Highlights Of Southern Italy And Sicily

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. Meet 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 before enjoying some free time to explore on your own. A welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included this evening.

Orientation tour of Rome: Get acquainted with the enchanting city of Rome on an orientation tour of Rome with your tour guide. Admire the Spanish Steps, walk to the Piazza Navona to see the Fountain of the Quattro Fiumi) and learn about other attractions that make Rome a perennial favourite with travellers all over the world!

Welcome dinner: Join your tour leader and tour group for a welcome dinner. Celebrate the first night of tour with some delicious Italian food at a local Roman restaurant.

Depart Rome after breakfast, and travel to the Amalfi Coast. 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 before sitting down for an included lunch. Afterwards, travel onwards to tonight’s hotel in the Amalfi Coast. Arrive in Salerno, where we have a two-night stay. This area is famous for limoncello (a sweet lemon liqueur); the perfect way to finish off your evening!

Made up of a number of gorgeous old towns hugging the coastline, the Amalfi Coast is our base for the day. Explore the towns and stunning beaches in your own time. Alternatively, choose our optional excursion to the famous and exceptionally beautiful Isle of Capri. Here, enjoy an orientation tour before spending 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 and its breathtaking grottos. It is sure to be an unforgettable day in the south of Italy!

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.

Stop over 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’.

Walking tour of Alberobello: Discover the area’s beautiful 14th century whitewashed stone huts that have iconic conical roofs, and are specific to the Itria Valley, with a local guide.

Ferry ride to Sicily: Take a ferry ride to the island of Sicily; the home of Mount Etna.

Orientation walk of Taormina: Your tour guide will take the group on an orientation tour of this charming hilltop town. See top sights including the historic Porta Catania and the Villa Comunale. Explore more attractions on the free day tomorrow!

Dinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina: Join the group for a lovely dinner at a restaurant overlooking the ocean.

Enjoy a free day to relax on Taormina's beautiful beaches, or explore the charming hilltop town which is one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations. For those looking to explore further afield, why not embark on a day trip to Mount Etna? This is one of the tour’s top optional excursions and perfect for those seeking a bit of adventure. Take a cable car and a 4x4 to the top station, walk in the volcanic ash and learn more about the volcano from the local guides. After, indulge in a feast of local produce at a charming enoteca. This evening, choose to enjoy a sunset cruise and swim in Taormina’s crystal clear waters!

Take a drive through the heart of Sicily today, and be charmed by the gorgeous Sicilian scenery en route. Along the way, make a stop in Syracuse, an ancient town on the southeast coast of Sicily that was built in ancient Greek times. Syracuse is home to an excellent food market, making it a perfect spot to grab lunch. 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. Enjoy a guided sunset tour with an expert local guide. Spend the night in the hilltop city of Agrigento.

Visit Syracuse: The historically significant Sicilian city of Syracusa (as the locals call it) is located on the southeast coast of Sicily. Syracuse was originally a Greek colony, and today is home to a number of Greek remains like a Greek theatre that dates back to the 5th Century BC. You will be transported back in time as you meander cobbled lanes, pavement cafes and baroque architecture. While here, shop locally-grown pistachios, almonds and sun-dried pachino (tomatoes).

Explore the Valley of the Temples: The ‘Valle dei Templi’ is a national monument of Italy, and archaeological site in Agrigento. The Valley includes the remains of seven temples built in the Doric style. It is famous for being home to incredible examples of Magna Grecia art and architecture.

Leaving Agrigento this morning, take a scenic drive through central Sicily and arrive in the town of Cefalù. Cefalù is a historic town that boasts some of Italy’s finest beaches. Here, enjoy free time to explore or join the locally guided tour which includes lunch at a local restaurant. Next, travel on to Palermo. Arrive in the 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. Top 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.

Visit Cefalù: Travel to the historic city of Cefalù where you have free time to find a place to enjoy lunch. This coastal city is famous for its incredible beaches as well as its Norman cathedral complete with soaring towers and Byzantine mosaics.

Walking tour of Palermo: Follow your guide, and look out for popular attractions like the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova (The New Gate) and the Cathedral of Palermo.

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 this afternoon. 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!