Leisurely paced Southern Italy Rome to Sicily tour gives you two weeks to explore all of Southern Italy’s sightseeing highlights. In Southern Italy you’ll discover the authentic mix of cultural influences that makes the area south of Rome unique.
This all-inclusive Rome to Sicily tour begins in Rome. Then you’ll be escorted through Southern Italy’s sightseeing highlights. The tour includes the regions of Basilicata, Campania, Puglia, and Sicily. The tour ends in Sicily’s Catania.
Your escorted Southern Italy tour from Rome to Sicily includes two-night stays in Rome, Sorrento, and Palermo, plus three-nights in Alberobello and Sicily’s resort town Taormina. All hotels are first class luxury hotels.
Enjoy a relaxing slow paced comprehensive Southern Italy tour from Rome to Sicily.
To book your Southern Italy tour from Rome to Sicily vacation package or for more information submit form or call 800-227-1577.
For the daily itinerary click here.
Highlights
16-Day Rome to Sicily Tour Map
Southern Italy Rome to Sicily Tour Sightseeing Highlights
- Meals: Breakfast daily, 7 dinners, and 1 lunch.
- Rome visit Vatican Museum with VIP tour access to the Bramante Staircase.
- Alberobello learn why the Trulli buildings were designed with collapsing roofs.
- Sassi di Matera tour the ancient cave houses built into solid rock.
- Taormina visit the ancient Greek Theater and enjoy a walking tour of this beautiful resort town.
- Agrigento your local tour guide will escort you through the Valley of the Temples.
- Palermo walking tour to discover the architectural mix including the Quattro Canti Square, Cathedral and the mosaics in the Palatine Chapel.
- Cefalu excursion to tour the cathedral. Then enjoy time to stroll this authentic Sicilian fishing town.
- Pompeii walking tour takes you back 2000 years to life in ancient.
- Sorrento: Cruise to the isle of Capri, ride into Capri town by open top taxi and return by funicular railway.
- Scenic Drives: Apennines, Calabria mountains, Sorrento cliff top road, Capri corniche.
- 13 nights first class accommodations
- 2 nights Rome
- 3 nights Alberobello
- 1 Night Matera
- 2 nights Sorrento
- 2 nights Giardini Naxos (Taormina)
- 2 nights Palermo
- 1 night Ragusa
- 2 nights Catania
Accommodations
Southern Italy Rome to Sicily Tour Accommodations
Rome 2 Nights – Welcome Piram Hotel
The Welcome Piram Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Rome, near Termini station with easy access to all the major sights. Its venetian gothic interiors and roof terrace create an ambiance of style and elegance.
Alberobello 3 Nights – Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri
The Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Matera 1 Night – NH Matera Hotel
The MH Matera is located moments from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sassi, surrounded by lush hills and landscaped gardens.
Sorrento 2 Nights – Hotel Isabella
Hotel Isabella is a newly refurbished Hotel in a great location with modern furnishings. Guest can relax by the pool or head into the beautiful town of Sorrento which is 1 mile from the Hotel.
Giardini Naxos (Taormina) 2 Nights – RG Naxos Hotel
Overlooking the Ionian Sea, the RG Naxos Hotel boasts traditional Mediterranean hospitality and fabulous rooms and facilities, including an outdoor pool and private beach.
Palermo 2 Nights – NH Palermo
Overlooking the beautiful gulf of Palermo, the understated NH Palermo is adorned with modern and stylish décor, perfectly complimenting the surrounding views. Located in a central location, perfect for those wanting to explore the historic architecture or foodies wanting to indulge in local cuisine.
Ragusa 1 Night – Mediterranean Palace
A hotel next to the Santa Domenica Valley and crossed by three historic bridges. Located in a strategic position of the city, just a few minutes away on foot to the Municipal Gardens of Villa Margherita.
Catania 1 Night – NH Catania
Optional Tours
The following optional tours are not included in the price of the Rome to Sicily Italy vacation package price. These are examples of optional tours. Optional tours are subject to change.
