Sicily & Southern Italy Splendour

Day 1 - Monday 16 May 2016

Melbourne/Singapore/Rome/Catania (Meals INflight)

Join your Sisterhood Womens Travel Tour Hostess and fellow travellers at Melbourne for your flight to Italy departing early evening.  Sit back, relax and enjoy your flight to Catania via Singapore and Rome with Singapore Airlines and Alitalia.   

Day 2 - Tuesday 17 May 2016

Catania/Taormina (L)

Welcome to Italy!  Upon arrival into Catania, Sicily we’ll meet with our specialist tour guide and driver and be transferred to our hotel in Taormina.   A light lunch will be arranged with the rest of the afternoon free to relax at the hotel.  Perhaps a well-deserved SPA experience at the hotel’s resort facilities. 

Overnight Hotel Sant’Alphio Garden in Taormina.   

Day 3 - Wednesday 18 May 2016

Taormina/Mount Etna (B,L)

After breakfast we’ll depart for a Full Day sightseeing program to Mount Etna. We’ll travel by coach up to an altitude of 1800m and participate in an exploratory walking tour of the Silvestri Crater (no longer active). At this point we have the option to continue our assent by cable car and later by a 4 x 4 vehicle to 2800m and to the summit.  Afterwards lunch including wine tasting is served at a base farm-house Cantine Murgo – Tenute Scamacca.   Returning to our hotel with the remainder of our afternoon at leisure.  Overnight Hotel Sant’Alphio Garden, Taormina.

Day 4 - Thursday 19 May 2016

Taormina/Alcantara Gourges (B,D)

After breakfast we enjoy a walking tour of the town of Taormina.  Located in the municipality of Messina, the town is set on a natural terrace 200m above sea level, with a wonderful view of Mount Etna on the other side. The Odeon Theatre and the Naumachia are the most important remains of the Roman era. Tour highlights include a visit to the Greek Theatre with magnificent views of the sea and Mt Etna. After lunch we’ll visit the Alcantara Gorges located along the river Alcantara. The Alcantara Gorges are deep incisions in volcanic rocks and cliffs, caused by the eruptions of Mount Etna. Later in the afternoon we return to our hotel in Taormina.  Dinner this evening is served at the hotel.   Overnight Hotel Sant’Alphio Garden, Taormina

Day 5 - Friday 20 May 2016

Taormina/Aelian Island, Lipari (B)

This morning after breakfast we’ll depart for the Milazzo coast.  By ferry we transfer to the island of Lipari. A pearl of the Aeolian archipelago, Lipari is famous for its scenic beauties and its unrivalled sunsets over the sea, its peaceful intimate atmosphere and the unique flavours of its food and wine. On arrival we check-in to our hotel and later take an introductory panoramic tour of the island. Overnight at Hotel Tritone, in Lipari

Day 6 - Saturday 21 May 2016

Lipari/The Islands of Panarea & Stromboli (B,L)

With a morning at leisure followed by a light lunch at the hotel.  Then we’ll enjoy an afternoon and night excursion including a boat-ride to the isles of Panarea.  Panarea is the smallest and most fashionable of the Aeolians, attracting the international jet-setters and Milanese fashionistas for a taste of dolce far niente (sweet nothing).   Then onto Stromboli, known in ancient times for its volcano, Stromboli takes its name from its cone-shaped volcano, referred by the Greeks as ‘strongyle’ (round). The peak, 927m above sea level is in fact the exposed part of a massive volcano extending nearly 3000 m to the sea floor. The inhabitants are historically linked to the sea, marine life and tradition. This island was a well-known and a must see stop for travellers crossing the Tyrrhenian Sea. Highlights include viewing of the lava flow “sciara” originating from the Stromboli crater from our boat.   Returning to our hotel in the evening for dinner at leisure.  Overnight at Hotel Tritone, in Lipari.

Day 7 - Sunday 22 May 2016

Lipari, Free Day (B)

Today is a free day to explore this delightful island at leisure.  You will never get used to seeing the most beautiful sunsets.  Overnight at Hotel Tritone, in Lipari.

Day 8 - Monday 23 May 2016

Lipari/Milazzo/Catania (B,L)

This morning after breakfast we’ll depart by ferry to Milazzo then travel by coach to the city of Catania.  With lunch to enjoy before a guided panoramic tour of the city.  Cradled amidst the splendid greenery of its surroundings, Catania welcomes visitors with its grand piazzas, wide roads, and its ‘lavic rock’ architecture. The city is full of attractions, offering historic and artistic wonders for everyone. Catania contains some of the most imaginative lava-built Baroque buildings in Sicily. Tour highlights include a visit to Villa Bellini, The Cathedral and the Bellini Theatre. Later in the afternoon we transfer and check-in to our hotel.  Overnight at Hotel Plaza in Catania.

