DAY 1: UK - Naples - Sorrento.
Fly to Naples where you will be met by our representative and transferred by coach to your hotel in Sorrento. (D)

DAY 2: Sorrento - Villa San Giovanni - Taormina area.
We travel through the wild and mountainous scenery of Italy's far south to board the ferry for the 45-minute crossing to Sicily. It is then a short coach journey to your hotel in the Taormina area. (B, D)

DAY 3: Taormina.
The day is yours to get your bearings and explore the beautiful resort of Taormina. For a breathtaking view of the coast and Mount Etna, head down to the Piazza Nove Aprile, the heart of the town set spectacularly on a precipice overlooking the sea. You may wish to join us for an optional Sicilian evening. (B, D)

DAY 4: Taormina - Mount Etna - Syracuse.
Called 'Mountain of Mountains' by Sicily's Arab settlers, Europe's largest active volcano is an impressive sight, its towering peak rising up from a landscape of pine woods and citrus groves. Join us for an included visit, during which you can enjoy stunning views from the heights of the volcano and, if you choose, take an optional jeep ride (or cable car when operating) to approximately 7,500 feet.
Note: This may be subject to minimum participation.
We then head south to Syracuse, founded in 734BC by Corinthians from Greece, where you can take our optional tour of this fascinating heritage site (the extensive 'Zona Archeologica' has a wealth of impressive Greek remains) or spend some time exploring the town at your own pace. You will stay overnight in the Syracuse area. (B,D)

DAY 5: Syracuse - Piazza Armerina - Agrigento.
Today we travel west to Piazza Armerina, a pleasant hillside town rich in typical Sicilian atmosphere. We will visit nearby Villa Casale, the remains of a palatial Roman villa, famous for its superb mosaics. Then it's on past the sulphur mines of Caltanissetta to Agrigento's Valley of the Temples, one of Italy's most impressive archaeological sites. Your included sightseeing tour with a local guide will include visits to the exceptionally well preserved Temple of Concord and the awe-inspiring Temple of Juno Lacinia. You will stay overnight in Agrigento. (B, D)

DAY 6: Agrigento - Selinunte - Palermo.
Our next stop is Selinunte, another of Sicily's fascinating heritage sites (entrance fee included). Much of the city still lies buried, but there are extensive remains to be explored, including the Acropolis, which has ruins of temples and fortifications, as well as the foundations of rows of shops. We then head north east to Sicily's capital, Palermo, where you will stay overnight. (B)

DAY 7: Palermo.
A full day to explore Sicily's busy and colourful capital, set in a valley called 'Conca d'Oro' (the 'Golden Shell'). In the afternoon, why not join our optional guided sightseeing tour for a more in-depth look at the city, which has a wealth of lovely squares and market places, churches and palaces? Also included is a visit to nearby Monreale. In the late afternoon, we head for the harbour to take the overnight ferry to Naples. (B)
Note: Accommodation on the ferry will be in shared two-berth couchette cabins with private facilities.

DAY 8: Naples.
Early morning arrival in Naples. This afternoon, transfer to the port in Naples where you will embark your cruise ship, MSC Sinfonia. Your cruise is full board from this evening until breakfast on day 15. (D)

DAY 9: Livorno (for Florence and Pisa).
On the western shores of Tuscany, 16th century Livorno is the gateway to two of Italy's most poetic cities - Pisa and Florence. Founded in 1577 by the Medici family, its photogenic centre is an easy walk from the port and features lovely canals, bridges and plazas fringed with chic cafés and shops. Nearby, Pisa is famed for its amazing Leaning Tower and magnificent cathedral while Florence, the capital of Renaissance art, is home to the magnificent Uffizi Gallery featuring works by Michelangelo and Da Vinci, the Piazza del Duomo, the statue-filled Piazza della Signoria and the fairytale Ponte Vecchio bridge. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Monte Carlo.
Sandwiched between the Alps and the Mediterranean, glamorous Monte Carlo is part of the principality of Monaco, still presided over by the Grimaldi Royal family and one of Europe's smallest independent states. Parts of the city are perched atop sheer, 200-foot high sea cliffs and offer spectacular views. Today, roam the quaint Old Town streets to see the handsome Rococo Casino, the Palais du Prince - once home to Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, and the cathedral which houses both of their tombs. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Valencia.
Home of paella, vibrant Valencia boasts a chequered past of Roman and Moorish occupation. Fringed by golden beaches, its centre is a compelling blend of sunny plazas, Gothic churches, gardens and modern skyscrapers. Explore the charming centre's narrow alleyways and visit the stunning Romanesque-Gothic-Baroque Cathedral, said to be the resting place of the Holy Grail, to climb the coiling staircase of its octagonal tower for breathtaking views over the city below. Later, admire Valencia's main square, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the fine Museo de Bellas Artes and the Torres de Serranos, part of the city's original 14th century gate. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Ibiza.
Known as a party island, Ibiza has much more to offer than vibrant nightlife. Scratch the surface and you'll find a wonderfully laid-back island of stunning scenery, charming resorts and amazing beaches. Join an optional tour of the interior, taking in traditional, sugar-cube villages spread over rolling hillsides draped in fragrant fruit groves. Enjoy free time to explore the capital, Ibiza Town, which clusters around d'Alt Vila, the picturesque walled old quarter. This beautiful district rises steeply from the harbour in a flurry of curling cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses and picturesque chapels and houses the 16th century hilltop citadel and fortifications and a splendid 13th century Gothic Cathedral. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: La Goulette (for Tunis and Carthage).
The capital of Tunisia, Tunis is a melting pot of Arabic, French and African influences. Today, explore this fascinating city and its spellbinding medina at leisure. Dating from the Middle Ages, the maze of winding lanes brims with spice shops, perfume vendors, mosques and colonial houses. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Carthage, an ancient Phoenician city that once rivalled Rome, to admire its spectacular ruins or visit Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia's most beautiful village, where white-and-blue houses and artists' workshops pepper a clifftop. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Catania.
A land of Greek temples, Roman relics and colourful seaside resorts, Sicily has much to see. Discover Mount Etna on an optional tour, driving through lush vineyards and fruit groves to the volcano at the island's centre, which has erupted over 130 times. Its magnificent crater, lava fields and potholes are reminders of its mighty power. Alternatively, visit Taormina, one of Sicily's most picturesque towns, on an optional tour. Founded by Ancient Greece, this clifftop jewel has flower-filled streets and medieval buildings galore, and is crowned by a spectacular amphitheatre that commands fantastic views over the Mediterranean and Mount Etna. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Naples - UK.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)