Call our Italy Experts
800.942.3301
Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily
A 14-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $3,099
(Not Yet Rated) | Write a review
|
| Starting Price: | $3,099 |  |
| Tour Length: | 14 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | Italy | |
  |
||
Cities Visited: An evenly paced tour with two-night stays in Alberobello, Giardini Naxos, Palermo and the Bay of Naples. Also enjoy a relaxed evening in the Calabrian holiday resort of Crotone, favourite holiday destination of Italian families. |
||||||||||||||
Included Premium Highlights
- Explore the unique Trulli buildings of Alberobello - a UNESCO World Heritage listed site
- Visit the unique Sassi di Matera, ancient dwellings hewn from solid rock and the town of Castellaneta, situated on the Great Ravine and birthplace of Rudolph Valentino
- Enjoy an excursion to the charming fishing town of Cefalu and visit the catherdral
- Glimpse a moment of every day Roman life, as you tour the excavations of Pompeii
- Cruise to the island of Capri and ascend to Capri town by funicular railway
- Discover the wonders of ancient Rome as you overlook the Forum and visit the Colosseum
Included Personal Insights
- As night falls, locals dress for the evening and enjoy 'the art of strolling the streets' Join us in the Italian social ritual of 'La Passeggiata'
- Hear the life story of Rudolph Valentino brought to life by a visit to Castellaneta
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- A guided visit of Taormina's Greek theater
- See the sub-tropical terraced gardens and stroll to Piazza 9 Aprile for panoramic views
- Guided tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to see the Temple of Concord
- See the beautifully decorated Cathedral of Monreale
- See the Cathedral and visit the Palatine Chapel in Palermo
- 'Intarsio' inlay woodworking demonstration in Sorrento
- Tour St Peter's Basilica, mother church of the Catholic faith
- Scenic drives - Apennines, Calabria mountains, Sorrento cliff top road
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 14
Included Quality Dining
- Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome (HD)
- 12 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d'hote Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Day 1 - DEPART USA
Overnight flight.
Day 2 - ROME AT LEISURE
Welcome to Rome! On arrival at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30. Settle in, relax or start exploring your hotel's facilites. Early arrivals can spend some time wandering through the vast parklands of the Villa Borghese or just relax at a cafe in the Piazza Navona. Later, join your Tour Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Beverly Hills
Day 3 - ROME - ALBEROBELLO
Head south past by the brooding hilltop monastery of Cassino to Caserta, and take the scenic route across the Apennines to the Adriatic coast. Your destination is the small town of Alberobello, in the heart of the unique Trulli region. Sunday evenings are popular for the traditional ritual of passeggiata, a pre-dinner promenade, to 'see and be seen'. After working up an appetite, why not dine out? The region of Puglia is a food and wine lovers' paradise.
Hotel: Astoria (BB)
Day 4 - ALBEROBELLO - MATERA & CASTELLANETA EXCURSION
Take time to explore Alberobello, with its strange white Trulli buildings spread out over the hillside. Trulli are circular structures with conical roofs and domed within, built with local limestone and stacked without using mortar. This afternoon continue along the small local roads to Matera to see the extraordinary 'Sassi', or cave-dwellings, that were once home to more than 15,000 people. Walk along the time worn stone streets to the simple white houses and churches dug out of the rock. Return via Castellaneta, situated on the "Gravina Grande" (Great Ravine) and birthplace of Rudolph Valentino; hear about the the "Latin Lover's" life and make a photo stop at his statue. (BB,D)
Day 5 - ALBEROBELLO - GIARDINI NAXOS
Follow the shores of the Gulf of Taranto to the gorgeous mountainous region of Calabria - favourite holiday destination for the Italians. Continue around the Purple Coast, which takes its name from the colour of its rocky mountain slopes. At the very toe of Italy make the short ferry crossing over to Sicily. Spend three relaxing nights in the beautiful seaside resort of Giardini Naxos.
Hotel: Sant' Alphio Garden (BB,D)
Day 6 - TOARMINA EXCURSION
Visit Taormina, founded in 400BC, and beautifully located overlooking the sea and the peak of Mount Etna. Visit the Greek Theatre (3rd century BC) and the glorious sub-tropical terraced gardens before strolling along elegant Corso Umberto to Piazza 9 Aprile for splendid panoramic views across the bay to the Ionian Sea. The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy at your own pace. (BB,D)
Day 7 - GIARDINI NAXOS AT LEISURE
A full day to enjoy the beaches, bustling fishing port or visit the Archeological Museum. Don't miss the chance of an optional drive through Sicilian vineyards to Mt Etna, Europe's largest volcano to see the Silvestre Crater and walk through the lava domes! (BB)
Day 8 - GIARDINI NAXOS - agrigento - PALERMO
Drive to the attractive hillside town of Agrigento on the southern coast of Sicily. Explore the Valley of the Temples, the finest Greek sanctuary in Sicily. Especially impressive is the massive Temple of Concord and the clifftop Temple of Juno which overlooks the sea. In the afternoon, continue to the historic capital of Sicily, Palermo.
