Atlas Cruises & Tours www.escortedcosmostour.com
A division of the Atlas Travel Network

SOUTHERN ITALY and SICILY (63152010)
A  17-Day tour starting from $2,049

Live, experienced travel consultants available:
1-800-942-3301
Monday-Friday 9AM - 6:30PM Eastern Time
9AM - 2PM Saturdays

Tour Length:    17 Days
Tour Type:    Other Cosmos Tours
Tour Category:    VALUE VACATION
Tour Operator:    Cosmos Tours
Tour Code:    6315-2010
About This Tour

Vacation Overview
Your vacation begins with three overnights in Rome, the “Eternal City,” and guided sightseeing that includes the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Then, view the Gulf of Naples from the top of Mount Vesuvius and learn about Pompeii, the town that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD. Take a ferry to the Isle of Capri and spend two nights enjoying its special flair. Cross the waters to the charming seaside resort of Sorrento, admire the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, then set off toward Sicily, Italy’s biggest island. Spend two nights in the Taormina area and take a ride up Mount Etna, Europe’s biggest volcano. Visit Syracuse, once the greatest city of Magna Grecia, and see the ancient roman “Bikini Girls” mosaic in Casale. Marvel at Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples with the well-preserved ancient Greek temples and Selinute’s acropolis remains before reaching colorful Palermo, a city bearing the signs of the many invasions during its 3000-year history. Return to Naples by ferry and motor back to Rome for the end of your vacation.Special Departure:Apr 1st Departure - Easter Week
What's Included?

Transportation
Scheduled transatlantic flights and airport transfers in Rome and Palermo if Cosmos issues the air tickets. Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Boat transfer to Capri; ferry Villa San Giovanni-Messina; overnight ferry Palermo-Naples in 2-berth cabins.

Guides
Local Guides for city sightseeing in Rome, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Agrigento archaeological site. Services of a professional Tour Director while touring.

Hotels


Rome
Caravel (ST),

Capri
Villa San Michele (ST) at Anacapri or Residenza (F),

Sorrento
Tirrenia (ST),

Taormina Area
Albatros (ST) at Letoyanni,

Syracuse
Park (ST) at Syracuse or Club Helios (ST) at Noto,

Agrigento
Akrabello (ST),

Palermo
Ponte (ST)

Meals
Buffet breakfasts (B) except day 16; 8 dinners (D)
Sightseeing / Highlights

City Highlights
Visits to Sorrento, Mount Etna, Casale Roman Villa, Capri, Selinunte, Taormina, Syracuse, Palermo

Scenic Highlights
Amalfitan Coast
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Thu. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Fri. ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring this great city.

Day 3:
Sat. & Sun. ROME. Two days in which to get well acquainted with Rome. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. Optional excursions are available to discover more of the “Eternal City.” (B daily)

Day 4:
Sat. & Sun. ROME. Two days in which to get well acquainted with Rome. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. Optional excursions are available to discover more of the “Eternal City.” (B daily)

Day 5:
Mon. ROME–VESUVIUS–POMPEII–CAPRI. South all the way today. First a stop to enjoy the awe-inspiring sights of one of Europe’s greatest live volcanoes—Vesuvius! Leave the coach and walk to the top to view its crater. Then, to Pompeii, where time stopped in 79 AD, when the Vesuvius eruption totally destroyed it. On the included visit you can see the luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum. Just a few more miles to the Neapolitan Riviera for embarkation on the ferry to Capri to enjoy two overnights on this charmed island. (B,D)

Day 6:
Tue. CAPRI. This legendary island is surrounded by a rocky coastline—the crashing sea has formed remarkable caves. The town, with its pretty piazza, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set, and optional excursions take you to see more of the island. Join Tiberius, Emma Hamilton, and Axel Munthe, historical figures who all fell in love with this exquisite spot. A full day to do exactly what you please. Maybe explore some of the island’s lovely walks or join an optional excursion to see Mount Solaro and the house of Axel Munthe (San Michele). (B,D)

