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The Land of Sun Tour from Rome to Strait of Messina
A spectacular 12-day journey through Italy’s cultural heart and southern beauty, from ancient Rome to the dramatic landscapes of Calabria and the Strait of Messina. This tour blends history, art, food, and Mediterranean scenery into one unforgettable experience.
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DAY 1: ARRIVAL – ROME
Arrival at Rome airport. Optional private transfer to hotel. Free time to relax and explore nearby surroundings. In the evening, transfer to the Trastevere district for a welcome dinner at a traditional Roman trattoria, featuring local cuisine and live music. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 2: ROME – ANCIENT WONDERS
After breakfast, meet your local guide for a walking tour through Ancient Rome. Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, once the political and cultural center of the Roman Empire. Learn about Roman history, traditions, and daily life across centuries of civilization. Afternoon free for leisure and shopping.
DAY 3: ROME – PANORAMIC CITY TOUR
Enjoy a panoramic hop-on hop-off bus tour of Rome, with audio guide commentary. See major landmarks including Imperial Forums, Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Santa Maria Maggiore, and Vatican City. Stop at iconic sites such as Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. Optional free time for personal exploration in the city center.
DAY 4: ROME – ORVIETO & ASSISI EXCURSION
Depart Rome for a full-day guided excursion through Umbria. First stop: Orvieto, an ancient Etruscan town known for its magnificent Gothic Cathedral. Continue to Assisi, birthplace of Saint Francis, visiting Basilica of San Francesco, Basilica of Santa Chiara, and Piazza del Comune. Return to Rome in the evening for overnight stay.
DAY 5: ROME → NAPLES
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Naples. En route, stop to taste the famous Mozzarella di Bufala, a protected DOP product of the Campania region.
On arrival in Naples, enjoy a welcome tasting of traditional Neapolitan pastry “Sfogliatella” with authentic Italian coffee.
(Optional) Visit the magnificent Royal Palace of Caserta, one of the largest royal residences in the world with spectacular gardens and architecture.
Check-in at hotel and free time in Naples.
DAY 6: NAPLES – HISTORIC CITY WALK
Meet your local guide and explore the historic center of Naples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Piazza Bellini with ancient Greek walls, Naples Conservatory, Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and the mysterious Church of Purgatorio ad Arco.
Walk through Spaccanapoli, the vibrant heart of the old city filled with artisan shops, cafés, and cultural life.
Continue to Piazza San Domenico Maggiore and admire the stunning Sansevero Chapel, home to world-famous sculptures.
Return to hotel and overnight stay in Naples.
DAY 7: NAPLES – FREE DAY / OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at leisure or optional guided excursions.
Optional visits include:
- Pompeii Archaeological Park – ancient Roman city preserved by volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius
- Amalfi Coast – scenic drive through Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi
Pompeii offers one of the most important archaeological insights into Roman civilization, preserved for over 2000 years.
Return to Naples for overnight stay.
DAY 8: NAPLES → COSENZA
Breakfast at the hotel and departure towards southern Italy. Scenic drive with stops for tasting traditional regional products. Arrival in Cosenza, check-in at hotel, free time and overnight stay.
DAY 9: COSENZA CITY TOUR
Meet your local guide and explore Cosenza, one of Calabria’s most historic cities.
Visit Corso Mazzini and the MAB open-air museum, Piazza dei Bruzi, and the medieval old town (Cosenza Vecchia).
See the Cathedral of Cosenza, Teatro Rendano, and enjoy a traditional local lunch featuring Calabrian cuisine.
Return to hotel and overnight stay.
DAY 10: COSENZA → COSTA DEGLI DEI
Departure towards the famous Costa degli Dei, one of Italy’s most beautiful coastal regions.
Stop in Pizzo Calabro to visit Murat Castle and Piazza della Repubblica.
Taste the famous Tartufo di Pizzo, a handcrafted ice cream specialty with chocolate and hazelnut.
Continue along the coast with stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Check-in at hotel and overnight stay.
DAY 11: TROPEA – THE PEARL OF THE TYRRHENIAN SEA
Guided tour of Tropea, one of Italy’s most picturesque coastal towns.
Visit Porta Nuova, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Ercole, and the Norman Cathedral of Maria Santissima di Romania.
Enjoy panoramic viewpoints including Santa Maria dell’Isola and dramatic sea cliffs.
Taste traditional Calabrian specialty Nduja, a spicy local delicacy.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 12: DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Optional transfer to Lamezia Terme Airport for departure. End of services.
ABOUT CALABRIA & COSTA DEGLI DEI
Calabria is one of Italy’s most diverse regions, combining mountains, forests, beaches, and ancient heritage shaped by Greeks, Romans, Normans, and many other civilizations.
The Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods) stretches along the Tyrrhenian Sea, famous for crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages like Tropea and Pizzo.
This region offers rich culinary traditions including Cipolla di Tropea onions, ’Nduja salami, local cheeses, and seafood specialties.
TOUR SUMMARY
- Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
- Route: Rome → Naples → Cosenza → Tropea → Strait of Messina
- Style: Cultural, Culinary & Coastal Experience
- Category: Guided Group Tour / Optional Private Services
PRICE & INCLUSIONS
Starting from € 2,090 per person
Includes accommodation in 4-star hotels, selected meals, guided tours, tastings, transportation options, and assistance throughout the journey.
Optional upgrades include private transfers, Amalfi Coast tours, Pompeii excursions, and Sicily extension.
