Rome, Naples & Sicily Highlights
COACH TOUR: Enjoy a hop-on hop-off bus tour in Rome, take in sweeping views of Naples and eat real Neapolitan pizza on this 11-day coach tour. Discover the ruins of Pompeii, enjoy a day trip to the island of Capri and take an overnight ferry to the Mediterranean island of Sicily. Here, highlights include sightseeing in the capital of Palermo, wine tasting in Marsala, and a visit to Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Rome!
Day 1 Welcome to Rome!
Welcome to Italy! On arrival in Rome, make your own way to our start hotel. Start seeing the sights of Rome straight away with your hop on hop off bus ticket.
Sit back and relax on the open-top panoramic bus and spot your favourite city landmarks from a different viewpoint. Perhaps hop off the bus to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain for good luck and taste some authentic Italian gelato, before getting back on the bus to head to next stop or simply enjoy the views of Rome from the comfort of the bus. Once you have seen all the sights from the bus, enjoy the rest of the evening before heading back to the hotel.
Day 2 Pompeii
Day 2 Pompeii
Rome - Pompeii - Sorrento. Setting off from Rome, we head south, passing through Lazio and Campania to reach Pompeii.
Lunch is included so you can try some authentic Neapolitan pizza before our tour of Pompeii.
In the year 79 AD, the residents of Pompeii, a prosperous and sophisticated Roman city, were going about their day. Suddenly and without warning, the normally quiet Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying the city in up to 6 metres of ash and pumice. Whilst many Pompeiians escaped, approximately 2,000 people were buried and perished. The ash perfectly preserved the city, and on our guided tour we will see some of the surviving artifacts, mosaics and buildings, and will find out more about the eruption and what life was like in the city before this fateful day.
After our tour of Pompeii we head along the picturesque Sorrentine coast to Sorrento, where dinner is included - please dress smartly as it is a formal dinner!
Day 3 Capri
Day 3 Capri
Sorrento - Capri - Sorrento. Today we explore the beautiful and exclusive Mediterranean island of Capri. Weather permitting, we will visit the Blue Grotto sea cave by row boat. You can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before there is free time to explore the island. Capri was a summer home for the Roman emperor Augustus and today is popular with celebrities. After our visit, we return to Sorrento.
Day 4 Ferry to Palermo
Day 4 Ferry to Palermo
Sorrento - Palermo. There is free time this morning for you to explore Sorrento. Perhaps enjoy some shopping, or sample some local limoncello. In the afternoon we drive to the port of Naples, and board the overnight ferry to Palermo, capital of Sicily.
Day 5 Palermo free time
Day 5 Palermo free time
We arrive in Palermo and disembark the ferry before transferring to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to head out and explore Palermo.
Day 6 Monreale & Palermo sightseeing
Day 6 Monreale & Palermo sightseeing
This morning we visit Monreale, located in the fertile valley of La Conca d'Oro and renowned for its almonds, citrus fruits, and olive oil. We'll visit UNESCO-listed Monreale Cathedral and there will be time for some lunch and shopping if you choose.
Returning to Palermo, we enjoy a guided walking tour of the Sicilian capital. This 3,000-year-old city has a rich history which our local guide will share with you. Step back in time as we explore the narrow streets of the Old Town and visit the impressive Palermo Cathedral. After our tour, you will have free time to further sightsee independently.
Day 7 Medieval Erice & Agrigento
Day 7 Medieval Erice & Agrigento
Palermo - Erice - Marsala - Agrigento. We enjoy a busy day of Sicilian sightseeing today! Departing Palermo, we head to the medieval village of Erice, where little has changed since the 6th century. Hewn into the side of Monte San Giuliano, Erice offers incredible views and delightful labyrinthine lanes to explore.
We then continue to a traditional tavern in the wine-producing region of Marsala. Here we can visit the wine cellar before enjoying included wine tasting and lunch. Then it's onwards to Agrigento, on Sicily's south coast.
This afternoon we visit the Valley of the Temples, one of the most outstanding surviving examples of Ancient Greek architecture in the world. We take in the incredible Temple of Concordia, Temple of Hercules and the Temple of Jupiter, which was once the largest Doric temple ever constructed. Reaching our hotel, the evening is at leisure.
Day 8 Ragusa
Day 8 Ragusa
Agrigento - Ragusa. Today we drive to the hilltop town of Ragusa. Here we visit the enchanting historical centre, known for its Baroque palaces and churches. We see the old gate of San Giorgio, and the Giardini Iblei, a picturesque public garden with sweeping views of the surrounding area. Then we head to Piazza Pola to visit the Baroque Church of San Giuseppe, a hidden gem in the city. We also see the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio and Cosentini Palace, a beautiful Baroque villa protected by UNESCO.
