PALERMO, NAPLES, ROME - SOUTHERN ITALY 2025

Monday, April 14. (D)* DEPART FOR PALERMO

Depart this evening aboard any airline of your choice to Palermo, Italy. Dinner and light breakfast served on the plane.

Tuesday, April 15. (B,D). PALERMO

Upon arrival at Palermo International Airport take a taxi to the recently renovated art nouveau Grandhotel-et-des-Palmes, where we stay three nights. Briefing and Gala Welcome Dinner at the hotel.

Wednesday, April 16. (B). PALERMO

Morning sightseeing of this city begins from the Quattro Canti decorated with statues and fountains to Piazza Pretoria, Piazza Bellini, San Cataldo Church built in the 1200 of Moorish Architecture, the Cathedral built in Sicilian – Norman style, and Palazzo Normanni, the immense royal palace built by the Normans on the site of an earlier Moorish fortress. Afternoon free. This evening we will see the opera L’Elisir D’Amore by Donizetti at Teatro Massimo.

Palermo was founded by the Phoenicians, conquered by the Romans and later came under Byzantine Rule. Verdi’s opera The Sicilian Vespers has its origin here, when on the Monday after Easter 1282, as the bells were ringing for Vespers, some Frenchmen, who were rulers at the time, insulted a young woman of Palermo in the Church of Santo Spirito. Insurrection broke out and all Frenchmen who could not pronounce the word “Cicero” (chick-peas) correctly were massacred.

Thursday, April 17. (B). MONREALE – PALERMO

Today an excursion is made to visit Monreale located southwest of Palermo, a town that grew up around the famous Benedictine abby founded in the 12th Century by the Norman King William II. We will visit the cathedral to see its beautiful bronze doors, its dazzling multicolored mosaics inside representing the complete cycle of the Old and the New Testaments, a gigantic Christ giving his blessing and another one showing King William receiving his crown from Christ. We return to Palermo in the afternoon.

Friday, April 18. (B,D) PALERMO – NAPLES

Today we will take a group flight to Naples, we transfer you to the deluxe HOTEL ROMEO. This afternoon is free, in the evening, we will have dinner at a gourmet restaurant.

Saturday, April 19. (B). NAPLES

This morning sightseeing tour of this exciting city to include the Piazza del Plebiscite, the Royal Palace, with a visit to the Baroque Capella San Severo, and the church of Saint Francesco di Paola. We will take you to a beautiful historic cafe for coffee and cake. Afternoon at leisure. This evening, we will see the opera La Fanciulla del West by Puccini at Teatro di San Carlo.

Sunday, April 20. (B,L). NAPLES – POMPEII

This morning, we take an excursion to visit Pompeii to see the Forum, the Basilica and the Temple of Apollo. Lunch en route. In the afternoon we return to Naples driving along the stunning Amalfi Coast. Lunch enroute. This evening is at your leisure.

Pompeii, frozen in time by the cataclysmic eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, offers an extraordinary glimpse into ancient Roman life. Its remarkably preserved ruins unveil a city once vibrant with bustling streets, intricate mosaics, and grand villas. As you walk amidst the eerie remnants, you'll be retracing the steps of those who came before, forging a deep and chilling connection with history.

Monday, April 21. (B). NAPLES – ROME

Today we drive northwest to arrive in Rome to stay three nights at the deluxe HOTEL BERNINI BRISTOL. This evening is free at leisure.

Tuesday, April 22. (B,D). ROME

Morning orientation tour of the city includes seeing the Campidoglio Hill that symbolized the power of ancient Rome, the Fountain of Trevi and the Spanish Steps. This evening, we will have our Gala Farewell Dinner at hotel’s gourmet restaurant.

Rome - The Eternal City of Timeless Beauty

Discover the allure of Rome, the "Eternal City," a treasure trove of classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces, and Baroque churches. This historic capital, with roots tracing back to the legendary twins Romulus and Remus, has witnessed millennia of conflict and power struggles. But it was in 1871, a pivotal moment, when Giuseppe Garibaldi's revolt unified Italy, reinstating Rome as the capital, that Rome truly came into its own.

Rome's grandeur is evident in its iconic landmarks, from the Colosseum and Roman Forum to the majestic Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica. Stroll through vibrant piazzas and ancient streets, where every turn reveals a blend of past and present. The city's cultural vibrancy is not just in its architecture, but also in its theaters and music venues, offering captivating performances that never fail to entertain and reflect its rich heritage.

Rome beckons with a fusion of history, culture, and artistic splendor. It's an invitation to explore its timeless beauty, to walk through its living history, and to experience the magic of its world-class opera performances.

Wednesday, April 23. (B). ROME

Today we visit the Vatican City to see the most renowned Basilica of Saint Peter, and Michelangelo’s powerful masterpieces, the PIETA and the Sistine Chapel among other monuments inside the world-famous edifice. Afternoon free to visit any of the many fine museums. This evening we will see the opera Suor Angelica Il Prigioniero by Puccini at Teatro dell'Opera di Roma.

Thursday, April 24. (B). ROME – BACK HOME

We will arrange for transport to the airport for your flight back home arriving the same afternoon. Arrividerci. See you soon on another HAT Tour.

* B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner (including wine)