Explore Italy's Timeless Icons and Charms - 11 Days

From Rome, we travel east across the Apennines to the Adriatic coast. Our first visit is the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere, an 11th century complex built over the remains of a Roman temple – entry is included. We then continue to Termoli, a seaside town where the beach is framed by the walled old town; its 13th century castle and Romanesque cathedral are the main sights. You’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely stroll. We finish the day in Bari, a historic port city inhabited since before Roman times – you can wander the old town’s narrow lanes and churches and enjoy its lively southern atmosphere. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

From Bari we follow the Adriatic coast to Brindisi, a walled port city. In Brindisi you can take a seafront stroll, admire the impressive Roman column and explore the old quarter. We then continue to Lecce, renowned for its lavish baroque architecture – often called the Florence of the South. You’ll have free time to wander the historic centre and choose somewhere for lunch. In the afternoon we visit Gallipoli on the Ionian Sea, founded by the Greeks and later shaped by Arab, Norman and Aragonese influence. Its old town is linked to the mainland by a 17th–century bridge and forms a compact maze of narrow streets and historic buildings – you can explore at your own pace or seek out the cathedral, the castle and the ancient city walls. We return to Brindisi at the end of the day for our stay.

From Brindisi we travel inland to Alberobello, celebrated for its trulli – conical dry stone dwellings that form a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a classic example of rural architecture. We then continue to Matera in Basilicata to explore the Sassi di Matera – a complex of ancient dwellings and structures carved into the rock, a World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. After an included lunch in Matera, we journey on through Basilicata and Campania, taking in mountain scenery, and arrive in Naples by evening, where you have free time to explore.

After breakfast, we head to Naples port and board the ferry to Capri. On arrival, you can take the funicular up to Capri town to stroll its lanes and take in the views. After lunch, we reboard the boat and continue to Sorrento, a charming town set beneath cliffs, where you’ll have free time to wander. We then travel on to the Gulf of Salerno and stay overnight in Salerno.

From Salerno, we journey south through Cilento National Park, taking in classic southern Italian scenery. We reach Paola on the Tyrrhenian coast to visit the Sanctuary of Saint Francis of Paola, and you have free time for lunch in the historic centre. We then continue to Villa San Giovanni for the short ferry crossing to Sicily. On arrival in Messina, we have time to stroll around the cathedral before travelling on to Taormina. Dinner is included. Note: Accommodation is normally in the Taormina area – on certain dates it may be in Messina.

Today we’re in Taormina at the foot of Mount Etna – a place Churchill once called the most beautiful on earth. You have the day to wander the lively historic centre, where the Greek theatre dominates the landscape, or simply relax on the beach. We include dinner this evening.

After breakfast, we leave Taormina for Catania at the foot of Mount Etna. We explore its UNESCO listed Baroque centre – elegant squares, handsome palaces and the bustling fish market. We then continue to Syracuse, an ancient city of Magna Graecia on the Ionian Sea. Ortigia – the island old town linked by bridges – is the oldest quarter, with narrow streets, a cathedral, an ancient castle, seaside terraces and markets. You’ll have free time to stroll and find lunch. In the afternoon we travel inland towards Agrigento and, before reaching the hotel, we admire the Valley of the Temples from the coach – a magnificent classical complex. Dinner is included.

This morning we visit the Valley of the Temples with a local guide – an outstanding archaeological site with one of the most complete groups of Greek temples – with admission included. We then travel to Marsala, a historic city known for its wine, where you’ll have time for lunch. Our route continues via the Marsala salt pans to Erice, a Phoenician town overlooking the sea that’s ideal for a leisurely stroll. We end the day in Palermo. Dinner is included.

After breakfast, we explore Palermo, beginning with a short transfer to Monreale on the city’s outskirts. We visit its remarkable Arab–Norman cathedral – a World Heritage Site celebrated for its golden mosaics – with tickets included. Back in Palermo, we take in the city’s contrasts shaped by Arab, Norman and Baroque influences, including the Cathedral – tickets included – and the Norman Palace with the Palatine Chapel. You’ll then have free time before we transfer to the port in the late afternoon to board the overnight ferry to Naples. Accommodation is in double cabins with en suite bathrooms.

We arrive in Naples early this morning – breakfast not included – and continue straight to Pompeii for a guided visit of the archaeological site with a local guide. Entrance and tour are included. Afterwards, we return to Naples to take in its historic centre, one of the largest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have time for a stroll and lunch before we travel on to Rome to conclude the day.

After breakfast, our tour ends in Rome – we’ll say our goodbyes and you can make your onward arrangements. We hope you leave with lasting memories of your time in Italy.