Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily - 10 Days

Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily - 10 Days

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Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily - 10 Days

10 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

Visiting: Rome, Sorrento, Matera, Alberobello, Taormina, Syracuse, Agrigento, Cefalù, Palermo, Naples

Tour operator:

Expat Explore Travel

Tour code:

179

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 51

Physical rating:

Low, All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Discover the magic of southern Italy on our brand new tour! One of the most visited destinations in the world, Italy serves up centuries of incredible history, rich culture and, of course, fantastic food! Over 10 days you will visit all the highlights of southern Italy and the island of Sicily, with plenty of free time to explore, and accompanied for the duration of the tour by a passionate and experienced Expat Explore tour leader. Starting in Rome, you will experience amazing destinations including the ancient city of Pompeii and the Sorrento peninsula, followed by the famous 'trulli' houses of Alberobello in the Apulia region. We'll then head west through the beautiful Reggio Calabria region, from where we'll take a ferry across to Sicily. Our first base is Taormina, which offers incredible views of Mount Etna. We'll then spend the next three days exploring Siciliy in-depth, including a free day to explore the islands capital, Palermo.

Highlights

  • Rome by night' tour of the Italian capital

  • See Mt Vesuvius and explore the ruins of ancient Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Enjoy free days to explore Sorrento, Taormina and Palermo

  • See the iconic Trulli houses in Alberobello and the ancient cave city of Matera

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Rome

Location: Rome

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Rome! Settle in at the hotel and meet up with your tour leader who will be with you for the duration of the tour. This morning, meet up with your fellow travellers as your tour leader gives you an overview of the upcoming itinerary. Then, embark on an orientation tour of the city. See top attractions such as the Spanish Steps and the Piazza Navona! Later, your tour leader will show you ‘Rome by night’ - explore some of the iconic sights of the Eternal City including the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. A welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included this evening.

Day 2: Rome - Pompeii - Sorrento

Location: Rome, Sorrento

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Rome after breakfast, and travel to the Sorrento peninsula. En route, stop off to see Mount Vesuvius, and to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii; destroyed in 79AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, travel onwards to tonight’s hotel in Sorrento. Arrive in the Sorrento peninsula, where we have a two-night stay. This area is famous for limoncello (a sweet lemon liqueur); the perfect way to finish off your included dinner this evening!

Day 3: Sorrento - Free Day

Location: Sorrento

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Made up of a number of gorgeous old towns hugging the coastline, the Sorrento peninsula is our base for the day. Explore the towns in your own time. Alternatively, choose our optional excursion to the famous Isle of Capri, where you can spend some free time exploring the rugged coastline, ancient Roman ruins and stylish piazzas. Top the day trip off with a boat trip around the islands. It is sure to be an unforgettable day in the south of Italy!

Day 4: Sorrento - Matera - Alberobello

Location: Matera, Alberobello, Sorrento

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, it is time to head east and explore the southern Italian region of Apulia, making a stop along the way in the ancient cave city of Matera. Known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City), it is famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts; the ‘sassi’. Arrive in Alberobello, and enjoy an orientation tour of the region's famous ‘trulli’ houses. These beautiful 14th century whitewashed stone huts have iconic conical roofs, and are specific to the Itria Valley. This afternoon, enjoy free time to further explore Alberobello. Great places to see include the trullo church of St Antony, and the Trulli museum. Find a beautiful spot to enjoy dinner this evening before returning to the hotel for the night.

Day 5: Alberobello - Taormina

Location: Alberobello, Taormina

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a coastal drive along the Ionian Sea this morning. Soon, it is time to head back to the mainland, and enjoy a short ferry ride over to the island of Sicily; home of Mount Etna. Prepare for stunning views while on the way to Taormina. Arrive, and enjoy an orientation walking tour of this hilltop town. Keep an eye out for some of the highlights you can explore further on your free day tomorrow. This evening, top off the Sicilian experience with an included dinner at the beachside hotel.

Day 6: Taormina - Free Day

Location: Taormina

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day to relax on Sicily's beautiful beaches, or explore the island's quaint towns. The town of Taormina itself is one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations, perched on the side of a mountain, and home to medieval churches, a castle and Greek amphitheatre. For those looking to explore further afield on their Italian tour, speak to your tour leader for their recommendations, including boat tours of the beautiful coastline, day trips to Mount Etna, and 'Godfather' tours.

