Your Italian sojourn opens in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Discover the city's vibrant culture as you take in its gritty, unshakable spirit and captivating energy.

Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine. (D) Stay: NH Palermo (2 Nights)

This morning, set off for the stunning seaside town of Cefalù on Sicily's northern coast. Stroll the charming medieval streets with a local guide and visit the city's impressive cathedral showcasing Norman architecture. Next, journey to a family-owned farmhouse, picturesquely set in the surrounding hills. Meet the owners and discover what a typical day on a Sicilian farm is like.

Later, sit back and tuck into a hearty farm-to-table dinner, made with family recipes. (B/D)

Begin the day with a walking tour of Palermo's old town. Uncover cobblestoned piazzas and ornate buildings, many worn by time and conflict. Visit hilltop Monreale (UNESCO), ascending on foot to its 12th-century cathedral for a guided tour of its majestic Byzantine mosaics. Then, it's your choice! Explore the cathedral's cloisters, taking in their serene atmosphere of the monastic complex -OR- ascend the southern tower to the panoramic terraces for a bird's-eye view over Palermo.

This afternoon relax aboard your bus as you travel over rolling hills and peaceful farmland to Sicily's southern coast for a relaxing 2-night stay. (B/D) Stay: Baia di Ulisse (2 Nights)

Step back 25 centuries and delve into ancient Greek history for a visit of the stunning Valley of the Temples (UNESCO), one of the world's most esteemed archeological site. Get an up-close view of the temples of Juno, Concordia, and Hercules during an extensive walking tour of this vast archeological site. The afternoon is yours to relax. Perhaps you'll venture into Agrigento's old town or stroll along the beach close to your hotel, taking in the glittering Mediterranean Sea.

This evening, pause for dinner at a local restaurant and an evening view of the illuminated Valley of the Temples. (B/D)

Venture deep into Sicily's countryside to Piazza Armerina, home of the ancient Villa Romana del Casale (UNESCO) and explore the site with an expert insider for a locally guided tour of its impressive mosaics.

In the afternoon, journey east to Sicily's Ionian Coast and to Giardini Naxos – the “garden of Sicily” – for your 2-night stay. (B/D) Stay: Una Hotel Naxos Beach Sicilia (2 Nights)

This morning, explore beautiful Taormina, home to ancient relics, rocky hills, and charming gardens. With an expert local guide, you'll stroll the lively pedestrianized main street, see the imposing Corvaja Palace and climb to the city's well-preserved Greek theatre. The afternoon is yours to explore more of this hillside resort or opt to see Sicily's wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna. During this optional tour, stare up at the iconic peak as your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe's largest active volcano. Spend the day exploring this legendary giant, passing by lava formations and basalt rocks.

This evening let traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air during an optional Sicilian dinner with musical accompaniment. (B)

Take a short ferry ride to Villa San Giovanni, located on Italy's mainland. During your full day bus transfer, pass through the unspoiled region of Calabria to the Basilicata region. Wander through the twisting vines of a local winery before touring the cellar for a tasting. Linger over regional cuisine at dinner in the winery's agriturismo restaurant. (B/D) Stay: MH Matera Hotel (2 Nights)

Explore the Sassi di Matera (UNESCO), an ancient settlement of carved cave dwellings. A local guide shares the history and explains why film producers are seeking out this unique landscape. Visit a local shop and get a taste of regional specialties. The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you'll join an optional tour to Alberobello (UNESCO) in the nearby region of Puglia. Here, marvel at the town's whimsical trulli homes, known for their distinct, cone-shaped roofs. (B/D)

After a stop at a sustainable buffalo dairy farm for a taste of freshly made mozzarella and a peek into the history of this iconic cheese, arrive in Sorrento where you'll settle in for a 2-night stay. Later this afternoon, discover this charming seaside town during a walking tour and learn about the local tradition of wood marquetry. (B/L) Stay: Hotel Michelangelo (2 Nights)

This morning, take in the sights and colors of the Mediterranean Sea as you sail*** along the initial stretch of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast (UNESCO). Gaze out over the deep blue hues of the sea paired with the bright citrus fruits lining the hillsides. Pause in Positano with its pastel-colored houses and pebbly beaches. Spend time in this legendary locale browsing the posh boutiques or resting along the beach, before returning to Sorrento for an afternoon at leisure. (B)

Journey north to Rome. En route, experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii (UNESCO). A local guide gives you an in-depth look into this 2,000-year-old Roman town, nestled in the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Step into another time as you explore its preserved buildings and imagine life in the 1st century. An afternoon-long transfer leads to Rome where you arrive in the early evening. Celebrate the end of your journey with a delightful farewell dinner in a local restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Radisson Blu GHR

