Ffestiniog Travel
Southern Italy & Sicily
12 daysfrom $6,010
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily
From pretty Sorrento and the Amalfi coast to ancient Matera, explore the amazing preserved city of Pompeii before uncovering Sicily's extraordinary culture and Greek relics.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Sorrento
Journey to Sorrento
Your holiday begins at London Heathrow airport where you meet the Tour Manager and the rest of the group before boarding a flight to Naples. On arrival, transfer to Sorrento, set on a peninsula of Italy's southwestern coast, overlooking the Bay of Naples and in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. After checking in and time to unwind, dinner at the hotel. Note: For the 5th September departure, guests stay at the Hotel Central Wellness in Sorrento.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Sorrento
A trip back in time to Roman Pompeii
A guided tour of Pompeii, the city buried and preserved by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. A short train journey to the archaeological site, then a guided tour of the world's best-preserved Roman city – remarkable preserved streets, impressive villas, temples, baths, markets, the amphitheatre, and ancient frescoes. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free in Sorrento.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 3overnight: Sorrento
Full-day cruise along the Amalfi Coast
Discover the captivating Amalfi Coast from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Transfer to Sorrento harbour to board a boat, cruise to Amalfi with free time to visit the stunning cathedral Duomo di Sant'Andrea, then continue to Positano where pastel houses stud the hillsides. Return to Sorrento for the rest of the day and evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4railovernight: Matera
To Matera, the 'jewel of Basilicata'
Head inland to Salerno station to board a train to Matera, deep into the Basilicata region. Transfer to the hotel, then travel into the town centre by coach for free time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage 'Sassi' cave dwellings. Inhabited since the Palaeolithic era, these cave homes are now transformed into boutiques, craft shops, bars and cafés. Return by coach to the hotel for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Matera
Discovering characterful Alberobello
By coach to the whitewashed town of Alberobello, a World Heritage town packed with hundreds of cone-shaped limestone 'trulli' houses dating back to the 14th century. A guided tour with local expert Mimmo Palmisano ('Mr Alberobello'), including a traditional lunch at his family's restaurant. Return to Matera in time for dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6railovernight: Giardini Naxos
Southern Italian landscapes to Sicily
Leave the 'boot' of Italy and head into Sicily. By coach south to Paola on the west coast, then by train to Taormina-Giardini station. Destination is Giardini Naxos, a relaxed resort town on Sicily's eastern coast with an ancient Greek heritage and an attractive crescent-shaped bay. Check in to the hotel and enjoy dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: Giardini Naxos
A day at leisure in Giardini Naxos
Free day to explore the local area. Options include relaxing at the hotel, taking a boat tour to the marine park of Isola Bella, or visiting the archaeological park of ancient Naxos – believed to be one of the oldest Greek settlements in Sicily. Dinner is independent this evening.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 8railovernight: Giardini Naxos
Mount Etna and the Circumetnea Railway
Full-day tour of Mount Etna, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Travel up to Rifugio di Sapienza, the highest point accessible by road in Sicily, with the option to walk to the Silvestri Craters. Continue by coach to Adrano to join the Circumetnea Railway to Randazzo, passing lava fields and landscapes carved by lava flow. Stop at Gambino Winery for a vineyard tour, wine tasting, and a two-course lunch. Return to the hotel with the evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 9overnight: Palermo
Sicilian charm in Taormina and Palermo
Travel to Taormina for a guided tour including the Greek theatre (3rd century BC), which offers views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Visit Roberto's café for an authentic cannolo. Free time in Taormina before travelling by coach to Palermo, Sicily's capital. Evening free to relax and explore.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 10overnight: Palermo
The sights and flavours of Palermo and Monreale
Tour of Palermo's Palatine Chapel in the 9th-century Norman Palace, then a visit to Palermo's Capo Market for a street-food tasting. Afternoon excursion to Monreale to visit its breathtaking 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage cathedral with unique mosaics, carved columns, and detailed cloisters. Return to Palermo with the rest of the day free.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 11overnight: Palermo
Into the Valley of the Temples
Full-day excursion to the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Sicily comprising eight temples of the Greek gods and numerous ruins. A local guide leads the tour. Excursion ends at a nearby Agriturismo for drinks and a four-course lunch made from local produce. Return to the hotel for the last evening in Palermo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 12
Homeward bound
After breakfast, transfer to Palermo airport for the flight back to London Heathrow.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 11 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- Standard class rail travel
- All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
- Flights from London Heathrow to Naples, Palermo to London Heathrow
- Breakfast each day
- 3 lunches
- 4 dinners
- Group luggage transfers between all hotels
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
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