Luxury Italy: Syracuse & Sorrento - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Catania, Transfer to Syracuse

Welcome to Sicily! Upon arrival in Catania, your driver will whisk you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse, a once-ancient powerhouse renowned for its rich Greek influence and architecture, it's noted as the birthplace of Archimedes. 

Once settled into your hotel, head out to explore Ortigia, Syracuse's historical heart that's connected to the city by three bridges. This Città Vecchia (Old Town) is full of treasures waiting to be explored and easily done on foot. Begin with a walk along Passeggio Aretusa to Fonte Aretusa, a natural spring surrounded by stone walls and steeped in Greek mythology. Explore the tightly woven network of narrow and winding alleys and lanes, and you'll be rewarded with ornate churches and Baroque palaces in various states of repair. 

Day 2: Guided Tour of Syracuse, Afternoon at Leisure 

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel and when you're ready, meet your guide for a three-hour private tour of Syracuse. Founded by the Corinthians almost three millennia ago, the city's ancient Greek ruins rub shoulders with Baroque masterpieces and honey-hued piazzas. You'll discover all these and more as you visit tucked-away gems including the 19th-century Palazzo Impellizzeri, the Temple of Apollo in Piazza Pancali, and the San Giovanni Crypt and Catacombs. 

Part ways with your guide and the afternoon is years to spend at leisure. Lunch in the Old Town and either head to Arenella Beach for a relaxing afternoon of sun and surf or deepen your knowledge of Sicily's rich history with a visit to the 13th-century Castello Maniace, situated on the far end of Ortigia's promontory. Art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Palazzo Bellomo Gallery for paintings, sculptures, and artifacts ranging from Byzantine to the 18th century. 

Day 3: Sicilian Wineries Tour, Visit Marzamemi, Fresh Tuna Tasting

Spend today getting better acquainted with some of Sicily's notable wines with a private winery visit deep in the Sicilian countryside, surrounded by acres of olive and almond trees and citrus plantations. Accompanied by a local sommelier and guide, you'll tour two of the region's renowned vineyards and enjoy a guided cellar tour. Afterward, you'll get to try several varietals, including nero d'avola, sirah, moscato, and insolia, paired with delicious Sicilian produce like local formaggi (cheeses), prosciutto crudo, caponata, and crema di carciofi (artichoke cream).

Your gastronomic adventure isn't over yet, as afterward, you'll transfer through the beautiful Noto Valley to the little town of Marzamemi and visit a tonnara (tuna farm), where you'll get to taste fresh tuna straight off the boat. Spend an hour or two exploring the village, whose Arabic roots can be traced back to the 10th century, and explore the ancient Arabic fishermen's houses that line the Piazza Regina Margherita. Return in the evening to Ortigia, where'll you be spoiled for choice with restaurants showcasing Sicily's superb cuisine.

Day 4: Fly to Naples, Transfer to Sorrento

After one last breakfast overlooking the Gulf of Syracuse, you'll take a private transfer to Catania airport for a quick flight north to Naples. Your destination is the evocative Amalfi Coast, awash with lemon groves and tumble-down pastel villages that stretch across the rocky cliffs. Arrive in Sorrento, and after checking in to your hotel, explore the scenic waterfront before heading to one of the town's most elegant terraces for dinner and drinks. 

Day 5: Guided Tour of Amalfi, Citrus Farm Visit & Limoncello Tasting

See out your Italy vacation in style with a visit to the coast's namesake. About an hour up the coast from Sorrento, Amalfi is one of the Mediterranean's jewels, famous for its picturesque whitewashed houses, historical churches, and exquisite handmade paper. Your private guide will accompany you on a tour of the town, where you'll stop for gelato in the beautiful Piazzetta di Sant'Andrea, Amalfi's main square, before wandering up to the top of the town to the Romanesque-Baroque Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea. 

In the afternoon, you'll drive along the coast to a scenic lemon farm, where you'll meander through lemon groves filled with Sfusato Amalfitano lemon trees. See the farmers at work and discover the special qualities of Amalfi lemons and how citrus fruits are used throughout Italian cooking in both salato (savory) and dolce (sweet) dishes. You'll end your tour with a delicious farm lunch using local produce and finish by tasting the farm's artisanal limoncello (lemon liqueur).

Day 6: Luxury Yacht Trip to Capri

Spend your final morning on the Amalfi Coast cruising in luxury aboard a private yacht as you sail across the azure waters to the island of Capri, known locally as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean." You'll arrive at the Marina Grande harbor, where the day is yours to explore the island at your leisure. Head first to the quaint village of Anacapri, perched toward the top of the island. Here, you'll see the sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius that prompted Emperor Tiberius to build twelve villas on the isle.

Stroll Piazza Vittoria and stop for a gelato before taking the chairlift from Anacapri to Mount Solaro. At 1,932 feet (589 m) above sea level, it's the island's highest point and offers more astonishing views across the bays and over to the Calabrian mountains. When you're ready, make your way back down and enjoy lunch overlooking the coastline. You'll return to Sorrento late afternoon for a relaxing dinner with a view on your hotel's terrace

Day 7: Transfer to Naples, Depart

After one last cappuccino and pastry at breakfast, it's time to meet your driver and head to the airport in Naples for your flight home. Safe travels! 

More Great Italy Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Italy? Check out these other Italy itineraries, explore different ways to spend a week in Italy, or discover the best time to visit Italy.