Italian Escape and Sicily

Trip Type: In Depth Explorer
Italy | 13 Days
Starts From:

NZD 4,990.00 /Person

This one swings you from Rome to Naples, the home of pizza and gateway to Pompeii, before gliding along the dreamy Amalfi Coast. After falling for ...

Italian Escape and Sicily

This one swings you from Rome to Naples, the home of pizza and gateway to Pompeii, before gliding along the dreamy Amalfi Coast. After falling for Capri and postcard pretty Positano, it's time to head to Sicily for a week of dreamy beaches, incredible food and endless ancient history. This Italian adventure has a little something for everyone.

Start Rome

Welcome to Rome! Once known as the 'capital of the world' this richly historic, passionate and elegant city will steal our hearts as soon as we arrive. We'll meet and greet our Contiki crew at 4pm and enjoy an included dinner this evening.

Accommodation:

Hotel Marc'Aurelio (or similar)

Locations Visited:
  • Rome

Rome to Naples

Today we're headed to another richly historical and cultural city, known for its naturally beautiful sights and excellent cuisine. Here in the ancient city of Pompeii you will have the option to partake in a guided walking tour of the fascinating Roman town that was destroyed by Vesuvius and then perfectly preserved in volcanic ash. Welcome to Naples, the rough and ready but oh so charming city which encapsulates everything we love about Italy. The home of pizza, a hub of culture, and a bundle of passionate Italian energy. Today we have the option to take a tour, learning about the city, its history and its food culture.

Accommodation:

Hotel Vergilius Billia (or similar)

Locations Visited:
  • Rome
  • Pompeii
  • Naples

Naples to Amalfi Coast via Capri

We're headed to the coast today to check out some of the most glamorous seascapes in Europe. Next up is Capri, with its gorgeous cragged coastline and opulent cafes. Its easy to see why this is such a playground for the rich and famous. An optional Capri cruise will let us check out plenty of swim stops to beat the heat. We'll settle on the Amalfi Coast after a day of postcard pretty sun bleached buildings and sparkling sea.

Accommodation:

Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)

Locations Visited:
  • Naples
  • Capri
  • Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast (Including Positano)

We've got a free day on the Amalfi coast! Lucky us. There are plenty of optionals today to keep us entertained, including a visit to a lemon farm, run by a local family whose ancestors introduced the crop and have been care takers of an age old tradition ever since. Here we learn how these huge, sunshine coloured fruits are harvested and turned into limoncello. We'll visit one of Amalfi's spectacular jewels today. Dramatic cliffs and idyllic buildings await us in picturesque Positano. You've got the entire evening for yourself. Roam the streets, taste some wine, live the Italian life we've all dreamed of.

Accommodation:

Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)

Locations Visited:
  • Amalfi Coast
  • Positano
  • Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast to Rome

We're headed back to Rome today. Time for the Colosseum? Back in Rome, we better put on your centurion helmets because we're going on a guided tour around all the Roman ruins, and even the mighty Colosseum. Afterwards, you'll have the chance to head out to a local restaurant and make (and eat) your very own pasta.

Accommodation:

Hotel Marc'Aurelio (or similar)

Locations Visited:
  • Amalfi Coast
  • Rome

Rome to Catania

Today we're hopping on a speedy flight to the incomparable isle of Sicily. This colourful cacophony of baroque piazzas and ancient ruins is the perfect place to get acquainted with Sicily. We'll have a chance to check out Catania's UNESCO listed historic core before an included dinner in a local restaurant. Can you taste the difference in Sicilian cuisine? It has to be up there...

Accommodation:

Hotel Villa Del Bosco (or similar)

Locations Visited:
  • Rome
  • Catania

Catania to Taormina

We've got more spectacular Sicilian towns to explore today, as we head from Catania to Taormina. Uniquely perched on the side of a mountain, this elegant resort town is the perfect place to live the good life in Italy. We'll waste no time admiring the gorgeous panoramas, as we take the cable car that connects the town's historic centre with its awesome beaches. After sunning ourselves for a bit, why not opt for a cooking class with some local masterchefs, learning how to whip up local delicacies like Arancini & Cannoli? It's the perfect way to impress everyone when you get back home.

