ISLANDS HIGHLIGHTS OF ITALY

Your first stop is Palermo, the lively capital of the Mediterranean’s largest island. Take an afternoon to explore Sicily’s center at your own leisure before embarking on a tour of hidden Palermo the next day. Marvel at buzzing open-air markets like the colorful La Vucciria, hosting live music at night, and picturesque Ballarò, one of the island’s oldest marketplaces. Taste typical Sicilian finger food like arancini (fried rice balls) or pane con panelle (chickpea fritters). In nearby Monreale, admire its cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a showcase of Arab-Norman art and architecture. Visit the archeological site of Segesta, with its ruins from the 5^th century BC, including a never-finished Doric temple. Discover coastal Marsala, famous for its dessert wines, with a wine tasting in a historic cellar. Round of this luxury tour of Italy with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valley of the Temples, a striking collection of ancient Doric temples.

On the way to gorgeous Siracusa, peek into Sicily’s inland town of Caltagirone, renowned for its rich ceramic traditions. At the town of Piazza Armerina, visit its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Roman Villa of Casale with one of the world’s greatest collections of Roman mosaics. Unravel some of Italy’s most guarded culinary secrets during a Sicilian cooking class in Siracusa. The unique experience includes grocery shopping at the local market, followed by lunch. An afternoon tour with a private guide takes you to Siracusa’s landmark sites. Stroll the streets of Ortigia, the ancient part of town on an island connected to the mainland by a bridge. Known as Città Vecchia (“the Old City”), Ortigia is home to age-old relics, including multiple Greek temples. Wrap up the Sicily portion of the trip by taking in Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. Along the way, gaze at vineyards and pistachio groves dotting the lush Sicilian soil.

Your next stop: the Aeolian Islands, also known as the “seven pearls of the Mediterranean Sea.” Cruise around the seven islands that feature some of the most beautiful villages Italy has to offer. First docking at Salina, explore this quaint village and taste traditional pane cunzato, a bread stuffed with delicious ingredients. Immerse yourself in the dreamy surroundings on a full-day excursion by boat: swim in Salina’s beautiful Bay of Pollara and visit the pretty pastel-colored town on Lipari, the largest of the islands. On Volcano Island, head to the tiny port of Gelso and dip into glittering blue waters of the famous Venus Pool. Relax in thermal springs and mud baths at Cavallo Grotto and take in the unique 1300-foot Fossa Crater. Spend a day hiking with an expert guide on Stromboli, home to three active volcanos. The small picturesque island is aptly nicknamed the “lighthouse of the Mediterranean,” since minor eruptions are often visible.