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This 13 day ultimate tour of Italy and Sicily visits Rome, Giardini Naxos and the Bay of Naples, to name a few. Explore the unique "trulli" houses of Alberobello, ancient churches of Sassi di Metera, Roman Colosseum and the rich Greek, Roman and Norman heritage of Sicily.
| Members receive 5% off departure dates in October^ |
Inclusions
- 12 nights in first class hotels
- 12 breakfasts, 6 dinners including a highlight dinner in Rome & a dine around evening in Sorrento
- Travel by luxury 40-seat coach with more legroom
- Escorted by professional tour director
- Sightseeing & premium highlights including a cruise to the island of Capri and ascend to Capri town by funicular railway, tour St Peter's Basilica, mother church of the Catholic faith.
- Headsets for all guided visits and walking tours
Itinerary
Day 1 Rome
Welcome to Rome! Hotel: Anglo Americano.
Day 2 Rome - Alberobello
Pass the hilltop monastery of Cassino and follow the scenic route across the Apennines to the Adriatic coast. Your destination is the region known for its strange white Trulli buildings. Sunday evenings are popular for the traditional ritual of passeggiata, a pre-dinner promenade. Hotel: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri.
Day 3 Matera excursion
Admire the Trulli of Alberobello today, then venture along the country roads to the nearby town of Matera where Mel Gibson utilized the extraordinary cave-dwellings known as ‘Sassi’ as a location for his film ‘The Passion of the Christ’.
Day 4 Alberobello - Taormina Mare
First past the town of Castellaneta, birth place of the Latin lover Rudolph Valentino. Your route then follows the shores of the Gulf of Taranto to the mountainous region of Calabria. Continue around the Purple Coast to the very toe of Italy. After the short ferry crossing to Sicily, drive to your hotel in Taormina Mare. Hotel: Villa Esperia.
Day 5 Taorimina sightseeing
Taormina’s old town clings to the side of Mount Tauro, forming a balcony overlooking the sea and Mt Etna. Walk with your guide to the tiny courtyard of the Palazzo Corvaja. Visit the Greek Theatre, graced with the most spectacular of backdrops. Now stroll along elegant Corso Umberto to Piazza IX Aprile for more panoramic views. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
Day 6 Taormina at leisure
A full day to enjoy the beautiful Bay of Mazzarò or the amazing views, scented gardens and historic monuments of the old town.
Day 7 Taormina Mare - Agrigento - Palermo
Drive to Agrigento on the southern coast of Sicily where the Valley of the Temples once formed part of the ancient Greek colony of Akragas. Walk with your guide along the fortified ridge to witness the main temples. In the afternoon, continue to the Sicilian capital of Palermo.Hotel: Best Western Al Cavalieri.
Day 8 Palermo
A local guide shows you the highlights of the city, including the Teatro Massimo and the baroque Quattro Canti Square. Visit Palermo Cathedral and admire the golden mosaics in the Palatine Chapel of the Palace of the Normans. In the afternoon there is free time to explore or shop in Palermo or continue sightseeing.
Day 9 Palermo - overnight ferry
Drive eastwards along the coast to the charming fishing town of Cefalu. Stroll down to the medieval stone fountain, and seek out the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina for a picture perfect view of the little harbour. Later, return to Palermo to board your overnight ferry to Naples.
Day 10 Ferry - Pompeii - Sorrento
Orientation tour of the Naples, then continue to Pompeii, buried in 79 AD by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Walk through the cobbled streets with your guide and inspect some of the villas before continuing along the cliff tops to your hotel. Hotel: Grand Hotel La Pace.
Day 11 Capri excursion
Cross the Bay of Naples to the delightful Isle of Capri. Board your open top taxis for the beautiful drive along the corniche road to the shady streets of Anacapri. Now down to the waters edge where a small row boat takes you inside the glistening Blue Grotto.
Day 12 Sorrento – Rome
On your return to Rome, visit the famous Colosseum where gladiators once fought, and see the Forum. Continue to the Vatican City to tour St Peter’s Basilica, housing works of art by Michelangelo and Bernini. Hotel: Sheraton.
Day 13 Rome
Arrivederci Roma!
Departure dates and Prices*
| Departure dates 2012 | Price per person, twin share |
|---|---|
| Apr 28 | $3,399 |
| May 5, 12, 19, 26 | $3,399 |
| Jun 2, 9, 16 | $3,399 |
| Jun 23 | $3,335 |
| Jun 30 | $3,285 |
| Jul 7, 14, 21 | $3,275 |
| Jul 28, Aug 4, 11, 18, 25 | $3,375 |
| Sep 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | $3,425 |
| Oct 6, 13 | $3,350^ |
Please contact an RACQ travel consultant on 1300 096 166 to find out how to save on your Insight Vacations tour.
- Save up to $ 330 per person for early payment discount
- Save up to $ 171 per person with frequent traveller discount
- Save up to $ 171 per person with 2nd tour discount
*Terms and Conditions
- Prices current as at 18 April 2012
- ^Members receive an additional 5% off departure dates in October when you book this 16 day tour. Discount has not been deducted from the price. The discount is available for all bookings where at least one person in the party is an RACQ member at the time of booking
- Prices are per person in AUD$ based on twin share
- Prices are subject to change (eg due to currency fluctuations)
- Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time
- Further conditions apply please see Insight Vacations Europe & Britain 2012 brochure
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