13-Day Sicily and Southern Italy Tour Package

Day 3: Guided Tours of Palermo

An inclusive tour of Palermo’s sightseeing highlights begins the day.  The tour includes a guided walking tour through Palermo’s piazzas including the Piazza Pretoria, Piazza Bellini, and Quattro Canti. Palermo is located at the crossroads of the Arab and European civilizations. This is evident in the city’s architecture. The mix of Moorish, Norman and Spanish Baroque styles makes Palermo unique among all cities.

Day 4: Palermo

Decide how you spend your morning because it’s your choice! Embark on a walking tour of the historic city center and visit La Martorana church, Fontana Pretoria, and more ­OR­ tour the Teatro Massimo Opera House, the third largest in Europe and seen in The Godfather Part III. This afternoon, do consider joining an optional excursion to medieval Cefalù (UNESCO) with a local guide.

Day 5: Travel to Agrigento with Monreale Excursion

Today depart Palermo for the Valley of Temples in Agrigento. Along the way enjoy an included excursion to Monreale. Both Agrigento and Monreale are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

In Monreale you’ll visit the famous the Cathedral of Monreale. It is considered by many to be the finest example in the world today of Norman architecture. The 12th century cathedral’s interior of multicolored marbles, paintings, an mosaics.

After Monreale travel over Sicily’s rolling hills and peaceful farmland to the town of Agrigento. As the sun begins to set, explore the stunning Valley of the Temples (UNESCO), one of the world’s most esteemed archeological sites, and get an up­ close view of the ancient Greek temples. This is the archaeology park where you will find the world’s best preserved ancient Greek Temples. Learn all about the ancient Greek Gods and their Roman counterparts in the Temples of Concordia, Hercules, and Juno.

You will be inspired by the overwhelming beauty and peacefulness of the sites.  You’ll experience first hand why Homer, and a long list of subsequent artists, traveled to Sicily to work their crafts.

Day 6: Agrigento to Giardini Naxos with Mt Etna Excursion

Today you’ll travel from Agrigento to Giardini Naxos, “the garden of Sicily”, located on Sicily’s Ionian Coast below Taormina.

Along the journey is an included excursion to Mt. Etna Volcano National Park. Another UNSESCO World Heritage site. This active volcano presents landscapes sculpted by the lava flows. There a local expert introduces you to the park’s spectacular landscapes sculpted by nature. Later this afternoon, continue on to Giardini Naxos for your two night stay.

Day 7: Taormina

Today discover why emperors, nobles, aristocrats, and royalty visited Taormina. This charming town is built on the hills above Giardini Naxos. The ancient Greeks built the famous amphitheater here. Since then for 2500 years this Sicilian resort town has hosted those coming to relax, rejuvenate, and be inspired.  This afternoon is totally at leisure so you too may enjoy an espresso or gelato while strolling, shopping and people watching in Taormina.

Day 8: From Sicily tour the Southern Italian “Boot of Italy”

This morning you’ll leave Sicily to begin touring Southern Italy. You’ll cross the strait of Messina between Sicily and Calabria by ferry.  You’ll then travel by luxury motor coach through Calabria to Basilicata. The organic natural beauty of Southern Italy will be on full display.

This afternoon you will arrive in Matera along Basilicata’s coast. Freshen up before a late afternoon agriturismo tasting and dinner. You’ll visit a local vineyard to taste the Southern Italian wines. You’ll also visit the agriturismo’s wine cellars. Before dinner walk among the vineyards. Then a local authentic Southern Italian dinner will be served.

Day 9: Basilicata visit Sassi di Matera and Alberobello in Southern Italy’s Puglia region

Today, explore the “Sassi di Matera,” an ancient town known for its cave dwellings, both modern and ancient. A local guide will help you learn the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site, and why it has recently caught the eye of many film producers. Afterwards, stop at a local shop for a chance to sample some regional produce.

This afternoon decide how you explore because it’s your choice! Discover more of Matera with a guided tour of an underground cistern followed by free time to browse the city’s stores and cave churches ­OR­ head to Alberobello, another UNESCO World Heritage site, to marvel at the trulli homes, known for their distinct, cone­-shaped roofs. Surprisingly, no mortar is used to hold the stones together.

Then return to your Matera hotel for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10: Travel from Basilicata along the Amalfi Coast to Sorrento

Today you will travel from Basilicata to the Amalfi Coast, where you will enjoy 2 nights in Sorrento. As you travel through Southern Italy today’s tour includea a visit to Vietri sul Mare, famous for its precious majolica pottery.

