Sicilia e Roma

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Taormina

Arrive in Catania, meet your ACIS Tour Manager, and transfer to Taormina, a hilly coastal town on the Ionian Sea.

Day 3: Taormina

In the morning tour the sights that attracted many artists and writers over the years, including D. H. Lawrence. See the town center, which is accessible by funicular, the famous beaches and enjoy a visit to the remarkably preserved Greek Amphitheater. During your free afternoon, you may wish to explore more of Taormina at your own pace, or perhaps climb or take the local bus up to the stunningly beautiful medieval village of Castelmola that looms just above.

Day 4: Taormina

Today ascend to 2,500 meters via a scenic cable car ride to see one of the largest and most active volcanoes in Europe, Mount Etna. Taking in the spectacular views from the mountainside, it is easy to see why the ancient Greeks believed the volcano was the work of Hephaestus, the Greek god of fire. You may choose to enhance your Mount Etna adventures with an an optional guided off-road vehicle excursion up to the very summit for an up-close look at the mountain's volcanic activity.

Day 5: Overnight Ferry

Travel to the Sicilian capital of Palermo, a port that has been controlled by numerous rulers throughout history including the Romans, the Saracens and the Normans. See the city's fascinating heritage and culture reflected through an immersive visit to its lively Mercato di Ballarò. Your tour manager will provide money and advice for interacting with the local vendors as you assemble your own Sicilian market street food lunch of tradtional foods such as arancini, pane e panelle and fresh fruits. In the afternoon visit the exquisite Cappella Palatina in the Palazzo dei Normanni, whose interior positively glitters with golden mosaics, carved marble and precious stones. Then board the overnight ferry to Naples before having dinner on the ship.

Day 6: Sorrento

Disembark in Naples this morning and visit a famous local café for a breakfast of traditional Neapolitan pastries. Then dive into the many layers of history beneath our feet with a guided Naples Underground tour. Departing Naples, you'll stop at a working mozzarella farm and learn first-hand about how this creamy cheese is made, from ingredients to production to taste. Continue to Sorrento for the evening.

Day 7: Rome

A scenic drive from Sorrento takes you along breathtaking coastline to Pompeii where a local guide provides commentary as you explore this town that was preserved under 23 feet of volcanic ash by the eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. You will see a perfect picture of life unearthed as it was nearly 2,000 years ago. Today's final destination is Rome.

Day 8: Rome

Rome is called “The Eternal City” because the ancient Romans believed that no matter what empires rose and fell, Rome would endure forever. Today's panoramic drive of the city is a great introduction to the many phases of Roman history. Our local expert accompanies you through the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. The best part is that these are timed entrances, meaning you'll breeze right by the long lines facing other tourists. Then go inside the iconic and historic Colosseum with a local guide (another line-avoiding timed reservation) and learn the many stories of this nearly 2,000-year-old Roman landmark that's considered one of the architectural wonders of the ancient world. In the evening, learn the art of the Italian passeggiata romana around Piazza Navona to cap off an exceptional week.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Enhance your Italian experience with a two-night extension to Florence by high-speed train—discover the Renaissance city's rich heritage, art and architecture with included sightseeing and entrance to the Accademia.