Italian Escape and Sicily
From CAD $4,238
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(9 reviews)
Experience Overview
This one swings you from Rome to Naples, the home of pizza and gateway to Pompeii, before gliding along the dreamy Amalfi Coast. After falling for Capri and postcard pretty Positano, it's time to head to Sicily for a week of dreamy beaches, incredible food and endless ancient history. This Italian adventure has a little something for everyone.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- London: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
- Rome: Can arrangements be made for travellers with accessibility needs? If you require arrangements to be made for your accessibility needs, please inform your Trip Manager as soon as possible. We try our best to contact all accommodations and secure ground floor rooms for easy wheelchair access.Please remember that Italy can be physically challenging to get around. Coaches can’t access historical centers, and there will be lots of walking (on roads that are often uneven and cobbled). Travellers with accessibility needs will find this trip challenging.
- Madrid: Do the included meals have a set menu? Yep. Usually, we arrange a buffet for all your included meals. If you’d like a vegetarian option, please inform your Trip Manager beforehand, and they’ll sort it out for you.
- Rome: When would be the best time to book tickets for museums and other attractions? This would depend on the museums & attractions you’re planning to visit. If you’d like to know the exact timings, please contact our 24x7 Helpline to access your day-to-day itineraries to check when you’ll have free time in each city.
- Madrid: I need to refrigerate my medication. Can I do that on the coach? Of course! Just inform your Trip Manager if you need refrigeration on the coach. Please remember that the fridge is turned off overnight, so you’ll have to take your medication with you into your accommodation. We recommend that you bring a cooler bag with you as a backup. It’s your responsibility to store your medication with care.
Included Experience
- Amalfi Coast: Definitely one for the bucket list. Your chance to view one of Europe’s active volcanoes from a distance.
- Capri: Chill on the beaches of this Mediterranean jewel. Explore the famous boutiques then stop off for a Spritz in the sun.
- Amalfi Coast: Live your best life like a local (on a ferry!) as you glide through azure seas, past cliffs filled with rainbow-coloured buildings.
- Positano: Ramble through the wisteria-lined streets and past sun-bleached houses as you live La Dolce Vita. Don’t forget an iconic selfie with the village backdrop.
- Catania: Stroll around the ancient Sicilian port at the foot of Mount Etna. See the Piazza Stesicoro and the Baroque and Renaissance buildings of Via dei Crociferi.
- Catania: Time to take to the sky. Catania, here we come!
- Taormina: Greek and Roman ruins. Sun-drenched beaches. Epic Italian food. There’s so much to do in this seaside town, you’ll never want to leave.
- Noto: Float around this opulent Sicilian city, taking in the Baroque architecture and panoramic views as you go.
- Agrigento: Explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO-listed site featuring some of the world's most treasured Greek art and architecture.
Trip Details
Product Code: 17294
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Contiki (CA)
Supplier Code: 409.2130B
Starts: Rome, Italy
Finishes: Palermo, Italy
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,238 ($326 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Rome! Once known as the 'capital of the world' this richly historic, passionate and elegant city will steal our hearts as soon as we arrive. We'll meet and greet our Contiki crew and enjoy an included dinner this evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Genova (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Today we're headed to another richly historical and cultural city, known for its naturally beautiful sights and excellent cuisine. Here in the ancient city of Pompeii, you'll have the option to partake in a guided walking tour of the fascinating Roman town that was destroyed by Vesuvius (and then perfectly preserved in volcanic ash!). Welcome to Naples, the rough & ready but oh so charming city which encapsulates everything we love about Italy. The home of pizza, a hub of culture, and a bundle of passionate Italian energy. Today we have the option to take a tour, learning about the city, its history and its food culture.
