garden Palace (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 2

    ROME SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

    Your expert Local Guide gives a fascinating commentary during your visit of St. Peter's Basilica. Cross the Tiber to ancient Rome to view the Forum and Circus Maximus. Visit the mighty Colosseum, site of gladiatorial combat. Spend time afterwards seeing the sights of your choice or relax and experience ‘la dolce vita’.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 3

    ROME - FLORENCE

    Visit the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, home of Michaelangelo's The Creation, with your expert Local Guide. Later, in the Renaissance city of Florence, take a leisurely stroll through historic streets and soak up the unique atmosphere!


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 4

    FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING - VENICE (2 NIGHTS)

    Experience the incredible sights of Florence on your guided walking tour. See the magnificent marble Duomo, Signoria Square and Ponte Vecchio. Marvel at the panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo. Later, drive to the floating city of Venice. This evening, why not appreciate this elegant city from the comfort of a gondola?


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Quattro Fontane (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 5

    VENICE SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

    Your cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square is spectacular! View the Bridge of Sighs and the ornate Doge’s Palace. Visit a glass-blowing factory and watch a demonstration of this ancient art. Spend free time shopping or relaxing. Consider a boat trip to the colourful island of Burano for a delicious seafood lunch.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 6

    VENICE - CLASSE - ASSISI

    Drive south from Venice along the Adriatic coast to visit the Church of St. Apollinaris at Classe, famous for wonderful mosaics. Later, in the spiritual city of Assisi on the slopes of Mount Subasio, visit St. Francis' Basilica on your walking tour with an expert Local Guide. Visit the Church of St. Clare and shop for colourful ceramic pottery.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Ora Hotel Cenacolo (SF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 7

    ASSISI - POMPEII - NAPLES - AT SEA

    The ancient city of Pompeii was buried beneath volcanic ash when Mount Versuvis erupted in 79 AD, and lay undiscovered for centuries. Your expert Local Guide gives a fascinating account of the excavations during your walking tour. A short journey brings you to Naples for your overnight cruise to Palermo, Sicily's capital.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

  • Day 8

    AT SEA - PALERMO

    Arrive this morning in Palermo for a sightseeing tour which includes Piazza Bellini. Admire the view of the Conca d'Oro from Monreale and visit the 12th century Norman Cathedral. Visit the village of Mondello before returning to Palermo.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Astoria Palace (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 9

    PALERMO - SELINUNTE - AGRIGENTO

    Visit the Dorian Temples and the Acropolis at Selinunte. In Agrigento, your expert Local Guide takes you on a tour of the Valley of the Temples dating from the 6th century BC. These are some of the grandest Grecian remains outside Athens! Dine tonight at your hotel.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Dioscuri Bay Palace (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 10

    AGRIGENTO - ENNA - TAORMINA (GIARDINI NAXOS) (2 NIGHTS)

    Travel through the vineyards of the southern hills towards the seaside resort of Taormina, stopping en route to enjoy views of the fortress town of Enna.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Caesar Palace (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 11

    TAORMINA - FREE TIME

    Spend the day relaxing in this fun Sicilian resort. Perhaps swim and sunbathe or shop for handmade lace on the Corso. Consider an optional excursion to Savoca, the village made famous by ‘The Godfather’, and the crater of Sicily’s active volcano, Mount Etna, widely regarded as one of the most impressive in the world. This evening, join your companions for a very special Be My Guest dinner in a vineyard close to Mount Etna.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)

  • Day 12

    TAORMINA (GIARDINI NAXOS) - SORRENTO (2 NIGHTS)

    Cross the Straits of Messina to mainland Italy by ferry, driving north through rustic Calabria via Salerno to your hotel in Sorrento. Tonight, relax at your hotel and take in the scenery.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Parco Del Sole (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 13

    ISLE OF CAPRI EXCURSION

    Visit an inlaid wood workshop to see a demonstration of this local craft. Take a short cruise to the charming Isle of Capri, and enjoy an orientation walk of Capri town. Appreciate views across the sea to the Faraglioni Rocks and Marina Piccola. Spend free time afterwards exploring this charming island on your own! Later in Sorrento − famous for the alcoholic digestive Limoncello − visit Piazza Tasso, with its many cafés, and shop in boutiques on the Corso Italia.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

  • Day 14

    SORRENTO - ROME

    Admire the spectacular coastline as you drive north from Sorrento. Stop at Cassino to view the Benedictine Abbey. Arrive later in Rome, and spend the rest of the day shopping or seeing the sights. Tonight, celebrate with your companions and your Travel Director at a Farewell Dinner.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

    Hotel: Sheraton Golf (SF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 15

    DEPART ROME

    Say 'arrivederci Roma' as you prepare for your journey home with wonderful memories of your holiday. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

What's Included

Insider Experiences

  • Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.
  • Be My Guest Dinner with wine at a Sicilian agriturismo winery.
  • Local Speciality Visit a traditional glass-blowing factory in Venice.
  • Local Speciality Visit an inlaid wood workshop in Sorrento.

Sightseeing Highlights

  • RomeViews of the Forum and Circus Maximus. Included visits to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum.
  • FlorenceSee Signoria Square, the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. Views from Piazzale Michelangelo across the city.
  • VeniceCanal cruise by private launch. View St. Mark's Square, the Byzantine Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.
  • ClasseVisit the Church of St. Apollinaris to see the beautiful mosaics.
  • AssisiVisit St. Francis' Basilica.
  • PompeiiGuided tour of the excavations.
  • PalermoSee Piazza Bellini and the Cathedral.
  • MonrealeVisit the Norman Cathedral.
  • MondelloVisit the fishing village.
  • SelinunteVisit the Dorian Temples and Acropolis.
  • AgrigentoVisit the Valley of the Temples.
  • EnnaViews of the fortress town.
  • SorrentoOrientation includes a visit to an inlaid wood factory.
  • Isle of CapriSee the Faraglioni Rocks and Marina Piccola.
  • Monte CassinoView the Abbey.

Dining

  • Welcome Reception including light snacks and Welcome Drinks with your Travel Director in Rome.
  • 14 hot buffet breakfasts.
  • 4 three-course dinners with local wine.
  • 1 dinner on mini-cruise.
  • Be My Guest Dinner in Sicily.
  • Farewell Dinner with wine in Rome.
  • Welcome Reception including light snacks and Welcome Drinks with your Travel Director in Rome.
  • 14 hot buffet breakfasts.
  • 4 three-course dinners with local wine.
  • 1 dinner on mini-cruise.
  • Be My Guest Dinner in Sicily.
  • Farewell Dinner with wine in Rome.

Travel Highlights

  • A qualified Local Guide in Rome, Florence, Assisi, Pompeii, Palermo and Agrigento.
  • Overnight cruise from Naples to Palermo.
  • Ferry across the Straits of Messina to mainland Italy.
  • Cruise to the Isle of Capri.
  • Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.
  • Audio headsets for all guided visits and included sightseeing

Airport Transfers

  • For full details on transfers, please click here.
Disclaimer
  • These prices are LAND-ONLY and are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
  • All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
  • For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page. Conditions can be found in the footer under Information.
  • Early Payment Discounts are not available on all Trafalgar trips and exclusions do apply. The Early Payment Discount icon will show on the Pricing and Availability page of the itinerary if applicable.
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Hotel Class Key
  • SF= Superior First Class, F = First Class, MF = Moderate First Class, ST = Superior Tourist, D = Deluxe and MD = Moderate Deluxe.
  • Hotels are subject to change.
Notes
  • * For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
  • ^Twin-share option not available for trips to South America., Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey.

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