Tours & Traveling

Your Italian sojourn opens in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Discover the city’s vibrant culture as you take in its gritty, unshakable spirit and captivating energy. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine.

Begin the day with an extensive walking tour of Palermo’s old town. On foot, uncover cobblestoned piazzas and ornate buildings, many worn by time and conflict. Visit hilltop Monreale (UNESCO), ascending 92 steps to its 12th-century cathedral. Tour its majestic Byzantine mosaics and explore the cathedral’s cloisters. Take in the serene atmosphere of the monastic complex before returning to Palermo for an evening at leisure.

This morning, journey to a family-owned farmhouse, picturesquely set in the hills surrounding Palermo. Meet the owners and discover what a typical day on a Sicilian farm is like. Sit back and tuck into a hearty farm-to-table lunch, made with family recipes. Relax aboard your bus as you travel over rolling hills and peaceful farmland to Sicily’s southern coast for a 2-night stay in the outskirts of Agrigento.

This morning, it’s your choice! Enjoy time at leisure at your hotel, where you can take in the views from its panoramic terrace and walk along the beach -OR- venture into Agrigento’s old town for a stroll through its historic center and free time to explore. This afternoon, step back 25 centuries and delve into ancient Greek history with a visit of the stunning Valley of the Temples (UNESCO), one of the world’s most esteemed archeological sites. Get an up-close view of the temples of Juno, Concordia, and Hercules during an extensive walking tour of this ancient acropolis. Then, pause for dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Venture deep into Sicily’s countryside to Piazza Armerina, home of the ancient Villa Romana del Casale (UNESCO). Explore the site with an expert insider for a locally guided tour of its impressive Roman mosaics. In the afternoon, journey east to Sicily’s Ionian Coast for your 2-night stay in Giardini Naxos. This evening, perhaps you’ll join an optional dinner with music, where traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air.

This morning explore beautiful Taormina, home to ancient relics, rocky hills, and charming gardens. With an expert local guide, you’ll stroll the lively pedestrianized main street and climb to the city’s well-preserved Greek theatre. The afternoon is yours to relax in Giardini Naxos – the “garden of Sicily” – or opt to see Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna. During this optional tour, your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe’s largest active volcano while you take in views of its lava formations and basalt rocks.

Take a short and scenic ferry ride across the narrow Strait of Messina, separating Sicily from Italy’s mainland. During your full day bus transfer, pass through the unspoiled region of Calabria and onto the Basilicata region. Wander through the twisting vines of a local winery before touring the cellar for a tasting. Linger over regional cuisine at dinner in the winery’s agriturismo restaurant.

Explore the Sassi di Matera (UNESCO), an ancient settlement of carved cave dwellings. A local guide shares the history and explains why film producers are seeking out this unique landscape. The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you’ll join an optional tour to Alberobello (UNESCO) in the nearby region of Puglia. Here, marvel at the town’s whimsical trulli homes, known for their distinct, cone-shaped roofs.

Stop at a sustainable buffalo dairy farm* for a taste of freshly made mozzarella and a peek into the history of this iconic cheese. After lunch at the farm, transfer to the Sorrentine Peninsula and settle in for a 2-night stay.** During a walking tour, discover the charms of Sorrento and learn about the local tradition of wood marquetry.

This morning, take in the sights and colors of the Mediterranean Sea as you sail*** along the initial stretch of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast (UNESCO). Gaze out over the deep blue hues of the sea paired with the bright citrus fruits lining the hillsides. Pause in Positano with its pastel-colored houses and pebbly beaches. Spend time in this legendary locale browsing the posh boutiques or resting along the beach, before returning to Sorrento for an afternoon at leisure.

Journey north to Rome. En route, experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii (UNESCO). Here, it’s your choice! Soak in the history of this 2,000-year-old Roman town at your own pace by picking between a leisurely walking tour of Pompeii’s essential sights -OR- a faster paced walk covering more off-the-beaten-path gems. Step into another time as you explore the preserved buildings and imagine life in the 1st century. An afternoon-long transfer leads to Rome, where you arrive in the early evening. Celebrate the end of your journey with a delightful farewell dinner.

Your tour comes to a close today.

Discover the port city of Málaga with a local guide. Walk through the colorful market stalls and learn about the history and culture of this seaside community. Let Málaga’s winding old town streets and historic Roman Theatre transport you back in time. Top off your day in Málaga being welcomed into a local’s home for lunch. In Fuengirola this evening, gather for dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate the journey’s beginning.

Travel to Ronda! Like many of the Andalusian white villages, has deep ties to the Arab population that once ruled the region. Walk the Old Town and see its 18th-century Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) over the El Tajo gorge. After some free time to explore on your own, head back to Fuengirola where the sunsets beckon a relaxing ending to the day.

Journey to romantic Marbella today and enjoy a walking tour of the city’s winding cobblestone streets before spending some free time exploring Marbella’s charming shops, cafés, and galleries on your own. Afterward, return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps relaxing on the beach, just a short walk from your hotel, or perhaps you’ll join an optional tour to Mijas, one of Andalusia’s most famous villages.

Today travel to Granada, the last capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Here, spend the morning with a local expert visiting the Alhambra,* a UNESCO World Heritage site also known as one of the Wonders of the Muslim world. After your extensive morning walk at this centuries-old palace and fortress complex, enjoy some free time in Granada for lunch on your own before returning to your hotel in Fuengirola to spend the evening as you please.

This morning, say adiós to the Costa del Sol and hop on a northbound fast-speed train** from Málaga to the capital city of Madrid, relaxing and enjoying the scenic ride. Then join a panoramic tour of Madrid’s historic center to see iconic sites like the Gran Via and Puerta de Alcala, and get the lay of this capital city. Tonight, experience a dinner with traditional entertainment at a local restaurant and discover the gorgeous Plaza Mayor.

The day is yours to explore this magnificent city. Take time to discover Madrid’s elegant boulevards and rich culture or visit one of its iconic museums, such as the Prado or Reina Sofia. Perhaps you will choose to join an optional excursion to the historic town of Segovia, with a guided walk to learn about its iconic Roman Aqueduct, massive 16th-century cathedral, and historic main square. Tonight, bid farewell to Spain and your fellow travelers during dinner at a local restaurant.

Your tour comes to a close today. Reflect on the warmth and spirit of the Costa del Sol as you journey home.