Academy of St Elizabeth Italy

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, Friday March 7: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday March 8: Taormina

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

Day 3, Sunday March 9: Taormina

In the morning see 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 drive to 6,000 feet 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. Take an excursion to the summit of Mount Etna by cable car. Please note: dinner isn't included this evening. (B)

Day 4, Monday March 10: Overnight Ferry

Today travel to Palermo with a stop in Cefalu for a cannoli tasting en route. Tonight board the overnight ferry to Salerno. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday March 11: Sorrento

Awaken in Salerno, enjoy breakfast aboard the ferry and board your bus and begin raveling through the olive groves of the southern region to Pompeii. With a local guide giving commentary via personal headsets, explore the ancient city left perfectly preserved after Mount Vesuvius' eruption engulfed it in ash in 79 AD. Continue to Sorrento for the night. Please note: dinner is not included this evening. (B)

Day 6, Wednesday March 12: Sorrento

Today's excursion brings you by high-speed hydrofoil to Capri, the Island of Dreams. Arriving on the island, take the funicular past sub-tropical gardens to the main piazza. There is time to wander through the twisting lanes and shop in the tiny artisan stores that line the square. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday March 13: Florence

Journey to Orvieto. Once a major center of the Etruscan civilization, the city is perched high on a plateau of volcanic tufa stone and is known for its gothic Duomo, whose dramatic outline is visible for miles around. Visit the Duomo and continue to Florence for the overnight. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday March 14: Florence

Today's sightseeing tour with a local guide providing commentary via personal headsets shows you the splendid Duomo, Ghiberti's famous Baptistry Doors and the Piazza della Signoria—the political center of this Renaissance city. Then breeze by the crowds with your own timed entrance to the Accademia, which houses Michelangelo's David. Please note: dinner is on your own this evening. Later enjoy a visit to a disco with your Tour Manager. (B)

Day 9, Saturday March 15: Rome

This morning depart for Rome. Upon arrival, your panoramic drive of the city is a great introduction to the many phases of Roman history. Next, our local expert accompanies you through the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica, giving commentary via personal headsets. The best part is that these are timed entrances, meaning you’ll breeze right by the long lines facing other tourists. We also introduce you to the fine Italian art of the passeggiata with an evening stroll around the Piazza Navona. Please note: dinner is not included this evening. (B)

Day 10, Sunday March 16: Rome

This morning is free to attend Mass or to visit St Peter's. This afternoon a local guide providing commentary via personal headsets, takes you inside the iconic and historic Colosseum (your timed reservation ensures no waiting in line) 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. Then continue with your guide to the adjoining Roman Forum, the social, political and commercial hub of the Roman Empire. We'll also visit the Pantheon and see the obelisk-topped fountain in Piazza della Rotonda. Tonight visit Campo di Fiori. Upgraded farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 11, Monday March 17: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)