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Essential Experiences
Experience true Sicilian hospitality during a farmhouse lunch. Journey to Positano, the pearl of the Amalfi Coast. Stand in awe before the ancient Greek theatre in Taormina.
Highlights
Palermo • Monreale • Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples • Piazza Armerina • Giardini Naxos • Taormina • Strait of Messina • Winery Tour & Tasting • Matera • Sorrento • Positano • Pompeii
13-Day Package Includes
Roundtrip Airfare • Transportation • Daily Tours & Excursions • 20 Meals • Hotel Accommodations • Coco’s Exclusive Experiences
Day 1: Overnight Flight to Sicily, Italy
We’re on our way to Sicily, Italy—an island paradise surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean. Your Sicily and Amalfi Coast tour begins with an overnight flight as we journey toward one of Italy’s most fascinating destinations.
Sicily offers a side of Italy unlike anywhere else, where coastal landscapes, historic cities, ancient traditions, and modern Italian life come together. After arriving and settling into our hotel, we’ll head out for a walk through Palermo, where I’ll point out some of the hidden treasures and local sights our group will explore.
I absolutely love Palermo. It’s one of my favorite cities in Italy for a walking tour, with its unforgettable mix of culture, lively street life, historic architecture, and time-worn elegance. I always look forward to returning, and I think you’ll quickly understand why. Get ready to fall in love with Palermo and begin an unforgettable journey through Sicily.
Day 2: Palermo, Sicily – Street Food, Culture & Local Flavors
Today, we meet our first local guide and begin exploring Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily. Palermo is a pulsating city filled with unforgettable sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas. It’s the perfect place to experience authentic Sicilian culture and cuisine.
We’ll set out on a Palermo street food journey, tasting some of Sicily’s most famous local specialties. Look forward to arancini (fried rice balls), fresh juices, sfincione, pezzi di rosticceria, pane con la milza, traditional desserts, and, of course, authentic Sicilian cannoli. Many of the Italian desserts Americans know and love have their roots right here in Sicily.
Tonight, we’ll gather with our fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring local Sicilian cuisine. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our first full day in Palermo and the beginning of our journey through Sicily.
Day 3: Palermo & Monreale – Cathedrals, Mosaics & Sicilian History
Today, we explore the heart of Palermo, Sicily, visiting the Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria, and Piazza Bellini. Along the way, discover Palermo’s incredible blend of Moorish, Norman, and Spanish Baroque architecture, including the Palace of the Normans, La Martorana, and Palermo Cathedral.
Next, we travel to Monreale Cathedral, a spectacular 12th-century masterpiece famous for its golden mosaics, colorful marble, and historic cloisters.
The rest of the day is yours! Shop, explore a museum, relax at a Sicilian café, or simply wander Palermo’s lively streets. I’ll be happy to help you find the perfect way to enjoy your afternoon.
DAY 4: Palermo – Agrigento – Giardini Naxos
Today, we journey through the rolling Sicilian countryside to Agrigento and the breathtaking Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore one of the world’s most important archaeological sites and see the ancient temples of Juno, Concordia, Hercules, and Jupiter up close.
We continue to beautiful Giardini Naxos, the “Garden of Sicily,” where we’ll settle in for a relaxing three-night stay along Sicily’s stunning eastern coast.
DAY 5: Giardini Naxos – Taormina
Today, we explore Taormina, Sicily, one of Italy’s most beautiful hilltop towns. With our local guide, we’ll stroll along Corso Umberto, admire the flowering public gardens, and visit Taormina’s spectacular ancient Greek theatre with its unforgettable Sicilian setting.
Later, enjoy free time to shop, relax at a café, or wander Taormina’s charming streets at your own pace.
DAY 6: Giardini Naxos – Catania – Mount Etna
Today, we explore Catania, Sicily, a vibrant Baroque city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Choose a guided tour of Catania’s cathedral, historic sights, and lively local market or visit the moving Allied Landing Museum, dedicated to the 1943 Allied landings in Sicily.
Later, we journey to Mount Etna, Sicily’s legendary active volcano. A local expert introduces us to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna National Park before we return to our hotel for a relaxing evening.
DAY 7: Giardini Naxos – Matera
Our Italian adventure continues with a ferry across the Strait of Messina to Villa San Giovanni on mainland Italy. Have your cameras ready as we travel through the beautiful landscapes of Calabria and Basilicata.
Next, we visit a local Italian winery for a guided walk through the vineyards and cellars, followed by a special wine tasting. Tonight, I’ve planned an authentic regional dinner at the winery’s own agriturismo restaurant—a delicious taste of southern Italy.
DAY 8: Matera – Alberobello
Today, we explore the incredible Sassi di Matera, an ancient city of cave dwellings carved into stone. Our local guide shares Matera’s fascinating history and why this dramatic UNESCO World Heritage Site has become a favorite filming location.
We’ll stop at a local shop to sample regional specialties—including products we ship to Coco’s Italian Market—before enjoying free time to browse Matera’s boutiques and local cuisine.
Next, we travel to magical Alberobello, Italy, famous for its iconic Trulli houses and distinctive cone-shaped roofs. It’s one of southern Italy’s most unique and unforgettable sights.
DAY 9: Matera – Vietri sul Mare – Sorrento Peninsula
Today, we journey into Campania and the Bay of Naples, one of the most breathtaking regions in Italy. We’ll stop in Vietri sul Mare, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, famous for generations of colorful, hand-painted Italian ceramics.
Enjoy time to explore the town and admire the beautiful ceramic dome of the 17th-century Church of St. John the Baptist. Then, we continue to the Sorrento Peninsula—sit back, relax, and take in the spectacular coastal views.
DAY 10: Sorrento – Amalfi Coast Drive – Minori
After breakfast, enjoy time in beautiful Sorrento, Italy, before we set out on a breathtaking Amalfi Coast drive. We’ll stop in the charming town of Amalfi to explore its coastal beauty and historic streets.
Next, we visit Minori for a tasting at a family-owned limoncello factory, followed by a traditional Italian afternoon break at a local café and pastry shop. Tonight is yours to explore, and I’ll be happy to point you toward my favorite sights and local restaurants.
DAY 11: Sorrento – Pompeii – Rome
Today, we travel along the beautiful Bay of Naples to the legendary ruins of Pompeii, located beneath Mount Vesuvius. With our local guide, step back nearly 2,000 years as we explore the remarkably preserved streets and buildings of this ancient Roman city.
Later, we continue to Rome, Italy, where we’ll celebrate our unforgettable journey through Sicily and southern Italy with a delicious farewell dinner featuring traditional Roman cuisine.
Watch Coco’s Video on Touring Italy with Me
DAY 12: Rome – Until We Travel Again
Over breakfast in Rome, Italy, we’ll say goodbye to new friends as our Sicily and Southern Italy tour comes to a close. The journey may be ending, but the friendships and incredible memories are just beginning.
Want to extend your European vacation? Talk with us before your trip, and we’ll help you explore options for continuing your adventure to other destinations in Italy or Europe.
Questions? Call or email us during regular business hours.
(615) 474-5989
Chuck@CocosItalianMarket.com
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