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Southern Italy & Sicily 2013

16 days with Cosmos   Rating: Budget

Book this Trip Now and Save!

  • Receive $200 per couple in air credit when you purchase a Europe tour and flights through Cosmos. Book by May 21, 2013. Click here for eligible departures.
  • Military members save $50 off the land price of select vacations when you book by December 31, 2013. Click here for eligible departures.

Offers subject to change or withdrawal, availability is limited. Some discounts are not combinable.


800-680-2858 800-680-2858 Itinerary
Click for Dates and Prices Day 1 Arrive in Rome, Italy
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring this great city.

Days 2 - 3 Rome
Two days in which to get well acquainted with Rome. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. Optional excursions are available to discover more of the “Eternal City.”(2B)

Day 4 Rome–Vesuvius–Pompeii–Capri
South all the way today. First, a stop to enjoy the awe-inspiring sights of one of Europe’s greatest live volcanoes—Vesuvius! Leave the coach and walk to the top to view its crater. Then, to Pompeii, where time stopped in 79 AD, when the Vesuvius eruption totally destroyed it. On the included visit you can see the luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum. Just a few more miles to the Neapolitan Riviera for embarkation on the ferry to Capri to enjoy two overnights on this charmed island.(B,D)

Day 5 Capri
This legendary island is surrounded by a rocky coastline—the crashing sea has formed remarkable caves. The town, with its pretty piazzetta, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set, and optional excursions take you to see more of the island. Join Tiberius, Emma Hamilton, and Axel Munthe, historical figures who all fell in love with this exquisite spot. A full day to do exactly what you please. Maybe explore some of the island’s lovely walks or join an optional excursion to see Mount Solaro and the house of Axel Munthe (San Michele).(B,D)

Day 6 Capri–Sorrento. Excursion to Amalfitan Coast
Take the ferry to Sorrento this morning. Few places in the world match the very special charm of Sorrento. This picturesque resort overlooking the Bay of Naples boasts a marvelous climate, beautiful views, trendy shops and boutiques, interesting museums, and a vibrant nightlife. Don’t miss out on the included excursion along the breathtakingly beautiful Amalfitan Coast.(B,D)

Days 7 - 8 Sorrento
Two full days to enjoy this town set on a plateau high above the waters of the Bay of Naples and with truly spectacular views as far as towering Vesuvius. Sorrento’s terraces, hung with flowers, jut from winding streets and alleys above a small harbor. Streets are filled with shops, cheerful bars, and cafés.(2B,D)

Day 9 Sorrento–Villa San Giovanni–Ferry Crossing–Taormina Area
Today, by way of the autostrada, travel through the wild and mountainous scenery of Italy’s most southern regions before boarding the ferry for the 45-minute crossing to Sicily. Only a few more miles to the Taormina area, where you overnight.(B,D)

Day 10 Taormina
Magnificently situated on a 700-foot plateau, Taormina has wonderful views along the coast. The heart of the town is Piazza Nove Aprile, a paved square with unrivaled views to the sea and the Mount Etna volcano.(B,D)

Day 11 Taormina Area–Mount Etna–Syracuse
This morning, take advantage of the visit to the heights of Mount Etna and the option of a Jeep or cable-car ride for a better view of Europe’s largest active volcano. Drive even farther south to Syracuse, where you have the option of visiting the ancient Grecian archaeological sites or doing just as you please.(B,D)

Day 12 Syracuse–Noto–Agrigento
Westward today with a visit to the 18th-century baroque town of Noto. Then, past Caltanissetta, surrounded by sulphur mines, to Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, one of Italy’s archaeological jewels—especially in spring when the slopes are frosted with almond blossoms. Visit the Doric Temple of Concord, one of the best preserved outside Athens; the hilltop Temple of Juno Lacinia is the valley’s most impressive.(B,D)

Day 13 Agrigento–Selinunte–Palermo
Leave Agrigento for Selinunte, one of the most striking and interesting sites in Sicily. See the remains of the Acropolis. Then, northeast to Palermo, the capital of Sicily. This evening, enjoy an optional farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.(B)

Day 14 At Leisure in Palermo (Embarkation)–Overnight Ferry Crossing to Naples
A full day to enjoy this busy and colorful city full of interesting squares and marketplaces, churches, and palazzos in every style—from Moorish to baroque. Join the optional sightseeing tour to learn more about this city. Evening embarkation for the overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples.(B)

Day 15 Naples (Disembarkation)–Rome
North this morning back to the “Eternal City” with plenty of time to enjoy one of the optional excursions, to do last-minute shopping, or maybe sip a drink in Piazza Navona and watch the world go by.

Day 16 Rome
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
800-680-2858 800-680-2858 Map
800-680-2858 800-680-2858 All This Included
Your vacation begins with three overnights in Rome, the “Eternal City,” and guided sightseeing that includes the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Then, view the Gulf of Naples from the top of Mount Vesuvius and learn about Pompeii, the town that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD. Take a ferry to the Isle of Capri and spend two nights enjoying its special flair. Cross the waters to the charming seaside resort of Sorrento, admire the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, then set off toward Sicily, Italy’s biggest island. Spend two nights in the enchanting Taormina area and ride up Mount Etna, Europe’s biggest volcano. Visit Syracuse, once the greatest city of Magna Grecia, and Noto, the baroque jewel of the south. Marvel at Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples with the well-preserved ancient Greek temples and Selinunte’s acropolis remains before reaching colorful Palermo, a city bearing evidence of the many invasions during its 3,000-year history. Ferry to Naples and motor back to Rome for the finale of your vacation.
  • Local Guide for city sightseeing in: Rome, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, and Agrigento archaeological site
  • Professional tour director while touring
  • Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach
  • Boat transfer to Capri
  • Ferry Villa San Giovanni-Messina
  • Overnight ferry Palermo-Naples in 2-berth cabins
  • Buffet breakfasts (B) except day 15; 8 dinners (D)
800-680-2858 800-680-2858 Highlights
  • Visits to Sorrento, Mount Etna, Noto, Capri, Selinunte, Taormina, Syracuse, Palermo
  • Amalfitan Coast
800-680-2858 800-680-2858 Accommodations
Rome: Residenza Parco Tirreno (F)
Capri: Villa San Michele (ST) at Anacapri or Residenza (F)
Sorrento: Ascot (ST)
Taormina Area: Albatros (ST) at Letoyanni
Syracuse: Jolly Hotel Aretusa (F)
Agrigento: Akrabello (ST)
Palermo: Politeama (ST)
Rome: Pineta Palace (F)

To see our key for hotel ratings, click here.

800-680-2858 800-680-2858 Notes
  • No triple room reduction.
  • Some tours may operate with overnights in Sorrento on Days 4 and 5, followed by 2 nights in Capri on Days 6 and 7.
  • March 29 departure - Easter week.
  • Scheduled transatlantic flights and airport transfers in Rome and Palermo if Cosmos issues the air tickets.
  • When palanning your trip, allow one extra day before tour date for travel between the USA and Europe.
  • Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.
800-680-2858 800-680-2858 Terms and Conditions

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.