Relaxed Sicily & Amalfi Coast Honeymoon - 10 Days

Highlights

• Step through the ancient Roman city of Pompeii with an archaeologist guide
• Visit an exclusive boutique winery for lunch and a special tasting with the owner
• Zip around the sun-soaked Amalfi Coast in a classic Fiat 500
• Tour the historic Sicilian villages featured in "The Godfather" films
• Follow a local chef through Syracuse's colorful food market

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Naples, Transfer to Amalfi Coast via Pompeii Tour

Ciao, and welcome to Italy! Your bellissima vacanza starts in Naples. On arrival, a private driver will collect you at the airport and take you to the Amalfi Coast, with a special stop at the ancient archaeological site of Pompeii en route. Once a thriving and sophisticated Roman city, Pompeii was buried under a thick layer of ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Over two hours, an archaeologist guide will lead you along the site's ancient streets, bringing to life stories of the shops, houses, and traditions of the locals.

From Pompeii, it's another hour along winding roads to reach the town of Amalfi. The Amalfi Coast is famous for its lush landscapes, lemon groves, terraced vineyards, warm hospitality, and fresh seafood, and the town of Amalfi is a great base. This afternoon is yours to explore your way, so you can choose to discover its charming streets, or set out for an adventure nearby. Embrace the slower pace of life with a walk on the Lemon Path in Minori, or go on a mission to see the illuminated sea cave Grotta dello Smeraldo.

Day 2: Hike in Valle delle Ferriere, Wine Tasting & Lunch

Lace up your walking shoes and experience another side of the Amalfi Coast today with a scenic hike through the Valle delle Ferriere, a protected nature preserve that connects the Lattari mountains of Scala to Amalfi. The name means "Valley of the Mills," and old mills that once made paper still dot the landscape. The trail takes around three hours and carves a loop through the verdant and cool nature, passing streams, waterfalls, and lemon groves.

Back in Amalfi, you'll have some time to rest and refresh before setting off again to visit a special boutique winery with breathtaking views over the Amalfi Coast. Take a private tour of the vineyard, which only produces 3,000 bottles per year, then sit down for a very special local lunch. Patrizia, founder and owner of the vineyard, will join you to swap stories of life on the Amalfi Coast. Throughout the experience, she'll guide a tasting of the small-scale wines paired with homemade Italian dishes.

Day 3: Day Trip to Positano, Limoncello Tasting

Today starts with a private drive along the narrow curves of the Amalfi Coast. Take in panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and dramatic coastal cliffs as your driver navigates toward Positano, a charming village where colorful buildings cascade down to the sparkling blue sea below. The steep streets and steps here, flanked by wisteria-draped hotels, restaurants, and boutiques, are begging to be photographed, and you'll have the rest of the day to explore the famous town at your own pace.

Start at the ninth-century church of Santa Maria Teresa dell'Assunta, the symbol of Positano. Then, get lost in the narrow alleyways and staircases that connect the artisan shops and ancient villas of the town. Later, make your way down to the main beach, Spiaggia Grande, where pebbles melt into turquoise waters. Grab a gelato and dip your toes in the sea, or stop somewhere for an Aperol spritz. Finally, meet a knowledgeable limoncello master and learn about this farmer-to-consumer liqueur. After a tasting of the tart Amalfi specialty, you'll return to your hotel by private transfer or ferry.

Day 4: Amalfi Coast Fiat 500 Tour, Free Afternoon 

Experience a slice of la dolce vita this morning as you cruise along the Amalfi Coast in a tiny vintage Fiat 500. These classic cars are synonymous with Italy, and you'll feel as if you've stepped into a Fellini film as you zip between charming coastal villages. Each tour is unique, and your driver will make plenty of scenic stops so you can take souvenir photos with your petite ride. After, return to Amalfi and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. 

You could use the afternoon for a half-day hike on the Path of the Gods or visit Vietri to discover the local ceramics workshops. Visit the beautiful Villa Cimbrone and Terrace of Infinity in the hilltop village of Ravello, or stay by the coast and soak up sunshine at Gravitella Beach in Vettica Maggiore or Lannio Beach in Centra. For a more active adventure, rent a kayak and explore emerald green grottoes, tiny hidden beaches, and impressive sea caves. Or simply relax on a terrace in Amalfi with a limoncello spritz while people-watching.

