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
15-Day Rome to Sicily Tour Map
Southern Italy Rome to Sicily Tour Sightseeing Highlights
- Meals: Breakfast daily and 7 dinners.
- Rome walk with locals
- 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.
- 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.
- 13 nights first class accommodations
- 2 nights Rome
- 2 nights Sorrento
- 3 nights Alberobello
- 1 Night Matera
- 3 nights Giardini Naxos (Taormina)
- 2 nights Palermo
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.
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.
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.
Giardini Naxos (Taormina) 3 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.
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.
15-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 to Sorrento
As you leave the bustling streets of Rome behind, you enter the peaceful charm of the Italian countryside. The roads wind through sun-dappled hills, where fields of golden wheat and rows of olive trees stretch endlessly under a brilliant blue sky. Small villages dot the landscape, their stone houses nestled against rolling hills, offering a glimpse into authentic Italian life and the air carries the scent of wildflowers and citrus groves.
The journey southward reveals itself like a beautiful postcard, with views of the sparkling Mediterranean beginning to emerge in the distance.
As you approach Sorrento, the dramatic cliffs and coastal views unfold, the town’s pastel-colored buildings perched above the shimmering sea, welcoming you to this idyllic coastal paradise.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 5, Capri
The impossibly blue sea welcomes you to the sun-drenched island of Capri as you cruise by jetfoil.
On arrival, meet your Local Expert for an orientation walk through the narrow alleyways. Explore Capri with choice to visit Gardens of Augustus with a Local Expert and admire the views over the Faraglioni Rocks. Alternatively, enjoy a tasting of limoncello, Capri’s famous lemon liqueur.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6 – Pompeii and Alberobello
Start your day in Pompeii, buried in AD 79 by the historic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Walk with your Local Expert through the cobbled streets to see a city frozen in time.
Afterward, the southern Italyu tour continues to Alberobello in the Puglia region.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 7, Trrulli of Alberobello
Join a Local Expert to explore one of Italy’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the unique trulli of Alberobello, circular limestone dwellings with domed interiors and distinctive conical roofs, ingeniously built without mortar.
Afterward you may also wish to join our Local Expert for an exploration of Ostuni, a whitewashed town that echoes the charm of a North African Arab Medina. Stroll through its winding cobbled streets and admire its striking architecture.
In the evening, enjoy a four-course Farm-to-Table dinner, showcasing traditional Apulian dishes made with seasonal produce.
meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 8, Alberobello at Leisure
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure or unwind and make the most of the exceptional amenities at your remarkable hotel.
You can also choose to discover cliffside Polignano a Mare with a Local Expert, enjoying Adriatic views and a stroll through the historic hometown of Volare singer Domenico Modugno.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9, 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 recognize Matera as the biblical backdrop for the 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 area’s traditional way of living. Experience explore the historic old town to learn about the fascinating history of the village and enjoy an aperitif with local snacks helping to preserve the culture.
MH Matera Hotel
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.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Taormina
Early risers may experience what D.H. Lawrence christened the ‘dawn coast of Europe.’ The day is free to explore Taormina at your leisure, or to embark on an Optional Experience to Syracuse.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13, Agrigento and Palermo
Drive to Agrigento and explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert. See the massive Temple of Concord and clifftop Temple of Juno, overlooking the sea.
In the afternoon, continue to the Sicilian capital of Palermo.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14, Palermo
Join a historian on a guided walk to see the gems of the old city. Visit the amazing Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Normans. Outside, there are few clues to its astonishing interior, completely covered in glittering 12th-century mosaics.
Continue to the Palermo Cathedral which has been altered over the years and observe its unique blend of architectural styles.
In the afternoon, there is free time to explore or shop in Palermo or continue sightseeing. In the evening, join your fellow guests and Travel Director at a local restaurant for a dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 15, 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.
