Naples, Amalfi Coast

Day 1  Naples  (land begins)
Day 2 Naples - Pompeii - Amalfi Coast
Day 3 Amalfi Coast

Upon arrival at the airport of Naples we drive directly to our hotel on perimeter of the city center. In the evening you can get a great impression of this vibrant city.

The next day you can explore the city extensively. Naples is beautifully situated on an unforgettable bay and despite the devastation during World War II, there is indeed still much to see,. The city has many museums and churches. The National Archaeological Museum is a must. You can see the older traditional neighborhoods and you will also see the latest fashion displayed in many shop windows. You can sample the Neapolitan contribution to the world, pizza. Although the city seems a bit chaotic, it is a pleasant place to explore, on foot.

Towards the south, we visit the archaeological site of Pompeii. After a major eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD the city was covered with a thick layer of ash, and thus it was well preserved. In the 18th century Pompeii was the birthplace of modern archeology when an architect accidentally unearthed remnents from the past. The archaeological excavations will give you a good impression of life in those day including people who were surprised by the eruption.

We drive along a beautiful coast with gorgeous views we drive to Minori, a village situated on the famous Amalfi Coast. Since the Roman period, the island of Capri has been a place for fun and relaxation. The emperors Augustus and Tiberius built their villas here and it remains a popular tourist stop.

Trecchina, Roccella Jonica

Day 4 Amalfi - Paestum - Trecchina
Day 5 Trecchina - Rossano - Tropea
Day 6 Tropea

We  cross from west to east of the Italian peninsula, stopping for an overnight in the small village Trecchina. En route, we have time to enjoy the historical and cultural attractions.  A visit to the temples of Paestum, undoubtedly leaves an unforgettable impression. There are three of the best preserved temples in Greek antiquity.

We can take a look at a farm where the original mozzarella, buffalo cheese is made. We pass through picturesque villages like Rivello, where tourism is not prevalent. Through a winding road we travel through the green hilly countryside to the east.

After the night we visit Trecchina Rossano. The building in Rossano date back to the Byzantine period. This brought the town the nickname "Ravenna of the South”.

The subsequent trip to Tropea is said to be the most beautiful coast of Calabria. A trip to Geraci or Stilo is also possible. The Byzantine churches, narrow streets and rural villages give a special, medieval atmosphere.

Cefalù, Palermo

Day 7 Tropea - Villa San Giovanni -- Ferry to Messina - Palermo
Day 8 Palermo
Day 9 Palermo, Monreale visit

We drive on to Villa San Giovanni. We take a ferry to Messina  passing Scylla to Charybdis, (from The Odyssey). From the port of Messina we go by bus to Palermo.

Palermo has something for evryone. Palermo has many monuments in the Byzantine, Arab-Norman, Renaissance and Baroque style. Although the city declined after the bombing in WWII  there are still many historic buidings and lovely sights, markets and trattorias in the narrow streets and small squares.

From Palermo we visit Cefalù. Cefalù is situated on the edge of the national park Madonie 'del Bosco Stilo, where some of the highest mountain peaks are found on the island. This is an  area where small villages, farms and vineyards are scattered throughout the hills and valleys. Take a walk through this beautiful park and enjoy a glass of regional wine makes for a relaxed impression of the area.

Of course we take the time to visit the 12th-century cathedral of Monreale. This is just a few miles from the Sicilian capital Palermo and is known as the finest example of Norman architecture.  Other styles are reflected in many of the design elements, such as the bronze doors made by Pisano and Da Trani. The magnificent gold mosaics, you should not miss. They are very famous throughout the world.

Day 10 Palermo - Segesta - Selinunte - Marsala
Day 11 Marsala

Towards Marsala we pass the villages of Segesta and Selinunte. In Segesta we visit the remains of Greek antiquities. The Doric temple with 36 columns was never finished. The old theater is is cut from a rock and has perfect acoustics. And here there is a truly breathtaking view. Selinunte was once the main rival of Segesta and was the most westerly town during the Greek domination, but was destroyed by the Carthaginian. After more fighting and earthquakes little remained, but the ruins of three temples remain as cultural and historic landmarks.

We drive on to Marsala. The village Marsala is the most suitable venue to taste the famous dessert wine, named after the city! The landscape in this area consists mainly of grain fields and vineyards. You have the possibility to explore the surroundings on your own or to take part in an excursion, which the tour leader suggests.

Make a stop by Erice, a village with an authentic medieval atmosphere. Or visit Mozia, located on the island of San Pantaleo in the Stag None Lagoon. The location of Mozia is especially impressive in the midst of salt marshes and surrounded by windmills.

Piazza Armerina, Giardini Naxos

Day 12 Marsala - Agrigento - Piazza Armerina
Day 13 Piazza Armerina - Etna - Taormina
Day 14 Taormina
Day 15 Taormina - Catania - Amsterdam

We interrupt the ride to the east coast of Sicily with a night in Piazza Armerina where we can enjoy the beauty that the island has to offer.

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is home to a number of cultural treasures, with five temples which have remained relatively well preserved. In the Piazza Armerina you can visit the Roman Villa Casale from the 3rd and 4th century, which was discovered only few years. The mosaics and motifs depict beautiful scenes.

Wwe drive towards Taormina for a walk on the volcano Etna. At an altitude of about 1900 meters you can walk on the slopes of one of the most active volcanoes in the world. A very special experience! The soil is black lava. It is important to take shoes with a good grip. An optional excursion by a road or by cable car takes you to a height of about 3000 meters. There you have a beautiful view of the area with craters and relatively recent lava flows from the eruption in October 2002.

We stay in the seaside resort of Taormina where you can  easily get public transport to explore. Taormina has always been a center for trade and art, even at the time of the Norman, Spanish and finally French domination. You can also enjoy all of the beautiful beaches. Taormina is also in the old Teatro Greco. The view of the Ionian Sea is world famous.

From Taormina it is possible to make excursions to Catania to shop for souvenirs. In the nearby Giardini Naxos place you can visit the archaeological park, home of  the first Greek settlement in Sicily. From Catania our land program comes to an end.