The Best of Sicily and Sorrento
with David Schmidt

"Arrive at Palermo airport and be greeted by your Wherever Tours tour leader. A private transfer from the airport to the resort hotel in Cefalù will be available with scheduled arrivals*. After your hotel check-in, relax and enjoy the beautiful hotel pool or venture down to the beach or just relax in your room. A welcome reception will follow, with traditional appetizers and a taste of wine. Tonight's included dinner in the hotel restaurant features delicious local cuisine and regional wines.
*Check with Wherever Tours for arrival guidelines if you are booking your own flights."

This morning, take a tour of Palermo, the capital of Sicily, rich with ancient buildings, cathedrals, and gardens. Palermo has many hidden treasures such as the impressive Monreale Cathedral, an example of Norman architectural style which contains over two tons of gold mosaics. After the tour, prepare yourself for a big surprise. This afternoon, enjoy some free time back in Cefalù. Dinner is at your leisure.

After breakfast, travel by luxury coach along the magnificent northern coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea to Trapani. On the way, we'll stop in the mountaintop town of Erice with its breathtaking views. In the afternoon arrive in Trapani, known for its salt flats and the beautiful Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Later, arrive in Marsala to the Donna Franca, a perfectly preserved and restored baglio from the 19th century. Tonight take a tour of the winery, and taste the region's most famous wines during dinner at the hotel's renowned restaurant.

Today visit Segesta, one of the most well-preserved Greek Sicilian temples. After returning to the Donna Franca, take a tour of their popular wine cellar. Taste some appetizers and some of their specialty wines. Then, enjoy a cooking class, followed by dinner featuring some of the foods that you prepared earlier.

This morning, travel from Marsala to Agrigento, located on the southern coast of Sicily on the Mediterranean Sea. A local expert will highlight the important ancient treasures on a tour of the Valley of the Temples, dating back to the fifth century BC. This archeological site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. Back at the hotel, enjoy a tasty dinner with wine.

Today, head to the eastern shore of Sicily and the picturesque seaside town of Taormina. Along the way, we stop in Caltagirone, noted for its Baroque style ceramics. We visit the private home of the nobel family, Pace Gravina. Giacomo, the owner, will show us his beautiful palace and guide us through the incredible history of Sicilian nobility. Then, he will offer us a buffet lunch in the ball room, another unique experience. Then it's on to our luxury seaside resort hotel, on the beach in Taormina, where you spend the next four nights.

After breakfast, take the funicular to the village of Taormina. After a guided tour of the area, including the Greek Roman Amphitheater, there will be plenty of time to explore all of the colorful streets and shops overlooking the Mediterranean east coast. This evening's dinner is at leisure.

Eat a good breakfast this morning, because today we visit Mt. Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe. Stop in the town of Zafferana and visit a local rosticceria to learn how to make the famous arancini rice balls. Indulge in some exquisite cannoli, along with other local foods and wines. This afternoon, return to our breathtaking seaside hotel in Taormina and have a relaxing evening.

Today, take some free time to lay on the beach or by the pool, or explore and shop Taromina on your own. Tonight, enjoy a dinner prepared by a very famous Sicilian chef, Crisitian Foti. Plenty of wine and local singers will transform this night in to a festive party.
Optional Experience: An optional trip to Siracusa will be offered by your tour leader. This all-day experience will introduce and enlighten you to the most multi-cultural city in Sicily.

After breakfast, we depart Sicily and make our way to Sorrento. We'll take a ferry boat cruise across Straits of Messina to the mainland of Italy Then we'll make a stop in the region of Calabria, in Southern Italy, for a relaxing lunch stop. Later in the afternoon, arrive in the hotel in Sorrento, overlooking the Gulf of Naples. Enjoy a nice dinner with music, dancing and wine.

Today, transfer by boat to the famous and beautiful island of Capri. A Wherever Tours representative at the hotel is available to offer any suggestions prior to your transfer so you can make the most out of your day. This tiny island, which was once the playground of the ancient emperors, will leave you breathless due to it’s limitless charm and historical sights. Take some time to shop and explore, and most of all, enjoy the spectacular views from above. Upon your return, take some time to wander the streets of Sorrento before retiring back to the hotel.

This morning, head out to the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Have cameras ready for a spectacular view of Positano where there will be free time to shop and explore this beautiful seaside town, featured in many famous movies and magazines. Later, enjoy your “ultima cena” (last dinner) in Sorrento. Great food, music, and song and dance will complete this unforgettable stay in Sorrento, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Sadly we must say “arrivederci” to Sicily and Sorrento. After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the Naples airport for your onward journey. You might even consider staying a couple more nights in Sorrento before heading back home. Just let us know.