Wings Over Italy & Its Islands

Arrive in Rome, the Eternal City, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in the city center. Tonight, join your Resident Tour Director and fellow guests for a welcome reception and dinner.

Dive into the history of Rome as you explore some of its most iconic sights and view the great Ara Pacis of Augustus, an altar dedicated to Pax, the goddess of peace, adorned with detailed stone friezes depicting ancient Roman life. Indulge in lunch at Alfredo alla Scrofa, where the classic dish fettuccine Alfredo was originally created. Afterward, on an A&K-exclusive experience, gain private entry to the Villa Farnesina, a 16th-century suburban estate noted for its sumptuous Renaissance frescoes. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure, free to explore the city your own way.

Fly by chartered air to Sardinia, Italy’s mountainous island resting in the heart of the Mediterranean. Arrive in time for lunch, and then tour the prehistoric site of Nuraghe La Prisgiona, dating to the 14th century BC. Continue to your hotel for check-in, and later gather for dinner at a local restaurant.

Set out on a 4x4 Jeep safari into rural Sardinia, absorbing breathtaking views of the ocean from rocky heights while wandering through country landscapes and rural villages. Stop for a traditional lunch of Sardo specialties in a local farmhouse perched above the scenic coastline.

Fly to Bari, in Puglia, Italy’s mythic southern region, then transfer to Matera, a city renowned for its compelling mix of ancient history, architectural wonders and stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy lunch and a guided tour of this mecca for artists, before continuing to your hotel near Puglia’s sparkling Adriatic coast.

Travel to a local masseria that houses olive groves reaching back centuries. Stroll the farm with the resident expert, taste a variety of oils, and then join a cooking experience, using their products to create delicious focaccia and pasta. Later, visit Alberobello to explore the region’s unique trulli houses. Built entirely of stone without mortar, only a handful of people remain who can still create these distinctive structures. Explore the town with a local expert, and then return to your hotel.

This morning, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities. Take a Guided Tour to nearby Ostuni on an experience that includes lunch. Hike in scenic Alto Salento with a Guide, and break for a classic picnic lunch. Savor a Cheese Tasting at a local producer of mozzarella, burrata and other specialties, followed by lunch. Afterward, return to your hotel, with your afternoon at leisure. Later, gather for a Scenic Sundowner and dinner overlooking the sea.

Board a short flight to Catania in Sicily. Continue overland to Syracuse, one of the earliest and most powerful colonies of Ancient Greece. Join a local expert who reveals the many-layered history of this old city and take time for lunch at leisure. Then, continue to Noto, where you check in to your hotel. Later, join the traditional passegiatto (pre-dinner stroll) in beautiful Noto before dining at a local restaurant.

Venture into the countryside this morning and take a gentle hike to Noto Antica to explore the remains of the town destroyed in the earthquake of 1693. Continue to a winery in the nearby Avola area, home of the famous Nero d’Avola grape, one of Sicily’s most important indigenous varieties. Taste the fruit of the vine and enjoy a delicious winery lunch. The rest of your day is at leisure to relax and enjoy your hotel.

Journey to nearby Ragusa, a town rebuilt after the great earthquake in 1693 — and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site — that exemplifies the Sicilian Baroque style. Afterward, continue to another UNESCO-listed site, Modica, for an introduction to their chocolate crafting skills: a molto dolce Chef’s Table experience that includes a demonstration and tasting workshop. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, privately transfer to Catania airport for your departing flight.