DEPART USA - ROME
FRIDAY: Boarding your overnight flight, you’re off on the adventure of a lifetime!

ROME - AFTERNOON AT LEISURE - DINNER IN HOTEL
SATURDAY: Benvenuti a Roma, the eternal city! We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Rome airport to your hotel at scheduled times. Your Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you.

There will be time to relax this afternoon before dinner with fine local vino at our hotel.

ROME CITY SIGHTSEEING - COLOSSEUM - DINNER OUT TONIGHT
SUNDAY: This morning, you’ll get to experience a delicious Italian breakfast, complete with cappuccino, fresh juices, croissants, fresh breads along with salami, cheeses and of course bacon and eggs!

Next, we board our chariot for a panoramic tour of Imperial Rome including the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, and the Great Synagogue build in the heart of the Jewish quarter. Then we’ll enter the Colosseum, reliving the brutal entertainment of the gladiators and the lions, refereed by the Emperor himself.

Tonight, we enjoy a fun dinner out.

*Colosseum entrance subject to ticket availability*

ROME - POMPEII - AMALFI - DINNER IN HOTEL
MONDAY: This morning, after a delicious breakfast, we’re off on the beautiful drive south to Pompeii. We’ll travel back in time to the fateful year of 79 AD. A city perfectly preserved by the ash that rained-down from Mount Vesuvius, you’ll see the tragic fossils of people attempting to escape with their children and dogs. You’ll be amazed to see the streets, homes, and stores still perfectly intact.

Next, we continue our journey to Amalfi, where we check in to our beautiful hotel.

Tonight, we enjoy an authentic Neapolitan dinner in our hotel.

AMALFI - CAPRI - AMALFI
TUESDAY: This morning, we board our hydrofoil to the world’s most enchanting island – Capri. We’ll enjoy a private boat tour around the island (weather permitting). We’ll cruise by the magnificent Faraglioni, Capri’s iconic rock formations which tower above the Mediterranean Sea.

Next, we visit one of the lesser known but equally beautiful sea caves, the Grotta Bianca. Then we’ll have free time to explore the island on our own or take advantage of a special optional excursion with our tour leader.

This afternoon we return to Amalfi where you can relax before you head out for dinner on your own. Ask your tour guide for some recommendations.

AMALFI - DAY AT LEISURE
WEDNESDAY: We thought you would enjoy a full day of leisure so today you are free to explore this beautiful city on your own…or you can relax at the hotel pool!

AMALFI - TAORMINA - DINNER IN HOTEL
THURSDAY: This morning we drive South to Calabria to board our ferry across the Straits of Messina to Sicily!

Our home in Taormina will be the great Villa Diodoro, which boasts stunning views of Mt. Etna and the bay of Naxos. Tonight, we enjoy a delicious Sicilian dinner in our hotel.

*This will be a long day so remember to wear comfortable clothes & shoes!

TAORMINA CITY TOUR - DINNER OUT TONIGHT
FRIDAY: After this morning’s leisurely tour, you’ll know why Taormina is known as the “Jewel of Italy.“ Its winding streets and secluded gardens are truly enchanting. The snow-covered volcano, Mt. Etna, serves as a dramatic backdrop to the well-preserved Greek and Roman outdoor theaters we’ll be visiting.

This afternoon is all yours! Why not stroll the medieval streets lined with interesting little shops, take a dip in the hotel pool, or treat yourself to one of Sicily’s greatest inventions – the cannoli! It’s like heaven in your mouth!

Tonight, we enjoy dinner and great “Vino Siciliano” at a fine local restaurant.

TAORMINA - MT. ETNA WINERY VISIT & TASTING - LIGHT LUNCH
SATURDAY: This morning, you’ll meet one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Mt. Etna is in an almost constant state of eruption. But don’t worry – we’ll keep a safe distance!

The fertile volcanic soil supports extensive agriculture, orchards, and vineyards. So, let’s visit a local winery for a tour, a wine tasting and a light lunch!

Tonight, you can enjoy dinner on your own. Have you tried pesce spada yet? Swordfish is Sicily’s favorite seafood.

TAORMINA - CEFALU - PALERMO
SUNDAY: We’re off to Palermo, stopping along the way for a fascinating visit of Cefalù, a coastal town in Northern Sicily. We enjoy a guided visit of the famous Norman cathedral, a 12th century fortress-like structure with elaborate Byzantine mosaics and soaring twin towers. The Cathedral has a founding legend: Normal King Roger II made a vow to God during a dangerous sailing trip from Southern Italy. His life was in great danger and he promised to build a wonderful church in the place where he would have landed, if he survived. Roger did in fact survive, disembarked in Cefalù and kept his promise and built a cathedral there.

We’ll have some free time to walk around this charming town, shop and have lunch on our own before heading to Palermo.

Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own. Be sure to end your dinner with a delicious dessert that originated in Palermo: The Cassata Siciliana.

PALERMO - CITY TOUR - DINNER IN HOTEL
MONDAY: Today we will start our day by visiting the Cathedral, built on the ruins of the largest mosque, which houses the relics of Rosalia, patron saint of Palermo. Then we will walk through Ballarò, one of the oldest street markets in Sicily, taking in an explosion of colors and scents of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and fish. Vendors shout very loud—in Sicilian dialect—to attract people and to promote their specialties. This will be the best way to experience the unique atmosphere of daily life in Sicily. After visiting the market, we will admire the grandiose Fontana Pretoria, and we will end our walk at the Theater of the Sun, also known as “The Quattro Canti”, the heart of the old city.

This afternoon you will be free to enjoy it as you please… perhaps to buy some last-minute gifts to take home with you.

Tonight, we enjoy our final dinner together in our hotel.

FLIGHT HOME - PALERMO - USA
TUESDAY: This morning we head to the Palermo airport for our flight home, arriving in the USA the same day. While we say “arrivederci” to Italy, we realize we’re taking a little piece of it back home with us….and maybe some wine too! Arrivederci Bella Sicilia!