Accommodation:

Hotel Isabella (or similar)

Locations Visited:
  • Catania
  • Taormina

Taormina

Today we've got an unmissable optional for you. Sicily’s stupendous stratovolcano Mt Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe. And what better way to experience this majestic monster than on an adrenaline filled ride, as you pass vineyards and orchards spread across the fertile slopes? You won’t find views quite like this anywhere in Europe. Whether or not you opt for the tour, you'll have a free afternoon to explore Taormina - lazing on the beach, checking out the Roman theatre or sitting and drinking a spritz as life lazily moves by. It's a hard life.

Accommodation:

Hotel Isabella (or similar)

Locations Visited:
  • Taormina

Taormina to Syracuse via Noto

See ya, Taormina – it's time to visit some historical hotspots. Next stop, Syracuse. We’ll have some free time to check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse. Famed for its rich Roman and Greek history, with ancient amphitheatres and architecture everywhere you look, this place was even mentioned in the Bible (how's that for history creds?). Our next outing is to Noto, home to some of Sicily’s most impressive historic architecture. We’ll check out the Corso Vittoria Emanuele and other legendary landmarks, and then it’s off to an organic farm for a Tastes of Sicily experience – the freshest Sicilian ingredients, brought to us direct from farm to table. Just what the doctor ordered! And after a long day, it’s time to hit the hay. ’Til tomorrow, friends.

Accommodation:

Hotel Panorama (or similar)

Locations Visited:
  • Taormina
  • Syracuse
  • Noto
  • Syracuse

Syracuse to Cefalù via Valley of the Temples

Heading from Syracuse we'll arrive in the Valley of the Temples, the perfect base to explore another ancient wonder... We won't be leaving Italy without a tour of the Valley of the Temples. This mystical valley is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological heritage. We'll discover ancient temples, sanctuaries and a necropolis. It’s a spectacular testament to Sicily’s ancient history (and natural beauty). Arriving in Cefalù we'll enjoy another included dinner of Sicilian delicacies. What a day - and we're not done yet.

Accommodation:

Hotel La Giara (or similar)

Locations Visited:
  • Syracuse
  • Valley of the Temples
  • Cefalu

Cefalù

Cefalu is a real gem, home to Sicily's best beaches and most impressive Arabic architecture. This truly is the island that keeps on giving. Today's all about coastal vibes, soaking up that sun, sea and sand - with plenty of water sports to get involved with. If you're feeling a little more zen, why not opt for the coastal cruise and soak up some scenery instead? Later on we'll stroll the winding cobbled streets and watch fishermen taking stock of the day's bounties, before exploring the town's foodie and nightlife scene. Ah, Sicily - sigh.

Accommodation:

Hotel La Giara (or similar)

Locations Visited:
  • Cefalu

Cefalù to Palermo

It's time to end on a high, as we make our way towards Sicily's sizzling capital. Palermo is vivacious, colourful and boasts a thriving culinary scene, but it’s also been plagued by organised crime for decades. Today on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® experience, you can join a walking tour through the historic centre, learning about the history of the Mafia in Palermo and how the civil antiMafia movement was formed. We'll round things off with a farewell dinner at Al Fresco, AKA the 'bistro of second chances'.

Accommodation:

Hotel Federico II Central Palace (or similar)

Locations Visited:
  • Cefalu
  • Palermo

End Palermo

Time to head home after one final breakfast together. Hug it out, swap social details - and don't be sad, we'll see each other on the road again soon.

Locations Visited:
  • Palermo

Departing

Arrival

Availability

Room Type: TRIPLE
Adult Price: NZD 5,195.00
Room Type: TRIPLESHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,195.00
Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 5,453.00
Room Type: TWINSHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,453.00
Room Type: SINGLE
Adult Price: NZD 7,073.00

Room Type: TRIPLE
Adult Price: NZD 5,206.00
Room Type: TRIPLESHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,206.00
Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 5,467.00
Room Type: TWINSHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,467.00
Room Type: SINGLE
Adult Price: NZD 7,138.00

Room Type: TRIPLE
Adult Price: NZD 5,343.00
Room Type: TRIPLESHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,343.00
Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 5,611.00
Room Type: TWINSHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,611.00
Room Type: SINGLE
Adult Price: NZD 7,282.00

