-
Cruises
All Cruises
Cruise deals
Cruise Lines
From Australia
International
Don't Miss OutHot Offers
The best-selling holidays right now, at prices that won't last.
Browse Hot Offers -
Tours
All Tours
Tour Companies
By region
Curated lists
Travel With CompanySocial Getaways
Small-group trips designed for over 60s who love good company on the road — new friends, shared adventures, no single supplements.
Browse Over-60 Getaways -
Destinations
All Destinations
Australia & Pacific
America
Antarctica & Artic
Not Sure Where to Start?Book a Call
Speak with one of our friendly travel specialists — no pressure, just honest advice to help you find the right holiday.
Browse Request a consultant with a travel expert - Social Getaways
- Solo Holidays
- Hot Offers
- Wishlist 0
Departure & Pricing
Your departure
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
INCLUDES AIRFARES FROM AUSTRALIA! *
- Explore Southern Italy, Sicily & Malta.
- Discover ancient ruins, charming towns, and stunning coastlines.
- Savour authentic Italian and Mediterranean culture.
Trip Details
- Departs
- Tue 18 May 2027
- Returns
- Tue 8 Jun 2027
- Embarks
- Australia
- Operator
- Bunnik Tours
Immerse yourself in a Mediterranean melting pot of culture, coastline and cuisine, from the Eternal City of Rome to the limestone-laced island of Malta. Wander the famous Pompeii ruins, swoon over the sun-dappled splendour of the Amalfi Coast, and see history intertwine with myth across the ancient archaeological sites of Sicily.
Itinerary
- 1
Depart Australia
Depart Australia for your Italian adventure. - 2
Arrive in Rome
Arrive in Rome and meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director over a welcome drink at the hotel. - 3
Rome
Discover Imperial Rome on a guided walking tour, visiting the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Capitoline Hill and the iconic Colosseum. Enjoy free time in the afternoon before a group welcome dinner. - 4
Rome – Pompeii – Sorrento
Travel to Pompeii for a guided tour of its remarkably preserved ancient ruins before continuing to Sorrento. Enjoy a hands-on pizza-making experience and dinner. - 5
Isle of Capri Day Trip
Explore the glamorous Isle of Capri, including the hilltop village of Anacapri. Enjoy free time to discover the island's beautiful scenery, shops and cafés. - 6
Positano and the Amalfi Coast
Discover the picturesque Amalfi Coast, exploring the colourful village of Positano and the historic town of Amalfi, with scenic ferry journeys and free time. - 7
Sorrento – Alberobello
Travel to Puglia and discover Alberobello's UNESCO-listed trulli houses on a guided walking tour. Enjoy a two-night stay in a traditional heritage-listed trullo. - 8
Monopoli and Locorotondo
Visit the coastal town of Monopoli and the charming whitewashed village of Locorotondo, including a local produce tasting. Enjoy a traditional orecchiette pasta-making demonstration before dinner. - 9
Alberobello – Ostuni – Matera
Visit a traditional olive farm near Ostuni for a guided tour and olive oil tasting. Explore the historic White City of Ostuni before continuing to Matera for a two-night stay in an ancient cave dwelling. - 10
Matera
Discover Matera's UNESCO-listed ancient cave dwellings on a guided walking tour, including visits to a historic rock church and cave home. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. - 11
Matera – Taormina Riviera
Travel through Calabria, crossing the Strait of Messina by ferry into Sicily. Continue along the coast to the beautiful Taormina Riviera. - 12
Mount Etna
Visit Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, before exploring Taormina's historic centre, cathedral and ancient Greek amphitheatre on a guided walking tour. - 13
Taormina Riviera – Palermo
Travel across Sicily, stopping in the coastal village of Cefalù to explore its historic centre and cathedral. Continue to Palermo and enjoy the evening at leisure. - 14
Palermo
Discover Palermo's rich architectural heritage, visiting St John of the Hermits, Palermo Cathedral and the Royal Palace, including its magnificent Byzantine mosaics. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. - 15
Palermo – Monreale – Agrigento
Visit Monreale's magnificent Norman cathedral and cloister before continuing to Agrigento to explore the Valley of the Temples and its impressive ancient Greek ruins. - 16
Agrigento – Ragusa – Malta
Travel to Ragusa for a local cheese-making experience and tasting, followed by a guided walking tour of the historic town. Continue to Pozzallo and ferry across to Malta. - 17
Malta
Explore Malta's capital, Valletta, visiting St John's Co-Cathedral, St George's Square and Casa Rocca Piccola. Enjoy traditional Maltese pastries and a scenic harbour cruise aboard a traditional dhajsa boat. - 18
Gozo Island Day Trip
Discover the island of Gozo, visiting the prehistoric Ggantija Temples, Victoria's Citadel and scenic Xlendi Bay. Enjoy a traditional Maltese lunch accompanied by local Gozitan wine. - 19
Malta
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Malta independently, followed by an evening walking tour of the medieval Silent City of Mdina and a group dinner. Optional excursion to Hagar Qim Temple and Marsaxlokk available. - 20
Malta
Enjoy a final day at leisure before gathering for a farewell dinner to celebrate your Mediterranean adventure. - 21
Depart Malta
Enjoy breakfast before concluding your tour and departing Malta. - 22
