ITALY BY TRAIN: Ancient Rome, Amalfi Coast & Sicily

Arrive in Rome, the Italian capital, and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is free to begin exploring this romantic, historic city.

The evening is the most magical time of day in Rome when the streets take on an even more charming character. Overnight stay in Rome.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today head to the meeting point and enjoy a guided visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill*, three of the main archaeological sites of the Eternal City. Learn about the history of this empire, from its birth to the gladiatorial fights in the Colosseum, and appreciate the preserved corners of ancient Rome in the Forum and the Palatine Hill. Overnight stay in Rome.

We recommend the optional Piazzas and Fountains of Rome excursion.**

The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the historic streets of Rome and dine on delicious Italian cuisine!***

* Time and days in Rome can be changed according to the availability of the Colosseum tickets. It will be confirmed 15 days before arrival. However, all included excursions are already guaranteed.

** OPTIONAL PIAZZAS & FOUNTAINS OF ROME EXCURSION:

Take a pleasant walk through the artistic heart of Rome to visit its most symbolic piazzas and fountains! Visit Piazza Navona, the most elegant of all Rome squares and home to Bernini’s Four Rivers Fountain. See the Church of San Luigi, the incredible Pantheon and the legendary Trevi Fountain, an icon of the city. Finally, pay a visit to the famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, the most photogenic spot in the city!

*** OPTIONAL AUTHENTIC ITALIAN DINNER AT A RESTAURANT IN CAMPO DI FIORI:

Enjoy an authentic Italian dinner in beautiful Campo Di Fiori Square, nestled in the heart of historic Rome. Soak up the atmosphere as you indulge in Italian dishes at a local restaurant.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day at your leisure in Rome. Perhaps visit the Vatican, trace the footsteps of the greats in the ancient streets of the old city or simply indulge in some delicious Italian ice cream. However you choose to spend your day, Rome is sure to delight you with its old-world charm and unbeatable sights. We suggest taking the optional Guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel*. Overnight stay in Rome.

* OPTIONAL SKIP-THE-LINE GUIDED TOUR OF VATICAN MUSEUMS, ST. PETER’S BASILICA AND SISTINE CHAPEL:

Explore the priceless treasures held within the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel! Visit the Pio Clementino Hall, Laocoon and Apollo Belvedere, Maps Gallery, Candelabra Gallery, Tapestries Gallery and the incredible Sistine Chapel. Afterwards, discover the incredible St. Peter’s Basilica and the atmospheric St. Peter’s Square, dominated by Michelangelo’s imposing Cupola!

Please note: Optional tour available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays afternoon, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, meet your transfer and head to the train station to catch the Frecciarossa high-speed train to Naples.

Arrive in Naples and transfer to your hotel. Known as the birthplace of pizza and famed for its immense history, Naples sits on the sun-kissed Bay of Naples in southern Italy. Home to centuries worth of important architecture and art, Naples is bursting with opportunities to experience authentic Italian culture! In the afternoon, set off on a 2-hour walking tour of the city to see its most emblematic sights and landmarks. Visit the Cathedral of San Gennaro, stroll in front of the Royal Palace of Naples, where the great Bourbon kings once resided, and admire the spectacular opera house, Real Teatro di San Carlo!

Continue to the main square, Piazza del Plebiscito, to see the Church of San Francesco di Paola before strolling through the beautiful Galleria Umberto I, a historic shopping arcade. See a handful of Naples’ ancient castles, many of which date back to medieval times, and end the tour in the historic center, home to the iconic Spacca Napoli street.

The remainder of the day is free to discover the cultural gems and mouth-watering cuisine of Naples at your leisure. Overnight stay in Naples.

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover two UNESCO World Heritage Sites today on a full-day excursion to the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii. Depart Naples, headed for the spectacular coastal region of Amalfi. Take in the incredible views of the sea on one side and the Lattari mountains on the other as you listen to the insights of your guide along the scenic 50-mile route. These dramatic landscapes of pastel-colored hillside towns, rugged mountainsides and plunging sea cliffs are among the most impressive in Italy!