Later this afternoon, discover Sorrento, the charming seaside town, during a walking tour. This town is perched above the Bay of Naples.  Here enjoy views of Naples, Capri, and Mt Vesuvius.

Inlaid wood making is a local art. Along the tour you’ll learn about the local tradition of wood marquetry. In town check out the local artisans practice their craft.

This evening you are on your own to stroll around town. Drop in to a local trattoria to enjoy the local Campanian flavors.

Day 11: Amalfi Coast

Today the Southern Italy tour begins in Sorrento. Then drive down the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy a Limoncello tasting. This afternoon return to Sorrento where you have time to explore this lovely town on your own.

Day 12: Guided tour of Pompeii and travel from Southern Italy to Rome

This morning you will travel back in time on your tour of Pompeii. Located in the foothills of Mt Vesuvius, the town was captured in time 2000 years ago.

In Pompeii you will experience a typical ancient Roman town 2,000 years ago. A local Pompeii tour guide will take you through this ancient Roman archeological sight.

After Pompeii you will travel from Southern Italy to Rome.  Your luxury motor coach will arrive in Rome in time to enjoy your last Southern Italy tour evening in Rome.  You’ll visit a local Roman restaurant to enjoy local Roman specialties and local wines in an evening full of cheer. This included authentic Roman dinner celebration will mark the end of the Sicily to Rome vacation.

Day 13: Sicily to Rome Southern Italy Tours Ends in Rome

Today the Southern Italy tours ends leaving you with fabulous memories of a wonderful Southern Italy vacation.

You may also wish to extend your Southern Italy vacation by continuing in Rome. 

Or check out the Northern Italy tours and Tuscany vacation packages.

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Post Tour: 2-Night Rome Extension

Day 13 – Rome Extension Begins

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Classical Rome, leading you through the Eternal City’s most iconic monuments. Begin your exploration with an in-depth visit to the Colosseum. Hear the distant echoes of 45,000 cheering spectators when you visit the Colosseum, the site of legendary gladiator contests. Walk up the steps that millions have before you, marveling at the ingenuity and scale of this world-famous structure. Your walking tour continues with a visit to Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most breathtaking Baroque piazzas.

Afterward, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps you’ll wander through one of Rome’s many museums, such as the Borghese Gallery.

Day 14 – Rome

The day is yours! Perhaps you’ll visit Castel Sant’Angelo, a fortress located a short distance from Vatican City. Or consider joining an optional tour* to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, including the world-famous Sistine Chapel.

In the evening, join your fellow travelers and celebrate the end of your Italian trip with dinner at a local restaurant in Rome’s bohemian Trastevere district.

Day 15 – Tour Ends

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Days 1 to 9

Itinerary Days 2-9 is the same as the Sicily to Rome Itinerary.

Day 10: Travel from Basilicata to Pompeii then Sorrento

Today you will travel from Basilicata to Sorrento.

After a stop in Vietri sul Mare, famous for its precious majolica pottery, experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii (UNESCO). A local guide gives you an in-depth look into this 2,000-year-old Roman town, nestled in the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Step into another time as you explore its preserved buildings and imagine life in the 1st century.

End your day in Sorrento, and settle in for a 2-night stay. Discover this charming seaside resort town and learn about the local tradition of wood marquetry.

This evening you are on your own to stroll around town. Drop in to a local trattoria to enjoy the local Campanian flavors.

Day 11: Amalfi Coast

This morning take in the sights and colors of the Mediterranean Sea as you wind your way along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast (UNESCO). Gaze out over the deep blue hues of the sea paired with the bright citrus fruits lining the hillsides. Pause to sample regional specialties at a family-owned limoncello factory, before returning to Sorrento for an afternoon at leisure.

This evening, celebrate the end of your journey with a delightful farewell dinner in a local

Day 12: Tour Ends Sorrento

Tour ends with breakfast in Sorrento. Consider a 2-night extension to explore the island of Capri and Positano.

2-night Extension

Extend your stay in romantic Sorrento with a 2-night post-tour extension. Escape to the Isle of Capri on a full-day excursion, where you’ll bask in the beauty of this island paradise during a scenic cruise followed by free time in Capri village. The next day, spend a morning in romantic Positano, where you’ll enjoy ample free time to explore this colorful village before returning to Sorrento for an afternoon at leisure.