Accommodation: Hotel Vergilius Billia (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
We're headed to the coast today to check out some of the most glamorous seascapes in Europe. Next up is Capri, with its gorgeous cragged coastline and opulent cafes. Its easy to see why this is such a playground for the rich and famous. An optional Capri cruise will let us check out plenty of swim stops to beat the heat. We'll settle on the Amalfi Coast after a day of postcard pretty sun bleached buildings and sparkling sea.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We've got a free day on the Amalfi coast! Lucky us. Plus, there's an optional visit to a lemon farm, run by a local family whose ancestors introduced the crop (and have been care takers of an age old tradition ever since!). Here we learn how these huge, sunshine coloured fruits are harvested and turned into limoncello. We'll visit one of Amalfi's spectacular jewels today. Dramatic cliffs and idyllic buildings await us in picturesque Positano. You've got the entire evening for yourself. Roam the streets, taste some wine, live the Italian life we've all dreamed of.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
We're headed back to Rome today. Back in Rome for more historic spots, foodie shops and photo ops. Today, you'll have the option to head out to a local restaurant and make (and eat) your very own pasta.
Accommodation: Hotel Archimede (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Today we're hopping on a speedy flight to the incomparable isle of Sicily. This colourful cacophony of baroque piazzas and ancient ruins is the perfect place to get acquainted with Sicily. We'll have a chance to check out Catania's UNESCO listed historic core before an included dinner in a local restaurant. Can you taste the difference in Sicilian cuisine? It has to be up there...
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Del Bosco (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We've got more spectacular Sicilian towns to explore today, as we head from Catania to Taormina. Uniquely perched on the side of a mountain, this elegant resort town is the perfect place to live the good life in Italy. We'll waste no time admiring the gorgeous panoramas, as we take the cable car that connects the town's historic centre with its awesome beaches. After sunning ourselves for a bit, why not opt for a cooking class with some local masterchefs, learning how to whip up local delicacies like Arancini & Cannoli? It's the perfect way to impress everyone when you get back home.
Accommodation: Main Palace Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Today we've got an unmissable optional for you. Sicily’s stupendous stratovolcano Mt Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe. And what better way to experience this majestic monster than on an adrenaline filled ride, as you pass vineyards and orchards spread across the fertile slopes? You won’t find views quite like this anywhere in Europe. Whether or not you opt for the tour, you'll have a free afternoon to explore Taormina - lazing on the beach, checking out the Roman theatre or sitting and drinking a spritz as life lazily moves by. It's a hard life.
Accommodation: Main Palace Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
See ya, Taormina – it's time to visit some historical hotspots. Next stop, Syracuse. We’ll have some free time to check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse. Famed for its rich ancient Roman and Greek history, with ancient amphitheatres and architecture everywhere you look, this place was even mentioned in the Bible (how's that for history creds?). Our next outing is to Noto, home to some of Sicily’s most impressive historic architecture. We’ll check out the Corso Vittoria Emanuele and other legendary landmarks, and then it’s off to an organic farm for a Tastes of Sicily experience – the freshest Sicilian ingredients, brought to us direct from farm to table. Just what the doctor ordered! And after a long day, it’s time to hit the hay. ’Til tomorrow, friends.
Accommodation: Panorama Palace Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Heading from Syracuse we'll arrive in the Valley of the Temples, the perfect base to explore another ancient wonder... We won't be leaving Italy without visiting the Valley of the Temples. This mystical valley is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological heritage. We'll discover ancient temples, sanctuaries and a necropolis. It’s a spectacular testament to Sicily’s ancient history (and natural beauty). Arriving in Cefalù we'll enjoy another included dinner of Sicilian delicacies. What a day - and we're not done yet.
Accommodation: Hotel La Giara (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cefalu is a real gem, home to Sicily's best beaches and most impressive Arabic architecture. This truly is the island that keeps on giving. Today's all about coastal vibes, soaking up that sun, sea and sand - with plenty of water sports to get involved with. If you're feeling a little more zen, why not opt for the coastal cruise and soak up some scenery instead? Later on we'll stroll the winding cobbled streets and watch fishermen taking stock of the day's bounties, before exploring the town's foodie and nightlife scene. Ah, Sicily - sigh.
Accommodation: Hotel La Giara (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
It's time to end on a high, as we make our way towards Sicily's sizzling capital. Palermo is vivacious, colourful and boasts a thriving culinary scene, but it’s also been plagued by organised crime for decades. Today on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® experience, you can join a walking tour through the historic centre, learning about the history of the Mafia in Palermo and how the civil antiMafia movement was formed. We'll round things off with a farewell dinner at Al Fresco, AKA the 'bistro of second chances'.
