Rome and Sicily

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Sunday June 11: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Monday June 12: Rome

Benvenuti in Italia! After meeting your ACIS Tour Manager and settling in to your hotel at the heart of bustling, historic Rome, practice your language skills by ordering "una coppa di gelato" and enjoy people-watching in one of the city's stunning piazzas. (D)

Day 3, Tuesday June 13: Rome

This morning, marvel at the immensity of the Colosseum. The rest of the day is free for exploring Rome's food, culture, shopping and language. This evening enjoy a traditional brick oven pizza dinner then explore the Piazza Navona and Pantheon area. (B,D)

Day 4, Wednesday June 14: Rome

Today's sightseeing tour introduces you to every phase of Rome's history with a panoramic drive of the city. Afterwards, your local guide accompanies you through the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and continues to St. Peter's Basilica, giving commentary via personal headsets. (B,D)

Day 5, Thursday June 15: Taormina

Board a flight to Catania and transfer to Taormina, a hilly coastal town on the Ionian Sea. The rest of the day is yours for exploration. (B,D)

Day 6, Friday June 16: 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. This afternoon enjoy free time with your group to further explore Taormina, perhaps with a visit to Castelmola or enjoying the beautiful beaches of nearby Giardini Naxo. (B,D)

Day 7, Saturday June 17: Taormina

Morning tour to the market for the fresh ingredients, cooking lesson, and then lunch (B,D)

Day 8, Sunday June 18: Syracuse

This morning depart for the historic UNESCO World Heritage city of Syracuse, noted for its rich Greek history, culture, architecture and amphitheaters, and for playing home to the famous philosopher and inventor Archimedes. (B,D)

Day 9, Monday June 19: Agrigento

This morning visit Modica and perhaps Ragusa if there is time. Continue towards Agrigento and visit the Valley of the Temples, a world-famous site of seven immense and well-preserved temples. Much of the region is still not excavated but the visible temples are perfect examples of Greek architecture. (B,D)

Day 10, Tuesday June 20: Palermo

Journey to Selinunte today, which, like Syracuse, was once a powerful Greek city-state. Visit impressive ruins of Greek Temples that represent the former colony's prosperous and powerful past. Continue to Sicily's capital city of Palermo for dinner. (B,D)

Day 11, Wednesday June 21: Palermo

Enjoy a morning guided sightseeing tour of Palermo, a port that has been controlled by numerous rulers throughout history including the Romans, the Saracens and the Normans. The city's Norman heritage can be seen throughout its historical buildings. Entrance to the Palatine Chapel is included as well. In the afternoon travel to Monreale, a picturesque Sicilian town south of Palermo for sightseeing and a visit to the cathedral with its mix of Norman, Byzantine, and Arab architecture. (B,D)

Day 12, Thursday June 22: Palermo

Today enjoy a full day excursion to the Sicilian town of Erice. Return to Palermo this afternoon. (B,D)

Day 13, Friday June 23: Departure

Depart for the USA (B)