Day 7: Taormina - Syracuse - Agrigento

Location: Taormina, Syracuse, Agrigento

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Take an easy drive through the heart of Sicily today and be charmed by the sweet Sicilian scenery en route. Along the way, take a comfort stop in Syracuse, an ancient town on the southeast coast of Sicily that was built in ancient Greek times. Then drive the final stretch for the day to ‘Valle dei Templi’ (Valley of the Temples), one of the most outstanding examples of Magna Grecia art and architecture. Spend the night in the hilltop city of Agrigento.

Day 8: Agrigento - Cefalù - Palermo

Location: Cefalù, Agrigento, Palermo

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Agrigento this morning, take a scenic drive through central Sicily and arrive in the town of Cefalù for lunch. Cefalù is a historic town that boasts some of Italy’s finest beaches. Next, travel on to Palermo. Arrive in the early afternoon, and enjoy a walking tour that will introduce you to the city’s highlights. Founded more than 2,700 years ago by the Phoenicians, Palermo is noted for its history, culture, architecture and food. Sights on the walking tour include the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova (The New Gate) and the Cathedral of Palermo. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.

Day 9: Palermo - Free Day

Location: Palermo

Accommodation: Overnight ferry

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day to further explore Sicily’s capital; Palermo! Over the centuries, Palermo has been colonised by many different rulers, including the Greeks, Romans and Normans. This melting pot has resulted in a variety of architectural styles for you to explore in its historic old town. Be sure to visit Italy’s largest opera theatre which is widely considered the city’s most beautiful building! Palermo is also renowned for its delicious cuisine and irresistible dishes like arancini and cannoli. To try some of these delectable treats at two of Palermo’s most vibrant markets, join today’s optional excursion! This evening, take an overnight ferry back to the Italian mainland.

Day 10: End Of Tour In Rome

Location: Rome, Naples

Meals Included: Breakfast

Arrive in Naples after the overnight ferry this morning. The tour group will continue on the coach with the tour leader, and travel back to Rome, where the tour will come to an end later this morning. After 10 days filled with Italian adventures and memories, it’s time to say arrivederci to Italy and your new travel friends. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onwards and hopes to see you again soon!

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    8 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms, 1 night's accommodation in twin share ferry cabin with private en-suite facilities Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room/cabin

  • Fully Guided

    Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader

  • Meals

    9 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

  • Transport

    Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard Overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples

  • Any public transport used as part of the tour days (excludes free days)

  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

What's Not Included

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • Country Entry Visas

  • All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

More Info

Discover the magic of southern Italy on our brand new tour! One of the most visited destinations in the world, Italy serves up centuries of incredible history, rich culture and, of course, fantastic food! Over 10 days you will visit all the highlights of southern Italy and the island of Sicily, with plenty of free time to explore, and accompanied for the duration of the tour by a passionate and experienced Expat Explore tour leader. Starting in Rome, you will experience amazing destinations including the ancient city of Pompeii and the Sorrento peninsula, followed by the famous 'trulli' houses of Alberobello in the Apulia region. We'll then head west through the beautiful Reggio Calabria region, from where we'll take a ferry across to Sicily. Our first base is Taormina, which offers incredible views of Mount Etna. We'll then spend the next three days exploring Siciliy in-depth, including a free day to explore the islands capital, Palermo.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No, visas are each traveler’s personal responsibility, and we recommend that plenty of time is allowed for visas to be applied for. When applying for your visa, please ensure that the proper research is carried out before you apply, and that you deal directly with the embassies or certified agents with regard to acquiring correct and timely information. We cannot take responsibility for customers

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    All travellers are required to carry their own bags, get on and off the coach, and use public transport. Our city walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down lots of steps. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes, Full air-conditioning

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    A full list of confirmed accommodation names and addresses for your particular departure will be emailed to you around 1 week before the tour starts.

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No, entrance fees are not included.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. Please see the meeting point information for details on how to reach the meeting point.

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    Due to weight and space limitations, you are allowed to bring one main piece of luggage weighing no more than 20kg, and one small soft bag for hand luggage weighing a maximum of 7kg. On all tours, you will have to carry your own luggage (e.g. into hotels and up to your room if hotels don’t have elevators). Please bear this in mind when you are deciding what to pack

  • Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

    All of the hotels on this tour offer Wi-Fi, which is available free of charge as part of your Expat Explore tour.

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Yes, As detailed in the itinerary

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our customer services team. Please note that the room provided may be a single room with a single bed.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights.