Next, arrive at the legendary ruins of Pompeii. The devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD blanketed this Roman city in layers of ash which preserved the city as if it was frozen in time! Walk around the site, accompanied by an archaeological guide, and learn more about the people that lived here and their daily lives. Highlights include the thermal baths, the Roman amphitheatre, the Macellum and the House of the Faun. After an unforgettable day of discovery, return to Naples and spend the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Naples.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head to the airport to catch a short flight to Catania (Not included in the tour price), on the Italian island of Sicily. Located just off the ‘toe’ of the ‘boot’ of mainland Italy, Sicily is bursting with heritage sites and is famously the home of Mount Etna!

Arrive in Catania, an ancient port city known for its beautiful cathedral and long stretches of golden sand beaches! Founded in the 8th-century, it’s the second-largest city in Sicily and is home to a dizzying array of historic sights which date as far back as the Roman era! Transfer to the hotel and get settled before enjoying the remainder of the day at your leisure. Get out and sample authentic Sicilian cuisine in the city’s restaurants or talk a peaceful stroll along the waterfront. Overnight stay in Catania.

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a fascinating walking city tour of Catania today to explore its most emblematic sights and get to know the history of this ancient port city. Stroll through the historic center and soak up the atmosphere of one of Sicily’s most charming cities as you see Piazza Stesicoro and the old Roman amphitheatre.

Continue along Via Etnea to Piazza Universita and climb the Alessi Staircase to Via dei Crociferi, a street known for its sixteenth-century churches. Admire the architecture of Piazza San Francesco and end the tour at Piazza Duomo, where you can visit the cathedral and town hall at your leisure if you wish.

The remainder of the day is free to explore Catania at your own pace and soak up its immense history and Meditteranean atmosphere! The city is within easy reach of a variety of hiking trails around Mount Etna, so be sure to pack your walking boots if this appeals to you!* Overnight stay in Catania.

* OPTIONAL MOUNT ETNA AT SUNSET TOUR:

Discover the South side of Mount Etna on this stunning tour. Begin by visiting the villages at the base of Mount Etna, stop at a farm to taste typical Sicilian honey and other products. Then, accompanied by your guide, visit a lava cave, equipped with helmets and torches. Continue towards the Rifugio Sapienza (1910 mt) where you’ll enjoy a short guided hike to witness some of the latest lava flows and the Silvestri Craters, active in 1892.To culminate the excursion witness the incredible sunset on Mount Etna!

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Catania. Why not discover the archaeological treasures held inside the 13th-century Castello Ursino or visit some of the city’s incredible Roman ruins, such as the ancient amphitheater or Roman Baths? We recommend getting the most out of your free time by enjoying one of the optional activities described below. Overnight stay in Catania.

* OPTIONAL HALF-DAY CHARTER - SAILING ALONG THE CYCLOPS RIVIERA:

Admire volcanic rock as you sail along the Cyclops Riviera on this mini cruise. Stop at the Cave of Ulysses for a swim and snorkel and enjoy Sicilian appetizers when back on board. Next, head towards Aci Castello castle, checking

out the ancient Arab lookouts along the way, with Mt. Etna in the backdrop. To end this peaceful journey, enjoy a glass of wine or an appetizer after a refreshing swim in the Natural Reserve.

** OPTIONAL CATANIA STREET FOOD TOUR:

Delight your senses on this foodie’s walking tour of the center of Catania. Start at UNESCO Heritage Site Piazza Duomo and visit the Cathedral. Next, head to the quaint fish market, better known as “la pescheria”, where you will taste

local cheeses, olives and the best fried fish in the city. Continue to discover the churches on Crociferi, next arrive at Roman amphitheater Piazza Stesicoro to find the well-known Bar Savia that serves the best arancini in Catania, and

the much loved Cipollina at the Pacini Bakery. Enjoy a Selz syrup drink before enjoying Cipollata and ending the tour enjoying sweet local delicacies.

Breakfast * at the hotel. Sadly, it’s time to bring your Italian experience to an end.

At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your return flight back (Not included in the Tour price).

* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.