Italy: The Amalfi Coast and Sicily
A Cultural Escapade into Amalfi and Sicily
April 6-20, 2026
Amalfi is an unforgettable destination; it has been fashioned with dramatic landscapes and vistas that are truly awe-inspiring. Your time in Sorrento will include many escapes, including one of the great drives along the jagged cliffs of this ancient coast. You will also have a chance to visit the island of love, Capri, known for its magical beauty. Another excursion will take you to the ruins of Pompeii, set against the backdrop of Mount Vesuvius.
Travelling south, your holiday will take you to Sicily. Located in the midst of the Mediterranean, this island has a personality of its own, full of flavour and teeming with cultural architecture dating back thousands of years. Ruins from both the Greek and Roman period are said to be the best in Europe. Each day will be filled with unexpected riches that are sure to enhance your experience.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This afternoon you will depart Ottawa with your Travac Tours Director to Montreal airport by private motorcoach for your flights to Naples. Travac office staff will be happy to give you more flight details.
Day 2
Upon arrival in Naples, you will meet your Travac Tours Director in the baggage claim area. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Sorrento. The balance of your day will be free to explore this charming hillside town. (D)
Hotel for the next 6 nights: Hotel Bristol Sorrento or similar
Day 3
Today you are totally free to explore all the wonders that can be found in Sorrento. (B,D)
Day 4
This morning, we will start with a visit to Herculaneum. Its distinction from the other ancient cities lies in the near-perfect preservation of its architecture, household items, and even well-maintained food. In the afternoon, continue to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Pompeii the largest archeological site in Europe, visiting the Forum, Thermal Baths, ‘Lupanare’ the Pompeii brothel and more. A local guide will lead tours at both sites. (B,D)
Day 5
You are again at liberty to enjoy the flavours of Sorrento on your own. (B,D)
Day 6
It is difficult not to fall in love with the Amalfi coast. Your tour today will show you why the Amalfi coast has, for several decades, become the playground of the rich and famous. Along the way you will have plenty of time to explore and revel in the richness of this coast. (B,D)
Day 7
An optional tour to visit the alluring island of Capri will be offered (not included in the tour cost). This excursion includes a boat trip around the island to soak up the views of the unique coastal formations. You will also have time to visit Capri’s old town, where you can stroll around the cobbled streets of Piazza Umberto. (B,D)
Day 8
After breakfast, we will depart Sorrento and make our way to Sicily and our first stop in Catania. Expect to arrive in the early evening. (B)
Hotel for the next 3 nights: NH Parco Catania or similar
Day 9
Today you will travel to the highest active volcano in Europe, Mt Etna. Indeed, it is the highest peak south of the Alps. The region is famous for its wines and of course its spectacular vistas. While on Etna we will stop at one of the local wineries where we will sample their outstanding wines plus enjoy a light lunch. To complete your tour, we will visit the town of Taormino. This town is spectacularly perched on the side of a mountain and is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Sicily. Founded in the 4th century BC, Taormino enjoyed great prosperity first under the Greeks and then the Romans. Their presence is still felt throughout the town which adds to its charm. (B,L)
Day 10
After breakfast we will make our way to Syracuse. More than any other city in Sicily, Syracuse captures the timeless beauty of this land. Today ancient Greek ruins rise out of lush citrus orchards. The city itself dates to 734 BC and at one point it was the most important city in the ancient world. Syracuse is filled with medieval piazzas and small cafes. (B)
Day 11
After breakfast, we will be leaving Catania. Our route will take us through Villa Romana del Casale. This Roman villa is famous for its ancient mosaics considered to be among the best in the world. From here we will make our way to our hotel. After checking into our hotel, the balance of your day will be free. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight. (B,D)
Overnight at Hotel Kore or similar
Day 12
After breakfast, explore the beautiful Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, famous for its golden stone Doric temples left by the Greeks. Learn about the myths of Hercules, Juno, Castor and Pollux. Relive the glories of the people who founded Sicily, colonizing its cities from the 8th century BC. The temples were constructed some 300 years later and remain the largest collection of early Greek architecture outside of Greece. The Temple of Concord and the Temple of Zeus are believed to have been the 3rd largest temple the Greeks ever built. (B)
Hotel for next 3 nights: NH Palermo or similar
Day 13
Tour of Palermo. Palermo is at the edge of Europe and the centre of the ancient world. Your tour of Palermo will cover a lot of ground illuminating some of the city’s fabulous UNESCO sites and its history throughout the ages. Palermo is famous for its eateries. You will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the cuisine while falling in love with the setting. Our tour of Palermo will also include a visit to Monreale, famous for its Cathedral and incredible panoramic views of Palermo. (B)
Day 14
Free day. Your Travac Tours Director will have ideas for things you can do today. (B)
Day 15
This morning, your Travac Tours Director will assist with check-out, and you will transfer from the hotel to the airport via private coach for your flights to Montreal. Upon arrival in Montreal, you will return to Ottawa by private coach. (B)
Itinerary and hotels subject to change.
