Day 1 - By train to Switzerland
We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris in Leisure Select Class, with a complimentary meal and drinks served on board. After crossing Paris by coach, we continue by TGV to Lausanne on the shores of Lake Geneva, to stay a night at the Hotel Continental. (E,D)
Day 2 - To Rome
We leave Lausanne by train, travelling alongside the lake at first, then along the Rhône Valley into Italy. We change trains in Milan for the final stage of the journey to the Eternal City of Rome. The Grand Hotel Palatino, perfectly situated in the city's ancient centre, is our base for the next two nights. (B,D)
Day 3 - Historic Rome
Our first excursion is this morning's half day guided tour of Rome's famous sights. Highlights include the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navone, Pantheon and atmospheric Centro Storico. Your afternoon is free to relax or perhaps visit one of the city's outstanding galleries or museums. This evening you are at leisure to sample one of Rome's many restaurants. (B)
Day 4 - The journey to Sicily
You are free to spend this morning as you wish - relax, shop, or take an optional excursion to the nearby ancient Forums and Colosseum. We depart this afternoon to join the overnight ferry, cruising to historic Palermo, Sicily's principal city. (B)
Day 5 - Palermo
On arrival in Palermo we transfer to the Hotel Excelsior for two nights. After an orientation tour of the former 'Cultural Centre' of the Mediterranean we continue to the small city of Monreale to visit the Duomo. A fantastic example of Norman architecture in Sicily, the Duomo interior is adorned with 68,220 square feet (6337 sq m) of glittering golden mosaics and surrounded by cloisters. The afternoon is free to explore Palermo. (D)
Day 6 - Segesta and Erice
After a brief stop in Segesta to visit the spectacularly situated, unfinished Doric temple, we travel west to medieval Erice. We dine in a restaurant here, possibly trying a traditional dish of couscous with fish. After time to browse, we return to Palermo for an evening at leisure. (B,L)
Day 7 - Catania
We travel to the second-largest city in Sicily, Catania, to enjoy a three-night stay at the Una Hotel Palace. On our journey, we take a break for lunch in a typical local agriturismo where we will sample some of the best locally produced dishes and wines. As we arrive in Catania, we catch our first glimpse of the imposing Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Later, we enjoy a short orientation tour of the historic city centre, and begin to familiarise ourselves with our new surroundings. (B,L)
Day 8 - Mount Etna
Europe's highest and most active volcano was thought by the Romans to have been the forge of Vulcan, the god of fire. We drive to Rifugio Sapienza from where our local guide takes us to where we can walk on the lava fields and enjoy a beautiful view of the 'Costa dei Ciclopi'. On return from Mount Etna we stop at the Murgo vineyard to enjoy wine and lunch along with a great view of the volcanic mountain. (B,L)
Day 9 - Day in Catania
Today you are free to continue your discovery of Catania. Admire the imaginative lava-built Baroque buildings which line the streets, visit some of the city's Roman remains or take a stroll through the Piazza del Duomo, Crociferi or Etna. Alternatively, explore a little further afield. One option is the city of Taormina or Syracuse, the birthplace of the natural philosopher Archimedes. (B)
Day 10 - To Sorrento
We board the morning train and experience the train/boat transfer on the 'Stretto di Messina', through the famous straits of Messina. Our journey north will take us through the regions of Calabria and Campania. On arrival in Salerno, our short coach transfer to Sorrento takes us to Hotel Tramontano for three nights, just two minutes walk from the centre of this beautiful town. (B,D)
Day 11 - Pompeii
Today we travel by the local Circumvesuviana Railway to nearby Pompeii, famous for its destruction following a catastrophic eruption from Mount Vesuvius. The city was completely buried beneath the ash from the eruption and today allows us to see what life was like during Roman times. At the ruins you have some free time to explore this world-renowned site before returning to Sorrento at your leisure. (B)
Day 12 - A day at leisure
Today you are free to enjoy the Sorrento at your leisure. Perhaps take a boat trip to the nearby islands of Capri. This island offers some of the most beautiful views of the gulf and it hosts its fair share if pretty harbours. You may also like to take a boat around the island to see the grottos. (B,D)
Days 13-14 - The journey home
We depart Sorrento by train to Milan to join the comfortable Deutsche Bahn sleeper service to Cologne (standard class). The next morning we change trains in Cologne for Brussels, where we join the Eurostar to London. We enjoy a complimentary meal and drinks at our comfortable Leisure Select seats, before arriving into St Pancras International on Day 14. (Day 13-B; Day 14-B,E)
RETURN BY AIR OPTION:
If returning by air, you will transfer to Naples airport for the return flight to London on Day 13. (B)
E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday