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    We are committed to curating excellent travel experiences and to do so we need all of our travelers to feel safe. In order to ensure the peace of mind and safety of our travelers and staff on board the coach, we are still requesting that all travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, produce a negative Covid test. This test can be a PCR test

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    All our tours are conducted in English.

  • What is the tipping policy?

    Whilst we fully understand that some nationalities are not accustomed to tipping, this is a normal part of the culture in many of the countries we visit. Tipping has become an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis worldwide. Expat Explore crew members

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Our tour leaders come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests. They are all confident and well-travelled with an in-depth knowledge of the destinations they are working in, and a passion for helping you make the most out of your Expat Explore tour.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    We have searched and invested in excellent accommodation options, either located in cities or well placed with public transport connections. Clean linen, towels is always included. Toiletries (shampoo, shower gel etc) and hair dryers are not always included, so you may wish to bring these with you. Accommodation is provided in twin share en-suite rooms. We use a mix of mostly 2, 3 & 4-star hotels.

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    Our travelers come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    It depends on how many other people book! There could be up to 51 other passengers, so you will have the opportunity to make lots of friends!

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.

  • Children on tour?

    Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2005

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc

Reviews of this operator

ANTHONY NDUNGU   ITALY

Balkan Explorer - 16 Days

03-Sep-2024

I had a blast!!!! Simply amazing and would highly recommend.

Roger  

Wonderful new addition

19-Oct-2022

Great new country and addition by Expat. One of the most interesting and beautiful countries I've ever been. Great food, scenery and lovely people.

Jamie the Kingslayer  

Everything I had expected and more

01-Oct-2022

It was my first time traveling to Europe so I was nervous about everything including finding my way around, speaking the languages, and finding lodging. It turned out to be an incredible experience, I couldn't ask for a better your guide. Luke truly is the best in the business and we were so lucky o have him on the last tour of the season. I am definitely going to recommend Expat to my family and friends when they want to travel to Europe. I am going to go as far as finding out when Luke will be the guide and have family/friends specifically book the tour with him.

Randy  

Outstanding!

25-Sep-2022

From orientation to farewell dinner Martina was always there to ensure that everyone was happy and enjoying the tour! It was fast paced, especially with the added excursions, but the tour covered the best of Italy and Martina was absolutely the best. She was entertaining and informative. Look forward to another tour with her!!

Emma  

Perfect combination of sites, history, culture and food

19-Oct-2022

The highlights of Japan tour with Expat Explore was the ideal way to see the country. It had the perfect mix of big cities, small quaint villages, historical sites and food! The tour was well organised and a good pace to enjoy the various places and activities. We had the opportunity to be immersed in local culture and try the cuisine in a range of dining experiences. The hotels were clean and roomy to rest for days filled with adventures. Japan with Expat should be on your wish list!

CCY  

Good experience

07-Oct-2022

Enjoyed the views of different places and learnt about the history of different places in UK/Ireland.

Kendra Olson   United States

Classic Europe - 14 Days

03-Apr-2024

Such a great trip and saw so many places, if we did this trip on our own I think we would only get half of what we did done in this time period. It definitely was busy with not much down time but we didn’t pay to go be bored. Beautiful and memorable trip!

Travelling Solo  

12 Day Italian Delights

18-Oct-2022

A great tour made even better by our tour leader Marty. She was so knowledgeable and helpful. Made us laugh, showed us amazing sites and always had great recommendations.

Tash  

Really nice experience

26-Oct-2022

Loved the small country towns. Very beautiful MARTY AND ALEX THE DRIVER , made the tour experience perfect for me. She is a brilliant guide.

Disappointed  

Totally exhausted

05-Oct-2022

I need a holiday to recover from this full-on, insufficient down time, tour. Late hotel arrivals, late city tours, late dinners and excessive walking due to public transport use and then early morning starts. And to top it off, no seat rotation (tour leader advised on day 2 for covid reasons) which made sense on day 2 but not by day 3 or 4 when we had been grouped together at meals, on walking tours, and sharing rooms with people we had just met...merrily spreading our germs between our group anyway! This seating rule however was waived for a special few...those who insisted that they get travel sickness (and must sit in the front seat) and..those who think the rule is not for them and aren't challenged by the tour leader anyway. No seat rotation also meant not getting the opportunity to get to know everyone on the tour on an equal basis.

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 91 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.

    At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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