TOUR PROGRAM

Day 1
Arrival day (Positano e Ravello) (accommodation for 3 nights)
Our tour will start in the famous and unforgettable landscape of the Amalfi Coast (270 km). On one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the Province of Salerno, at the centre of the gulf formed by point Germano to the west and cape Sottile to the east.
After individual arrival and hotel accommodation in the morning in Ravello or Positano (depends on hotel location), we will visit Ravello or Positano and in the afternoon after lunch we will move to Ravello or Positano.
Positano:
On two mountain slopes, those of Mounts Comune and S. Angelo at Tre Pizzi, stands Positano, in a splendid panoramic position. After hotel accomodation we will walk to the town center where you will find the small Flavio Gioia square, among the delightful white or pastel-coloured houses, the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its splendid majolica dome and numerous ceramics shops for which Positano is famous. In the afternoon we will discover Li Galli Isle, three rocks in front of Positano coast considered by ancients isles of Sirens.
Ravello:
Founded probably in the 4th century a.C. by Roman populations escaping from barbarians, Ravello is situated in a splendid position, on a rocky spur astride the Dragon's and Reginna's Valleys. It is situated in a more eleva­ted position than the other pearls of the Amalfi Coast and it can boast exceptional landscapes that have earned Villa Cimbrone's terrace the name of Terrace of Infinity. It then became an economic power, seat of flourishing textile industries and as a result has left indirect testi­monies in an elevated number of arti­stic treasures of churches and villas. Among the numerous churches in Ravello, undoubtedly the Cathedral, ordered to be built by Orso Pavicio, the first bishop of the city and Chiesa del Toro, besides the famous S. Francesco cloister, deserve a particular mention.

Day 2
Sorrento day- trip
This land that has been depicted described and immortalized in song by artists, poets and travelers from every period of history. We will discover this international town, castled on a tufa headland, strolling in its small and picturesque streets, discovering the monuments and the Museum of Wood Intarsia. Then the historic city centre, its harbours and gardens of orange and lemon trees used to product local famous Limoncello. Along the coast, rugged and inaccessible cliffs soar upwards between beautiful beaches, hidden caves, enchanting bays and sheltered coves.

Day 3
Amalfi day-trip
By coach we will move to Amalfi. Along the road are a couple of viewing areas where we can stop so you may take a photograph and take in the breathtaking views of one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Amalfi is first mentioned in the 6th century, and soon acquired importance as a maritime power, trading its grain, salt and slaves from the interior. To see the important S. Andrew Duomo and its ancient bell-tower, the amazing bronze doors and mosaic and the ancient shipyards where were built the one-hundred oars galleys used for spices, perfumes, oriental carpets and precious fabrics transportation. Interesting the Civic Museum where is preserved the “Amalpha Tabula” and the Farm Museum containing rustic machines and different tools belonged to ancient farm society.


Day 4
Napoli (accommodation for 1 night)
The next morning we will move to Naples.
After arrival we will have time to visit Napels, the largest city of Campania, capital of the province and the region. Naples is the most important industrial center and trading port for the South. It is situated halfway down the Tyrrenia coast, at the innermost point of the Bay of Naples, between Vesuvius and the Phlegrean Fields. In the vast urban area one can distinguish many different neighborhoods: the old center, characterized by buildings closely crowded together, is bordered on the west by the new administrative district and on the east by the business district, into which flows almost all the road and rail traffic. Other neighborhoods, with narrow climbing streets, rise around the base of the San Martino and Capodimonte hills. The original nucleus of the city can be found on the little island of Megaride. Occupied today by Egg Castle (Castel dell’ Ovo), it was first a settlement of the Aegean Greeks, then the Rodi, followed by the Cumani, in the seventh and sixth centuries B.C. After hotel accomodation We will take the rest of the day to have a city sightseeing and discover Maschio Angioino Castle, Incoronata Basilica, Umberto I Gallery, Palazzo Reale, Plebiscito Square.

Day 5
Pompeii day-trip and transfer to Palermo
After breakfast in Naples we will move to Pompeii.
In the late afternoon we will return to Naples and in the evening we will leave by boat for Sicily (night voyage).

