This Southern Italy tour package travels from Sicily to Sorrento. Explore Sicily and Southern Italy on this all-inclusive escorted trip through Southern Italy.
This Southern Italy vacation explores all the southern Italy and Sicily sightseeing highlights. While exploring Southern Italy you’ll find an alluring mixture of architecture, culinary traditions, and culture.
After enjoying guided tours of Sicily’s highlights the trip continues across the strait of Messina to travel through the Southern Italian Peninsula. Known as the Caribbean of Europe, you’ll travel far off the beaten path through the unspoiled Southern Italian regions of Calabria, Basilicata, and Puglia. Then enjoy the breathtaking views and stunning scenery along the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Sorrento in the region of Campania.
To view the day-by-day itinerary click here.
For the price of the Sicily and Southern Italy tour from your preferred departure city submit the form or call ItalianTourism.us today 800.227.1577.
Highlights
Sicily and Southern Italy Tour Highlights
- 16 Meals: Breakfast included daily. 5 dinners in Italy are also included.
- In Sicily discover Ancient Greek culture with a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
- In Sicily enjoy a leisurely day enjoying the Sicilian resort town Taormina.
- In Basilicata visit the “Sassi of Matera” and experience how people lived in their cave dwellings.
- In Basilicata visit a local winery and agriturismo for a tasting and regional dinner.
- In Campania tour Pompeii, where 2000 years ago Mt Vesuvius captured ancient Roman life in time.
- In Puglia visit Alberobello, where the trulli structures are one of the most unique sights in Southern Italy.
- 4-star accommodations in all destinations – click here for more Southern Italy tour hotel information.
Click Sicily tour daily itinerary to review the tour details.
For more information about Sicily sightseeing click here.
Accommodations
Sicily and Southern Italy Tour Package Accommodations:
Where more than one accommodation it varies by departure date.
- Palermo 3 nights – NH Palermo
- Agrigento 1 night – Baia Di Ulisse
- Giardini-Naxos 2 nights – Una Hotel Naxos Beach
- Basilicata 2 nights – MH Matera Hotel
- Sorrento 2 nights – Hotel Michelangelo
Optional Tours
Optional tours are scheduled during what is otherwsie free time. There is additional cost to join. The price is confirmed when booking.
Visit Cefalu and a Local Farm
Palermo – Duration: 6 Hours
This afternoon, set off for the stunning seaside town of Cefalù on Sicily’s northern coast. Stroll the charming medieval streets with a local guide and visit its magnificent cathedrals that showcase popular Norman architecture. Next, journey to a family-owned farm picturesquely set in the mountains. Meet the owners and discover what a typical day on a Sicilian farm is like during a private tour of the property, where you learn about its traditional products. Later, sit back and relax as a chef prepares local specialties for you featuring the farm’s own products and secret recipes. Then, sit down to a hearty dinner – Italian-style, complete with wine of course!
A Walk in Old World Sicily
Giardini-Naxos – Duration: 2 Hours
The movies come to life before your eyes in charming Savoca, Sicily. This historic hill-top village was one of the filming locations for the classic 1972 movie “The Godfather.” It is where Al Pacino’s character Michael Corleone fell in love with a young Sicilian girl. This remarkable village was founded in 1134 and even today, remains untouched. Your tour will take you through its quaint alleyways to the historic Bar Vitelli, where Michael asks for Apollonia’s hand in marriage from her father. You will also see the church built in the 14th century where the wedding of Michael and Apollonia was filmed, the Chiesa di Santa Lucia or Chiesa di San Nicolò. Savoca is considered to be one of the most beautiful “borgos” (small villages) in Italy. This journey through the past is sure to give you the feeling of being in old-world Sicily and should not be missed.
The Flavors of Sicily
Giardini-Naxos Duration: 2.5 Hours
Linger over an exquisite four-course meal while traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air. Join us on your free evening for an unforgettable dinner at a popular local restaurant. Your evening begins with a typical Italian antipasto and continues with a variety of local specialties and fine Sicilian wines. Delight in the lively music performed by talented local musicians who are sure to have you clapping and singing along. Sit back and savor the flavors of Sicily during a fun-filled evening with true Italian ambiance and local cuisine. Gratuities are included.
For the Southern Italy tour package day-by-day itinerary click here.
Sicily to Sorrento Southern Italy Tour Package Daily Itinerary
This Southern Italy vacation package from Sicily to Rome tours Southern Italy’s sightseeing highlights. Sicily tour destinations include Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento, Mt. Etna, and Taormina. In Sicily you’ll experience a mix of Arab and Moorish influences set among ancient Greek and Roman ruins. You’ll also have time to enjoy Sicily’s beaches in Giardini Naxos.
Afterward, cross the Strait of Messina from Sicily to the “Boot of Italy.” In Southern Italy you’ll visit Alberobello, the Amalfi Coast, Matera, Sassi de Matera, Sorrento, Pompeii, and Veltri sul Mar.
