Rome, Coastline and Mountains

Your journey begins with your arrival into one of the two international airports in Rome where you’ll meet your private driver for transfer to your accommodation in the center of the Eternal City. As you’ll be able to explore much of it over the next few days on guided tours, today is ideal for soaking up its nearly 3,000 years of history at a more relaxed pace. You might do as the locals do by enjoying a pick-me-up, asking for asking for “un caffe” (an espresso) to enjoy with a pastry at one of the many enticing cafes while people watching.

This morning an exclusive six-hour tour will bring you to many captivating sights. The first stop is Vatican City with its spectacular museums, including the Pio Clementio Museum, Gallery of Geographical Maps, Gallery of Tapestries and Gallery of the Candelabra before heading to the breathtaking Raphael Rooms. You’ll get to enter the stunning Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica while hearing about the lesser-known details behind them. Heading to the top landmarks in Rome, you’ll visit Trevi Fountain where you can toss a coin in to find your true love, Palazzo di Montecitorio and La Colonna di Marco Aurelio before ending at Piazza Navona.

A private walking tour of the most famous Roman symbol on the agenda today. Guided by an archaeologist, explore the Roman Colosseum, including the main complex, the Imperial Forums and the third ring where you’ll have a magnificent view of the arena. Afterwards, continue to nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and then take a stroll along Via Sacra, an ancient Roman Street to marvel at the Temples of Faustina, Antonio and Vesta, learning about the Roman Empire’s history along the way. Later in the day, join a cooking class focused on traditional Roman pasta dishes, enjoying the results of your effort with wine.

Bidding goodbye to Rome, you’ll take private transfer to the rail station, catching the high-speed train to Naples along the south-west coast, renowned as the birthplace of pizza and a popular base for exploring the ruins of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. From here you’ll head further south, transferring to Amalfi in southern Italy which sits along one of the world’s most breathtaking coastlines. This 31-mile stretch is renowned for its stunning beauty that includes jaw-dropping sea views, endless groves of lemon trees, medieval villages and opulent summer villas that hug the precipitous cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Enjoy a scenic drive along the Sorrentine coast to Sorrento’s port, hopping on a hydrofoil to cruise to Capri Island, referred to by the locals as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean.” The ancient Romans once used the island for their emperors’ lavish summer villas. After docking, a guided walking tour will reveal attractions like Marina Piccola and Marina Grande harbours. You’ll also explore ancient Roman villa ruins and stroll the villa-lined promenade known as Belvedere of Tragara while soaking up the incredible panoramic views. Visit Augustus’ Garden, the Piazetta and Anacapri, and on your return to Amalfi, the famous “Blue Grotto.”

Continuing your journey, you’ll get to know another gem: Sicily. Catch a one-hour flight from Naples to Palermo on the northern coast of the island. You’ll pick up a rental car upon arrival for the 45-minute drive to your hotel in the city, the regional capital of Sicily. After checking in, enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the impressive architecture that includes everything from the Roman and Byzantine to Arab and Norman periods, cultures that have all influenced the city’s food and culture. Get your bearings by walking the pedestrianized thoroughfare, Via Maqueda, which links the north of Palermo to the south.

Enjoy a private half-day tour of some of Palermo’s highlights, including architectural masterpieces like the 12^th-century Duomo (Palermo Cathedra), Marina Square, Quattro Cani and Palazzo Real. Visiting Capo Market, you might want to pick of lunch or some light bites like cazzilli, pan-fried potato croquettes. You’ll have the rest of the day to yourself – we recommend the short drive to Monreale, a town that sits on the slopes of Monte Caputa, home to one of the world’s finest examples of Norman architecture, the 12^th-century Monreale Cathedral. Wander through the town itself, strolling through the Belvedere garden for a gorgeous view of Conca d’Oro below.

Your final destination is Taormina, a seaside town about three hours east of Palermo. Begin early for a self-guided tour along the way, stopping in the historic port town of Cefalu first. Head to the city center to visit the 16^th-century Lavatoio Medievale, a 16th-century washhouse that uses the River Cefalino  for its running water followed by the nearby Porta Pescara, a gate to Cefalù Beach where you can soak up a magnificent view of the coast. You might want to stroll the waterfront promenade and relax at Lungomare Beach. Don’t miss the 17^th-century defensive fortress for the beautiful view from the top.

Take a self-guided tour of Taormina this morning, perhaps visiting the medieval castle in the small village of Castelmona nearby, or stroll across the spit to Isola Bella where you can marvel at a 17^th-century palace and beautiful gardens. Taormina Mare offers a picturesque stretch of shoreline with public beaches for soaking up the sun and the sand. Embark on a guided hike of Mount Etna this afternoon. A cable car will bring you up 9,500 feet to the last lookout point to enjoy the stunning scenery, including smoke fumaroles, solidified lava flows and endless views stretching all the way to the Mediterranean.

It’s time to begin your return to Rome. After breakfast, drive an hour south to Catania which lies at the base of Mount Etna, the island’s second-largest city behind Palermo. If you have time before flying to the Eternal City, with the airport about a 15- to 20-minute drive away, it’s well-worth exploring. Plan to arrive at the airport two hours ahead of your scheduled flight, allowing time to return your rental car. Once in Rome, private transfer will bring you to your hotel. Take advantage of the rest of the day to unwind, perhaps enjoying a gelato or the Italian happy hour “aperitivo.”

After your last breakfast in Italy, with a cappuccino of course, your 10-night trip exploring Rome, the Amalfi Coast and Sicily comes to an end. Private transfer will bring you to the airport where you’ll catch your flight home, or for further travels. If you’re looking to extend your trip, perhaps visiting easy to reach destinations from here like France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia or Croatia, contact our travel experts who can create a bespoke addition to this itinerary.