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Southern
Italian Roots Tour
Tour Duration : 13 Days
Tour Category : Archeology/History Tour, Art History Tour, Gourmet/Gastronomy
Tour
Day
1:
1st Day (10/14 - Tue.) PALERMO (SICILY)
Arrive Palermo’s Punta Raisi Airport (in the morning) where you are met
by your Bella Italia Tours director/guide and an air-conditioned motor-coach
with driver, a luxury which we will enjoy every day for the entire tour.
Check in at our lovely 4-star hotel in downtown Palermo by the water near
the Botanic Gardens. Then a nice walk around Palermo: the 12th c. Cathedral,
the 11th c. Palazzo dei Normanni, the wonderful 12th c. churches of S.
Cataldo and Martorana, and more. Tonight a delicious welcome-to-Sicily
dinner with local specialties.
Day 2:
2nd Day (10/15 - Wed.) CALTANISSETTA
This morning we'll board our motorcoach again and we'll go to visit the fabulous
12th century Norman cathedral of Monreale with its glittering golden mosaics
and, after a stop at the quaint seaside resort town of Cefalù, it's on to
our beautiful 4-star hotel where a welcome dinner is included.
Day 3:
3rd Day (10/16 - Thu.) CALTANISSETTA
This morning, the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento (entrance incl.). Here,
we'll walk through the excavations to see the remains of three major Doric
Greek temples built B.C. Free time at the hotel this afternoon would provide
an opportunity for some relaxation and/or a "cultural" walk in the neighborhood.
Dinner.
Day 4:
4th Day (10/17 - Fri.) TAORMINA
This morning, drive past Mount Etna (a still active volcano) to the enchanting
resort town of Taormina, clinging to a mountain high above the blue coast.
After a beautiful funivia (cable car) ride up to town, we’ll tour Taormina's
classical Greco/Roman Theater (entrance incl.)with a beautiful view of Etna.
You can then shop and explore more independently.
Day 5:
5th Day (10/18 - Sat.) TAORMINA
Today is a free day. Perhaps a wonderful boat ride around the bay or a shopping
expedition through quaint and lovely old Taormina. Tour director will also
offer more walking/hiking (optional & free of charge).
Day 6:
6th day (10/19 - Sun.) COSENZA (CALABRIA)
Our late morning departure will permit additional enjoyment of Taormina and
the hotel before we cross the legendary Straits of Messina by ferry and travel
through the region of CALABRIA to our 4-star hotel in this bustling and stylish
city. Dinner with specialties.
Day 7:
7th Day (10/20 - Mon.) AMALFI (CAMPANIA)
Today, a drive north to Pompeii, where we'll take a tour of this ill-fated
city (entrance incl.) which is truly a "time capsule". Later, we’ll drive
to the spectacular Costiera Amalfitana (Amalfi Coast) and the ancient
maritime city of Amalfi. Then check-in at our beautiful 4-star hotel by
the water. Welcome-to-Amalfi dinner.
Day
8:
8th Day (10/21 - Tue.) AMALFI
Our boat ride along the Amalfi Coast this morning will be breath-taking
and we'll soon reach the beautiful Isle of Capri. This is an "enchanted"
island with many opportunities for elegant shopping. Return to Amalfi
in the early evening. Dinner.
Day 9:
9th Day (10/22 - Wed.) AMALFI
Today is a free day. Your tour director will have various suggestions for
activities on your own and will also offer an easy and fun (optional &
free) walk/hike in the Valle dei Mulini (valley of the ancient paper mills)
in a canyon nearby. Dinner.
Day 10:
10th Day (10/23 - Thu.) ATRI (ABRUZZO)
Today, first an excursion into the region of Molise and a nice stop for a
visit and lunch (independently) in the town of Campobasso. And then it’s on
into the region of Abruzzo and our fascinating small town of Atri with its
interesting clay gullies known as calanchi.
A good look at this interesting town with Roman remains, Duke’s palace &
more. Dinner on your own tonight.
Day 11:
11th Day (10/24 - Fri.) ATRI
We’ll drive today by the spectacular Gran Sasso mountain (the highest of the
Apennine peaks) to the town of L’Aquila where we’ll take a good look at its
formidable castle (exterior) built by the Spanish in the 16th century. We
will then spend some time in the picturesque old town of the city of L’Aquilia
itself where we’ll have a plesant lunch (independantly). Back in the afternoon
for more exploration (and/or shopping) of charming Atri, on your own. Free
evening and independent dinner.
Day 12:
12th Day (10/25 - Sat.) ROME (LATIUM)
Our drive today will take us to LATIUM, where Latino was spoken by the ancient
Romans. We’ll drive to Rome today and to our select 3-star-plus hotel located
near the Opera House. Later a leisure walk: the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon,
Piazza Navona and the Fontana dei Fiumi by Bernini, and more. Farewell dinner
tonight with Roman specialties.
Day 13:
13th Day (11/9 - Sun.) YOUR FLIGHT HOME
We'll transfer by motor coach to Palermo's Punta Raisi Airport for your return
flight.
Note: Tour and Tour Information are subject to change.
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