Day 1   |  Naples

Naples is Italy at its best! Think birthplace of pizza and home of Sophia Loren. And its worst, home of the Camorra family of organised crime. It is brash, vibrant and gritty, but there is a raw beauty amongst the chaos. After a delicious lunch of typical Neapolitan cuisine, time to explore the rich tapestry of Naples including the legendary Spaccanapoli and other iconic corners of the city.

Day 2   |  Naples

We ferry to the island of Procida, a little piece of heaven sitting in the Bay of Naples and proud winner of Italian Capital of Culture 2022.  It is pure magic wandering this colourful 4.1 square kilometre island with fishing boats, washing flapping in the seabreeze and locals going about their daily business on scooters.  Hard to beat a seafood lunch with a glass of vino at the water’s edge.

Day 3  |  Taormina

Depart Naples for Villa San Giovanni via train which is a 4-5 hour coastal hugging scenic journey. The short ferry trip across the Strait of Messina is 20 minutes where we will be met for a private transfer to Taormina. Perfectly perched on a rocky promontory high above the sea, stunning Taormina has been a popular destination in Sicily for over 200 years, since it became an integral part of the Grand Tour. Beautifully restored medieval buildings, breathtaking views around every corner and a giddy network of winding streets all combine for a heady mix of mountain magic.

Day 4  |  Taormina

A full day ‘Etna Jeep Tour’ with Rosario who is passionate about his Sicily. We drive in 4 wheel drive vehicles to the extinct craters at 2000m above sea level, taking in the great lava flow of 1991-1993 and Etna’s forest and green valley with luxuriant vegetation. Truly a surreal experience walking around the craters on what looks and feels like a moonscape.

Day 5  |  Taormina

A day to linger and wander our romantic town of Taormina. It was here that D.H. Lawrence was inspired to write Lady Chatterley’s Lover, one of the most passionate and erotic love stories of its era. A key attraction is Teatro Greco, the Greek-Roman theatre dating back to the 3rd century that is perfectly preserved with dramatic views of the coastline and Mount Etna.

Day 6  |  Ortigia

Private transfer to the small Baroque island of Ortigia, the historic centre of Siracusa. This tiny island is 1km long and barely 600m wide, connected to the mainland by two bridges. Nearly 3,000 years ago the Greeks founded the city of Siracusa, destined to become the most glittering of all the cities of Magna Graeca. Their light drenched city still thrives, and nowhere else in Sicily is the sense of this glorious classical past more tangible. It is a UNESCO landmark for its “remarkable testimony of the Mediterranean cultures over the centuries”.

Day 7  |  Ortigia

Tucked away in the bottom south-east corner of Sicily is a little town founded by the Arabs. Marzamemi began as a fishing village and used to have a huge tuna processing factory. It is still a fishing village, but on a smaller scale. It feels very Moroccan, filled with stone buildings with colourful doors and windows. It is the most delightful place for a seaside lunch.

Day 8  |  Ortigia

Ortigia may be small, but it is a treasure trove of tight streets, outdoor cafes, stunning piazzas and exquisite lotions, potions and perfumes made by artisans on the island using local ingredients including almond oil and Sicilian jasmine. An indulgent day exploring every nook and cranny of the historic centre including the Temple of Apollo, dating back to the 6th century BC and the magnificent cathedral which sits on the ruins of a Greek temple.

Day 9  |  Lipari

Private transfer from Ortigia to the port town of Milazzo to catch a ferry to an archipelago off the north coast of Sicily. These seven small Aeolian islands became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 due to their particular volcanic properties. The islands are considered the pearls of the Mediterranean with dramatic scenery, hot mud baths and hiking trails on old mule tracks. We stay in Lipari, the largest island with a local population of around 13,000 people.

Day 10  |  Lipari

A thirty minute ferry ride from Lipari is the chic little island called Panarea with its simple whitewashed buildings, shuttered windows and a rich profusion of flowers. Consider this an indulgent getaway day exploring the well kept lanes, the waterfront of San Pietro with its boutiques and restaurants and of course eating which is one of the pleasures of the island. The natural beauty and small island charm is a photographer’s dream.

Day 11  |  Lipari

Lipari has a long and distinguished history and close connections with Australia. The Aeolian Islands have a place in mythology and were inhabited as far back as 5000 BC. There is much to see on our island including traces of the island’s ancient history, an impressive castello, the castle on a fortified headland where the town was once located and an archaeological museum. A perfect day of wandering amidst the elegant historic townhouses and humble island dwellings with balconies bedecked with flowers, washing, onions and peppers.

Day 12  |  Rome

After breakfast, the ferry takes us to Messina Marittima where we cross the Messina Strait to catch the train directly back to Rome.  Transfer to our hotel for dinner at a favourite trattoria popular with locals.

Day 13  |  Rome

Contrary to what many tourists believe, it is impossible to discover Rome in just a few days. Perhaps the iconic, must-see landmarks, but not the secret Rome. There are so many unusual, hidden and little known corners of the city that you may pass time after time without noticing or knowing the incredible story behind the imposing door or shuttered window. This is a day of exploring the lesser known alleyways and neighbourhoods that I have come to love; eating delicious Roman food and meeting some of my favourite people in their tiny artisan shops.

Tour dates

29 th May to 11 th June 2024 (13 nights)

17 th April to 1 st May 2025 (14 nights)

3 rd to 17 th October 2025 (14 nights)

Rates 2024

• Tour Cost:  $5,200
• Single room supplement:  $1,100

Rates 2025

• Tour Cost: $6290
• Single Room Supplement: $1350

Email deb@ciaoitaly.com.au for updated itineraries (NEW, 3 nights on the Aeolian Islands)

NEW TOUR!

Matera – Puglia

Tour Dates

16 th to 30 th October 2025 (14 nights)

Email deb@ciaoitaly.com.au for itinerary and rates

1. A booking is confirmed by payment of a deposit of $500 per person which is non refundable.

2. Payments can be made by transferring funds into the bank account of Ciao Italy Tours. Transfer fees are the client’s responsibility.

3. The final payment is due not less than eight weeks prior to departure.

1. Cancellations – If you decide to cancel your booking, the following charges will apply:

• 60-30 days before the start of the tour:  50% of tour costs
• 29 days before the start of the tour: 100% of tour costs

Cancellation of a tour must be received in writing – please click here to email Deb.

5. It is compulsory for clients to have full travel and medical insurance and provide a copy of the policy prior to departure.

6. The tour price includes all items listed in the package. It does not include flights, accommodation additional costs (e.g. telephone, minibar etc) and any other items not specifically mentioned in the package details.

7. Occasionally, circumstances beyond our control may necessitate changes to itineraries. Ciao Italy reserves the right to make changes if required, but will endeavour to operate the tour as close to the original itinerary as possible.