Rome by Night
Join your Travel Director for a classic journey through one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Rome by night is a vision with its ancient monuments, classical buildings, palaces and churches beautifully illuminated against the evening sky. A wonderful introduction to the Eternal City!
Rome of Ancient Christians and the Catacombs
Outside the ancient Roman city walls we visit the early Christian Catacombs, underground cemeteries carved out of soft Tufa Stone. Nearby we also visit one of the major basilicas of Rome, St Paul’s Outside the Walls. The burial place of St Paul the Apostle, famous for its Byzantine Mosaics. On some departures the Christian Catacombs are offered with a visit to St Peter in Chains to view the magnificent ‘Moses’ sculpture by Michelangelo, (instead of St Paul’s).
Discovering Medieval Roman Neighborhood – Trastevere
Get off the beaten track and explore Rome’s most untouched medieval neighborhood, Trastevere. One of Rome’s most consistently unchanged medieval neighborhood, Trastevere is dotted with ancient and dimly lit churches, crumbling buildings and streets barely wide enough for a Fiat. With our local expert, we’ll explore the medieval labyrinth of alleyways and pause from time to time to take in this very atmospheric area. A maze of food shops, art galleries, cafes, apartment buildings and pretty squares, this district was once rather run-down and working-class, but has now become one of the city’s liveliest and most popular neighborhoods!
Sorrento to Capri
Spectacular cliffs and the famous turquoise colored waters are best experienced with a relaxing cruise around the island to view the beautiful white grotto and unique coastline. Our cruise ends in Capri town at the Augustus Gardens with picture postcard views. Enjoy a lemon granita, a specialty of the island. This optional is weather dependent and will be replaced by a mini bus tour of the Island to Anacapri, the highest village and will include a visit to Villa San Michele.
Sorrento drive down Amalfi Coast to Positano
Drive along the clear blue waters and picturesque resorts of the Amalfi Coast, arguably the most glamorous and scenic stretch of coast in Europe. Minibuses wind their way down serpentine roads to the exclusive artists’ paradise of Positano, clinging to the cliff face, as if about to cascade into the turquoise waters below. Spend time exploring the elegant shops, watching the artists at work, or enjoying an ‘aperitivo’ in a beach side cafe.
Alberobello to Ostuni
Optional Ostuni Tour: With its stark, white-washed buildings, narrow cobbled streets and arched stairways, Ostuni is reminiscent of a North African Arab Medina. Set against three hills ‘The White Town’ is a photographer’s delight.
Alberobello visit to Caves of Castellana
The Grotte di Castellana are one of the most amazing natural wonders of Puglia. Formed about 90 million years ago, the caves are an incredible vision of stalactites, stalagmites and canyons formed by a miracle of nature. The eccentric stalactites here defy the law of gravity by growing horizontally. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy one of the most amazing natural visions of Puglia and Italy!
Taormina to Siracusa
Siracusa, one of the oldest ancient Greek cities dating back to the Magna Grecia. There you will see the Italian master Caravaggio’s famous painting the ‘Burial of Saint Lucy located in the church of Santa Lucia.
Taormina to Mt Etna
Enter the rustic village life of Sicily with our local guide as we visit Savoca, the town also chosen by Frances F Coppola for his movie “The Godfather”. Enjoy the stunning views and visit Vitelli’s bar, used in one of the scenes of the film, famous for its tasty, ice cold, “granite di limone”. Then up Mt. Etna, the famous active volcano – the highest in Europe. You will have time to photograph the spectacular scenery before our return to Taormina.
Palermo – Insider Walking Tour
Walk the ancient streets of the historical center and learn, through the eyes of a local, how the Palermitani live. You’ll discover hidden treasures of this fascinating city that most visitors don’t get to see, like a private visit to the palace of the family of the Counts of Palermo, whom we’ll meet and who will share their amazing experiences with us. This unique tour also includes a drink and light snacks.
