Italy: The Amalfi Coast and Sicily

A Cultural Escapade into Amalfi and Sicily 

March 31- April 15, 2025

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 on your overnight flights from Ottawa to Naples. Onboard you will be served dinner and a continental breakfast. Details will be provided by the Travac Tours office.

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)

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 flavors 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

As an option today you may wish to visit the alluring island of Capri. 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,D).

Day 9

Catania has its own magnetic pull and youthful energy.  The city itself is over 2700 years old and is full of UNESCO listed sites. Today our tour will afford you ample time to explore the historic sites of this city while at the same time enjoying its extraordinary cuisine. Our tour will also visit the nearby picturesque villages of Acicastello and Acireale. (B)

Day 10

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 11

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 12

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).

Day 13

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)

Day 14

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 15

Free day. Your Travac Tours Director will have ideas for things you can do today. (B,D).

Day 16

Today we depart for our return flights to Ottawa. Details will be provided by the Travac Tours office. (B)

Itinerary and hotels subject to change.

 

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Hotel Information


Hotel Bristol or similar, Sorrento

Hotel website


Hotel Rating

Hotel Address
Via Capo, 22, 80067
Sorrento NA, Italy

+39 081 878 4522


Romano Palace or similar, Catania

Hotel website


Hotel Rating

Hotel Address
Viale Presidente Kennedy, 28
Catania, CT, Italy
95121
+39 095 596 7111


Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa or similar, Palermo

Hotel website


Hotel Rating

Hotel Address
Via dei Cartari, 18, 90133
Palermo, Italy

+39 091 320075


Hotel Kore or similar, Villaggio Mosè

Hotel website


Hotel Rating

Hotel Address
Viale Leonardo Sciascia, 210
Agrigento , Italy
92100
+39 0922 607663



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New England Fall Colour Cruise

September 28- October 6, 2024

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 $3289 per person based on double occupancy + taxes of $399 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

Today you will have free time to explore New York City. 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. Then in the evening, it will be time to embark on your ship, The Norwegian Breakaway.

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.

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Hotel Information


Hilton New York Midtown

Hotel website


Hotel Rating

Hotel Address
1335 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY

(212) 586-7000



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