Hotel Information
Hotel Bristol Sorrento or similar
Hotel Address
Via Capo, 22, 80067Sorrento NA, Italy
+39 081 878 4522
Hotel NH Catania Parco Degli Aragonesi or similar
Hotel Address
Viale Presidente Kennedy, 95121Catania, CT, Italy
95121
+39 095 723 4073
Hotel NH Palermo or simiilar
Hotel Address
Foro Italico Umberto I, 22/B, 90133Palermo, Italy
+39 091 616 5090
Hotel Kore Villaggio Mosè or similar
Hotel Address
Viale Leonardo Sciascia, 210Agrigento , Italy
92100
+39 0922 607663
New England Fall Colour Cruise
Embark on an autumn adventure cruise through New England’s breathtaking landscapes as they transform into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges and golds. You won’t want to miss our fall colour cruise experience: it is truly a feast for the senses and you will have a front row seat!
Your cruise adventure includes round trip transportation from Ottawa to New York aboard a private charted motor coach; one night in New York City at the fabulous New York Hilton; a seven-day cruise aboard the Norwegian Breakaway; all your meals while on board the ship; stops in Portland; Bar Harbor; Saint John and the Bay of Fundy and Halifax before returning to New York City.
Attractively priced at only $3,539 per person based on double occupancy + taxes of $740.36 for a balcony mini suite, you are sure to enjoy your fall adventure.
To enhance your cruise experience we have included the following amenities:
- Beverage package
- 2 credits at the ships “Ultimate Dining package”
- $50 shore excursion credit
- Internet package with up to 150 minutes per passenger
Booking early will save you money.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Ottawa for your trip to New York City. You will be overnighting In New York before joining your cruise.
Day 2
New York City
We will depart early this morning for a city tour of New York with a local guide. Everyone loves New York and there are a million reasons why. Here are but a few: the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station, the Ellis Island National Monument, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, Times Square, Broadway, Greenwich Village, 5th Avenue and Central Park. Right after our tour, we will head to the ship. Lunch will be served on board. Cabins are typically not available until 3-4 pm.
Ship name: Norwegian Getaway, Sailing time: 5:30 pm
Day 3
Newport, Rhode Island
During the 19th century, Newport served as the summer playground for the rich and famous. Residents displayed their fabulous wealth in the form of palatial estates overlooking the Atlantic. Today, these extraordinary and meticulously maintained homes line the city’s famed “Mansion Row” and are a must-see for any visitor.
Day 4
Portland, Maine
Portland offers all the amenities of a big city: art districts, a vibrant waterfront, museums, parks, and diverse shopping opportunities. But within minutes, you can be enjoying the view from an historic lighthouse or tasting a juicy, local lobster.
Day 5
Bar Harbour, Maine
This coastal attraction has retained much of its charm since its glory days of the 1900s, when America’s elite vacationed here in opulent summer cottages. Surrounding the rock-bound harbour is the world-famous Acadia National Park where the opulence of nature is on display.
Day 6
Saint John, New Brunswick
Saint John’s history is evident in its weather-worn look, passing the tests of salt air, sea winds and a devastating fire that have all contributed to making Saint John the greatest little city in the east. Be sure to look for your ship in the port against the beauty of the Bay of Fundy from Fort Howe lookout.
Day 7
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Admire the rugged coastline that surrounds Halifax, the world’s second-largest natural harbour. This beautifully preserved city is Nova Scotia’s capital and was founded in 1749. Take steps through history and climb to The Citadel to witness the Old Town Clock.
Day 8
At sea.
Day 9
Your last day will bring you back into New York for disembarkation. You will then depart back to Ottawa from New York.
Itinerary subject to change.
Hotel Information
Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square
Hotel Address
1568 BroadwayNew York, NY
10036
+1 212-262-8100