Southern Italy & Sicily
Journey through a crossroads of civilizations in Sicily and on to the spectacular coastlines of Southern Italy. Uncover Sicily's capital Palermo and its Moorish and Norman influences. Explore Agrigento's ancient Valley of the Temples. Travel to the historic hilltop town of Taormina. Visit a local winery for a wine tasting and agriturismo dinner. Venture to the ancient cave dwellings of Sassi di Matera. Discover spectacular Mt. Etna Volcano National Park. Explore the stunning Amalfi Coast and Sorrento. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in the excavated Pompeii. Allow the unique culture to capture your heart and get a glimpse into an age-old heritage composed of ancient monuments and cultivated lands.
Call 410-638-5822 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18041056
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Offer
- Offer valid through 6/30/2024
- Duration
- 13 Days
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Palermo | The hidden treasures of Southern Italy and Sicily are yours to explore, for it's here you'll find breathtaking scenery, historic cities, centuries-old hilltop villages and iconic cuisine. |
| Day 2 | Palermo | Your Italian sojourn opens in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Discover the city's vibrant culture as you take in its picturesque harbors, cobblestone piazzas, and captivating energy. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine. |
| Day 3 | Palermo | Get to know "Palermo in a Nutshell" and discover the city's Moorish, Norman, and Spanish architecture on a walking tour. Explore the Kalsa district - home to Mafia legends and lush gardens - before continuing your walk through Palermo's famous landmarks such as the Fontana Pretoria, the Quattro Canti, and the Cathedral. This evening visit a medieval palace, where a countess guides you through her family's home, joining you for an aperitif and hors d'oeuvres. |
| Day 4 | Palermo | Decide how you spend your day in the Sicilian capital. Perhaps you'll peruse the open-air markets, visit one of Palermo's art galleries, or relax in an outdoor cafE. Or you might venture further afield and join a full-day optional excursion to medieval CefalU (UNESCO). Tour this remarkable seaside town with a local guide before visiting a nearby farm for a ricotta cheese* demonstration and farm-to-table dinner, made with family recipes. |
| Day 5 | Palermo | Visit the nearby hilltop town of Monreale (UNESCO), ascending on foot to its 12th-century cathedral for a guided tour of its majestic Byzantine mosaics. Then, it's your choice! Explore the cathedral's cloisters, taking in their serene atmosphere of the monastic complex -OR- ascend the southern tower to the panoramic terraces for a bird's-eye view over Palermo. Travel over rolling hills and peaceful farmland to the town of Agrigento. Upon arrival, 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 temples of Juno, Concordia, and Hercules. |
| Day 6 | Agrigento | Journey east to Sicily's Ionian Coast. En route, discover beautiful Taormina, home to ancient relics, rocky hills, and charming gardens. With an expert local guide, you'll stroll the lively pedestrian only main street, the Corso Umberto, see the imposing Corvaja Palace, and the city's well-preserved Greek theatre. Later this afternoon, continue on to Giardini Naxos - the "garden of Sicily" - for your 2-night stay. |
| Day 7 | Giardini Naxos | This morning, set out for the impressive Mt. Etna Volcano National Park (UNESCO) where a local expert introduces you to the park's spectacular landscapes sculpted by nature. This afternoon, enjoy free time in Giardini Naxos to relax in this seaside resort. Or perhaps you'll join an optional tour to charming Savoca. This historic hill-top village was one of the filming locations for the classic 1972 movie The Godfather. Then let traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air as you savor a traditional Sicilian dinner before returning to Giardini Naxos. |
| Day 8 | Giardini Naxos | Take a short ferry ride to Villa San Giovanni, located on Italy's mainland. Pass through the unspoiled region of Calabria to the Basilicata region. Wander through the twisting vines of a local winery before touring the cellar for a tasting. Linger over regional cuisine at dinner in the winery's agriturismo restaurant. |
| Day 9 | Matera | Explore the Sassi di Matera (UNESCO), an ancient settlement of carved cave dwellings. A local guide shares the history and explains why film producers are seeking out this unique landscape. Visit a local shop and get a taste of regional specialties. 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 (UNESCO) and marvel at the town's whimsical trulli homes, known for their distinct, cone-shaped roofs. |
| Day 10 | Matera | After a stop in Vietri sul Mare, famous for its precious majolica pottery, arrive in Sorrento, where you'll settle in for a 2-night stay. Later this afternoon, discover this charming seaside town during a walking tour and learn about the local tradition of wood marquetry. |
| Day 11 | Sorrento | 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, lemon-based specialties at a 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 restaurant. |
| Day 12 | Sorrento | Journey north to Rome. En route, 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. Later, check in to your hotel located close to Fiumicino Airport. |
| Day 13 | Rome | Your tour comes to a close today. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Lodging
- NH Palermo - Palermo, Italy
- Baia di Ulisse - Agrigento, Italy
- Una Hotel Naxos Beach Sicilia - Giardini Naxos, Italy
- MH Matera Hotel - Matera, Italy
- Hotel Michelangelo - Sorrento, Italy
- Shangri-la Hotel - Rome, Italy
- Disclaimer
- * NOTE: Tour prices are land only rates based on per person, double occupancy. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies.
Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations.
