Charm of Southern Italy: Rome, Sicily, Calabria & Sorrento
Fully Escorted Tour
Discover the charming sights and iconic landmarks of southern Italy during this multi-city escorted journey. Start your adventure in Rome before taking an overnight ferry to Sicily, then on to Calabria and the seaside bliss of the Sorrentine Peninsula. With the convenience of airfare, transportation, accommodations and tours all included, this 9-night adventure is the Italian escape you've been dreaming of.
Escorted tours offer expert guides who provide deep local insights and worry-free planned itineraries. Enjoy the company of like-minded travelers, visit hidden gems not found on typical tours, and enjoy peace of mind with a travel support system. This is a fully escorted group tour with a maximum of 50 passengers, departures are guaranteed.
What's Included
- Roundtrip, economy-class airfare to Rome (FCO)
- 9 nights accommodation in Italy, in the following hotels or similar:
- 2 nights in Rome at Hotel Marc'Aurelio
- Overnight ferry from Civitavacchia or Naples to Palermo (Sicily)*
- 2 nights in the Taormina area (Giardini Naxos) at Nike Hotel
- 1 night in the Tropea area at Villaggio Cala di Volpe
- 2 nights in the Sorrento area at Grand Hotel Due Golfi
- 1 night near Rome Airport at Best Western Hotel Rome Airport
- Tours & Tastings
- Half-day Ancient Imperial Rome tour with local guide**
- Half-day Classic Rome tour with local guide
- Full-day Palermo and Cefalù tour (en-route from ferry to Taormina hotel)
- Full-day Etna and Taormina tour
- Gelato tasting in Scilla (en-route from Sicily to Calabria)
- Visit to a buffalo farm in Cilento with mozzarella tasting (en-route from Calabria to Campania)
- Full-day Sorrento & Amalfi Coast tour
- Full-day Pompeii and Naples tour, including entrance to Pompeii excavation site (en-route from Campania to Rome area)
- Transportation, Meals & More
- Transfers to/from Rome Airport (FCO) on arrival and departure
- 8 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- Coach transportation as needed throughout the trip***
- Local English-speaking tour manager at the group's disposal throughout the trip
- Headsets throughout the trip to hear the tour guides clearly
- 24-hour emergency telephone support via the local office in Italy
Not Included:
- Local city taxes (apx. €2-€8 per person, per night and must be paid directly to hotels in destination)
- Porterage at hotels
- Entrance fees/meals other than those mentioned above (Note entry to Vatican Museums, Colosseum, Pantheon, Palatine Chapel and Greco Roman Theatre are not included on the guided tours)
- Gratuity (Suggestions below but note exceptional circumstances may warrant a higher tip)
- €3 per person for local guides on half-day tours, €5 on full-day tours
- €5 per person per day for drivers
- €5 per person per day for Tour Director
*Due to logistical reasons and pending ferry schedules, on Day 3 the group may travel to Palermo from Civitavecchia (apx. 15 hour ferry + 1 hour transfer) or from Naples (apx. 12 hour ferry + 2 hour transfer). This does not affect the itinerary or price in any way. Ferry embarkation will be at apx. 8pm or 9pm.
**Please note for 2024 departures, the Day 2 Rome tour is full-day (apx. 8 hours). For 2025, this is a half-day (apx. 4 hours) tour and passengers have the afternoon free to explore at leisure.
***Passengers are asked to limit themselves to one full-size piece of luggage and one personal item (i.e handbag, small tote bag, camera bag) per person.
Check out our 9-night Charm of Northern Italy tour or combine both for the 18-night Ultimate Adventure through Italy!
Great Ways to Explore
Visit the city of Sorrento, known for it's famous limoncello.
Sample fresh mozzarella during your included tour of a buffalo farm in Cilento!
Experience the archeological ruins of Pompeii with your included tour.
Indulge in the fine wines and cuisine of Rome.
Explore the Vatican City and the iconic Colosseum!