On this journey through Sicily and Southern Italy experience authentic southern Italian culture, cuisine, and hospitality. Southern Italy’s and Sicily’s unspoiled natural beauty, fabulous food, culinary traditions and culture are all unique.
To book your Sicily to Rome Southern Italy tour package submit the form or call ItalianToursm.us 800.227.1577.
Day 1: Depart USA for your Sicily to Rome Southern Italy tour
Fly overnight from the United States to Palermo
Day 2: Arrive in Palermo, Sicily
Arrive in Palermo, the capital of Sicily, to begin your Southern Italy vacation. After arrival you may have some time to rest or stroll around Palermo. Then freshen up for this evenings welcome dinner. This evening’s dinner you’ll enjoy an authentic Sicilian dinner with local Sicilian wines.
Meals: Dinner
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.
This evening visit a medieval palace, where a countess guides you through her family’s home and joins you for an aperitif and hors d’oeuvres.
Day 4: Palermo
Decide how you spend your morning because it’s your choice! 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.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
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.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
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.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
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: Matera to Sorrento
Today you will travel from Basilicata to the Amalfi Coast, where you will enjoy 2 nights in Sorrento.
After a stop at a sustainable buffalo farm for a taste of freshly made mozzarella and a peek into the history of this iconic cheese, experience the extraordinary 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.
Afterward, 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: Sorrento & Positano
This morning, take in the sights and colors of the Mediterranean Sea as you sail (weather permitting) 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 in Positano with its pastel-colored houses and pebbly beaches. Spend time in this legendary locale browsing the posh boutiques or resting along the beach, 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 restaurant.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 12: Tour ends in Sorrento
Today the tour comes to an end in Sorrneto. Planes typcially depart Naples airport very early.
Alternatively, extend your tour or check out the Northern Italy tours and Tuscany vacation packages.
Rome Pre Tour Extensions
Pre Tour: 3-Night Rome Extension
Begin your trip with a 3-night sojourn in the Eternal City of Rome. This Hosted Extension includes a welcome dinner and a locally guided city tour with admission to the Colosseum. Enjoy ample free time to explore Rome’s dynamic mix of history and modernity or join an optional tour to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. Your other option is to book a pre stay at the NH Palermo Hotel.
Day 1 – Rome, Italy – Tour Begins
Get settled into your hotel for a 3-night stay. Take time to get acquainted with the area on your own before joining your fellow travelers this evening for a special welcome dinner featuring regional delicacies.
Day 2 – Rome Colosseum and Free Time
Start your morning with a guided tour of Classical Rome with a local expert. Discover the city’s famous sights such as the legendary Aventine and Palatine Hills, the ancient Circus Maximus, and the Arch of Constantine. Step into history during an in-depth visit to the Colosseum, where your guide brings the past alive.
The remainder of the day is yours. Perhaps you will join an optional dinner in a popular restaurant, where you’ll indulge in a hearty meal accompanied by wine and local entertainment.
Day 3 – Rome Free Day
Make the most of a free day in Italy’s capital city. Perhaps you will join an optional tour* in the morning to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, taking in world-renowned wonders like the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s mural, The Last Judgment. In the afternoon, consider strolling through the Borghese Gardens for views of the city’s skyline or meander through Rome’s bohemian Trastevere district.
Day 4 – Rome to Palermo
Your Roman sojourn comes to a close today. Say “Arrivederci Roma” as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Palermo** where you begin your tour of Southern Italy & Sicily.
Sorrento Post Tour Extensions
Post Tour: 2-Night Sorrento 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.
Day 1 – Sorrento – Isle of Capri – Sorrento
Extend your stay in Sorrento to explore more of the wonders of the Bay of Naples. Take a boat to the enchanting Isle of Capri.* Admire the island’s iconic scenery as you cruise the pristine waters, passing by the steep cliffs, countless caves, and the dramatic Faraglioni rocks, rising high from the water. Spend some time at leisure in the town of Capri, where you can explore its world-famous piazzetta and a variety of chic boutiques and outdoor cafés. Return to Sorrento for a free evening to do as you please. Perhaps you’ll visit the city’s Correale Museum, a private residence-turned-museum featuring fine examples of inlaid wood marquetry and Neapolitan paintings from the 17th and 18th century.
Day 2 Sorrento – Amalfi Coast – Sorrento
Spend the morning exploring the winding roads of the colorful Amalfi Drive. Pause in Amalfi, the rocky coast’s namesake town. A former trading hub, Amalfi is now a quiet coastal town of historic landmarks and a black-and-white marble cathedral.
After a few hours on your own, climb up to Ravello, a picturesque village with the best vantage point of the winding coastline.
Return to Sorrento in the late afternoon to finish your day with some free time. Perhaps you’ll take a stroll in Sorrento’s Villa Comunale garden to take in gorgeous views of Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, or simply wander around enjoying an artisan-made gelato.
Day 3 Sorrento – Depart for Home
Your Italian sojourn comes to a close today.
For more trips to Sicily click to view all the Sicily Tours Packages webpage.
Click Southern Italy tour Basilicata, Campania, and Puglia for a tour of southern Italy only without Sicily.