Room Type: TRIPLE
Adult Price: NZD 5,343.00
Room Type: TRIPLESHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,343.00
Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 5,611.00
Room Type: TWINSHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,611.00
Room Type: SINGLE
Adult Price: NZD 7,282.00

Room Type: TRIPLE
Adult Price: NZD 5,525.00
Room Type: TRIPLESHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,525.00
Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 5,803.00
Room Type: TWINSHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,803.00
Room Type: SINGLE
Adult Price: NZD 7,474.00

Room Type: TRIPLE
Adult Price: NZD 5,525.00
Room Type: TRIPLESHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,525.00
Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 5,803.00
Room Type: TWINSHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,803.00
Room Type: SINGLE
Adult Price: NZD 7,474.00

Room Type: TRIPLE
Adult Price: NZD 5,130.00
Room Type: TRIPLESHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,130.00
Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 5,387.00
Room Type: TWINSHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,387.00
Room Type: SINGLE
Adult Price: NZD 7,058.00

Room Type: TRIPLE
Adult Price: NZD 5,130.00
Room Type: TRIPLESHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,130.00
Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 5,387.00
Room Type: TWINSHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,387.00
Room Type: SINGLE
Adult Price: NZD 7,058.00

Room Type: TRIPLE
Adult Price: NZD 5,130.00
Room Type: TRIPLESHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,130.00
Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 5,387.00
Room Type: TWINSHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,387.00
Room Type: SINGLE
Adult Price: NZD 7,058.00

Room Type: TRIPLE
Adult Price: NZD 5,962.00
Room Type: TRIPLESHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,962.00
Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 6,261.00
Room Type: TWINSHARE
Adult Price: NZD 6,261.00
Room Type: SINGLE
Adult Price: NZD 8,184.00

Room Type: TRIPLE
Adult Price: NZD 5,502.00
Room Type: TRIPLESHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,502.00
Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 5,776.00
Room Type: TWINSHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,776.00
Room Type: SINGLE
Adult Price: NZD 7,498.00

Room Type: TRIPLE
Adult Price: NZD 5,809.00
Room Type: TRIPLESHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,809.00
Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 6,099.00
Room Type: TWINSHARE
Adult Price: NZD 6,099.00
Room Type: SINGLE
Adult Price: NZD 7,922.00

Room Type: TRIPLE
Adult Price: NZD 5,696.00
Room Type: TRIPLESHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,696.00
Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 5,980.00
Room Type: TWINSHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,980.00
Room Type: SINGLE
Adult Price: NZD 7,702.00

Room Type: TRIPLE
Adult Price: NZD 5,696.00
Room Type: TRIPLESHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,696.00
Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 5,980.00
Room Type: TWINSHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,980.00
Room Type: SINGLE
Adult Price: NZD 7,702.00

Room Type: TRIPLE
Adult Price: NZD 6,014.00
Room Type: TRIPLESHARE
Adult Price: NZD 6,014.00
Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 6,315.00
Room Type: TWINSHARE
Adult Price: NZD 6,315.00
Room Type: SINGLE
Adult Price: NZD 8,138.00

Room Type: TRIPLE
Adult Price: NZD 5,284.00
Room Type: TRIPLESHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,284.00
Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 5,547.00
Room Type: TWINSHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,547.00
Room Type: SINGLE
Adult Price: NZD 7,268.00

Room Type: TRIPLE
Adult Price: NZD 4,990.00
Room Type: TRIPLESHARE
Adult Price: NZD 4,990.00
Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 5,237.00
Room Type: TWINSHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,237.00
Room Type: SINGLE
Adult Price: NZD 6,857.00

Room Type: TRIPLE
Adult Price: NZD 5,284.00
Room Type: TRIPLESHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,284.00
Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 5,547.00
Room Type: TWINSHARE
Adult Price: NZD 5,547.00
Room Type: SINGLE
Adult Price: NZD 7,268.00
Provided by
Contiki Tours
Reference Code:
409-2130
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Rome, Italy
Trip Finishes:
Palermo, Italy
Countries Visited:
Italy

Booking Enquiry

Destination Details
Italy | 13 Days