Experience the ultimate journey through the charming southern regions of Italy during this 9-night escorted getaway. Begin your adventure in Rome, also known as the "Eternal City." Discover a few of Rome's greatest treasures including Palatine Hill, the Imperial Palace Complex, and the Colosseum. Explore the sacred Vatican City and its highlights before moving on to your next destination – Sicily.
Enjoy a city tour of Palermo which includes a stop at the iconic Palatine Chapel. You'll then spend some time at the ancient fishing village of Cefalu` before reconvening at your hotel in the Taormina area. On the final day of your journey through Sicily, you'll have a chance to explore Mount Etna and the spectacular views of Taormina – a quaint town known for its amazing natural backdrop and the Greco-Roman Theatre landmark.
Next, you'll be transported to your accommodation in Calabria, stopping for a gelato-tasting in Scilla while en route. After a stop in Cilento for a buffalo mozzarella tasting, you will then head to your next destination – the Sorrentine Peninsula. Here, you'll be close to various attractions including the Piazza Tasso and the famed Amalfi Coast. Sample the region's iconic limoncello and fresh flavors while soaking up the sun.
The final leg of your journey brings you back to the Eternal City. While en route, you'll have the opportunity to discover the beauty of Pompeii and Naples. With an included tour of the area's ruins, you'll spot the Forum, the temples of Zeus and Apollo, and even Mount Vesuvius. End your adventure with dinner back at your accommodation in the Rome area before departing Italy the following morning.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Roundtrip, economy-class airfare to Rome (FCO)
- 9 nights accommodation in Italy, in the following hotels or similar:
- 2 nights in Rome at Hotel Marc'Aurelio
- Overnight ferry from Civitavacchia or Naples to Palermo (Sicily)*
- 2 nights in the Taormina area (Giardini Naxos) at Nike Hotel
- 1 night in the Tropea area at Villaggio Cala di Volpe
- 2 nights in the Sorrento area at Grand Hotel Due Golfi
- 1 night near Rome Airport at Best Western Hotel Rome Airport
- Tours & Tastings
- Half-day Ancient Imperial Rome tour with local guide**
- Half-day Classic Rome tour with local guide
- Full-day Palermo and Cefalù tour (en-route from ferry to Taormina hotel)
- Full-day Etna and Taormina tour
- Gelato tasting in Scilla (en-route from Sicily to Calabria)
- Visit to a buffalo farm in Cilento with mozzarella tasting (en-route from Calabria to Campania)
- Full-day Sorrento & Amalfi Coast tour
- Full-day Pompeii and Naples tour, including entrance to Pompeii excavation site (en-route from Campania to Rome area)
- Transportation, Meals & More
- Transfers to/from Rome Airport (FCO) on arrival and departure
- 8 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- Coach transportation as needed throughout the trip***
- Local English-speaking tour manager at the group's disposal throughout the trip
- Headsets throughout the trip to hear the tour guides clearly
- 24-hour emergency telephone support via the local office in Italy
Not Included:
- Local city taxes (apx. €2-€8 per person, per night and must be paid directly to hotels in destination)
- Porterage at hotels
- Entrance fees/meals other than those mentioned above (Note entry to Vatican Museums, Colosseum, Pantheon, Palatine Chapel and Greco Roman Theatre are not included on the guided tours)
- Gratuity (Suggestions below but note exceptional circumstances may warrant a higher tip)
- €3 per person for local guides on half-day tours, €5 on full-day tours
- €5 per person per day for drivers
- €5 per person per day for Tour Director
*Due to logistical reasons and pending ferry schedules, on Day 3 the group may travel to Palermo from Civitavecchia (apx. 15 hour ferry + 1 hour transfer) or from Naples (apx. 12 hour ferry + 2 hour transfer). This does not affect the itinerary or price in any way. Ferry embarkation will be at apx. 8pm or 9pm.
**Please note for 2024 departures, the Day 2 Rome tour is full-day (apx. 8 hours). For 2025, this is a half-day (apx. 4 hours) tour and passengers have the afternoon free to explore at leisure.
