Secrets of Southern Italy and Sicily for solo travellers

Fly to Bari and transfer to Alberobello in Puglia (34 miles, one hour), staying three nights at the 4-star Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri (4Q).

The modern hotel sits among olive and almond trees in extensive grounds, and has a restaurant, bar, wellness centre and an outdoor swimming pool open in the summer months. All bedrooms have air conditioning, a satellite television, telephone, fridge, hairdryer and safe. D

Today an included tour visits the unique 'trulli' houses in Alberobello; Martina Franca with its baroque old town; and Ostuni, a traditional Apulian town. B, D

Join a full day included excursion to Lecce, the stunning baroque city known as the ‘Florence of the south’, which includes a visit to Cathedral, which is renowned for being masterpiece of Baroque art. B, D

Travel to Altomonte in Calabria (147 miles, three hours and 30 minutes), via Matera – a European capital of Culture for 2019 – to see the intriguing houses and churches carved out of rock: ‘i sassi’.

Stay at the 4-star Hotel Barbieri (4Q) for three nights. The hotel overlooks the ancient ‘borgo’ or hamlet, with superb views of Pollino National Park, the largest in Italy. Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool (weather permitting) and wellness centre (extra charge). Rooms are well-equipped but vary in size, and each has air conditioning, satellite television, telephone, and a minibar. B, D

Join a morning orientation tour of Altomonte to see its cobbled streets, stone houses, and views of the surrounding valley and mountain ranges.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps exploring independently or relaxing at your hotel. B, D

Spend the day at leisure in Altomonte, or join an optional excursion to nearby Rossano. B, D

Drive south to Reggio Calabria (150 miles, three hours), and pause at the National Archaeological Museum to see its famous bronze figures of Greek warriors, found in the sea near Riace. Board the ferry across the straits of Messina (25 minutes).

On arrival in Sicily, enjoy a scenic drive to Acireale, a coastal city at the foot of Mount Etna (52 miles, one hour). Stay four nights at the 4-star Hotel Maugeri (3Q+). The hotel is located within walking distance of the historic quarter, and facilities include a restaurant and bar. There are 59 comfortable bedrooms each equipped with a satellite television, telephone, individual heat control, safe, hairdryer, minibar and Wi-Fi (extra cost). B, D

Either relax in the sun or join an optional trip to Syracuse, a city founded nearly 3,000 years ago. B, D

This morning, join a guided tour exploring villages featured in the 1972 film, The Godfather. Visit the mountain villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agro’, both used as filming locations for a number of iconic scenes, including Bar Vitelli. Enjoy free time to explore the narrow streets and ancient churches to get a taste of rural life in Sicily. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. B, D

Join an included visit to picturesque Taormina and Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. From the lower level of Mount Etna, called Rifugio Sapienza (the Refuge), the Silvestri Crateri are within walking distance and you'll be able to admire the older frozen lava flows.

Continuing to Taormina, a guided tour reveals elegant mansions and palaces dating from the Middle Ages, and several interesting churches. B, D

Transfer to the airport (37 miles, 45 minutes) for your return flight home. B