Ruins & Mediterranean Shores

Rome | Italy

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14-Day Itinerary: Ruins & Mediterranean Shores

14 days in Italy exploring Rome, Naples, and Sicily through guided tours, cuisine, and coastlines.

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This fourteen-day journey combines Southern Italy’s history, flavor, and coastlines. It starts in Rome, continues through Naples, and ends in Sicily, moving from ancient ruins to volcanic landscapes. You’ll take part in guided tours, meet local hosts, and have free time to explore at your own pace. The route connects culture, food, and scenery — from city streets to seaside towns and countryside vineyards.

DAY 1 – LEGENDS OF ROME | Begin with a guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, learning how Rome’s architecture reflected its power. In the afternoon, join a wine masterclass with a local sommelier, then visit Piazza del Campidoglio before dinner in the city center.

DAY 2 – ART AND FAITH | Start with a private guided visit through the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. After lunch, take an evening photo walk through Rome’s streets and finish the day with dinner in lively Trastevere.

DAY 3 – FLAVORS AND MODERN DESIGN | Enjoy a guided food tour through the Centro Storico to taste local coffee, pizza, and pastries. In the afternoon, visit the MAXXI Museum’s modern architecture and art. End the evening with pizza near the Trevi Fountain.

DAY 4 – ROME’S COUNTRYSIDE | Travel to Lazio’s countryside for a guided visit to a family-run winery. Learn about natural production, enjoy a local lunch, and return to Rome for views from Capitoline Hill before dinner nearby.

DAY 5 – ARRIVAL IN NAPLES | Take the train south to Naples, watching the scenery change from ancient monuments to seaside towns. Spend the afternoon exploring freely — narrow lanes, street markets, and lively squares. Enjoy a relaxed dinner and experience the city’s energy after dark.

DAY 6 – POMPEII | Join a guided tour of Pompeii, walking along ancient streets where daily life was frozen in time. Visit preserved homes, baths, and temples before returning to Naples for dinner and rest ahead of your journey to Sicily.

DAY 7 – CROSSING TO SICILY | Fly or ferry to Palermo, Sicily’s capital. Settle in and take a first walk through its historic streets filled with domes, markets, and the island’s blend of Arabic and Baroque influences.

DAY 8 – PALERMO AND MONREALE | Visit Palermo Cathedral and the Norman Palace in the morning, then continue to Monreale to see its golden mosaics and mountain views. Return to Palermo for a seafood dinner and a calm evening stroll.

DAY 9 – ERICE AND THE COAST | Take a guided excursion to the medieval hilltop town of Erice. Wander its cobblestone lanes, taste local pastries, and meet artisans preserving traditional crafts. Stop at the Zingaro Nature Reserve for a short coastal walk before a sunset dinner by the sea.

DAY 10 – MARSALA AND SALT PANS | Travel on a guided day trip to Marsala, where vineyards meet the sea. Visit salt flats and windmills, learn about the region’s wine heritage, and enjoy lunch at a local winery before a relaxed evening meal near the coast.

DAY 11 – CEFALÙ | Spend a slower day in Cefalù exploring the Norman Cathedral, the old town, and the beach. Have lunch by the harbor and time to relax or swim before continuing east across the island.

DAY 12 – TAORMINA | Journey to Taormina for sweeping views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Visit the ancient Greek Theatre, stroll through the old streets, and enjoy dinner on a terrace overlooking the coast.

DAY 13 – MOUNT ETNA | Take part in a guided hike across Mount Etna with a local expert. Learn about the volcano’s unique landscape and stop for a Sicilian lunch in the countryside before returning to Taormina.

DAY 14 – NOTO AND FAREWELL | Head south to Noto for a guided hike among almond groves and ruins. Visit a local farm for lunch and sample fresh almond milk. Spend your final afternoon wandering Noto’s baroque streets and enjoying a last gelato before departure.

PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH FERNWAYER | Book directly from the itinerary and choose your own hotels and restaurants. Download the iOS app to make the journey your own.

Self-Explore X Fernwayer, August 2025

JOURNEY

DAY 1:

Colosseum and Forum tour, Roman wine class, and evening walk through the Campidoglio.

DAY 2:

Private Vatican visit, photo walk through Rome, and dinner in lively Trastevere.

DAY 3:

Food tour in Centro Storico, visit to MAXXI, and pizza near the Trevi Fountain.

DAY 4:

Guided vineyard visit in Lazio, countryside lunch, and sunset from Capitoline Hill.

DAY 5:

Train to Naples and self-led exploration through its historic streets and markets.

DAY 6:

Guided tour of Pompeii’s ruins and relaxed Neapolitan evening before Sicily.

DAY 7:

Transfer to Palermo and free evening discovering Sicily’s vibrant capital.

DAY 8:

Visits to Palermo Cathedral and Monreale’s mosaics with seafood dinner in town.

DAY 9:

Guided day in Erice, coastal walk in Zingaro, and dinner by the sea at sunset.

DAY 10:

Guided Marsala tour with wine tasting, salt pans, and relaxed seaside evening.

DAY 11:

Self-led day in Cefalù with cathedral visit, harbor lunch, and beach time.

DAY 12:

Transfer to Taormina, Greek Theatre visit, and dinner with sea and Etna views.

DAY 13:

Guided Mount Etna hike with local lunch and final evening in Taormina.

DAY 14:

Guided hike in Noto’s countryside, almond tasting, and farewell walk through town.

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