***Passengers are asked to limit themselves to one full-size piece of luggage and one personal item (i.e handbag, small tote bag, camera bag) per person.
Check out our 9-night Charm of Northern Italy tour or combine both for the 18-night Ultimate Adventure through Italy!
Visit the city of Sorrento, known for it's famous limoncello.
Sample fresh mozzarella during your included tour of a buffalo farm in Cilento!
Experience the archeological ruins of Pompeii with your included tour.
Indulge in the fine wines and cuisine of Rome.
Explore the Vatican City and the iconic Colosseum!
Experience the ultimate journey through the charming southern regions of Italy during this 9-night escorted getaway. Begin your adventure in Rome, also known as the "Eternal City." Discover a few of Rome's greatest treasures including Palatine Hill, the Imperial Palace Complex, and the Colosseum. Explore the sacred Vatican City and its highlights before moving on to your next destination – Sicily.
Enjoy a city tour of Palermo which includes a stop at the iconic Palatine Chapel. You'll then spend some time at the ancient fishing village of Cefalu` before reconvening at your hotel in the Taormina area. On the final day of your journey through Sicily, you'll have a chance to explore Mount Etna and the spectacular views of Taormina – a quaint town known for its amazing natural backdrop and the Greco-Roman Theatre landmark.
Next, you'll be transported to your accommodation in Calabria, stopping for a gelato-tasting in Scilla while en route. After a stop in Cilento for a buffalo mozzarella tasting, you will then head to your next destination – the Sorrentine Peninsula. Here, you'll be close to various attractions including the Piazza Tasso and the famed Amalfi Coast. Sample the region's iconic limoncello and fresh flavors while soaking up the sun.
The final leg of your journey brings you back to the Eternal City. While en route, you'll have the opportunity to discover the beauty of Pompeii and Naples. With an included tour of the area's ruins, you'll spot the Forum, the temples of Zeus and Apollo, and even Mount Vesuvius. End your adventure with dinner back at your accommodation in the Rome area before departing Italy the following morning.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Rome!
Touch down in Rome, Italy! Gather your belongings and board your transfer to your hotel. Once you have settled into your guest room, consider heading out to explore more of Rome. In the evening, treat yourself to an authentic meal at any of the restaurants nearby.
Transfer from Rome Airport to hotel
Check-in - Hotel Marc'Aurelio
Hotel Marc 'Aurelio is a 4-star hotel offering sophistication and refinement at the core of the Eternal City. The front desk is available 24-hours to accommodate guests' needs around the clock, and there is a continental buffet breakfast served daily. Guests can unwind after a long day of exploring at the on-site bar and sip cocktails in the beauty of the hotel's garden. The hotel also offers free, on-site parking.Â
Guest rooms are spacious and cozy, sporting modern décor. Amenities include air-conditioning, a private bathroom, a hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi. Additionally, there is a TV in the rooms, an in-room safe, and a minibar.Â
The Cornelia Metro Station is a convenient 10-minute walk from the hotel. Historical sites such as the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Square, and Castel Sant'Angelo are all within an 18-minute drive from the hotel. Additionally, Fiumicino Airport is closest to this hotel.
Day 2. Rome
Spend your very first day exploring the iconic sights of Rome with your included half-day Ancient Imperial Rome Tour*. 
This tour will lead you back to the glory days of the Roman Empire. Begin your journey through antiquity’ on Capitoline 
Hill. After an in-depth explanation, you will see the remains of the great Roman era up close, before you ascend 
Palatine Hill, to admire the ruins of the Imperial Palace complex. Next comes a view of the iconic Colosseum,
before returning to the Piazza Venezia at the foot of Capitoline Hill. Â
This afternoon you are free to explore Rome at your leisure. You may want to explore Vatican City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to St. Peter’s Basilica.
A Tip For Your Trip: *Please note for 2024 departures, the Day 2 Rome tour is full-day (apx. 8 hours). For 2025, this is a half-day (apx. 4 hours) tour and passengers have the afternoon free to explore at leisure. Please note entrance to Vatican Museums and the Colosseum is not included in the tour today. You may wish to book your own entry prior to departure for Day 1 or the afternoon of Day 2.
