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Day 1: Arrive in Palermo
Today you'll meet your guide for an evening Welcome to Palermo walk, lacing together the city's romantic floodlit squares. Overnight at Hotel in Palermo.
Day 2: Palermo
Today you will have a day to dive into Palermo's colorful markets and street life all spiced with an evocative whiff of Africa. Prepare to be caught off-guard by its surprises including tasty ones, as Palermo's restaurants seem to have deliciously rewritten the Italian cook book. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3: Scopello via Monreale
This morning you will head up to the hill-topping town of Monreale, renowned for its Arab-flavored cathedral, wallpapered in medieval glittering golden mosaics. Then it's off to the coast and Scopello, where we will settle in for a dose of small-town Sicily. Overnight at in Scopello.
Day 4: Scopello
Today you will be free to relax in sleepy Scopello, hike along the coast-hugging trails of Zingaro National Park or simply luxuriate on the beach. Enjoy the sun-drenched vistas, and make time for plenty of good old-fashioned dolce far niente (sweetness of doing nothing).Overnight at Hotel.
Day 5: Agrigento
Today you will make a drive across the heart of Sicily, enjoying rugged vistas en route. Later you will marvel at the Greek ruins at Segesta on our way to Agrigento, where the dramatically -situated ancient temples await our discovery. Overnight at Hotel in Agrigento.
Day 6: Cefalu
In this morning in Agrigento you will drive across Sicily's interior to Cefalù, a salty fishing town known for its atmospheric old town and sandy beaches tucked against a sheltering mountain. Sleep in Cefalù.Overnight at Hotel.
Day 7: Cefalu
Today is free to wander through old Cefalu, poke around the cavernous Norman cathedral, scramble up to the cliff-top fortress, plant yourself on the beach, eat your way through a seafood menu and join in the local passeggiata to feel the pulse of Sicilian culture. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 8: Taormina via Mount Etna
This morning you will head south to gaze at the Villa Casale's exquisite Roman mosaics. Then you will drive up the lava-covered slopes of 10,000-foot Mount Etna, with fabulous views of the sea below. Today you will get close enough to feel the heat, and then hurry down to seaside Taormina to cool off. Overnight at Hotel in Taormina.
Day 9: Taormina
Today you will be free to luxuriate in the cliff-hanging, old-world resort town of Taormina. Wander through its elegant gardens, ponder its Greek theatre, or ride a cable car down to the beach. Sipping iced coffee while overlooking the Ionian Sea, you'll have a ringside seat to savor la dolce vita, Sicilian style. Overnight at Hotel in Taormina.
Day 10: Matera
Today you will cross the Messina straits onto mainland Italy, heading for Matera in the region of Basilicata. Matera's old town is known for its sassi an ancient neighborhood of stone-and-cave homes that was used as the filming location for The Passion of the Christ. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11: Matera
After a morning walking tour, you will have some free time to wander through Matera. This afternoon you will take an optional excursion to nearby Alberobello, where fascinating cone-shaped trulli houses await our exploration. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12: Sorrento via Pompeii and Amalfi
Today you will drive north to tour the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, frozen in time since the afternoon of August 24, 79 AD. Our local expert's insights will give you an intimate look at everyday life in this once-thriving city of 20,000 unlucky residents living and dying in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius. Then you will cut over the hills to the Amalfi coast, where you will follow the stunning, cliff-clinging road that winds above the sea to Sorrento. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 13: Naples
This morning your guide will offer the opportunity to delve into the urban jungle of Naples, with a neighborhood stroll, a chance to enjoy great pizza in its birthplace and a visit to its world-class Archaeological Museum. The afternoon is free to remain in Naples or return to Sorrento to stroll the picturesque back streets. Tonight we'll dine on delicious specialties and toast to new friends with local wine to end our South Italy adventure together. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 14: Tour over after breakfast
It's a breeze to reach Naples' modern airport by bus or taxi. You may wish to linger longer and enjoy the Sorrento area (including the enchanting Isle of Capri)or take the easy 3-hour train ride up to Rome for more adventures.
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