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 and the Ancient Roman mosaics of Piazza Armerina. 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. Explore Sorrento and stunning Positano, the pearl of the Amalfi Coast. 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.
Must-See Inclusions:
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Culinary Inclusions:
Day 1: Overnight Flight
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, Sicily - Tour Begins
Your Italian sojourn opens in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Discover the city’s vibrant culture as you take in its gritty, unshakable spirit and captivating energy. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine.
Day 3: Palermo
Begin the day with an extensive walking tour of Palermo’s old town. On foot, uncover cobblestoned piazzas and ornate buildings, many worn by time and conflict. Visit hilltop Monreale (UNESCO), ascending 92 steps to its 12th-century cathedral. Tour its majestic Byzantine mosaics and explore the cathedral’s cloisters. Take in the serene atmosphere of the monastic complex before returning to Palermo for an evening at leisure.
Day 4: Palermo - Agrigento
This morning, journey to a family-owned farmhouse, picturesquely set in the hills surrounding Palermo. Meet the owners and discover what a typical day on a Sicilian farm is like. Sit back and tuck into a hearty farm-to-table lunch, made with family recipes. Relax aboard your bus as you travel over rolling hills and peaceful farmland to Sicily’s southern coast for a 2-night stay in the outskirts of Agrigento.
Day 5: Agrigento
This morning, it’s your choice! Enjoy time at leisure at your hotel, where you can take in the views from its panoramic terrace and walk along the beach -OR- venture into Agrigento’s old town for a stroll through its historic center and free time to explore. This afternoon, step back 25 centuries and delve into ancient Greek history with a visit of the stunning Valley of the Temples (UNESCO), one of the world’s most esteemed archeological sites. Get an up-close view of the temples of Juno, Concordia, and Hercules during an extensive walking tour of this ancient acropolis. Then, pause for dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.
Day 6: Agrigento - Piazza Armerina - Giardini Naxos
Venture deep into Sicily’s countryside to Piazza Armerina, home of the ancient Villa Romana del Casale (UNESCO). Explore the site with an expert insider for a locally guided tour of its impressive Roman mosaics. In the afternoon, journey east to Sicily’s Ionian Coast for your 2-night stay in Giardini Naxos. This evening, perhaps you’ll join an optional dinner with music, where traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air.
Day 7: Giardini Naxos
This morning explore beautiful Taormina, home to ancient relics, rocky hills, and charming gardens. With an expert local guide, you’ll stroll the lively pedestrianized main street and climb to the city’s well-preserved Greek theatre. The afternoon is yours to relax in Giardini Naxos – the “garden of Sicily” – or opt to see Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna. During this optional tour, your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe’s largest active volcano while you take in views of its lava formations and basalt rocks.
Day 8: Giardini Naxos - Matera
Take a short and scenic ferry ride across the narrow Strait of Messina, separating Sicily from Italy’s mainland. During your full day bus transfer, pass through the unspoiled region of Calabria and onto 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. The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you’ll join an optional tour to Alberobello (UNESCO) in the nearby region of Puglia. Here, marvel at the town’s whimsical trulli homes, known for their distinct, cone-shaped roofs.
Day 10: Matera - Sorrento
Stop at a sustainable buffalo dairy farm* for a taste of freshly made mozzarella and a peek into the history of this iconic cheese. After lunch at the farm, transfer to the Sorrentine Peninsula and settle in for a 2-night stay.** During a walking tour, discover the charms of Sorrento 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 sail*** along the initial stretch of 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 in Positano with its pastel-colored houses and pebbly beaches. Spend time in this legendary locale browsing the posh boutiques or resting along the beach, before returning to Sorrento for an afternoon at leisure.
Day 12: Sorrento - Pompeii - Rome
Journey north to Rome. En route, experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii (UNESCO). Here, it’s your choice! Soak in the history of this 2,000-year-old Roman town at your own pace by picking between a leisurely walking tour of Pompeii’s essential sights -OR- a faster paced walk covering more off-the-beaten-path gems. Step into another time as you explore the preserved buildings and imagine life in the 1st century. An afternoon-long transfer leads to Rome, where you arrive in the early evening. Celebrate the end of your journey with a delightful farewell dinner.
Day 13: Rome - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close today.
Please note: The Itinerary might change without prior notice.
Multiple departures available in between from May 2025 to June 2027.
Departing: 20 May 2025
Departing: 27 Aug 2025
Departing: 3 Sep 2025 / 10 Sep 2025 / 17 Sep 2025 / 26 Sep 2025 / 1 Oct 2025 / 3 Oct 2025 / 8 Oct 2025 / 10 Oct 2025
Departing: 15 Oct 2025 / 22 Oct 2025
Departing: 24 Oct 2025
Departing: 29 Oct 2025
Departing: 5 Nov 2025
Departing: 12 Nov 2025 / 14 Nov 2025
Departing: 5 Dec 2025 / 23 Jan 2026 / 27 Feb 2026
Departing: 13 Mar 2026 / 8 Apr 2026 / 7 Nov 2026 / 9 Nov 2026 / 11 Nov 2026 / 28 Nov 2026 / 1 Dec 2026 / 3 Dec 2026 / 21 Jan 2027 / 28 Jan 2027 / 4 Feb 2027
Departing: 24 Apr 2026 / 29 Apr 2026 / 6 May 2026 / 8 May 2026 / 13 May 2026 / 15 May 2026 / 20 May 2026
Departing: 4 Jun 2026 / 6 Jun 2026 / 11 Jun 2026 / 18 Jun 2026
Departing: 2 Jul 2026 / 16 Jul 2026 / 6 Aug 2026 / 22 Aug 2026 / 22 Oct 2026
Departing: 1 Sep 2026 / 3 Sep 2026 / 5 Sep 2026 / 12 Sep 2026 / 18 Sep 2026 / 26 Sep 2026 / 1 Oct 2026 / 3 Oct 2026 / 5 Oct 2026 / 7 Oct 2026 / 9 Oct 2026 / 15 Oct 2026 / 17 Oct 2026 / 1 Apr 2027 / 8 Apr 2027 / 22 Apr 2027 / 29 Apr 2027 / 4 May 2027 / 6 May 2027 / 11 May 2027 / 13 May 2027 / 18 May 2027 / 20 May 2027 / 25 May 2027
Departing: 4 Mar 2027 / 6 Mar 2027 / 11 Mar 2027 / 13 Mar 2027 / 15 Mar 2027 / 19 Mar 2027 / 30 Mar 2027
Departing: 3 Jun 2027 / 8 Jun 2027 / 10 Jun 2027 / 17 Jun 2027 / 19 Jun 2027
Call today, and one of our experienced Travel Advisors can also happily help with flights, pre/post-tour accommodation, and travel insurance.
Call 1300 414 198 to learn more and request a quote.
Please note that prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change without notice.
Hotel might be different at the time of booking.
Tour Fitness Level Recommendation - Level 3: You’re an on-the-go traveller. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (1-2 hours) isn’t a big deal. You can navigate hills and uneven ground, climb into various modes of transport (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.), and could possibly anticipate changes in elevation. You can expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure.
Masks - Guests are required to bring their own personal protective equipment they are comfortable with using, as wearing a mask may be required during some parts of your tour experience.
Motor Coach - All surfaces will be sanitised often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitiser will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear.
Will I need a passport? Passports are needed when travelling outside of your home country. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.
Will I need a visa? You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
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