Erika Jung
Southern Italy: Rome, Naples, Pompei & Sicily
Luxury Trips - Zicasso
16 DAYS / 15 NIGHTS
Palermo · Monreale · Catania · Mount Etna · Syracuse · Taormina · Naples · Pompei · Vesuvius · Rome · Vatican City
Sicily, Naples & Rome: A Grand Italian Journey
Ideal for: Couples | Food & Wine Explorers | History & Culture Lovers
Overview
Discover Southern Italy through a journey designed for travelers who appreciate remarkable history, authentic cuisine, great wines, and timeless art.
Begin in Palermo, where private guided visits reveal the Arab-Norman heritage of the city and nearby Monreale, complemented by an immersive cooking class with a local chef.
Continue to Eastern Sicily, staying five nights near Catania. Explore the dramatic landscapes of Mount Etna, discover ancient Syracuse, and experience the distinctive character of Etna DOC wines through exclusive winery visits, alongside a day trip to the cliffside beauty of Taormina.
Fly on to Naples, where the ancient ruins of Pompei and a wine tasting on the volcanic slopes of Vesuvius reveal the extraordinary layers of history at the foot of the volcano.
Your adventure concludes with three nights in Rome, where private guided visits unveil the treasures of Ancient Rome — the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill — and the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
A carefully crafted itinerary where history, wine, food, and genuine local traditions come together to create unforgettable memories.
Why travellers love this trip?
- Private guided tour of Palermo & Cappella Palatina in Monreale
- Hands-on cooking class with market shopping in Palermo
- 5 nights exploring Eastern Sicily & Taormina from Catania
- 4×4 Mount Etna adventure & Etna DOC wine experiences
- Private guided visit of Syracuse’s archaeological treasures
- Private guided visit of Pompei & wine tasting on Mount Vesuvius
- Private guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
- Private guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica
- Only four carefully selected 4★/boutique hotels throughout the journey
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Palermo | Welcome to Sicily
Welcome to Italy!
Upon arrival at Palermo Airport, your private driver will be waiting to welcome you and accompany you comfortably to your elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Palermo.
The remainder of the day is entirely yours to settle in and enjoy your first taste of Sicily at your own pace.
Overnight at Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel, Palermo (Via Santissimo Salvatore, 6)
Restaurant recommendations at Palermo:
- Taverna Calderai — Via Calderai, 44
- Osteria SALUTAMI A’ NONNA — Piazza Conte Federico, 24
Day 2 – Palermo | Arab-Norman Heritage & Sicilian Flavors
This morning, meet your private guide for a 3-hour guided tour of Palermo. Discover the historic center among Arab-Norman monuments, historic markets and noble palaces, learning the history, traditions and authentic soul of the city. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended.
In the afternoon, take part in a hands-on cooking class for two, beginning with a shopping trip to a local market together with your chef, followed by a private cooking lesson and a lunch paired with unlimited wine.
Overnight in Palermo.
Day 3 – Monreale | Norman Masterpieces
This morning, your private driver will accompany you to Monreale, just outside Palermo.
Visit the Palazzo Reale di Palermo (Royal Palace), one of Europe’s oldest royal residences, and its extraordinary Cappella Palatina, a masterpiece of Arab-Norman art. Arrive 15 minutes before your reserved time slot; appropriate clothing is required for the religious spaces.
Overnight in Palermo.
Day 4 – Palermo | A Day at Leisure
Today is entirely yours to enjoy at a relaxed pace — stroll through Palermo’s historic quarters, explore its markets, or simply relax before continuing your journey.
Overnight in Palermo.
Day 5 – Palermo → Catania | Crossing Sicily
After breakfast, your private driver will accompany you on a scenic 3-hour drive across Sicily to Catania, your base for exploring the eastern side of the island over the coming days.
Overnight at Romano House 4★, Catania (Via Giovanni di Prima, 20)
Restaurant recommendations at Catania:
- L’Oste Pazzo — Via Monsignor Ventimiglia, 72
- Trattoria U Fucularu — Via Euplio Reina, 20
Day 6 – Mount Etna | Volcano Adventure
Today is dedicated to one of Sicily’s greatest natural wonders.
