Naples, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 17 Days

Day 1: Welcome to Naples!

Welcome to Italy! You'll arrive at Naples Airport and transfer to your accommodation in the city center. Naples sits on a bay near the still-active Mount Vesuvius, which buried nearby Pompeii in 79 ACE. There's a lot to see and do here, so make the most of your time.

In the evening, you could go for a stroll along the Caracciolo e Lungomare di Napoli, a waterfront promenade, then head to the Quartieri Spagnoli, a lively commercial hub, for dinner at a small trattoria. On the way stop at the Toledo Metro station, the Stazione della Metropolitana dell'Arte, to see beautiful mosaic inlays.

Day 2: Naples City Tour

Naples has been continuously settled for millennia. The city is renowned for its art, architecture, food, and religious frescoes. Its historic city center enjoys UNESCO World Heritage designation, and Naples' many historic sights attract visitors worldwide. You'll visit these landmarks on a three-hour guided tour of the city.

Notable highlights include the 17th-century Palazzo Reale (home to a museum and two theaters), the centrally-located Piazza del Plebiscito, the Teatro di San Carlo (one of the Royal Palace's theaters), the beautiful Galleria Umberto (a massive 19th-century glass-roofed shopping mall), and the Basilica di San Francesco, which was built as a tribute to the emperor. The Castel Nuovo (a fortress protecting the port), 13th-century Duomo, Via Toledo shopping district, and historic Spaccanapoli Street are also popular destinations. 

Naples is also famous as the birthplace of pizza, and the city's music culture has strongly influenced opera and folk music standards.

Day 3: Naples to the Amalfi Coast - Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

In the morning you'll leave Naples and head south to the Amalfi Coast. However, you'll be stopping for a full-day group tour of the area's most notable attractions, Pompeii and nearby Mount Vesuvius.

It begins with a visit to the ruins of Pompeii, once a flourishing Roman coastal city that was famously buried under ash and volcanic debris after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 ACE. The ash, which killed many of Pompeii's residents, acted as an archaeological time capsule by preserving many of the city's original buildings completely intact. 

You'll stroll the remains of Pompeii's ancient streets, which are lined with well-preserved villas, shops, public buildings, and plazas. Afterward, you'll stop in a local workshop to see the production process for various regional handicrafts, such as cameos and coral jewelry. 

After a break for lunch, it will be time to visit Mount Vesuvius, which is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere World Reserve. It's a brisk 30-minute hike up a trail to the top, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views inside the crater as well as panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and the Tyrrhenian Sea. 

After the excursion to Vesuvius, you'll continue on to the Amalfi Coast, where you'll check into your hotel and settle in for the evening.

Day 4: Capri and Anacapri Day Tour

Spend the day enjoying the sunshine and clear blue waters of Capri Island. Known locally as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean," the ancient Greeks called it the "Isle of Sirens." Capri sits on the south side of the Gulf of Naples and has been a popular vacation destination for millennia. The ancient Romans, in fact, built summer villas here for the Empire's VIPs.

In the morning, you'll head out for a scenic drive along the Sorrentine coast to the Port of Sorrento, where you'll catch a hydrofoil to Capri. From here you'll enjoy a guided walking tour of the island's attractions. Visit the Marina Grande and Marina Piccola harbors, walk along the Belvedere of Tragara (a villa-lined promenade with panoramic views), and explore the ruins of ancient Roman villas.

Then head up the hill to Anacapri see the Piazzetta and Augustus' Garden, and enjoy the best views of the Faraglioni Rocks. Should you choose, you can later return to the water and explore the Grotta Azzurra, the famous "Blue Grotto," which is located inside a hollowed sea cave. Afterward, perhaps spend the remainder of the afternoon soaking in the sunshine on the beach.

