Italy- Amalfi Coast and Sicily

October 18 - 26th, 2012

Day 1: Naples/Amalfi

On arrival in Naples, you are privately transferred to your luxury hotel in Amalfi, with stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 2: The Amalfi Coast to Sorrento

Meet your driver-guide today for a journey along one of the world’s most fabled and beautiful coastlines. The drive takes you past a visual feast of crystal lagoons, sandy coves, vertiginous cliffs and sun-baked villages until you arrive at the most famous of them all, Positano. This is a vibrant village where narrow lanes meander down toward the glistening sea and where elegant restaurants serve the catch of the day. Continue along the coast to elegant Sorrento, a Belle Époque treasure of elegant streets with a stunning view across the Bay of Naples. This region— Campagnia—is known for its authentic buffalo mozzarella cheese. Visit one of the excellent small producers and enjoy tastings of this rich local product.

Day 3: Ravello and Pompeii

Enjoy a drive along the coast in the opposite direction today, stopping briefly in Ravello. The entire town was built as a terrace with a vista to the sea, with views that inspired many, including the composer Richard Wagner. Head back inland to the ancient site of Pompeii, where an expert local guide joins you to talk about this ancient city that was covered by volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. The ruins were discovered in the 18th century, and the same ash that buried the city centuries before held the structures in place, leaving it the best-preserved example of a Roman city.

Day 4: Amalfi Coast/Sicily

You are privately transferred to Naples airport for a flight to Sicily. At Catania Airport, you are met and taken to your luxury hotel in picturesque Taormina, where you have superb views across the Bay of Naxos and of Mount Etna.

Day 5: Taormina and Castelmola

Your guide takes you on a walking tour of Taormina to visit the Greek Theater that was originally built by the Greeks and later rebuilt by the Romans. The amphitheater overlooks the surrounding countryside and offers splendid views of Mount Etna. Then join your driver for the exhilarating drive to Castelmola, a tiny hamlet with even more sensational views. You might enjoy the views even more if you sit down for a glass of local wine at the Turrisi Bar.

Day 6: Syracuse

Meet your local guide in Syracuse, a city that has been economically and culturally important for 27 centuries. The Greek Theater, founded by the Corinthians, is one of the most important examples of theater architecture anywhere, and for centuries it was the center of Syracusan life. Whereas the Greek Theater served a religious purpose, the Roman Theater was used as an entertainment venue. Continue to the charming Ortygia neighborhood that is a little island connected to the main city of Syracuse and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the ancient stone quarry carved in Temenites hill to see “Dionysus’ Ear.” The s-shaped chamber and teardrop-shaped entrance resemble an ear, creating a natural cavern of flawless acoustics.

Day 7: Taormina/Catania

Privately transfer to Catania Airport for your departure flight.