Your tour comes to a close today. (B)

Your Italian sojourn opens in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Discover the city's vibrant culture as you take in its gritty, unshakable spirit and captivating energy. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine. (D) Stay: NH Palermo (2 Nights)

Begin the day with an extensive walking tour of Palermo's old town. On foot, uncover cobblestoned piazzas and ornate buildings, many worn by time and conflict. Visit hilltop Monreale (UNESCO), ascending 92 steps to its 12th-century cathedral. Tour its majestic Byzantine mosaics and explore the cathedral's cloisters. Take in the serene atmosphere of the monastic complex before returning to Palermo for an evening at leisure. (B)

This morning, journey to a family-owned farmhouse, picturesquely set in the hills surrounding Palermo. Meet the owners and discover what a typical day on a Sicilian farm is like. Sit back and tuck into a hearty farm-to-table lunch, made with family recipes. Relax aboard your bus as you travel over rolling hills and peaceful farmland to Sicily's southern coast for a 2-night stay in the outskirts of Agrigento. (B/L/D) Stay: Baia di Ulisse (2 Nights)

This morning, it's your choice! Enjoy time at leisure at your hotel, where you can take in the views from its panoramic terrace and walk along the beach -OR- venture into Agrigento's old town for a stroll through its historic center and free time to explore.

This afternoon, step back 25 centuries and delve into ancient Greek history with a visit of the stunning Valley of the Temples (UNESCO), one of the world's most esteemed archeological sites. Get an up-close view of the temples of Juno, Concordia, and Hercules during an extensive walking tour of this ancient acropolis. Then, pause for dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. (B/D)

Venture deep into Sicily's countryside to Piazza Armerina, home of the ancient Villa Romana del Casale (UNESCO). Explore the site with an expert insider for a locally guided tour of its impressive Roman mosaics.

In the afternoon, journey east to Sicily's Ionian Coast for your 2-night stay in Giardini Naxos. This evening, perhaps you'll join an optional dinner with music, where traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air. (B) Stay: Una Hotel Naxos Beach Sicilia (2 Nights)

This morning explore beautiful Taormina, home to ancient relics, rocky hills, and charming gardens. With an expert local guide, you'll stroll the lively pedestrianized main street and climb to the city's well-preserved Greek theatre. The afternoon is yours to relax in Giardini Naxos – the “garden of Sicily” – or opt to see Sicily's wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna. During this optional tour, your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe's largest active volcano while you take in views of its lava formations and basalt rocks. (B/D)

Take a short and scenic ferry ride across the narrow Strait of Messina, separating Sicily from Italy's mainland. During your full day bus transfer, pass through the unspoiled region of Calabria and onto the Basilicata region. Wander through the twisting vines of a local winery before touring the cellar for a tasting. Linger over regional cuisine at dinner in the winery's agriturismo restaurant. (B/D) Stay: UNAHOTELS MH Matera Hotel (2 Nights)

Explore the Sassi di Matera (UNESCO), an ancient settlement of carved cave dwellings. A local guide shares the history and explains why film producers are seeking out this unique landscape. The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you'll join an optional tour to Alberobello (UNESCO) in the nearby region of Puglia. Here, marvel at the town's whimsical trulli homes, known for their distinct, cone-shaped roofs. (B/D)

Stop at a sustainable buffalo dairy farm for a taste of freshly made mozzarella and a peek into the history of this iconic cheese. After lunch at the farm, transfer to the Sorrentine Peninsula and settle in for a 2-night stay. During a walking tour, discover the charms of Sorrento and learn about the local tradition of wood marquetry. (B/L) Stay: Hotel Michelangelo (2 Nights)

This morning, take in the sights and colors of the Mediterranean Sea as you sail along the initial stretch of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast (UNESCO). Gaze out over the deep blue hues of the sea paired with the bright citrus fruits lining the hillsides. Pause in Positano with its pastel-colored houses and pebbly beaches. Spend time in this legendary locale browsing the posh boutiques or resting along the beach, before returning to Sorrento for an afternoon at leisure. (B)

Journey north to Rome. En route, experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii (UNESCO). Here, it's your choice! Soak in the history of this 2,000-year-old Roman town at your own pace by picking between a leisurely walking tour of Pompeii's essential sights -OR- a faster paced walk covering more off-the-beaten-path gems. Step into another time as you explore the preserved buildings and imagine life in the 1st century. An afternoon-long transfer leads to Rome, where you arrive in the early evening. Celebrate the end of your journey with a delightful farewell dinner. (B/D) Stay: Massimo D'Azeglio Hotel

Your tour comes to a close today. (B)