Day 9 - Tuesday 24 May 2016

Catania/Siracusa & Ortigia (B,L)

After breakfast we’ll depart on a full day excursion to Siracusa. A city encapsulating Sicily's timeless beauty, with ancient Greek ruins that rise from lush citrus orchards, the café culture that spills onto dazzling baroque piazzas, medieval lanes leading to the sparkling blue waters of its shore. We’ll visit the Archaeological Park; the Dionysius’s Ear, the Greek theatre and the Roman amphitheatre. After lunch we continue our sightseeing program to Ortigia with its main square and the famous Duomo. The historical area of the city is separate from the modern town and is found on the island of Ortigia ‘Quail’ in Greek, due to the abundance of the bird on this island in ancient times. Returning to our hotel in the afternoon for dinner at leisure.  Overnight at Hotel Plaza in Catania

Day 10 - Wednesday 25 May 2016

Catania/Caltagirone/Piazza Armerina/Agrigento (B,D)

In the morning after check out we’ll travel to Caltagirone. Well known with its most evocative sight, the monumental staircase of Caltagirone, referred to by the locals as the Scali nata di Santa Maria del Monte, was built in the early 17th century to connect the old hilltop centre with newer developments around Piazza Municipio. We’ll then continue with a visit to Piazza Armerina, famed for the truly astonishing classical mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale, Piazza Armerina with its beautiful old buildings and winding streets is a historic town nestled into the heart of Sicily.   We’ll then meet with a local guide to visit the ancient Villa Romanadel Casale to observe and learn about the customs of the Romans of the past. In the afternoon we continue our journey to Agrigento with dinner this evening at our hotel.  Overnight Hotel Della Valle in Agrigento.

Day 11 - Thursday 26 May 2016

Agrigento (B,D)

This morning after breakfast we’ll meet our local guide and visit the UNESCO heritage site of the Temples Valley. Founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C., Agrigento soon became one of the leading cities of the Mediterranean world. The well preserved remains of the magnificent Dori temples that dominate the ancient town, present a most outstanding spectacle of monuments that typifies Greek art and culture. In the afternoon we transfer to San Leone port and board our boat for a cruise along the Agrigento coast to Punta Bianca and Scala dei Truchi. Aperitifs are served on board before disembarkation at the port followed by a short walk for dinner at a nearby restaurant. Overnight Hotel Della Valle in Agrigento.

Day 12 - Friday 27 May 2016

Agrigento/Marsala (B,D)

This morning after a leisurely breakfast we depart for the city of Marsala. Our sightseeing program for the day includes a visit to Marsala’s famous winery and cellars as well as a visit to the salt lake “Ettore e Infers’ the largest in Sicily. This evening’s dinner is served at the hotel restaurant.  Overnight at the Grand Hotel Palace in Marsala.

Day 13 - Saturday 28 May 2016

Erice/Segesta/Palermo (B,L)

This morning after we’ll enjoy a visit to the medieval town of Erice.  Overlooking the port of Trapani from the legendary mountain of Eryx, 750m above sea level with its commanding views of the valley beneath and the sea, Erice is home to Sicily's most famous cake shop ‘Maria Grammatico’ as well as with its notorious history of the past also home to the cult of Venus.  Sightseeing highlights include a visit to this medieval village, named ‘city of the science’, Venus Castle with its beautiful view on Trapani city and its beautiful garden. A tasting experience of ‘almond pastries’ at one of the most ancient pastry shop in the village “Maria Grammatico” is included in the program. After lunch, we depart for Segesta. Set on the edge of a deep canyon in the midst of wild, desolate mountains, the 5th-century BC ruins of Segesta are a magical site. On windy days the 36 giant columns of its magnificent temple are said to act like an organ, producing mysterious notes. Our tour continues with a visit to the Doric Temple and the Greek Theatre located on the hill, where during the summer months concerts of classical music are performed. Later in the afternoon we drive to Palermo.  Overnight Hotel Cristal Palace in Palermo.

Day 14 - Sunday 29 May 2016

Palermo/Monreale/Monte Pellegrino (B)

After a leisurely breakfast we depart for Monreale.  The Cathedral of Monreale is one of the greatest extant examples of Norman architecture in the world. The church is a national monument of Italy and one of the most important attractions of Sicily. On arrival we are met by our local guide to visit the Cathedral and its beautiful cloister famous for the gold mosaics, third only after San Marco in Venice and Santa Sophia in Istanbul.  We return to Palermo and continue to enjoy a tour of the city. Highlights include a visit to the Palermo Cathedral, the Palatine chapel and Corso Vittorio Emanuele with the Quattro Canti, the “Martorana” church and San Cataldo. After lunch we journey to Monte Pellegrino to visit the cave of Santa Rosalia (the patron of the city) located on the top of the mountain, a destination for many pilgrims. Later return to Palermo.  Overnight Hotel Cristal Palace in Palermo.

Day 15 - Monday 30 May 2016

Palermo/Cafalu/Ferry to Naples (B,L)

After breakfast we’ll check out from your hotel and depart for Cefalù. An enchanting small village on the sea, offering a beautiful artistic view of colours and lights.  We’ll visit the impressive "Norman Cathedral” dating back to 1131, and the Medieval Lavatoio. Free time is allowed before lunch. In the afternoon we return to Palermo port for our overnight ferry to Naples - Accommodation on board will be in twin share cabins.  Overnight on board the ferry to Naples.

