South & Sicily

Day 1 - Sunday - Depart USA
Boarding your overnight flight, you’re off on your Sicilian adventure. Buon Viaggio!

Day 2 - Monday - Arrive in Palermo, Afternoon at Leisure, Dinner in Hotel
Benvenuti in Italia! We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Palermo airport to your hotel at scheduled times. A Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you. Relax this afternoon, or take a stroll around the neighborhood. If you’re hungry, be sure to stop and try some “Panelle,” a local specialty made from chickpea flour.
This evening we enjoy dinner in our hotel and the first of many local wines to be sampled in the days ahead. D

Day 3 - Tuesday - Palermo, Monreale, Mondello Sightseeing, Dinner Out
This morning we explore Palermo, the fascinating capital city. We’ll visit the Royal Palace which General George Patton turned into his headquarters in 1943. We’ll also take in the Palace of the Normans, the Palatine Chapel, the Palermo Cathedral, the great Norman Cathedral of Monreale and other highlights.

This afternoon, we drive through the suburbs of Palermo, crossing the Park of La Favorita, created for the Spanish King of Naples in 1799, King Ferdinand III, as a hunting estate and summer retreat. We arrive in Mondello shortly afterward; a beautiful, picturesque fishing village and beach resort. After some free time, we dine at a relaxing, beachside restaurant. BB, D

Day 4 - Wednesday - Palermo, Selinunte, Agrigento, Dinner at Hotel
We bid farewell to Palermo this morning. On the way to Agrigento, we’ll stop to visit one of the largest and most impressive archeological sites in the Mediterranean: Selinunte, renowned for the majestic remnants of its temples and acropolis. This huge city was built in 628 BC and for over two centuries it was one of the richest and most powerful in the world. It was destroyed by the Carthaginians in 409 BC and finally fell to the Romans in about 350 BC.
Next, you’ll have some free time to explore and enjoy a lunch on your own in Agrigento.
This afternoon we visit the famous long reaches of the Valley of the Temples, a Unesco world heritage site which holds some of the greatest Greek ruins in the world.
Tonight, we can discuss all the history we learned about today over a relaxing dinner in our hotel. BB, D

Day 5 - Thursday - Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Taormina
This morning we depart for Taormina, stopping along the way for a fascinating visit to the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina. The elaborate villa, owned by a Roman aristocrat from the 4th Century, is famous for its intricate mosaics. And who said the Bikini was invented in St. Tropez in the 1950s? You’ll see proof that the Romans invented it centuries ago!
Many have proclaimed Taormina to be the most beautiful place on earth. Now you can decide for yourself. After an exciting and educational day, a delicious, relaxing dinner is served in our hotel with fine local wines. BB, D

Day 6 - Friday - Taormina, Afternoon at Leisure, Dinner Out Tonight
After this morning’s leisurely tour, including the Greek and Roman outdoor theater, you’ll know why Taormina is known as the “Jewel of Italy.” Its winding streets and secluded gardens are truly enchanting. The snow covered volcano, Mt. Etna, serves as a dramatic backdrop to the well-preserved Greek and Roman outdoor theater.

This afternoon is all yours! Why not stroll the medieval streets lined with interesting little shops, take a dip in the hotel pool, or treat yourself to one of Sicily’s greatest inventions – the cannoli!
Tonight, we enjoy dinner and great Sicilian vino at a fine local “ristorante.” BB, D

Day 7 - Saturday - Taormina, Mt. Etna, Lunch/Wine Tasting, Taormina
This morning we meet one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Mt. Etna is in an almost constant state of eruption. Don’t worry, we’ll keep a safe distance!
The fertile volcanic soils support extensive agriculture, orchards and vineyards. So let’s visit a local winery for a tour, a tasting and a light lunch!
Tonight you can enjoy dinner on your own. Have you tried “Pesce Spada” yet? Swordfish is Sicily’s favorite seafood. BB, L

Day 8 - Sunday - Taormina, Messina, Sorrento
It’s a short drive to Messina where we board our ferry across the Straits of Messina.
Reggio ahead - the golden sun above - the blue water below - it’s great to be in Italy! Nestled at the tip of Calabria is Reggio - with her homes climbing up the serene slopes, hugging the hills, their faces to the sun and sea - expressing in a gaze the warmth of her people.
Now we drive North, up the rugged Calabrian spine across the Apennines.
Tonight we enjoy our first dinner in our lovely hotel in Sorrento. BB, D

Day 9 - Monday - Sorrento, Capri, Sorrento
This morning after breakfast, we board the hydrofoil to Capri to visit this beautiful island. The entire day is yours to enjoy as you wish! Take a boat to see the Blue Grotto, one of the most beautiful and unique sights in Italy, or take a chairlift to the top of Monte Solaro. Enjoy lunch on your own and be sure to try the local specialty of this area: Limoncello, a liquor made from the local lemons.
This afternoon we return to Sorrento where you can relax before you head out for dinner on your own. Ask your tour guide for some recommendations on where to eat. Try a Pizza Margherita made with tomatoes grown on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius! BB

Day 10 - Tuesday - Sorrento, Pompeii, Rome
This morning, we leave and we’ll soon be in Rome…but we can’t end our trip in Italy without first visiting Pompeii! We’ll travel back in time to 79 A.D. to this famous town. A city perfectly preserved by the ash that rained down from Mt. Vesuvius, you’ll see the tragic fossils of the people attempting to escape with their children and dogs. You’ll be amazed to see that the streets, homes and stores that are intact.
Next, we continue to Rome via the Highway of the Sun. Tonight we’ll enjoy one of our last dinners at our hotel. BB, D

Day 11 - Wednesday - Rome Sightseeing, Dinner out Tonight
Today we’ll visit the birthplace of the Roman Empire. With our expert local guide, we’ll board our coach for a panoramic tour of Castel St. Angelo, the Roman Forum, Largo Argentina (where Caesar was stabbed by Brutus), the Jewish Ghetto and the Circus Maximus.
Then we’ll enter the Colosseum, reliving the brutal entertainment of the gladiators and the lions, referred by the Emperor himself. What do “thumbs up” and “thumbs down” really mean? It’s not what you think.

Tonight for our final dinner, we’ll eat at one of my favorite Roman restaurants. Be sure to exchange emails with your new friends! BB, D

Day 12 - Thursday - Rome, USA
This morning we board our flight home, arriving in the USA the same day. While we say ‘arrivederci’ to Italy, we realize we’re taking a little piece of it back home with us.
As the famous song says… Arrivederci
Roma! BB