Italian Journey Coastal Charms and Historic Wonders - 8 Days

From Rome we travel east across the Apennines towards the Adriatic. Our first stop is the 11th‑century San Giovanni in Venere Abbey – admission included – built on the site of an ancient Roman temple. We then continue to Termoli, a coastal city where the beach sits below the walled old town, home to a 13th‑century castle and a Romanesque cathedral. You’ll have time here for lunch and a relaxed walk. In the afternoon we head on to Bari, a historic port city inhabited since before Roman times, where you can explore the old town’s narrow streets and churches at your own pace. 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.

We follow the Adriatic coast to Brindisi, a walled port city where you can enjoy a relaxed seafront stroll, see the Roman column and wander the old quarter. We then continue to Lecce, celebrated for its ornate baroque architecture – often called the Florence of the South. You have time to explore the historic centre and break for lunch. In the afternoon we visit Gallipoli on the Ionian Sea, founded by the Greeks and later influenced by Arab, Norman and Aragonese rule. Its old town is linked to the mainland by a 17th century bridge and forms a maze of narrow streets and historic buildings, with the cathedral, the castle and the ancient city walls among the highlights. We return to Brindisi at the end of the day for your overnight stay.

We travel inland from Brindisi to Alberobello to discover its remarkable trulli – cone‑roofed dry‑stone houses recognised by UNESCO for their unique rural architecture. We then continue to Matera in Basilicata to explore the Sassi – ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock and designated a World Heritage Site as one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban settlements. Lunch is included in Matera. In the afternoon we cross the mountain landscapes of Basilicata and Campania, arriving in Naples by evening, where you’ll have free time to explore.

After breakfast, we head to the Port of Naples to board the ferry to Capri. On arrival, you can take the funicular up to Capri town to stroll and enjoy the views, with time for lunch. In the afternoon, we reboard the ferry and continue to Sorrento – a charming town set beneath dramatic cliffs – where you’ll have free time to wander. We then travel on to the Gulf of Salerno to stay in the city of Salerno.

We leave Salerno and travel south through Cilento National Park to Paola on the Tyrrhenian Sea. We visit the Sanctuary of St Francis of Paola, then you’ll have free time for lunch in the historic centre. We continue to Villa San Giovanni to board the ferry to Sicily – a short crossing to Messina – where we take time to see the cathedral before continuing to Taormina. Dinner is included. Accommodation is usually in the Taormina region – on certain dates it may be in Messina.

At the foot of Mount Etna sits Taormina – once described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. Early this morning we head to Giardini Naxos, the first Greek settlement in Sicily, founded in 734 BC, with its seafront promenade and popular beaches. Afterwards, you’ll have time to wander Taormina’s lively old town, where you can see the Greek Theatre looking out over the surrounding landscape.

After lunchtime we continue to Villa Romana del Casale – admission and guided tour included – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Roman Empire, villas symbolised agricultural wealth and exploitation. Here the layout from the 4th century survives, and the mosaics that cover almost every room are renowned for their richness and quality – among the finest of the Roman world.

We then cross the mountainous heart of the island and continue to Palermo, arriving at the end of the day – dinner included.

Palermo comes to life this morning on a guided tour with a local expert. We explore the cathedral – a striking blend of styles with royal tombs – with admission included. We continue to the Palazzo dei Normanni, the former royal palace, and take in the city’s fountains, markets and gardens. We also visit nearby Monreale to see its cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its golden mosaics – with admission included. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace.

Note: For smaller groups, the tour may run as part of a regular excursion operated by local companies rather than a private tour.

After breakfast in Palermo, we conclude the tour – we hope you leave with wonderful memories. You’re free to make your onward travel arrangements.