Italy tours with air, Italy tour packages, Italy vacation packages, Italy cruises call today 800-227-1577

13-Day Sicily and Southern Italy Tour Package

This Southern Italy tour package travels from Sicily to Rome. Explore Sicily, Southern Italy, and Rome 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.

There are two Sicily and Southern Italy tour itinerary. From May to September the tour ends in Sorrento rather than Rome. Spring and Fall departures end in Rome.

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.

Tour End Rome

southern italy trip sicily rome

Tour End Sorrento

Highlights

Sicily and Southern Italy Tour Highlights

  • Breakfast included daily. 7 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.

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 Rome 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.

Tour End Rome

Day 1: Depart USA for your Sicily to Rome Southern Italy tours

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.

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.


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.

Tour End Sorrento

The tour is available as 12-days ending in Sorrento. There is a Rome 3-night pre-tour itinerary available. And there is a Sorrento 2-night post-tour itinerary available.

Alternatively, ItalianTourism.us can customize the pre- and post-tour itinerary to however you wish.

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.

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.

To book your Southern Italy Tour from Sicily to Rome

submit the form or call 800-227-1577

* When all-inclusive Italy vacation prices are quoted to include airfare the price includes fuel surcharges, airport taxes, Italy airport transfers and fees. All prices are per person based on twin occupancy. Italy tours with air & land tour prices apply from the gateway airport. Prices will vary from alternative gateway airports or cities and may be higher. The total price will be emailed to you prior to any deposit being required. Airline baggage fees may apply. Please review all terms and conditions before booking.