Day 9 Syracuse
Day 9 Syracuse
Ragusa - Noto - Syracuse - Taormina. Our first stop after departing Ragusa this morning is the picturesque town of Noto. We visit the Cathedral of San Nicolò, rebuilt in the years following an earthquake in 1990.
Driving along the coast, we then reach Syracuse, at Sicily's southeastern tip. Here we visit Ortygia, an island that is also home to Syracuse's oldest area, with lots of medieval streets and Baroque architecture to admire. There is free time to explore this fascinating and historic area. Continuing to Taormina, the evening is at leisure.
Day 10 Mount Etna & Taormina free time
Day 10 Mount Etna & Taormina free time
Today we visit the largest active volcano in Europe - Mount Etna. This stratovolcano last erupted in 2022, and you may well see signs of volcanic activity including smoke billowing from the top of the volcano. On our visit, we learn about this volcanic activity and see the lava fields from previous eruptions. Weather and conditions permitting, we have the opportunity to hike to the summit, 1,800m above sea level.
Returning to Taormina, the rest of the day is free for you to explore this hilltop coastal town. We recommend visiting the Ancient Greek amphitheatre, Teatro Antico di Taormina, which is still in use today.
Day 11 Taormina
Day 11 Taormina
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before our Sicilian adventure comes to an end.
Tour Highlights
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Hotels
With a great central location by the Piazza della Repubblica and opposite the metro, the Hotel St Martin is a perfect base for those exploring the Italian capital. Rooms in this modern 4-star hotel are bright and spacious, with ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, satellite TV and a kettle. There is complimentary high speed Wi-Fi connection throughout the property. A continental buffet breakfast is served daily and there is also a bar. For those not wishing to head into the city to eat, fresh Mediterranean food is also served at the onsite Restaurant Sidera.
In the heart of the city, a short distance from the Termini station, the welcoming family-run Hotel Diana is situated in a prime location within a 10-minute walk of Teatro dell ‘Opera di Roma and Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. The Trevi Fountain and Roman Forum are also within 1 mile (2 km). Enjoy the spectacular views overlooking the rooftops of this amazing city whilst enjoying a delicious dinner or glass of fine Italian wine whilst watching the sun set from the panoramic gardens. The charming air-conditioned rooms feature a minibar, free wi-fi and satellite TV, as well as private bathrooms.
Grand Hotel Vesuvio is located on the seafront in Naples, offering views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Relax in its comfortable rooms, embrace stunning views in the rooftop restaurant and unwind in the outside pool, fitness centre and spa. Known for its prime location, the hotel is a popular choice for those seeking a luxurious stay with easy access to Naples' historic and cultural sites.
The modern Mercure Palermo is centrally-located, a 15-minute walk from the city's iconic Cathedral and 10 minutes from the harbour. This contemporary hotel has a refined design, with wooden flooring and furniture, and rooms in smart black, white or grey finish. Each room features an ensuite bathroom, air-conditioning, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. Daily buffet breakfast is served in the onsite restaurant and there is also a bar and coffee shop.
Set amongst beautiful gardens, Hotel Della Valle is located just outside the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. The hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool, spa, bar and two restaurants serving both international and Sicilian cuisine and offering outdoor dining. Rooms are simply but elegantly furnished and come with air-conditioning, minibar, TV, and ensuite bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.
Situated between central Ragusa and the Mediterranean, the Poggio Del Sole is housed in an impressive 19th-century manor house with a backdrop of the rolling hills of the Hyblean Plateau. Large rooms feature a modern finish, ensuite bathrooms, flat-screen TV and a minibar. There is a large outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace, as well as a wellness centre. Dining options are the informal Hosteria for grilled meat and fish, or the Ristoria dell'Angelo, housed in the former stables. A daily buffet breakfast is also served, and there is a bar and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Built into a rockface and housed in a former monastery, Splendid Hotel Taormina is one of the best places to stay in this Sicilian city, just a short walk from the historic centre. There's an outdoor swimming pool and roof terrace, where guests can enjoy a drink overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Indoors there is a piano bar and onsite restaurant serving a buffet breakfast, also with marvellous sea views! Rooms are simply but elegantly furnished, offering sea or pool views and equipped with free Wi-Fi, ensuite bathrooms and TV.
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