Day 6
Palermo day (accommodation for 1 night)
After our arrival in Palermo harbour and transfer to the our accommodation we will have a cultural tour features the lovely squares of Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria, and Piazza Bellini. Note the exotic mixture of Moorish, Norman, and Spanish Baroque styles that make this city special. You also see the Palace of the Normans, La Martorana Church, and the Cathedral, which houses the Imperial Crown of Constance of Aragon in its treasury. In the nearby town of Monreale, visit the 12th century Cathedral with its dazzling interior of multicolored marbles, paintings, mosaics and cloisters.

Day 7
Palermo and transfer to Catania (accommodation for 4 nights)
The next morning we will have time to walk through the streets of Palermo by our own.
In the afternoon, after lunche, we will move to Catania.
After our arrival at Catania in the late afternoon, we will have dinner and free time.

Day 8
Volcano day-trip
We will experience the natural majesty of Mt. Etna. Each year, Etna attracts thousands of sightseers from all over the world and a visit to the crater is a must. Europe's largest active volcano, it continues to release smoke and ash over Sicily. Travel up the mountain by coach to personally witness the spectacular landscapes sculpted by fire. In the afternoon, visit a well-known local winery, famous for producing wines from grapes grown in the volcanic soil on the slopes of Mt. Etna. This evening you will enjoy a traditional dinner of local specialties and wines, with traditional Sicilian folk music.

Day 9
Catania day
Catania has an unique setting, lying in the shadow of Mount Etna. Culture, origins, traditions, history of a city and his magic atmosphere where folklore is perfectly represented by S. Agata Feast and historic markets. Cannot miss a visit in Duomo Square belted by baroques palaces and with the Elephant Fountain in the centre. Close to Duomo we will discover beautiful Biscari Palace, and the enchanting benedectine monastery of S. Nicolo'. Strolling in the city we will visit other monuments of great importance: the Amenano Fountain, Asmundo di Gisira Palace, Ursino Castle, the Convent of St Maria dell’Indirizzo, the Porta Carlo V, the House and Museum of Giovanni Verga, the Massimo Theatre.

Day 10
Taormina day-trip
Perched 200 meters above the sea, we will find Taormina. Here there are vistas looking out over the Ionio sea and the Volcano, Etna. The town is known world wide for its tourist facilities and its natural beauty. The Duomo Square with the St Nicolo' Cathedral , the Church of St Agostino, the Church of St Giuseppe, Porta di Mezzo, Palazzo Ciampoli, Palazzo dei Duchi di St Stefano, the Convent of St Domenico, the Naumachia and the theatre, dating back to the time of the Empire, are all worth visiting. With its long tradition of hospitality, it is hardly surprising that Taormina has a fabulous cuisine with superb fish dishes and a host of delicacies using the local lemons.

Day 11
Siracuse day-trip
Walk in the footsteps of history and reflect on the grandeur of ancient Greece during an excursion to Siracusa. The city boasts as fine a collection of archaeological treasures as any island in Greece. A local expert guides you through the Archaeological Park, featuring an impressive collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. Enjoy some free time in the historic old city before returning in hotel

Day 12
Modica day (accommodation for 1 night)
Modica is one of the most picturesque city of Sicily. Placed in southern site of Mount Iblei is formed by two original areas: Upper Modica with constructions that seems climb the hill and Bottom Modica in the valley where in the ancient flowed Ianni Mauro and Pozzo dei Pruni rivers, now covered by numerous floods. The Modica’s style and the urban design is late Baroque built after big earthquake of 1693. This makes the city unique and charming. In the historic centre baroque style and we can find characteristic streets, old craftsmen shops, small houses and luxury palaces.

Day 13
Agrigento day (accommodation for 1 night)
Along the western coast of Sicily all the way down to the saltbeds to Agrigento (133 km). We will learn about ancient Greek cultures when you visit the Archeological Museum, known for its extensive collection of Greek vases and mosaics. We will visit the St. Spirito Monastery and the house of great writer Pirandello. Then, proceed to the stunning Valley of the Temples, one of the most important archeological sites in the world and a Unesco world-heritage site. From ancient times to the present day, the Valley of the Temples' ruins, landscape flora and colours have inspired poets, writers and painters. Here, get an up-close view of the temples of Hercules, June, Dioscuris, Vulcan and Olympian Zeus.

Day 14
Departure day
The last day at Sicily will end with breakfast in our hotel in Agrigento, afterwards indivdual departure.