Palermo (3 nights) Taormina (3) Naples (3) Rome (3)
Journey to some of the most memorable places in all of southern Italy and Sicily on this first-class, fully escorted tour. This all-inclusive tour covers all the best southern Italy has to offer ...

Begin your tour in Palermo, the bustling yet beautiful capital of Sicily. A drive through the beautiful town of Monreale adds even more beauty to the tour. Visit Selinunte and Marsala, a famous archeological site, and a famous wine region, respectively. Your next stop, Siracusa, is Sicily's most important Greek city of antiquity, where you can step into the "ear of Dionysus". On to Taormina, the "Jewel of Italy", where you will relax with leisurely tours and some free time, enjoying the panoramic view of Mt. Etna. Take a boat trip from Messina to the mainland of Italy at Calabria. Motor up the rugged Calabrian "spine" to Naples. Here you will enjoy the world-famous Amalfi Coast and picturesque Positano. Delight in a day trip to the leisurely island of Capri. Then it's on to Pompeii, the city of ruins dug out from the ashes rained on it by Vesuvius. Finally toRome, our final stop, the Eternal City, where you will visit some fabulous places like the Vatican, the Circus Maximus and the grandiose Colosseum. Then celebrate at a Gala Party before returning to the USA.

Day 1  DEPART THE USA
We're off. And like kids, we're giddy about the journey ahead of us.

Day 2  BUON GIORNO, PALERMO
Benvenuti a Palermo! We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Palermo airport to your hotel at 11:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm. Your Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you. After check-in, take a look around the neighborhood or simply relax.

This evening we enjoy a welcome drink followed by dinner and the first of many local wines to be sampled in the days ahead.

Day 3  HISTORIC PALERMO
This morning, with our expert local guide, we set out to explore the fascinating capital city. We'll visit the royal Palace which General George Patton turned into his headquarters in 1943. We'll also take in the Palace of the Normans, the Palatine Chapel, the Cathedrals of Palermo and Monreale and other highlights of the city.

We're on our own this afternoon. Perhaps a visit to the Quattro Canti (four corners) in the city's old historic district. Tonight, we dine in a local Palermo restaurant, enjoying true Sicilian food and wine.

Day 4  VISIT TO MARSALA & SELINUNTE
This morning we traverse the beautiful coastal road to Marsala, where Englishman, John Woodhouse, introduced fortified wine in 1796. We'll have a chance to tour a wine cellar and enjoy a taste of the famous thick, dark wine.

This afternoon we visit the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Selinus -- an acropolis of majestic temples overlooking the sea.

Tonight we'll enjoy another dinner out in Palermo with fine wines and our new friends.

Day 5  PALERMO TO TAORMINA, VIA SIRACUSA
We bid farewell to Palermo this morning with stunning Taormina in our sights. On the way, we'll visit Sicily's most important Greek city of antiquity --- Siracusa (Syracuse). Archimedes, the Greek mathematician, was slain here by the Romans. Plato taught here!

The archaeological garden is peppered with attractions: the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater and the 'Ear of Dionysus'. But what an ear! Nearly 200 feet long, you can enter the inner chamber of the "ear" where tearing a piece of paper sounds like a gun shot. A forerunner to modern day "bugging" - the tyrant Dionysus eavesdropped on prisoners in the "ear". Many have proclaimed Taormina to be the most beautiful place on earth. Now you can decide for yourself. After a long day, we'll enjoy a relaxing dinner in our hotel.

Day 6 A LOOK AT TAORMINA
After this morning's leisurely tour, you will know why Taormina is the 'jewel of Italy'. Its winding streets and secluded gardens behind stone walls are truly enchanting. The Greek and Roman outdoor theater is a sight in itself. But from here, we take in the view of Mt. Etna. Europe's greatest natural wonder, it offers a rare contrast --- snow-covered slopes and flowing lava.

It's a free afternoon. Why not stroll the medieval streets, lined with interesting little shops? Or take in the sea at one of the nearby beaches? Tonight, we enjoy those wines with dinner at a lovely local restaurant.

Day 7 FREE DAY IN TAORMINA
Sleep late, have a leisurely breakfast, take a swim, stroll through the Public Gardens, shop! This is when you might think --- "I really should have convinced my friends and family to go on this trip." Well, call Perillo when you get home and we'll all go back next year!

Ask your tour guide about the many ways to fritter away a day in paradise. Tonight we'll have dinner in our hotel. Have you tried "pesce spada" yet? Swordfish is Sicily's favorite fish.