16-Day Southern Italy Rome to Sicily Tour
Submit the form for the Rome to Sicily tour with airfare itinerary and price from your preferred airport.
Southern Italy Rome to Sicily Tour Day-by-Day Itinerary
The Southern Italy Rome to Sicily tour day-by-day itinerary includes escorted tours of all the important destinations from Rome to Sicily and points between. This Southern Italy all-encompassing vacation package brings you an authentic southern Italian experience, mixed with history and culture.
Beginning in Rome you’ll by guided by expert guides through the treasures of the Vatican and Roman Empire.
Then travel south to the region of Campania. There enjoy the food, history, and natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast. After the tour continues to the region of Puglia. Visit the ‘trulli’ cone houses of Alberobello. After tour the cave houses in Basilicata’s Sassi di Matera.
After touring these southern Italian mainland points of interest you’ll travel to the marvelous Mediterranean island of Sicily. Among the many historical and cultural influences you’ll find in Sicily are Greek, Roman and Norman.
DAY 1, Depart USA to meet your Southern Italy Tour from Rome to Sicily.
Flights to Italy depart in the evening. Enjoy your overnight flight.
DAY 2, Arrive in Rome and have the day at your leisure
Upon arrival in Rome you will transfer to your hotel. You may have time to stroll around before this evening’s reception and Roman dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Day 3 Rome Local Tour
Rome is about art, antiquity, piazzas. The walking exploration with a Local Expert has it in abundance. Toss a coin into the spectacular Trevi Fountain, see the Pantheon, the best-preserved ancient Roman building, and later enjoy free time to do as the Romans do. Perhaps join a tour to discover more of Rome.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Rome tour Vatican Museum and tour Pompeii
Today you visit Vatican City for a special tour of the Vatican Museum. The tour includes the Sistine Chapel where Michelangelo’s famous frescoes adorn the ceiling and front wall. Your VIP Vatican tour includes the Bramante Stairs, which are typically closed to the public. The Vatican Museum tour takes you through the world’s finest art collection. Then visit St Peter’s Basilica.
Afterward travel south to the Puglia region and Alberobello, famous for its Trulli.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5, Alberobello
Admire another of Italy’s record number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a Local Expert. The Trulli of Alberobello are circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within. They are built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar.
In the evening, experience at Trattoria Terra Madre. Alessandro, the owner, shares his philosophy of using home-grown organic and seasonal produce. See Nonna making orechiette pasta during a demonstration, before a delicious four-course, Farm-to-Table Highlight Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner with wine
Day 6 – Free time in Alberobello or Join Optional Tour to Ostuni
The day is free for you to enjoy this extraordinary town as you wish. Why not join an Optional Experience to the stunning city of Ostuni? With its dazzling white houses and fascinating history, it is a true delight. Your Local Expert experience reveals this town reminiscent of a North African Arab Medina. Admire the stark white-washed buildings, narrow cobbled streets and arched stairways. Set against three hills and perched high above the beautiful sea; ‘The White Town’ is a photographer’s delight.
Afterwards, visit a Mill to taste the renowned olive oil produced in this area that incorporates olives from the ancient groves of Puglia.
Or, join an optional Masseria Dinner in Puglia, a food lovers’ paradise. You’re off to the countryside to a local ‘Masseria’, a typical ancient fortified ‘Farmhouse’. Enjoy an authentic dinner in a ‘country roads’ experience all served up with great wines form the region.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Journey to Matera
Visit Matera with a Local Expert for an in-depth exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sassi — a labyrinth of cave dwellings, churches, staircases and arches, hewn out of the solid rock.
You may recognise Matera because it is where Mel Gibson chose as the setting for his film ‘The Passion of the Christ’.
Continue to the small village of Grottole. Once a thriving community, it has lost most of its activity and population. Meet Andrea, a local striving to bring back the traditional way of living of the area. Experience explore the historic old town to learn about the fascinating history of the village.