Board a 4×4 jeep and venture deep into the wild landscapes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Travel across ancient lava flows, volcanic forests, and dramatic lunar scenery before visiting a fascinating lava cave equipped with helmet and headlamp.
Continue to the famous Silvestri Craters, where a gentle walk at nearly 2,000 meters offers unforgettable panoramic views over eastern Sicily.
A traditional light lunch served at a mountain refuge completes this immersive volcanic adventure.
Overnight in Catania.
Day 7 – Syracuse | Sicily Through the Ages
This morning, your private driver will take you to Syracuse, where you’ll meet your private guide inside the Archaeological Park of Neapolis. Discover masterpieces of ancient Syracuse, including the Greek Theatre, the legendary Ear of Dionysius, the Latomia del Paradiso, the Altar of Hieron II and the Roman Amphitheatre. Comfortable shoes, a hat and water are recommended, as the visit takes place largely outdoors on uneven ground.
Your private driver will bring you back to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Catania.
Day 8 – Etna Wine Country | Volcanic Terroirs & Exceptional Wines
Today, immerse yourselves in the extraordinary wine culture born on the fertile slopes of Mount Etna.
Accompanied by a specialist guide, explore a picturesque volcanic village before visiting two carefully selected wineries, where centuries-old traditions meet innovative winemaking techniques. Walk through vineyards rooted in volcanic soil, discover historic cellars, and learn why Etna has become one of Italy’s most exciting wine regions.
Throughout the day, enjoy guided tastings of elegant Etna DOC wines, while a leisurely included lunch celebrates the authentic flavors of eastern Sicily.
Overnight in Catania.
Day 9 – Taormina | Private Guided Discovery
This morning, your private driver will accompany you from your hotel in Catania to Taormina, where you will meet your private guide for a 2-hour guided tour of the town, including a visit to the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, one of Sicily’s most spectacular archaeological sites, offering breathtaking views over the sea and Mount Etna. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended, as the visit includes steps and uneven surfaces.
Following the tour, your private driver will bring you back to your hotel in Catania.
Overnight in Catania.
Day 10 – Catania → Naples | Flying Across Italy
After breakfast, your private driver will accompany you on the scenic drive from Catania back to Palermo Airport, where you will board your included flight to Naples with ITA Airways.
Upon arrival at Naples Airport, your private driver will be waiting to welcome you for a transfer to your hotel in the heart of Naples.
Overnight at Hotel NapoliMia 4★, Naples (Via Toledo, 323)
Restaurant recommendations at Napoli:
- Biancomangiare – Cucina tipica napoletana, Trattoria Osteria Napoli — Vico San Nicola Alla Carità, 13
- Trattoria e Pizzeria Morè — Vico Tiratoio, 5
Day 11 – Naples | A Day at Leisure
Today is free to explore Naples at your own pace — wander through elegant piazzas, narrow vicoli and bustling markets, or simply relax after your travels.
Overnight in Naples.
Day 12 – Pompei & Vesuvius | Ancient Ruins & Volcanic Wines
This morning, your private driver will accompany you to Pompei, where a private guide will lead you through one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites. Explore the streets, houses, temples and frescoed villas of ancient Pompei, uncovering the everyday life of the Roman city frozen in time beneath the ash of Vesuvius. Comfortable footwear is recommended, as the ground is partly uneven and cobbled.
Afterwards, your driver will transfer you to Trecase, on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, where a historic winery welcomes you for a guided tour of the estate and a tasting of the celebrated Lacryma Christi wines, accompanied by a lunch of local specialties.
Overnight in Naples.
Day 13 – Naples → Rome | Journey North by Rail
After breakfast, your private driver will accompany you to Naples Centrale Station for your included train journey to Rome Termini.
Upon arrival, your private driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the heart of Rome.
Overnight at The Fifteen Keys Hotel, Rome (Via Urbana, 6)
Restaurant recommendations at Roma:
- Piccolo Deroma – Via del Lavatore, 41
- La Nuova Piazzetta — Vicolo del Buon Consiglio, 23/a
Day 14 – Rome | Ancient Rome
This morning, meet your private guide for a 4-hour guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Explore the arena, the ancient streets, temples and panoramic terraces, reliving the stories and traditions of the Roman Empire. Comfortable shoes recommended; the entry time printed on the Colosseum ticket must be strictly observed.