Day 8 STRAITS OF MESSINA TO NAPLES
It's a short drive to Messina where we board our steamer across the Straits of Messina. Reggio ahead - the golden sun above - the blue water below - it's great to be alive!

Nestled at the tip of Calabria is Reggio - with her homes climbing up the serene slopes, hugging the hills, their faces to the sun and sea - expressing in a gaze the warmth of her people.

Now we motor north, up the rugged Calabrian spine across the Apennines to Naples. Dinner tonight is with our friends at the hotel.

Day 9  NAPLES AND THE AMALFI COAST
This morning we'll tour the colorful city of Naples, including San Severo Chapel and the Santa Chiara and Gesu Nuovo churches. We travel the world-famous Amalfi Coast, admiring the picturesque village of Positano. Each corner we turn is more beautiful. Happily, we meander through the charming town of Amalfi, knowing why it's considered 'the most beautiful stretch of scenery in the Mediterranean'. Our eyes filled with loveliness, we travel back to Naples to dine at one of the nicest restaurants along the coast.

Note: starting November 2007, day 10 itinerary is switched with day 9 itinerary.

Day 10 THE ISLE OF CAPRI
Naples at our stern, Capri at our bow, this morning we cross the Bay of Naples to the world's most enchanting island. A free day on Capri can include the famed Blue Grotto, a chairlift to the top of Mount Solaro or just peaceful relaxation.

Later this afternoon, we'll sail back to Naples. Tonight, we'll enjoy some great Neapolitan specialties washed down with the fine wines.

Note: starting November 2007, day 9 itinerary is switched with day 10 itinerary.

Day 11 TO ROME, VIA POMPEII
Pompeii! A city perfectly preserved as it was on that fateful day 2,000 years ago, when ash and lava literally stopped it in its tracks. You'll see the tragic fossils of people attempting to escape, along with their children and dogs.

Back to the present day, along the Highway of the Sun, we're soon in Rome. Eleven days in Italy? How's your Italian? "Chi viaggia con Perillo, viaggia tranquillo!"

Tonight we'll enjoy dinner at our hotel.

Day 12  IMPERIAL ROME
Today we'll visit the birthplace of the Roman Empire. With our expert local guide, we'll board our coach for a panoramic tour of Castel St. Angelo, the Roman Forum, Largo Argentina (where Caesar was stabbed by Brutus), the Jewish Ghetto and the Circus Maximus. Then we'll enter the Colosseum, reliving the brutal entertainment of the gladiators and the lions, refereed by the Emperor himself. What do "thumbs up" and "thumbs down" really mean? It's not what you think.

Tonight we'll eat at one of my favorite Roman restaurants. Two thumbs up!

Day 13  CHRISTIAN ROME & GALA FAREWELL
This morning we're off to the Vatican Museums, a treasure trove of ancient Greek sculptures, medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings. Our visit culminates in the Sistine Chapel, the room where the Pope is elected. We enter in total silence, not wanting to disturb Michelangelo's famed frescoes depicting the 'End of Times'.

Next we visit St. Peter's Basilica, by far the largest church in Christendom. We'll see Michelangelo's Pieta, sculpted when he was just 24. I'm always amazed by the mosaic 'paintings' created from tiny chips of 100,000 different shades of color and Bernini's seven- story bronze canopy above the main altar.

Until Oct. 2007 - Back at the hotel, we'll primp for our gala farewell dinner/dance at the glorious Brancaccio Palace, a Perillo exclusive. This most extravagant evening is filled with wonderful food, glorious song, flowing wine. (Not included on departures Nov 1 - Apr 20, where the Gala will be replaced by dinner out at a local restaurant.)

Starting Nov. 2007 - Tonight, get ready for our Gala Party at Casina di Macchia Madama - an extravagant dinner with flowing wines and dancing to our own orchestra. A memorable night with your new friends. Salute! (not included on departures Nov1-Apr9, where the Gala will be replaced by dinner out at a local restaurant)

No tears, you'll exchange e-mails with your newly found friends and maybe meet your tour guide again on your next Perillo Tour.

Day 14  FLIGHT HOME
This morning we board our flight home, arriving in the USA the same day. While we say 'arrivederci' to Italy, we realize we're taking a little piece of it back home with us.

Note: The days of sightseeing and dinners out may vary. In the rare instance where alternate hotel arrangements are necessary, a similar First Class hotel will be substituted.