Day 5: Free Day on the Amalfi Coast

Today you have free to explore and enjoy the leisurely coastal pace of life. Maybe go for a walk on the Lemon Path in the town of Minori or try your hand at windsurfing or kayaking near the shores of Praiano. You can see artisanal ceramics manufacturers in the town of Vietri, and go for a half-day hike on the Path of the Gods. Or simply laze on the beaches of Positano, Vettica Maggiore, and Centra.

For dinner you could head to a family-run restaurant for the best Italian pizza paired with a glass of the perfect local wine.

Day 6: Amalfi Coast to Sorrento - Wine Tasting

After a leisurely breakfast, say goodbye to the Amalfi Coast and head north to Sorrento. This city is a long-time favorite with Italian and international vacationers for its beautiful views, tranquil atmosphere, and terraced lemon groves. After checking into your hotel you can take a quick stroll around town.

The city's focal point is the Piazza Tasso, a central square built over a gorge that splits the city. Other notable sights in and around Sorrento include the nearby bay of Marina Piccola, the ruins of Villa Pollio in Capo di Sorrento, the church monastery San Francesco d'Assisi, the 11th-century Duomo, and the Basilica di Sant'Antonino, which houses the remains of Saint Anthony, Sorrento's patron saint who died in the 7th century. 

In the afternoon, you'll travel to a family-run winery for a wine tasting. Like the famous lemon groves of Amalfi, the vineyards in this region are also terraced, and they produce some of the best wines in Italy. These include Aglianico vines, whose berries yield rich, full-bodied roses and reds. Also from this region are two varieties of Falanghina grapes, which produce crisp and fruity white wines that pair perfectly with fish and pasta.

You'll sample wines such as these amid the unspoiled beauty of the Amalfi Coast. As you do, your hosts will reveal insight into the production process and history behind each bottle. While you drink be sure to snack on a regional specialty like ham, salami, cheese, or tarallini crackers. After a day spent indulging in great food and wine, you'll return to your accommodation for the evening.

Day 7: Free Day in Sorrento

Today is a free day to explore the city. There are many activities and places to see that make for great ways to pass the time. You could soak in the sunshine in Piazza Tasso, Sorrento's largest and most popular gathering place. If shopping is on your mind, stroll from the piazza down Corso Italia, a busy street lined with shops and boutiques. You could also head to the Puolo neighborhood. Its crescent beach and waterfront promenade are popular with locals.

Day 8: Fly From Naples to Palermo - Pick up Rental Car

Parting is such sweet sorrow, but it's time to leave the Amalfi Coast. Not to worry, because you'll be catching a flight from Naples to another Italian hotbed of culture and beauty: the island of Sicily. After a one-hour flight, you'll touch down in Palermo, on Sicily's northern coast, and pick up your rental car. You'll then drive 45 minutes into the city and to your hotel for check-in. 

You can discover Palermo right away on a self-guided walking tour. Sicily's regional capital boasts incredible and historic architecture spanning the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Norman eras. This commingling of cultures has also informed the culture, music, and cuisine of Palermo.  

The best place to begin your self-guided tour is Palermo's historic center. Its medieval streets are easy to navigate by foot, and there are many attractions and restaurants within walking distance. To get your bearings, take a passeggiata (stroll) along the narrow Via Maqueda, a pedestrianized thoroughfare that connects the north of the city to the south. A good place to start is the Fontana Pretoria, a Baroque fountain in the Piazza Pretoria.

Day 9: Palermo Street Food Tour

One great way to experience Palermo is on a street food tour. You'll snack your way through the city's historic streets while visiting back-alley markets, modest bakeries, old bars, and various food stalls while on the hunt for sweet and savory eats.

You'll meet your guide in the morning and meander over to the Vucciria and Capo markets. These two open-air markets are so abuzz with activity that they're reminiscent of Arab souks. You'll discover how Sicily’s unique culinary history informs its street food scene as vendors of local produce and seafood proffer their goods.