Day 5: Transfer to Naples, Fly to Catania, Transfer to Taormina

Say buongiorno to Sicily today when you swap the Amalfi Coast for the sunkissed island at the toe of Italy's boot. A private driver will transfer you 80 minutes to the airport in Naples for your one-hour flight to Catania. From here, another driver will whisk you an hour north to Taormina, skirting around the active Mount Etna volcano en route. This gorgeous Sicilian town blends ancient sights with natural beauty, and after checking into your hotel and dropping your bags, take a stroll up to one of its most famous landmarks.

The Greek Theatre of Taormina is a fascinating historical monument carved out of the hard rock of Mount Taurus in the third century BCE. Back then it could accommodate thousands of seated spectators, immersed in nature with perfect acoustics. From up here, you'll be treated to incredible views over the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, so feel free to stay for sunset and enjoy nature's show.

Day 6: Half-Day Mount Etna Wine Tasting

After seeing Mount Etna from afar, it's time to get up close and discover the fascinating landscape of this UNESCO World Heritage site on a private winery tour. Yes, there's plenty of wine produced in the rich volcanic soil around Etna, and today, you'll learn to recognize and taste the distinctive terroir. The Etna wine region curves around the eastern side of the volcano, rising from near-sea level to more than 3,940 feet (1,200 m). Here, the local producers are constantly experimenting higher and higher up the slopes, playing with the rich, blacker lava flow soils and extremely high altitudes.

You'll start with a guided walking tour of a local vineyard, learning about the relatively new foray into winemaking. Afterward, discover the process behind Etna's exceptional wines, and finally, sit down for an insightful wine tasting experience accompanied by delicious local specialties. Later on, you'll return to Taormina and enjoy free time in town or by the beach.

Day 7: Full-Day "The Godfather" Movie Set Tour

Movie buffs will love today's guided tour that introduces you to the fascinating and turbulent history of Sicily's mafia while hopping between the quintessential Sicilian hilltop towns made famous by "The Godfather" films. You'll start in the village of Savoca, where some of the immortal scenes were filmed, and make a stop by the famous Bar Vitelli, still owned by the same family. Within, you'll find a collection of movie stills commemorating the town's role in the iconic trilogy.

Then, continue to Forza D'Agrò, where Al Pacino showed Diane Keaton the house where his father was born. The town overlooks the well-preserved castle of Capo Sant'Alessio, and you'll feel like you're stepping back in time with a stroll through the central piazza. The ancient village steps and the crumbling arch lead to a beautiful church where scenes from "The Godfather Part III" were shot. Afterward, you'll be dropped back in Taormina in time for dinner.

Day 8: Transfer to Syracuse, Tour the Historic Center

After a slow breakfast at the hotel, pack your bags and meet your private driver for the 90-minute journey south from Taormina to Syracuse. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its rich Greek history, culture, and architecture, and as the birthplace of engineer and mathematician Archimedes. On arrival, drop off your bags and join a three-hour afternoon tour with a local guide. You'll learn more about this ancient city, founded by the Corinthians in 734 BCE, and discover why Syracuse was long regarded as one of the major powers in the Mediterranean.

Start at the Neapolis Archaeological Park to uncover ruins and ancient relics while hearing about the region's Greek and Roman history. Then, wander over the Umbertino Bridge to the island of Ortigia and discover the historic center of Syracuse and its rich artistic and cultural legacy. As the tour ends, wave goodbye to your guide and find a romantic terrace for dinner.

Day 9: Ortigia Market Tour & Cooking Class

On the final full day of your romantic Italian adventure, connect with the locals and learn a new skill to take home with you. This morning, you'll meet with a local chef who lives on the island of Ortigia and follow them on a tour around the open-air Ortigia Market. Venture down streets filled with an overwhelming feast of colors and aromas, listening as the vendors yell about their produce and catches of the day. Admire stalls with local cheeses such as rahusano and sample some sun-dried tomatoes from Pantelleria.

Your local chef will help you pick out the freshest seasonal ingredients, then you'll walk to their kitchen and step inside for an authentic Sicilian cooking class. Together, you'll whip up a special Sicilian menu of traditional dishes and flavors based on the available market produce. At the end of the class, sit down to savor your dishes with a glass of wine or two. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. You could visit the 13th-century citadel and castle, Castello Maniace, or soak up Sicilian sunshine on beautiful Arenella Beach. 

Day 10: Transfer to Catania, Depart

Your southern Italian sojourn comes to an end today. After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Syracuse to drive you to Catania International Airport with enough time before your departing flight home or onward. Safe travels!

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