Palermo & Naples Italy’s southern capitals
$6,450 pp, twin share $1,150 single supplement
January 9-22, 2018
Discover • Mediterranean history, art and architecture, showcasing more than 3,000 years of civilisation • Classical archaeology at leading Greek and Roman sites in Sicily and on the Bay of Naples • The lasting legacy of medieval Arab and Norman rule, expressed in the mosaics and architecture of Palermo • The ‘southern Renaissance’ of the 18th century, culminating in the period of Bourbon rule, which made Naples a major European centre of culture
Overview A feast for the senses, this 14-day tour begins with six nights in Palermo where centuries of diverse cultures, from the ancient Greeks to the Normans, come together. We explore the layers of the city’s cultural heritage and venture out with day trips to Segesta and Cefalù. We then travel to Naples, our base for the next six nights, where we explore the ancient sites of Vesuvius, Herculaneum and Paestum. We travel along the scenic Amalfi Coast and visit the galleries of Capodimonte and the Naples National Archaeological Museum.
Highlights > Well-preserved Greek and Roman culture at Segesta, Paestum and Herculaneum > Impressive Arab-Norman mosaics in Palermo and Cefalù > Little-visited but world-famous artworks at Capodimonte and in the footsteps of Caravaggio > Private visit to Palazzo Lanza Tomasi, home of Prince Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, author of the Sicilian literary masterpiece The Leopard > Palermo and Naples’ excellent gastronomic scenes, including tastings of local specialties > Only two hotel stays: six nights at each > Off-season travel: low visitor numbers and mild weather
Your tour leader
Robert Veel has led groups to Italy since 1990. Years of travel and work in Italy have given him an intimate knowledge of the country and its history that goes well beyond the tourist experience. Robert holds a Master’s degree from the University of Sydney, where he taught medieval and Renaissance history for 15 years. He speaks fluent Italian.
Getting there
Emirates flies to Rome daily from most Australian cities. Contact us for quotes.
Fitness requirement
Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Palermo. Days 2–6: View Greek architecture in Segesta and Arab-Norman Byzantine mosaics in Palermo. Visit the home of author Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa (The Leopard). Days 7–13: Take the overnight ferry to Naples. Explore the ancient sites of Vesuvius, Herculaneum and Paestum. Travel along the scenic Amalfi Coast and visit the galleries of Capodimonte and the National Archaeological Museum. Dine at excellent restaurants, follow in Caravaggio’s footsteps and enjoy a performance at the historic Teatro San Carlo. Day 14: Transfer to Rome airport for flights home. More details at academytravel.com.au
Rome
Italy Naples (6) Herculaneum
Paestum
6
Palermo (6) Segesta
Cefalù
9