Throughout, you'll visit bakeries, cafés, and food stalls to try a variety of popular Sicilian street snacks: pani câ meusa (sesame-flavored bread stuffed with fried veal and spleen), panelle (chickpea fritters) and arancini (deep-fried balls of rice stuffed with meat, vegetables, and cheese). Wash it all down with sweet Sicilian wine before digging into a seasonal dessert like cannoli (deep-fried pastries filled with sweetened ricotta cheese), gelato, or a refreshing granita (a fruity semi-frozen treat).

Day 10: Drive From Palermo to Agrigento - Stop in Monreale

Get an early start and make the 30-minute drive to the town of Monreale. Here, on the slopes of Monte Caputo, you'll discover what is thought to be the greatest example of Norman architecture in the world, the Cattedrale di Monreale (Monreale Cathedral). This 12th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site features ornate cloisters and gold mosaics depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Admire the Norman-Byzantine art and architecture as you tour this national monument.

When you're ready, spend a little time wandering Monreale itself. Consider a stroll through the Belvedere public garden. It offers a beautiful view over the Conca d'Oro, a fertile valley loaded with citrus trees.

From here, continue driving 2.5 hours to Agrigento, a hilltop city on Sicily's southwestern shore. After checking into your hotel, you can head out and explore. Stroll through Agrigento's densely-packed historic center to Via Atenea, a busy thoroughfare lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. From Via Atenea, climb your way upwards through a maze of cobblestoned narrow alleys and side streets past 18th and 19th-century palazzi (estate homes).

Day 11: Guided Tour of Valley of the Temples

You'll have the whole day to explore Agrigento and its popular UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site, the Valley of the Temples, a ridge that's home to well-preserved ancient Greek temples. Here you'll meet with a licensed guide to walk through the ancient city of Akragas with the option to spend time at the popular archaeological museum.

Along the way, you'll stop to marvel at the temples of Hera, Concordia, and Herakles as your expert guide reveals historical insight that brings the ruins to life. You'll also learn how these ridge-top temples once served as beacons for homecoming sailors. After the tour, you'll have the rest of the day to spend as you like.

Day 12: Drive From Agrigento to Syracuse - Visit Ragusa Ibla & Scicli

Today you'll drive from Agrigento to Syracuse, stopping to explore two incredible UNESCO-listed baroque destinations: Ragusa Ibla and Scicli. 

The road trip begins with a 2.5-hour drive south along the coast to the hilltop town of Ragusa Ibla. You'll meander the narrow lanes of its historic center, stopping to relax in a café or gelateria. If you're up for it, climb the 250 steps to the 18th-century Duomo di San Giorgio, a great example of baroque style. For more exercise, head up the stairs to Ragusa's upper town for breathtaking views. Alternatively, you can take a ride on the trenino (little train) from the Piazza Duomo along the city streets.

From here, continue south 45 minutes to the ancient town of Scicli. You can stroll its pedestrianized Via Penna for nice views of nearby baroque palaces and churches, or visit one of its most beautiful baroque buildings, the Palazzo Beneventano, located on nearby Via Duce d'Aosta. If there's time, take the zig-zagging path up to the 19th-century San Matteo Church. Perched on a cliff, it affords sweeping vistas of the town below. You can also visit an old cave settlement in the Chiafura district. 

When you're ready, continue up the coast 1.5 hours to your hotel on the island of Ortygia, the historical heart of Syracuse. Sometimes called Città Vecchia (Old City), Ortygia is an easily walkable area full of treasures waiting to be discovered. Perhaps begin with a walk around the island before ducking into the network of narrow and winding alleyways, passing churches and baroque palaces as you go. You can't go wrong here, as everything is a visual treat.

Day 13: Explore Syracuse - Day Trip to Noto

Take the day to immerse yourself in historic Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its rich Greek history, culture, architecture, as well as the birthplace of engineer and mathematician Archimedes, Syracuse was long regarded as one of the major powers in the Mediterranean. 