Accommodation: Hotel Federico II Central Palace (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Time to head home after one final breakfast together. Hug it out, swap social details - and don't be sad, we'll see each other on the road again soon.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Contiki (CA)
Contiki is a New Zealand-based tour company that caters to 18 to 35-year-olds, offering over 350 different tours in over 75 countries in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.[1] It is a subsidiary of The Travel Corporation. Its tours historically had a reputation for partying;[2][3] however, it also operates wellness trips culturally immersive experiences that focus less on alcohol, which are more popular with Generation Z.[4] The company owns lodging facilities in Europe, including the Chateau De Cruix, a 16th century castle in the Beaujolais wine region, and the Gasthof Schoneck in the Austrian Tyrol. The name "Contiki" comes from the portmanteau 'Con' from the word 'Continent' and 'Tiki'; from the Māori referring to the first man, often symbolised as a pendant known as hei-tiki. It can also be attributed to the New Zealand slang 'Tiki-tour' describing taking a longer route to a destination in order to explore.[5]
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
Manny was the best TM. He brought the group together and being a local, was able to converse with all of the locals on our behalf. We saw a heap of places and had some amazing experiences. Having a local TM made the difference and Manny was fantastic
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, August 2024
A lot of the add ons I found a bit boring and probably wouldn't do them again. But our trip leader, "Personal information removed by Feefo", was amazing and still managed to make the boring activities, a bit more engaging!! *Personal information removed by Feefo was an amazing trip leader!! He made sure we had an incredible trip and made the most of our time in Italy
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
Trip Manager was absolutely amazing Communication about destinations and town and plans for the day Very personable and built connections with everyone on the tour I did mine through an Agent which seemed straightforward and easy
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2024
Holly Saxon - Traveled, October 2024
disjoint between the crowds of the ModularS.. I feel this was poorly thought out and could of possibly been remedied by the following: -first night going out and doing a pub crawl organising a group chat between new and old members. new members were excluded from the older chat -avoiding modulars and having clear communication that the Modulars existed - more night life activities in general -better team building and getting to know you exercises "naples was disappointing, would rather spend multiple nights in a different location. Naples was not the best Italy has to offer *poorly marketed. The tour was predominantly white single women. This really impacted the dynamics of the trip and was very disappointing. *more water activities. The highlights are definitely the beaches, would have been nice to explore that more *pompeli walking tour-hana made it sound like that we would not be able to get in without a tour guide, which was not the case. The tour guides missed main parts of Pompeii and it was extremely sad that I didn't get to experience it properly. *more night life recs for each night I would not be recommending the 27-35 Booking was simple
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2024
Raphaella Saroukos - Traveled, October 2024
Great experience. I would spend less time in Salerno but otherwise it was a great schedule. The trip manager was excellent. I would recommend this again for the organisation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
I thought it was a great trip, and we got to see a ton of places in a short period of time I thought Manny was definitely one of the best if not the best tour guides I have had, and I have done many contikis. His energy and positive attitude was AMAZING and contagious, especially on the 100 degree sweaty days when we needed it! Also Rusto and Antonio were great and went out of their way to make our travel experience safe and convenient. Even if there were items not on the itinerary, Manny, Rusto and Antonio would fit them in
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/22/2024
Riley - Traveled, November 2024
Activities were amazing, both add ons and inclusions. Length of tour was amazing (2 weeks) Awesome experiences included and to add on! Wonderful tour manager and drivers. The location of most the places we stayed at wear amazing and lovely rooms.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
I loved this tour! It was everything I wanted and more. I loved that all the organising is done and you can just sit back and relax and enjoy everything Italy has to offer. Pretty much every day there is some sort of included or additional activity you can do which made the trip so fun. The first leg from Rome to Amalfi and back was quite tiring with lots of travel involved and a big group however, so worth it as it was stunning (do the Capri boat cruise!!). The Sicily portion was a lot more chill with a smaller group. It was so beautiful and relaxing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
Great trip. However the first half of the trip is extremely rushed, to the point some of it was hard to enjoy. The everyday early morning starts were rough too and took away from the overall enjoyment. My favorite part of the trip was Sicily when things could finally be a bit more relaxed and you really could enjoy Italy without constantly being rushed. The booking experience was fine. No issues.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2024
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