A trip to Southern Italy and Sicily is a real adventure
it starts in Rome where you visit St Peter's Square and the Vatican. Please,
make sure you have your cameras ready for the world famous Sistine Chapel's
ceiling paintings done by Michelangelo. After you leave Rome, and cross
the Tiber River, you will stop at the world famous Coliseum and the Roman
Forum.
On the third day, a trip to Pompeii could bring a tear
to your eye thinking about all the people who were buried alive by volcanic
ash those thousands years ago. Here you will be able to view many of the
well-preserved objects that have been found over the years. After this awesome
trip we will head along Posillipo Hill where there is a sweeping view of
the Bay of Naples. Here, make sure that you have a good night's rest because
the next day will bring a treat to behold.
Well here we are on our way to the Isle of Capri. Our
guide will take us on a trip to the Blue Grotto via jetfoil boat. Once again,
the view from Capri is spectacular so you will want to take many photos.
On day six we will be taking an overnight cruise to Sicily,
a melting pot of nationalities, which contribute to its rich heritage. In
Palermo, the tour continues to the Cathedral, and Palatine Chapel in the
royal palace. In the afternoon, we visit the Norman Cathedral, home to 50,000
square feet of precious Byzantine mosaics. After this picturesque visit
we head back to Palermo and a spectacular dinner show.
Because of its proximity to the Greek Isles, Southwest
Sicily is noted for its ancient Greek treasures, many of which, will be
seen at the breathtaking Valley Of Temples. Even seasoned travelers are
in awe when they see the gigantic, yet graceful, Greek structures that have
withstood 24 centuries of history. As we visit the Dorian Temples and Acropolis
at Selinunte, you may be prompted to think about the quality of human progress
since those olden days of Greek splendor. These temples are built on a natural
balcony overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and provide an unforgettable view.
An easy morning drive will take us to visit the 16,000
seat white Greek Theater, dating back to the 5th Century B.C. Many other
archaeological sites, such as the Altar of Hieron II, the Roman Amphitheater,
and the Cordmakers' Cave will be an important part of this exciting tour
day. Can you imagine been in the midst of all this antiquity'
After all of the walking from previous days, enjoy a
full day at the beautiful resort area of Taormina at your own pace. Do some
shopping, sign up for an excursion to Mt. Etna, or live it up in one of
Europe's most popular beach resorts, take a dip, or simply relax the day
away.
On the last few days of our tour we will be going to
many more interesting places such as the town of Alberobello which is known
for its unique 'trulli' which are whitewashed dry stone circular houses
with pinnacled and conical roofs. A short drive from here takes us to the
spectacular two mile long limestone Caves of Castellana, where awe-inspiring
stalagmites and stalactites have formed over the centuries.
Our last stop will bring you back to Rome for a festive
farewell dinner at a great restaurant where you can celebrate the success
of your tour and the meeting of new friends.
Written by Ramblin' Rose Mascarenhas of Gadabout Travel
