Italy: The Amalfi Coast and Sicily
A Cultural Escapade into Amalfi and Sicily
April 5-19, 2027
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
Today you will meet your Travac Tours Director and the group at the Carlingwood Mall to check-in and board your private motorcoach to Montreal. Upon arrival at the Montreal airport, your Travac Tours Director will assist you in checking in with the airline for your flights to Naples. Our office staff will be happy to provide you with detailed flight information.
Day 2
Upon arrival in Naples, you will disembark the plane and 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 is a free day to explore the wonders of Sorrento. Your Travac Tours Director will have suggestions on how to make the most of your time here. (B, D)
Day 4
This morning, we will begin 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. At Pompeii, we will visit 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
Today is a free day. An optional tour to visit the alluring island of Capri will be offered (not included in the tour cost- payable in Euros upon arrival in Italy). 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 in the afternoon. We will visit the town of Taormino, 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)
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 for a visit at one of the local wineries where we will sample their outstanding wines plus enjoy a light lunch. We will then have a tour of Catania before returning to the hotel.(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 this morning, we will be departing 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. (B,D)
Overnight at Hotel Kore or similar
Day 12
Today we will 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. We will then travel to our hotel in Palermo. (B)
Hotel for next 3 nights: NH Palermo or similar
Day 13
Today we will embark on a tour of Palermo. Palermo is situated 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 also 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
Today is a free day. Your Travac Tours Director will have ample suggestions on things to see and do in Palermo. (B)
Day 15
Today we will bid farewell to Italy for our return to Canada. After checking out of the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flights to Montreal. Upon arrival in Montreal, you will be met by private motorcoach for return to the Carlingwood Mall in Ottawa. Your Travac Tours Director will keep you informed of your flight details. (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