Day 3. Rome and overnight ferry to Sicily
After a hearty breakfast, make your way out towards the city center for a 3-hour walking tour of the Dolce Vita spots: the Spanish Steps, Trevi
 Fountain, and Pantheon. Following the tour, enjoy a quick and light lunch at your leisure before continuing the afternoon with your knowledgeable guide.
In the late afternoon, transfer to Civitavecchia or Naples port to board the overnight ferry towards Palermo, Sicily.
A Tip For Your Trip: Due to logistical reasons and pending ferry schedules, on Day 3 the group may travel to Palermo from Civitavecchia (apx. 15 hour ferry + 1 hour transfer) or from Naples (apx. 12 hour ferry + 2 hour transfer). This does not affect the itinerary or price in any way. Ferry embarkation will be at apx. 8pm or 9pm.
Overnight ferry to Palermo
Day 4. Sicily
Arrive at Palermo in the morning via ferry, the largest city and capital of Sicily, and kickstart your urban exploration. This city, which has been influenced by Latin, Byzantine, and Islamic cultures, boasts the awe-inspiring Palatine Chapel. Inside this remarkable structure adorned with Byzantine mosaics, you'll witness a harmonious blend of all three cultural influences.
Next, venture to the ancient fishing village of Cefalù. This charming town is renowned not only for its picturesque beaches but also for its well-preserved structures dating back to the Arabic-Norman era. To reach the splendid 12th-century cathedral, meander through the narrow lanes of the historic district. Following a full-day immersion in Sicilian culture, make your way to your hotel near Taormina.
Check-in - Hotel Nike
Hotel Nike is a charming haven, designed with a genuine Mediterranean aesthetic, nestled within a picturesque bay near Naxos. The hotel's front desk is available 24-hours, and the on-site restaurant serves authentic Sicilian cuisine starting from lunchtime. The hotel features a bar, as well as a private beach area where guests can soak in the sun. Spa services are also available.Â
Guest rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with a shower and hairdryer. Breakfast in the room is available. Other amenities include a TV, desk, wake-up service, and free Wi-Fi.
Day 5. Sicily
Today you'll explore Taormina and Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano. Bask in the beauty of the natural wonder as you walk alongside the Silvestri craters and the lava streams of the 1983 and 2001 eruptions, at a height of 1900 meters. Â
In the afternoon, you will be transported to Taormina, a town framed by the dramatic combination of rock faces, gardens, and the sea. Taormina’s most famous structure is the Greco-Roman Theatre, which affords spectacular views
across the bay and onto Mount Etna.
Day 6. Sicily - Calabria
Following a hearty breakfast at the hotel, embark on your journey to the mainland aboard a private coach. As you make your way to Calabria, your driver will arrange a lunch stop along the route. Be sure to leave some space for dessert, as the next destination is Scilla, where you'll savor a delightful gelato tasting. Upon reaching the hotel near Tropea, complete your check-in process and settle into your accommodations. Tonight, you can look forward to an included dinner at the hotel.
Check-in - Villaggio Cala di Volpe
Villaggio Cala di Volpe is a 4-star resort surrounded by a beautiful, tropical garden. The resort features a pool and private beach, along with a wellness area where guests can indulge in spa services such as a massage, or relax in the sauna. There are 2 restaurants - one serving modern Mediterranean cuisine with a view of the sea, the other, an alfresco Live Cooking Show dating back to ancient traditions. There is also a bar alongside the pool where guests can enjoy cocktails, ice cream and more.Â
Guest rooms are comfortable and elegant. Some have a view of the sea, while others have views of the stunning tropical garden. Amenities include air-conditioning, a private bathroom, hairdryer, in-room safe, desk, and television. Additionally, there is free Wi-Fi and room service is available.Â
Day 7. Calabria - Sorrento
During your trip to the next region, Campania, take a break to visit a buffalo farm. Here, you'll enjoy a guided tour and have the opportunity to taste their renowned mozzarella.
