Fantasia Mediterranea Tour

Upon arrival, make your own way to the hotel. A full-day Hop-on Hop-off ticket is included for you to explore Rome. Get on and off at eight iconic stops, enjoying audio commentary. It’s the perfect  way to get a first glimpse of the Eternal City. Spend the evening at your leisure. Overnight at Hotel St. Martin 4*, Hotel Diana Roof Garden or similar.

Begin your journey south along the “Autostrada del Sole,” passing Lazio and Campania’s scenic countryside. Arrive in Sorrento, a picturesque coastal town overlooking the Bay of Naples. After check-in, enjoy the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at your hotel (jacket recommended for men). Overnight in Sorrento at the Grand Hotel Vesuvio or similar. (B, D)

After breakfast, get ready for an exciting excursion to the island of Capri: one of the most exclusive summer destinations of the Mediterranean. Weather permitting, visit the stunning Blue Grotto by rowboat. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Capri’s scenic lanes and upscale boutiques. Once back on the mainland, return to the hotel for dinner and your last night in Sorrento. Overnight at the Grand Hotel Vesuvio or similar. (B, D)

Leave Sorrento and head to Pompeii for a guided tour of the ancient Roman city preserved by Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD. Skip-the-line access and personal headsets included. After the visit, transfer to the port of Naples and board the overnight ferry to Palermo. No dinner or breakfast included on board. Overnight inside cabin with private bathroom. (B)

Arrive in Palermo and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore independently. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Mercure Hotel Palermo Centro or similar. (D)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a morning excursion to Monreale, recently included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, an ancient royal town famous for its almonds, olive oil and citrus fruits, as well as for its fine Norman architecture. Visit the elaborate Cathedral of Monreale and enjoy some time to wander the local delicatessen and souvenirs shops. Return to Palermo and continue with a walking tour of the city. Discover Palermo’s rich history, from its cathedral to the old town’s architectural blend of cultures. Enjoy free time in the late afternoon and return to your hotel for dinner. Overnight at Mercure Hotel Palermo Centro or similar. (B, D)

Travel to Erice, a well-preserved medieval village with ancient charm. Continue to Marsala, whose lands are known for its Marsala wine, for a light lunch and wine tasting in a traditional winery. After this flavorful experience, head to Agrigento. Visit the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO site, and explore ruins like the Temple of Concord, Hercules, and Jupiter. Check in to the your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Agrigento staying at Hotel Della Valle or similar. (B, L, D)

Today travel to Ragusa and visit the enchanting historical centre “Ibla”, with its stunning baroque palaces and churches; together with other seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit San Giorgio Gate, Giardini Iblei, the Church of San Giuseppe, and the majestic Cathedral of San Giorgio. Admire noble palaces like Cosentini Palace, representative of Sicilian Baroque. Arrive at your hotel for dinner and overnight at Hotel Poggio del Sole or similar. (B, D)

After breakfast travel to Noto, a picturesque fishing town popular for its stately Baroque architecture. Visit the restored Cathedral of San Nicolò and stroll through town. Continue along the south coast to Syracuse, on Sicily’s southeastern tip, and cross into the island of Ortygia, the most ancient part of Syracuse - home to a wealth of Baroque churches and medieval palaces. Later, arrive in Taormina and check-in to your central hotel in Taormina. Dinner and overnight stay at the Splendid, Hotel Caesar Palace or similar. (B, D)

Breakfast at hotel and drive to Mount Etna region, the largest active volcano in Europe and the highest mountain in Italy. Learn about volcanic activity and marvel at the old lava fields and black magma rock that comprises Etna’s landscape. If weather permits, you have a chance to climb to the summit (1800 m). After, return to Taormina, the beautiful and romantic town located on Mount Tauro and spend the rest of your day at leisure. Overnight stay at the Splendid, Hotel Caesar Palace or similar. (B)

Enjoy one final breakfast before the tour comes to an end. (B)