Hotel: Best Western Ai Cavalieri. (BB,D)
Day 9 - PALERMO
Sightseeing with a local guide includes Quattro Canti Square, the Cathedral and the mosaics in the Palatine Chapel of the Palace of the Normans. Also visit Monreale with its finely decorated cathedral. In the afternoon there is free time to explore or shop in Palermo or to take one of the local excursions offered by your Tour Director. (BB)
Day 10 - PALERMO - OVERNIGHT FERRY
Drive eastwards along the coast to the charming fishing town of Cefalu. Visit the cathedral, erected to fulfil a vow made by the Norman King Roger II and spend some time at leisure. Later, return to Palermo, taking time to relax before boarding the overnight ferry to Naples in the early evening. (BB)
Day 11 - FERRY - Pompeii - BAY OF NAPLES
Arrive in Naples in time for breakfast and an orientation tour of the city. Afterwards, continue to Pompeii, buried in 79 AD by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Walk with a local guide through the cobbled streets to the Forum and inspect some of the shops and villas before continuing to your hotel.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Le Medusa (BB,D)
Day 12 - CAPRI EXCURSION
Take the cliff-top road to Sorrento to witness a demonstration of inlaid 'intarsio' woodwork before continuing across the Bay of Naples to the delightful Isle of Capri. Take a funicular train up to Capri Town to spend some time wandering the narrow alleyways and exploring the exclusive boutiques before returning to your hotel. (BB,D)
Day 13 - BAY OF NAPLES - ROME
Travel north to return to Rome. On arrival, visit the famous Colosseum where gladiators once fought, and see the Forum - former religious, political and commercial heart of the Roman Empire. Continue to the Vatican City to tour St Peter's Basilica, mother church of the Catholic faith, housing works of art by Michelangelo and Bernini. Tonight join your fellow passengers for a last night celebration dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Sheraton Roma (BB,HD)
Day 14 - RETURN TO USA
Arrivederci Roma! Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 & 09:30. (BB)
Don't miss our current specials: | ||||
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
4/16/2010 - 4/29/2010 |
$3,199 |
 |
|
|
4/30/2010 - 5/13/2010 |
$3,199 |
|
|
|
5/7/2010 - 5/20/2010 |
$3,225 |
|
|
|
5/14/2010 - 5/27/2010 |
$3,225 |
|
|
|
5/21/2010 - 6/3/2010 |
$3,225 |
|
|
|
5/28/2010 - 6/10/2010 |
$3,225 |
|
|
|
6/11/2010 - 6/24/2010 |
$3,225 |
|
|
|
6/18/2010 - 7/1/2010 |
$3,225 |
|
|
|
6/25/2010 - 7/8/2010 |
$3,150 |
|
|
|
7/2/2010 - 7/15/2010 |
$3,099 |
|
|
|
7/9/2010 - 7/22/2010 |
$3,099 |
|
|
|
7/16/2010 - 7/29/2010 |
$3,099 |
|
|
|
7/23/2010 - 8/5/2010 |
$3,099 |
|
|
|
7/30/2010 - 8/12/2010 |
$3,199 |
|
|
|
8/6/2010 - 8/19/2010 |
$3,225 |
|
|
|
8/13/2010 - 8/26/2010 |
$3,199 |
|
|
|
8/20/2010 - 9/2/2010 |
$3,225 |
|
|
|
8/27/2010 - 9/9/2010 |
$3,225 |
|
|
|
9/3/2010 - 9/16/2010 |
$3,225 |
|
|
|
9/10/2010 - 9/23/2010 |
$3,225 |
|
|
|
9/17/2010 - 9/30/2010 |
$3,225 |
|
|
|
9/24/2010 - 10/7/2010 |
$3,225 |
|
|
|
10/1/2010 - 10/14/2010 |
$3,099 |
|
|
|
|
Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
||||
Included Premium Highlights
- Explore the unique Trulli buildings of Alberobello - a UNESCO World Heritage listed site
- Visit the unique Sassi di Matera, ancient dwellings hewn from solid rock and the town of Castellaneta, situated on the Great Ravine and birthplace of Rudolph Valentino
- Enjoy an excursion to the charming fishing town of Cefalu and visit the catherdral
- Glimpse a moment of every day Roman life, as you tour the excavations of Pompeii
- Cruise to the island of Capri and ascend to Capri town by funicular railway
- Discover the wonders of ancient Rome as you overlook the Forum and visit the Colosseum
Included Personal Insights
- As night falls, locals dress for the evening and enjoy 'the art of strolling the streets' Join us in the Italian social ritual of 'La Passeggiata'
- Hear the life story of Rudolph Valentino brought to life by a visit to Castellaneta
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- A guided visit of Taormina's Greek theater
- See the sub-tropical terraced gardens and stroll to Piazza 9 Aprile for panoramic views
- Guided tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to see the Temple of Concord
- See the beautifully decorated Cathedral of Monreale
- See the Cathedral and visit the Palatine Chapel in Palermo
- 'Intarsio' inlay woodworking demonstration in Sorrento
- Tour St Peter's Basilica, mother church of the Catholic faith
- Scenic drives - Apennines, Calabria mountains, Sorrento cliff top road
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 14
Included Quality Dining
- Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome (HD)
- 12 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d'hote Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Red Hot Special Oberammergau Passion Play
Only once a decade does the Alpine village of Oberammergau stage
its world famous Passion Play and now is the time to book for 2010.