Day 16 - Tuesday 31 May 2016

Naples/Sorrento/Bari (L)

This morning we arrive into Naples with time for a coffee before continuing onto Sorrento for lunch. In the afternoon we’ll transfer to Bari. The second largest city of Southern Italy and the capital of the Apulia (or Puglia) region, Bari (Barium in Latin) is located on the Adriatic Sea. More than 5,000 square km in size and its ports facing the Adriatic Sea Bari is also known by many as 'California of the South'. During the Roman era, Bari was a connection between the coast roadway and the Via Traiana, and is thought to have been the main focus point of a fishery. Bari’s ancient district, located on a peninsula to the north, contains many beautiful Romanesque-Pugliese structures and churches. The Cathedral of San Sabino (dating back to 1035) is one that stands out from the others. We arrive to Bari in the afternoon and check-in to our hotel.  Overnight at Hotel Oriente in Bari.

Day 17 - Wednesday 1 June 2016

Bari/Matera (B,L)

We start the day with a walking tour of the Bari City Centre followed by lunch at a local cafe restaurant. In the afternoon we travel to Matera. The city bears the unique signs of pre-history the ancient quarters of Matera and the facing Murgia Plateau are now inscribed on the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Matera in 2019 will be recognised as the culture capital of Europe. Throughout the countryside of Matera there are more than 130 rock-hewn churches, some of them underground, whereas the others are carved into the rock integrating with external constructions that witness the presence of Latin, Greek and Byzantine monastic cultures in Matera, their meeting point throughout the centuries.  Upon arrival into Matera we’ll enjoy a city sights tour before returning back to Bari.  Overnight at Hotel Oriente in Bari

Day 18 - Thursday 2 June 2016

Bari/Alberobello/Ostuni (B,D)

After breakfast we depart for Alberobello. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, Alberobello present the visitors with a fascinating mix of history and architecture. The town is comprised of ‘Trulli’ curious, white, rounded houses, with conical, grey stone roofs; you can admire them only in Alberobello, in the heart of the Valley of Itria. The region is well known for producing exquisite handworks, including needle-works and laces. Wine and olive oil are produced in this region.  A guided visit of the town is included today.  In the afternoon we continue our journey to Ostuni, known as "The White Town" due to its whitewashed buildings. Ostuni is a typical representation of many white town settlements of the 11th century, mainly positioned on top of hills to protect the people from pirate attacks from the sea. Various cultural influences Arab, Greek, and Norman, contributed to the development of these towns. After our visit to Ostuni, we return to Bari and this evening we’ll enjoy dinner at one of Bari’s city restaurants. Overnight at Hotel Oriente in Bari.

Day 19 - Friday 3 June 2016

Bari/Pompeii/Rome (B)

This morning after breakfast and checkout we’ll depart for Pompeii. On arrival in Pompeii, time is allowed for lunch before we start our guided tour of the ancient ruins of Pompeii. At the completion of the sightseeing we’ll transfer to Naples to board our fast train to Rome whereupon arrival we’ll be transferred to our hotel in Rome. Overnight Hotel Palatino in Rome.

Day 20 - Saturday 4 June 2016

City sights of Rome (B,D)

A free morning so breakfast at leisure.  In the afternoon we meet our local guide at our hotel and enjoy a guided walking tour of Rome.  Highlights including visits to the Spanish steps, the Trevi fountain, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.  Dinner tonight at restaurant Alfredo alla Scrofa for dinner.   Overnight Hotel Palatino in Rome.
 

Day 21 - Sunday 5 June 2016

Day at Leisure or Optioncal Tour to Florence (B)

A free day today to make use of your 48 hour Hop on Hop off Transport Pass at our own pace.  Or you may like to join our optional tour to Florence includes a walking tour of Florence the Uffitzi Gallery and various other points of interest with our local guide. Travel from Rome is by fast train in 1st Class reserved seating, returning to Rome late in the evening.  Overnight Hotel Palatino in Rome.

Day 22 - Monday 6 June 2016

Rome/The Vatican (B,D)

Our last day in Rome starts with a guided tour of the Vatican City. Highlights include entrances to Museum, Sistine Chapel and St Peter Basilica.  The rest of the day is free for some last minute sightseeing or shopping.  In the evening we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at Restaurant Royal Art Cafe to say Arriverderci to Italy.  Overnight Hotel Palatino in Rome. 

Day 23 - Tuesday 7 June 2016

Farewell Rome (B, Meals Inflight)

After breakfast we’ll transfer to Rome airport for our flight home!  Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of Singapore Airlines.  Reminisce about a great adventure shared with friends.

Day 24 - Wednesday 8 June 2016

Welcome Home Melbourne (Meals Inflight)

Welcome Home!  Arriving back into Melbourne at around 5pm, say goodbye to your fellow travellers and promise to keep in touch.  We thank you for joining Sisterhood Womens Travel for your latest adventure and we look forward to welcoming you back.