Later, enjoy a light lunch with wine, helping to preserve the local culture.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast & Lunch with wine
DAY 8, Pompeii and Sorrento
Start your day in Pompeii, buried in A.D. 79 by the historic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Walk with your Local Expert through the cobbled streets to see a city frozen in time. Venture on to the picturesque resort of Sorrento, perched upon the southern cliffs of the Bay of Naples and looking over to Mount Vesuvius.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9, Isle of Capri
Cruise by jetfoil across the impossibly blue sea to the sun-drenched island of Capri. On arrival, enjoy an escorted ride in an iconic, open-top taxi to Capri Town and meet your Local Expert for an orientation walk through narrow alleyways. Explore Capri with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the immaculate Gardens of Augustus with a Local Expert and admire the views over Faraglioni Rocks. Alternatively, enjoy a tasting of limoncello, Capri’s famous lemon liqueur. Descend to the port by funicular before returning to Sorrento.
Today you travel by high speed hydrofoil across the Bay of Naples from Sorrento to Capri. With Mt Vesuvius towering over the Bay you’ll be mesmerized by the beauty of this area, as visitors have for thousands of years.
On arrival, enjoy an escorted ride in an iconic, open-top taxi to Capri Town and meet your Local Expert for an orientation walk through narrow alleyways.
Then, explore Capri with choice to visit the immaculate Gardens of Augustus with a Local Expert and admire the views over Faraglioni Rocks. Alternatively, enjoy a tasting of limoncello, Capri’s famous lemon liqueur.
Then you’ll travel back to Sorrento.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10 Depart Southern Italy for Sicily Tour and Taormina
This morning your tour of southern Italy takes you from the tow of Italy’s boot across the Strait of Messina to Sicily. Then just down Sicily’s coast your destination is the oldest resort destination in history, Taormina. Find out why summer vacationers choose Taormina for their resort of choice.
Here your hotel is located below Taormina on the Coast in Giardini Naxos.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 11, Taormina
Taormina’s old town clings to the side of Mount Tauro. From the town there are gorgeous views of Mt Etna and the Mediterranean sea.
Today is full day to enjoy the beautiful town. Maybe do down to the beachside. Or, walk through the scented gardens and historic monuments of the old town.
After breakfast, perhaps take an Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
DAY 12, Cefalu and Palermo
Travel to the quaint fishing town of Cefalu. The town’s imposing cathedral was erected to fulfill a vow made by the Norman King Roger II. Stroll down to the medieval stone fountain and seek out the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina for a picture-perfect view of the little harbor.
Later, travel onwards to Palermo.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
DAY 13, Palermo
Explore Palermo with choice to visit the spectacular 12th century Palatine Chapel with a Local Expert. Alternatively, join the Anti-Mafia tour of Palermo. Experience and find out how locals are working together in modern day Palermo.
In your free time this afternoon, you could visit Palermo Cathedral which has been altered many times over the years and observe its unique blend of architectural styles.
For your dining pleasure, you are offered a selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 14, Agrigento and Ragusa
Journey to Agrigento. Explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert and see the massive Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno overlooking the sea.
Afterward, your travels continue to the hilltop town of Ragusa.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 15, Syracuse and Catania
Sightseeing with your Local Expert takes you to Syracuse’s Paradise Quarry with its unusual Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto with an unusual echo. See the superb Greek theater, carved out of solid rock, one of the largest of the ancient world. There is time to explore the atmospheric Old City, a maze of narrow streets lined with palaces, sprawling over the island of Ortygia. It was here that the famous geometrician Archimedes ran naked through the streets, crying ‘Eureka!’
Then continue to Catania to celebrate your time in Sicily over Dinner with your fellow travelers.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 16, Ciao Italia! Rome to Sicily Tour with Southern Italy Tour Ends
Arrivederci! Your fabulous Rome to Sicily Tour with Southern Italy comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Palermo’s Falcone–Borsellino Airport at 06:00 and 08:00.
For more Southern Italy vacations click to view the Sicily and Southern Italy tours packages webpage.
