Southern Italy & Sicily featuring Taormina, Matera and the Amalfi Coast (Palermo to Rome) (2025)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 13-day journey through the enchanting landscapes of Southern Italy and Sicily. This multi-day tour offers an immersive exploration of historic cities, charming hilltop villages, and breathtaking natural beauty. Experience the vibrant culture of Palermo, the ancient Greek history of Agrigento, the serene countryside of Piazza Armerina, and the stunning Amalfi Coast. Delight in authentic Italian cuisine, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and enjoy leisurely strolls through cobblestoned piazzas. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a food lover, or a nature admirer, this tour promises a unique and unforgettable Italian adventure.
Included
11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners
Transport to/from destinations included as per itinerary.
Day 1 to 2: NH Palermo
Day 3 to 4: Baia di Ulisse
Day 5 to 6: Una Hotel Naxos Beach Sicilia
Day 7 to 8: UNAHOTELS MH Matera Hotel
Day 9 to 10: Hotel Michelangelo
Day 11: Massimo D'Azeglio Hotel
hotel: 11 night(s);
Local guides
Must-See Inclusions:
Behold the glittering mosaics of Monreale Cathedral.
Journey to the Sassi di Matera, known for its cave dwellings.
Experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius.
Cultural Experiences:
Stand in awe before the ancient Greek theatre in Taormina.
Experience true Sicilian hospitality during a farmhouse lunch.
Journey to Positano village, the pearl of the Amalfi Coast.
Culinary Inclusions:
Indulge in a regional dinner at a winery's agriturismo restaurant.
Tour a vineyard and wine cellar located in the badlands of Matera's Basilicata region.
Savor freshly made mozzarella cheese during a visit to a buffalo dairy farm.
Map
Attractions
Amphitheatre of Pompeii
Sassi di Matera
Basilica of St. Nicholas of Bari
Amalfi Coast
Valle dei Templi
Villa Romana del CasaleDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Southern Italy and Sicily
Day 1: Arrival in Southern Italy and Sicily
Welcome to the hidden treasures of Southern Italy and Sicily. This region is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, historic cities, centuries-old hilltop villages, and iconic cuisine. Get ready for an unforgettable journey.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discovering Palermo
Day 2: Discovering Palermo
Your Italian sojourn begins in Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily. Immerse yourself in the city's captivating energy and unshakeable spirit. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine.
Day 3 – Day 3: Palermo and Monreale Exploration
Day 3: Palermo and Monreale Exploration
Start the day with a walking tour of Palermo's old town, uncovering cobblestoned piazzas and ornate buildings. Visit the hilltop Monreale, ascending to its 12th-century cathedral. Marvel at the majestic Byzantine mosaics and explore the serene atmosphere of the monastic complex before returning to Palermo for an evening at leisure.
Day 4 – Day 4: Journey to Agrigento
- Agrigento
- More
Journey to a family-owned farmhouse in the hills surrounding Palermo. Discover the daily life on a Sicilian farm and enjoy a hearty farm-to-table lunch. Later, travel over rolling hills and peaceful farmland to Sicily's southern coast for a 2-night stay in the outskirts of Agrigento.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples
- Agrigento
- More
- Valle dei Templi
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Spend the morning at leisure at your hotel or venture into Agrigento's old town. In the afternoon, delve into ancient Greek history with a visit to the stunning Valley of the Temples, one of the world's most esteemed archaeological sites. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.
Day 6 – Day 6: From Agrigento to Giardini Naxos
- Agrigento
- Piazza Armerina
- Giardini-Naxos
- More
- Villa Romana del Casale
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Venture deep into Sicily's countryside to Piazza Armerina, home of the ancient Villa Romana del Casale. Explore the site's impressive Roman mosaics with an expert guide. In the afternoon, journey east to Sicily's Ionian Coast for a 2-night stay in Giardini Naxos. Enjoy an optional dinner with traditional Sicilian music in the evening.
Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring Taormina and Giardini Naxos
- Giardini-Naxos
- Taormina
- More
- Basilica of St. Nicholas of Bari
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Explore beautiful Taormina, home to ancient relics, rocky hills, and charming gardens. Stroll the lively pedestrianized main street and climb to the city's well-preserved Greek theatre with an expert local guide. Spend the afternoon relaxing in Giardini Naxos or opt for an off-road adventure to Mount Etna.
Day 8 – Day 8: Journey to the Basilicata Region
- Giardini-Naxos
- Matera
- More
Take a scenic ferry ride across the Strait of Messina, separating Sicily from Italy's mainland. Pass through the unspoiled region of Calabria and onto the Basilicata region. Visit a local winery, tour the cellar for a tasting, and enjoy regional cuisine at dinner in the winery's agriturismo restaurant.
Day 9 – Day 9: Exploring the Sassi di Matera
- Matera
- More
- Sassi di Matera
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Explore the Sassi di Matera, an ancient settlement of carved cave dwellings. A local guide will share the history and unique landscape of this UNESCO site. Spend the afternoon at leisure or join an optional tour to Alberobello, known for its whimsical trulli homes.
Day 10 – Day 10: Journey to Sorrento
- Matera
- Sorrento
- More
Stop at a sustainable buffalo dairy farm for a taste of freshly made mozzarella. After lunch at the farm, transfer to the Sorrentine Peninsula and settle in for a 2-night stay. Discover the charms of Sorrento during a walking tour and learn about the local tradition of wood marquetry.
Day 11 – Day 11: Sailing Along the Amalfi Coast
- Sorrento
- Positano
- More
- Amalfi Coast
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Sail along the initial stretch of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, taking in the sights and colors of the Mediterranean Sea. Pause in Positano with its pastel-colored houses and pebbly beaches. Spend time browsing the posh boutiques or resting along the beach, before returning to Sorrento for an afternoon at leisure.
Day 12 – Day 12: From Sorrento to Rome via Pompeii
- Sorrento
- Pompei
- Rome
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- Amphitheatre of Pompeii
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Journey north to Rome, stopping en route to experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii. Choose between a leisurely walking tour of Pompeii's essential sights or a faster-paced walk covering more off-the-beaten-path gems. Arrive in Rome in the early evening and celebrate the end of your journey with a delightful farewell dinner.
Day 13 – Day 13: Departure
- Rome - Departure day
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Your unforgettable tour of Southern Italy and Sicily comes to a close today. Depart with cherished memories of the breathtaking landscapes, historic cities, and delicious cuisine you've experienced on this journey.
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