Day 7:
Wed. CAPRI–SORRENTO. EXCURSION TO AMALFITAN COAST. Take the ferry to Sorrento this morning. Few places in the world match the very special charm of Sorrento. This picturesque resort overlooking the Bay of Naples boasts a marvelous climate, beautiful views, trendy shops and boutiques, interesting museums, and a vibrant nightlife. Don’t miss out on the included excursion along the breathtakingly beautiful Amalfitan Coast. (B,D)

Day 8:
Thu. & Fri. SORRENTO. Two full days to enjoy this town set on a plateau high above the waters of the Bay of Naples and with truly spectacular views as far as towering Vesuvius. Sorrento’s terraces, hung with flowers, jut from winding streets and alleys above a small harbor. Streets are filled with shops, cheerful bars, and cafés. Day 8 (B), Day 9 (B,D)

Day 9:
Thu. & Fri. SORRENTO. Two full days to enjoy this town set on a plateau high above the waters of the Bay of Naples and with truly spectacular views as far as towering Vesuvius. Sorrento’s terraces, hung with flowers, jut from winding streets and alleys above a small harbor. Streets are filled with shops, cheerful bars, and cafés. Day 8 (B), Day 9 (B,D)

Day 10:
Sat. SORRENTO–VILLA SAN GIOVANNI–FERRY CROSSING–TAORMINA AREA. Today, by way of the autostrada, travel through the wild and mountainous scenery of Italy’s most southern regions before boarding the ferry for the 45-minute crossing to Sicily. Only a few more miles to the Taormina area, where you overnight. (B,D)

Day 11:
Sun. TAORMINA. Magnificently situated on a 700-foot plateau, Taormina has wonderful views along the coast. The heart of the town is Piazza Nove Aprile, a paved square with unrivaled views to the sea and the Mount Etna volcano. (B,D)

Day 12:
Mon. TAORMINA AREA–MOUNT ETNA–SYRACUSE. This morning, take advantage of the visit to the heights of Mount Etna and the option of a Jeep or cable car ride for a better view of Europe’s largest active volcano. Drive even further south to Syracuse, where you have the option of visiting the ancient Grecian archaeological sites or doing just as you please. (B,D)

Day 13:
Tue. SYRACUSE–PIAZZA ARMERINA–AGRIGENTO. Today you drive westward towards Piazza Armerina to visit the Casale Roman Villa, once a palatial hunting lodge famous for its mosaics including the “Bikini Girls,” 10 athletic maidens dressed for all the world as modern tourists! Then, past Caltanissetta, surrounded by sulphur mines, to Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, one of Italy’s archaeological jewels—especially in spring when the slopes are frosted with almond blossoms. Visit the Doric Temple of Concord, one of the best preserved outside Athens, and the hilltop Temple of Juno Lacinia is the valley’s most impressive. (B,D)

Day 14:
Wed. AGRIGENTO–SELINUNTE–PALERMO. Leave Agrigento for Selinunte, one of the most striking and interesting sites in Sicily. See the remains of the Acropolis. Then, northeast to Palermo, the capital of Sicily. This evening, enjoy an optional farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. (B)

Day 15:
Thu. AT LEISURE IN PALERMO (EMBARKATION). A full day to enjoy this busy and colorful city full of interesting squares and marketplaces, churches, and palazzos in every style—from Moorish to baroque. Join the optional sightseeing tour to learn more about this city. Evening embarkation for the overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples. (B)

Day 16:
Fri. NAPLES (DISEMBARKATION)–ROME. North this morning back to the “Eternal City” with plenty of time to enjoy one of the optional excursions, to do last-minute shopping, or maybe sip a drink in Piazza Navona and watch the world go by.

Day 17:
Sat. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices

To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date

       
Starting Date
Ending Date
Land Only
Land + Air
9/16/2010
10/2/2010
$2,159
Call (800) 942-3301
9/23/2010
10/9/2010
$2,159
Call (800) 942-3301
9/30/2010
10/16/2010
$2,129
Call (800) 942-3301
10/7/2010
10/23/2010
$2,129
Call (800) 942-3301
10/14/2010
10/30/2010
$2,049
Call (800) 942-3301
Additional Information

Price Details US
Single room supplement: $700No triple room reduction.Single accommodation not available on overnight ferry Palermo-Naples. Singles will be asked to share.
Important Note:
All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.