Insight Vacations European Fall Winter and Spring - TPI Worldwide

Southern Italyand sicilyTour Pace - This is a well paced itinerary withtwo night stops in every centre. This means onceyour morning sightseeing is completed, there is freetime in the afternoon to rest, shop or explore atyour own pace.Hotels - Hotels range from Rome’s modernCrowne Plaza St Peters to the family run Sant AlphioGarden in Giardini Naxos, near Taormina, and theMichelangelo in Sorrento, just a short walk from themain Piazza Tasso.Fellow Passengers - This tour is ideal forsecond time visitors to Italy and Europe. Also, mostof Sicily is mild and sunny all winter long, making itattractive to those wanting to avoid the extremes ofthe European weather.Highlights - Highlights include the Isle ofCapri, and the Greek & Norman heritage of Sicily.Also, in the absence of the summer tourists, you'relikely to encounter local residents who have plentyof time and inclination to chat.Explore the Isle of Caprifffff16-17DAY 1 – DEPART CANADA. Overnight flight to Rome.DAY 2 – ARRIVE ROME. Welcome to Rome - one of the greatest centres of WesternCivilisation, bejeweled with ancient monuments. On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da VinciAirport there are complimentary transfers to the tour hotel at 09.30, 12.30 and 15.30. Then time torelax and enjoy the hotel’s wide range of services! Later, join your Tour Director and fellow travelersfor a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Crowne Plaza St Peters.DAY 3 – ROME SIGHTSEEING. After breakfast, meet your local guide, who will reveal thegrandeur of Rome on your city sightseeing tour. Begin with a visit to the Vatican City, complete withits own flag, anthem, stamps and coins. Once you have a photo of the colourful Swiss guards, ventureinside St Peter’s Basilica to marvel at the Popes’ Altar by Bernini and Michelangelo’s powerful Pieta.Now cross the river Tiber where another highlight takes you inside the massive Colosseum, scene ofgreat entertainment and occasional martyrdoms in imperial times. Your tour concludes with a viewover the ruins of the Roman Forum.There is time at leisure this afternoon. This evening, drive to alocal restaurant for a Highlight Dinner, complete with vino and entertainment. (BB,HD)DAY 4 – ROME – SORRENTO. Heading south, stop briefly at the Commonwealth WarCemetery at Cassino, before continuing to Pompeii. With your local guide, stroll through the streetsof this Roman town engulfed in AD79 by an eruption of Mt Vesuvius. This is a unique opportunity toglimpse a moment of every day Roman life, frozen for over 2,000 years. Now on to your hotel in thescenic cliff top resort of Sorrento. Hotel: Michelangelo. (BB,D)DAY 5 – SORRENTO. Today’s excursion is to Capri, the island of dreams! Arriving at the MarinaGrande by boat, ascend to Capri Town by funicular railway. Here, there is time to explore thealleyways, small squares and enjoy the fabulous views. Perhaps join an optional excursion to Anacapribefore returning to Sorrento? As evening falls, don’t miss the opportunity of a delicious dinner of localspecialities at one of Sorrento’s top restaurants. (BB)DAY 6 – SORRENTO – TAORMINA. Take the smooth Autostrada south along the edge ofthe mountainous Calabria region, so often compared to Switzerland. Continue along the Purple Coast tothe very toe of Italy where you board your ferry for the short crossing to Sicily. According to ancientlegend it was here at the Straits of Messina where the twin whirlpools of Scylla and Charybdis carriedaway unwary seafarers to their doom! Continue now to your hotel in the resort of Giardini Naxos, withinclose proximity to Taormina, Mount Etna and the Mediterranean Sea. Hotel: Sant Alphio Garden. (BB,D)DAY 7 – TAORMINA. Taormina, founded in 400BC, is beautifully located overlooking the seaand facing the snowy peak of Mount Etna. Enjoy a guided visit to the Greek Theatre (3rd CenturyB.C.), then continue to the glorious sub-tropical terraced gardens. Stroll with your Tour Directoralong the elegant Corso Umberto to Piazza 9 Aprile for splendid panoramic views across the bay tothe Ionian Sea. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps ask your Tour Director about the possibilityof an optional excursion to the active volcano of Mt Etna to witness the lava flow? (BB,D)DAY 8 – TAORMINA – PALERMO. Cross the island to the small fishing town of Cefalu,hemmed between the sea and a rocky promontory. Visit the impressive cathedral, which was erectedto fulfil a vow made by the Norman King Roger II. Later, follow the coast to the historical Siciliancapital of Palermo. This evening, maybe take the option of a fabulous dinner at a rustic farmhousewhere Giuseppe Garibaldi was once a guest? Hotel: Astoria Palace. (BB)DAY 9 – PALERMO SIGHTSEEING. Palermo was the setting of some of the film locationsfor the 'Godfather' and you will surely recognise some of the scenes! Your guided tour shows you thePiazza Bellini, Cathedral and Palace of the Normans with its Palatine Chapel and dazzling mosaics.Then drive out to Monreale to admire the multi-coloured marble, paintings and mosaics inside theCathedral and enjoy views over the fertile plain known as the Conca d’Oro (Golden Conch Shell).Return to Palermo this afternoon for time at leisure. (BB)DAY 10 – RETURN TO CANADA. Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast thismorning. Transfers from the hotel arrive at Palermo Airport at 05.00 and 07.30 hrs. (BB)