Southern Italy & Sicily Highlights - 10 Days

Welcome to Rome! Upon arrival, check into your hotel, meet your tour leader, and acquaint yourself with your fellow travellers. Our tour leader will outline the upcoming itinerary before we set off on an orientation tour of the city. We will visit notable landmarks like the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona, after which you'll have some time to explore at your leisure. You might choose to join an optional guided tour of the remarkable Vatican Museums. We conclude the day with an included welcome dinner at a delightful local restaurant.

After breakfast, we depart Rome and head towards the stunning Amalfi Coast. En route, we catch a glimpse of Mount Vesuvius, the infamous volcano known for its catastrophic eruption in 79 AD. This eruption famously preserved the ancient city of Pompeii, which we will explore on a guided tour of this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. A delicious lunch is included before we continue our journey.

On arrival, we check into our hotel in Salerno for a two-night stay. This evening, you may choose to join an optional excursion to explore the charming town of Salerno. Visit the impressive Cathedral and wander through the historical Old Town before savouring a delightful dinner. Don’t miss the chance to try limoncello, the local sweet lemon liqueur, as a perfect end to your evening.

Today, we explore the enchanting old towns along the Amalfi Coast. You have the option to wander leisurely through these picturesque towns and admire their beautiful beaches. Alternatively, join our optional excursion for an unforgettable Amalfi Coast cruise. Glide along the stunning coastline, discover the elegant streets of Positano and Amalfi, savour an included lunch, and treat yourself to a taste of traditional limoncello. We'll also visit a fascinating paper museum, offering insight into the region's rich papermaking history. This promises to be an extraordinary day in southern Italy.

Today, we journey east to explore Apulia, beginning with a visit to Matera, renowned as "la Città Sotterranea" or the Subterranean City. We will discover its historical cave-dwelling districts, the "Sassi," which offer a unique glimpse into ancient living. We then continue to Alberobello, where we will admire the distinctive "trulli" houses—charming 14th-century whitewashed stone huts with their iconic conical roofs.

In the afternoon, you will have free time to further explore Alberobello at your own pace. Consider visiting the Trullo Church of St. Antony or the Trulli Museum for an insightful look into the region's heritage. This evening, choose a pleasant spot for dinner before retiring to your hotel for the night.

This morning, we embark on a scenic coastal drive along the Ionian Sea as we travel back to the mainland. Afterwards, we take a short ferry to Sicily, the island famed for Mount Etna. Enjoy stunning views as we make our way to Taormina, a delightful hilltop town. Upon arrival, you can identify the sights to explore during tomorrow's free day. We conclude the day with a dinner included at our beachside hotel, offering an authentic taste of Sicily.

Today is yours to design as you wish. You may choose to unwind on Taormina's stunning beaches or wander through this enchanting hilltop town, celebrated as one of Italy's premier summer getaways. Alternatively, embark on an optional excursion to the awe-inspiring Mount Etna, where you can ride a cable car and a 4x4 to its summit.

Here, you'll step onto volcanic ash and explore the unique landscape, guided by local experts who will share insights about this famous volcano. Afterwards, treat yourself to local delicacies at a cosy enoteca. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Taormina offers the perfect setting.

Today, we embark on a scenic drive through Sicily's stunning countryside. Our first stop is Syracuse, a city rooted in ancient Greek history, where you'll have the chance to explore its lively food market and grab lunch at your leisure.

Next, we'll head to Agrigento to visit the famed Valley of the Temples, a remarkable display of Magna Graecia art and architecture. Here, an expert local guide will lead a memorable sunset tour of this historic site.

As the day winds down, you can choose to dine near the beach or relax at the hotel for the night.

Departing Agrigento, we will travel through the picturesque landscapes of central Sicily to reach Cefalù, a historic town renowned for its beautiful beaches. Here, you can enjoy free time exploring at your leisure or join a guided tour, which includes lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterwards, we will continue to Palermo, arriving in the afternoon for a walking tour of the city's highlights. We will explore notable landmarks such as Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova, and the impressive Palermo Cathedral, delving into the city's rich history, culture, architecture, and culinary traditions.

This evening, we will gather for an included group dinner.

Spend the day exploring Palermo at your leisure, the bustling capital of Sicily. This city, steeped in a rich mix of Greek, Roman, and Norman influences, offers a unique tapestry of history and culture. Wander through its historic old town to admire a fascinating array of architectural styles. Be sure to visit Italy’s largest opera theatre, an exquisite gem regarded as one of the city's most beautiful buildings.

You have the option to join an excursion that uncovers Palermo's hidden sights and architectural treasures. Don’t miss the chance to sample the city's acclaimed cuisine, with traditional dishes such as arancini and cannoli providing a real treat for the taste buds.

In the evening, we’ll embark on an overnight ferry journey back to the Italian mainland.

Upon your overnight ferry's arrival in Naples, we board the coach for our return journey to Rome. The tour finishes this afternoon upon arrival in Rome. Please remember that ferry schedules vary throughout the year; consider this when booking your onward flight. As we depart, take a moment to say goodbye to Italy and the friends you've made during our travels.