Spend the morning exploring the ancient ruins of the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Or lose yourself in Ortygia's winding streets, visiting tucked-away gems like the 19th-century Palazzo Impellizzeri, the Temple of Apollo in Piazza Pancali, or go underground to the San Giovanni Crypt and Catacombs, which date to the 6th century. Alternatively, for some relaxation, you can sunbathe next to turquoise waters at Arenella Beach, just 20 minutes south of Syracuse.

In the afternoon, you'll drive 45 minutes to Noto and explore this postcard-perfect baroque city. In a couple of hours, you can easily cover the town on foot. Stroll Corso Vittorio Emanuele and walk beneath Porta Reale (Royal Gate), taking in the embellished architecture at every turn, like the Chiesa di Santa Chiara, and end your walk at the spectacular 18th-century limestone Noto Cathedral. Optimize your Noto experience with a rewarding granita (frozen dessert) from the popular Caffè Sicilia.

Day 14: Drive From Syracuse to Taormina - Mount Etna Hike

The day begins early with a two-hour drive up the coast and inland to Europe's largest active volcano, Mount Etna. You'll arrive at Rifugio Sapienza, Etna's southern access point, and prepare for a guided hike. After organizing your equipment, you'll ride a cable car up 9,500 feet (2,900 meters) to Torre del Filosofo, the last accessible lookout point before the summit. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery that includes solidified lava flows, smoke fumaroles, and wide vistas that stretch out to the Mediterranean.

After Etna, you'll continue driving 1.5 hours to Taormina, a sophisticated resort town located on the Ionian Sea. It's famous for gorgeous coastal views and its ancient  Greek theater, the Teatro Antico di Taormina, which is still used for opera and theatre performances. You can also visit the 17th-century Catholic Santa Caterina Church and stroll along the Vicolo Stretto, the narrowest street in town.

Day 15: Cooking Class in Taormina

You're in for a treat, as today you'll partake in a private cooking class. In the morning, you'll meet your chef instructor at a local market for a guided tour. You'll stop at fruit and vegetable vendors to pick up seasonal produce before heading to the fishmonger to choose the freshest catch of the day.

After the market tour, you'll retire to a professional kitchen for your hands-on cooking class. Over a couple of hours, you'll prepare a full Sicilian menu complete with a traditional dessert. Afterward, you'll sit down and enjoy lunch comprised of the foods you prepared in class. Of course, the meal will be paired with local wines. 

Day 16: Drive From Taormina to Palermo - Visit Cefalù

In the morning, you'll drive about three hours northwest to Cefalù, a historic port town. You can begin a self-guided tour in the city center at the Lavatoio Medievale, a 16th-century washhouse that utilizes running water from the River Cefalino in its stone basins. Nearby is the Porta Pescara, a gate to Cefalù Beach that features great views of the coastline. Perhaps take a walk to the old harbor and stroll the seaside promenade; the city's Lungomare Beach is also a popular destination for visitors and locals. 

You should definitely visit the 17th-century Bastione di Capo Marchiafava, one of many old defensive fortresses located along the coast. The view from the top of the Bastione is a real treat. Right nearby is the Norman-Arabic Duomo Basilica Cattedrale (Cefalù Cathedral) which dates to the 12th century. And if there's time, climb the Rocca, the promontory above the city. A steep staircase winds through city walls before emerging onto a rocky outcrop with stunning views of the city and ocean. 

At the appropriate time, you'll continue driving one hour west along the incomparable Sicilian coast to Palermo.

Day 17: Depart Palermo

In the morning, if you have time, head to the Foro Italico. This large public garden along Palermo's seafront makes an excellent spot to soak in the sunshine before heading to the airport. You may also like to explore Villa Giulia, a sprawling 18th-century complex of botanical gardens and sculptures. Then perhaps stroll along the Foro Italico to Porta Felice, a 16th/17th-century monumental gateway to La Cala (Old Port).

Depending on traffic, it usually takes 45 minutes to an hour to travel from the center of Palermo to the airport. Best to arrive at least two hours prior to your international departure while allowing extra time to drop off your rental car. Have a great trip!