Overnight in Rome.
Day 15 – Rome | Vatican City
This morning, meet your private guide for a 4-hour guided tour of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, admiring unique masterpieces from the papal collections to Michelangelo’s frescoes. Appropriate clothing is required for the sacred spaces; comfortable shoes recommended.
Overnight in Rome.
Day 16 – Arrivederci Italia
After breakfast, your private driver will accompany you to Rome Fiumicino Airport for your journey home.
Depart Italy with unforgettable memories of Sicily’s Arab-Norman heritage and volcanic landscapes, Naples’ ancient ruins and exceptional flavors, and Rome’s timeless art and history.
What is included
- Day 1 – Private transfer from Palermo Airport to the hotel · 4 nights at Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel, breakfast included
- Day 2 – Private guided tour of Palermo (3 hours) · Hands-on cooking class with market shopping, cooking lesson and lunch with unlimited wine
- Day 3 – Private transfer to Monreale · Entrance tickets to Palazzo Reale di Palermo and Cappella Palatina
- Day 4 – Free day
- Day 5 – Private transfer from Palermo to Catania (approx. 3 hours) · 5 nights at Romano House 4★, breakfast included
- Day 6 – Full-day 4×4 Mount Etna Jeep Tour, professional guide, lava cave visit, Silvestri Craters, lunch at a mountain refuge
- Day 7 – Private transfers to/from Syracuse · Private guided tour of the Neapolis Archaeological Park · Entrance ticket to the Neapolis Archaeological Park
- Day 8 – Full-day Etna Wineries Tour, professional guide, 2 wineries, guided tastings, lunch
- Day 9 – Private transfer Catania ↔ Taormina · Private guided tour (2 hours) including the Ancient Theatre
- Day 10 – Private transfer from Catania to Palermo Airport (approx. 3 hours) · Domestic flight Palermo–Naples with ITA Airways · Private transfer from airport to hotel · 3 nights at Hotel NapoliMia 4★, breakfast included
- Day 11 – Free day
- Day 12 – Private transfer to Pompei · Private guided tour · Entrance ticket to the Pompei Archaeological Park · Private transfer to Trecase · Wine tasting of Lacryma Christi wines with lunch
- Day 13 – Private transfer to Naples Centrale Station · Train ticket Naples–Rome Termini · Private transfer from station to hotel · 3 nights at The Fifteen Keys Hotel, breakfast included
- Day 14 – Private guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (4 hours) · Entrance tickets to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Day 15 – Private guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica (4 hours) · Entrance tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Day 16 – Private transfer from hotel to Rome Fiumicino Airport
What is not included
- International flights to/from Italy and any air or rail services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- City taxes, payable locally at each hotel, subject to local regulations
- Lunches, dinners, beverages, and personal expenses not expressly listed under the included services
- Porterage, gratuities, optional activities, and anything not specifically mentioned in the “What is included” section
DEPOSIT
must be paid by
6.000
BALANCE
must be paid by
14.000
TOTAL PRICE
Policies & Terms
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations are subject to the following penalties calculated on the total trip price:
- Deposit (30%) is non-refundable under any circumstances.
If the trip has been fully paid, the following penalties apply:
- Up to 60 days before departure: 50% penalty
- From 59 to 45 days before departure: 75% penalty
- From 44 days prior to departure to the departure date: 100% penalty
Package Modifications
Once the package has been confirmed, modifications can be made up to 45 days before departure.
- Upgrades: free of charge, except for the cost of the new services
- Downgrades: subject to an agency fee of €200 per modified service
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your trip in case of unexpected cancellations, changes, or emergencies.
Payment Options & TERMS
Payment currency: € EURO
Accepted Payment Methods:
– Credit card
– Debit card
– Revolut Direct
Payment Terms
Deposit: 30% non-refundable, due at the time of booking confirmation.
Balance Payment: due between 60 and 80 days prior to the departure date.
All payments are to be made in € EURO.