On selected departures, Insight Vacations has great value prices on Passion Play Options and is offering them at 10% off the brochure price!
So, instead of paying $1000 for the Passion Play Option, you’ll pay
only $900 pp! That’s a saving of $200 per couple!
Tour Name Promo Code Departure Date Tour Duration
- Country Roads of Bavaria, HOT106 4 Jun 2010 13 Days
Switzerland & Austria
- Road to Rome HOT107 8 May 2010 15 Days
- European Spotlight HOT108 18 Jun 2010 14 Days
In addition, check out the exciting itineraries below which offer even more
great savings. And should you wish to visit the Passion Play on these tours, simply add the regular Oberammergau Option supplement of $1000 p.p. to the reduced tour price. The choice is yours...
Promo Tour Departure Brochure Price Price
Code Name Date WAS NOW
HOT109 Best of Germany 28 May 2010 $1,935 $1,740
HOT110 European Explorer 27 May 2010 $5,750 $5,175
HOT111 Hightlights of Europe 28 May 2010 $4,225 $3,799
Save $300 Off per couple
Two travelers booking together on an air-inclusive 2010 Europe tour will each save $150 off on all Lufthansa or United Airline flights.
Book Now - offer end March 31st, 2010.
TERMS: Valid for new bookings only. Offer CAN be combined with all brochure discounts. Entire booking including air must be paid in full by March 31, 2010. Offer valid from March 1st-March 31st, 2010. All Travel must be completed by October 24th, 2010. Offer is valid on UA and LH flights only (no code share flights allowed over the Atlantic – must be on UA or LH only). Valid on all tours to Europe, Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Morocco. Offer - $300 off per couple or $150 off for single travelers. Offer subject to availability and valid off of all net fares. Promotion cannot be booked online. Commission paid on air for this promotion is 0%. Air tickets are non-refundable after purchase. No name changes allowed once a reservation is made. Once payment is received, cancellation penalties apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Offer can be used for groups – with availability and names at time of booking – full payment on entire package due March 31, 2010. CST No. 2068745-20
Ratings & Reviews:
This tour has no reviews yet. Have you experienced this tour? Write a review.
Related Travel Articles
- See Europe :: Travel Safely and In Style, Escorted Tours
- Rome, Istanbul & Athens :: See it Your Own way
- Travel Improves Your Health
- Adventures by Disney Invites Families to Experience the World in 2010
- Save 40% on Travel to Europe
- Four European Cities You Must See
- Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
- Things to See & Do While in Florence, Italy
- MAKING THE MOST OF A “MINI”: PACK FUN INTO QUICK GETAWAYS WITH MONOGRAMS
- Independent Vacation 2010 Prices Down 10 Percent Worldwide
- Tips on Packing for a Contiki Tour
- Europe Language Tips
Recent Related Posts from our Travel Forum:
Barcelona great places!
By: Ronalds on 12/3/2009 4:19:33 AM
If you like arhitectures and great places I suggest you to see: Olympic Stadium. The former Olympic.. (read entire post)
Re: What are the dates for the Passion Play in 2010?
By: AtlasTravelGuy on 9/10/2009 5:14:44 PM
The Passion Play operates for 5 months from May through October. Performances are held every d.. (read entire post)
Re: Family Italy Tour
By: AtlasTravelGuy on 9/10/2009 4:53:40 PM
Thanks for your post. Adventures by Disney released their prices last week, however the earliest the.. (read entire post)
Re: Italy for A Single
By: AtlasTravelGuy on 9/10/2009 2:20:57 PM
Hi Ken: Typically, when you tour as a single, you are charged a supplement on top of the regular .. (read entire post)
Visitors who viewed this tour also viewed:
Grand Tour of Italy and Sicily
16 Days starting from $3,999
An evenly paced tour with two-night stays in five of the seven cities, with.. (click for more)
Best of Italy
11 Days starting from $2,485
This tour has a well balanced pace with two-night stays in three of the fiv.. (click for more)
Italian Elegance
13 Days starting from $3,399
A well paced tour to allow for an in-depth look at northern Italy. With the.. (click for more)
Country Roads of Italy
17 Days starting from $3,975
This tour is well paced with an exceptional three-night stay in Sorrento at.. (click for more)
All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.