Check-in - Grand Hotel Due Golfi
The Grand Hotel Due Golfi is a 4-star luxury hotel surrounded by lush green gardens and incredible views. The hotel boasts two restaurants serving delicious pasta dishes and more. Additionally, guests can enjoy a daily continental breakfast and a poolside bar, ideal for enjoying cocktails under the sun.
Guests rooms are spacious and all have a private balcony with a view of the sea or the hotel's stunning gardens. Amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, coffee maker, TV, in-room safe, and a hair dryer.Â
Naples International Airport is closest to the hotel. Fiordo di Crapolla Beach and Monumento Due Golfi are both within a 7-minute drive from the hotel, while it takes 17-minutes via car to get to the historic Valley Il Vallone dei Mulini.
Day 8. Sorrento
Start your day with an early breakfast before embarking on your Sorrento tour, a cherished gem in the region. Sorrento is famed for its array of antique shops and its picturesque main square, Piazza Tasso. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of this quintessential Southern Italian town as you breathe in the invigorating sea breeze.
Following your Sorrento exploration, hop on board your coach for a scenic journey along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, where awe-inspiring vistas await. Along the way, there will be stops for capturing memorable photographs and indulging in a leisurely lunch.
Day 9. Sorrento - Rome
After enjoying your breakfast, check out and board your coach for the day's exploration of Campania, featuring two must-visit destinations: Pompeii and Naples.
The ancient city of Pompeii met its tragic fate in AD 79 during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Today, the sprawling ruins amidst a picturesque landscape offer a captivating glimpse into the bygone era of the Roman Empire. During your guided tour, you'll have the opportunity to marvel at the forum, the temples of Zeus and Apollo, antique shops, and even the intriguing brothel adorned with fascinating paintings.
Following a comprehensive 2-hour exploration of the archaeological excavations in Pompeii, your journey continues to Naples, the vibrant capital of Campania. Nestled at the base of Mount Vesuvius and surrounded by a stunning natural landscape with islands rising like sculptures in the Gulf of Naples, the city seamlessly blends a rich historical heritage with a vibrant modern spirit.
Upon arriving in Naples, you'll have free time for lunch (we recommend trying one of the many excellent pizzerias in the city center) before embarking on a city tour, which will introduce you to prominent landmarks such as Castel Nuovo, Palazzo Reale, and more. Continue your journey towards the Rome area to be closer to the airport for your departure tomorrow. For your final evening in Italy, savor an included dinner at your hotel.
Situated just a quick 5-minute drive from Fiumicino Airport, the Best Western Hotel Rome Airport offers a range of amenities including a fitness center, pool, a well-equipped business center, and versatile meeting spaces. This 4-star hotel also boasts contemporary air-conditioned rooms, each equipped with an LCD TV and a selection of satellite channels. The hotel's restaurant delights guests with delectable Italian dishes, while the bar serves a variety of beverages.Â
Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property. Each room is furnished with a kettle and a private bathroom complete with a hairdryer. Located in Fiumicino, The Best Western Rome Airport is conveniently just a 15-minute drive from Lido Ostia Beach and just 30 minutes from the heart of Rome. Convenient shuttle services are offered to the airport, convention center, city center, and Civitavecchia harbor.
Hotel Isola Sacra Rome is a beautiful 4-star hotel surrounded by lush gardens. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool where guests can relax on a sunbed with a cocktail, or wander the hotel gardens. There is also an award winning restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including gluten free options.Â
Guest rooms are bright and spacious with a private bathroom. Amenities include a bidet, towels, a hair dryer, a minibar, an in-room safe, desk, alarm clock, and air-conditioning. Additionally, wake-up service and room service are available.Â
Nearby attractions include Ostia Lido Beach, Ostia Antica Archaeological Site, and The Village Parco de' Medici, which are all within a 20-minute drive from the hotel.Â
Day 10. Depart Italy
Check-out of your accommodation and board your transfer to the airport for your flight back home. Until next time, Italy!