Arrive Australia
Arrive back in Australia, bringing home wonderful memories of Southern Italy, Sicily and Malta.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Sightseeing
La Dolce Vita
- Explore Imperial Rome including the Colosseum
- Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Rome
- Visit the famous ruins of Pompeii
- Take a pizza making class in Sorrento
- Explore the beautiful Isle of Capri
- Enjoy an excursion along the stunning Amalfi Coast
- Delight in free time to explore Positano and Amalfi
- Take a walking tour of Alberobello
- Stay in a heritage-listed trullo
- Visit the town of Monopoli
- Explore Locorotondo
- Enjoy dinner and a pasta demonstration with a Nonna
- Tour an olive oil farm in Ostuni
- Visit the fortified hilltop town of Ostuni
- Spend two nights in the sassi cave residences
- Enjoy a walking tour of Matera
- Travel to Sicily by ferry
- Visit Mount Etna
- Explore the hillside town of Taormina, including the ancient theatre
- Spend time in Cefalù
- Tour the city of Palermo
- Visit Monreale and see its impressive Cattedrale di Monreale
- Discover the Valley of the Temples
- Tour the fascinating town of Ragusa and visit a local cheese producer
- Travel from Sicily to Malta by ferry
The Jewel of the Mediterranean
- Tour the city of Valletta, including Casa Rocca Piccola
- Enjoy a cruise of the Grand Harbour
- Be immersed in the history of Malta with a 5D show
- Enjoy pastizzis in a local cafe in Valletta
- See the prehistoric Temples of Ggantija in Xaghra
- Visit a traditional Maltese restaurant for a wine tasting and light lunch
- Visit Gozo’s capital of Victoria and the Bay of Xlendi
- Tour the medieval city of Mdina
Travel
- Return economy-class flights from Australia to Europe. Taxes included
- Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour
- All touring in air-conditioned vehicles
- Ferry from Calabria to Sicily
- Ferry from Pozzallo to Malta
Meals
- 19 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners
- Meal highlights:
- Sorrento, learn how to make authentic pizza in a cooking class
- Alberobello, enjoy dinner and a pasta demonstration with a Nonna
Tour Guides
- English-speaking locally based tour directors
- English-speaking locally based guides
Porterage
- Porterage included where available
Not included
- Travel Insurance
- Visa
Accommodation
- 15 nights in 3-4 star hotels
- 2 nights in a local trullo, Alberobello
- The town of Alberobello in Italy’s Puglia region is famous for its unique houses known as trulli. These UNESCO World Heritage-listed traditional stone buildings feature conical, vaulted rooves and were originally constructed both as dwellings and storehouses. Some have now been transformed into hotel accommodation which makes for a truly special experience when we visit the town.
- 2 nights in a cave hotel, Matera
- On top of a rocky outcrop in Italy’s Basilicata region lies Matera. Situated in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, we’ll stay in a famous sassi cave hotel which has been carved into the mountainside. Enjoy panoramic views from the terrace or stroll to some of the town’s most famous attractions, like the Cathedral of Matera, San Giovanni Battista Church and Tramontano Castle.
Properties include:
- Hotel Genova, Rome
- Grand Hotel Flora, Sorrento
- Charming Trulli, Alberobello
- Hotel Sassi, Matera
- Hotel Excelsior Palace, Taormina Riviera
- Hotel Politeama, Palermo
- Hotel Colleverde Park, Agrigento
- AX The Victoria Hotel, Malta
*Hotels listed are an indication and are subject to change without notice.
Double for Single Use: Please note the single supplement you pay on our tours entitles you to sole use of a room. A double-for-single-use room is larger than a traditional single room offered in Europe. Often these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Common questions about this voyage
Please note:
- Whilst our first choice is morning bookings for the Colosseum, this may not always be the case due to its popularity and availability.
- On day 3, you are unable to take luggage, backpacks, or large bags into the Colosseum. Please ensure you leave your belongings at your hotel.
- The Colosseum has introduced new regulations, requiring a passport upon entry. Please ensure that you have your passport with you.
- On day 7, will be in a smaller coach as there are local government restrictions on coach sizes along the Amalfi coast and the roads we use are quite narrow and windy.
- On the excursion to Mount Etna on day 13, the coach will be stationed at Refugio Sapienza - the starting point for the ascent to the top of Mount Etna. You can take the optional cable car (at an additional cost) up to the crater at an altitude of 2,900m. Alternatively, you can walk with your Tour Leader through the volcanic landscape and admire the volcano from lower heights. Due to volcanic activity and unpredictable weather conditions, it often becomes necessary to cancel the excursions on offer; therefore we suggest booking these on arrival in Mount Etna.
- The weather on Mount Etna is very intermittent and even in summer it can get very cold. Visitors that want to climb to the higher craters should take into consideration bringing warm clothes even if at the bottom of the mountain temperatures may be well over 30°C.
- Sassi cave hotel stay - The sassi cave dwellings are located right in the heart of Matera’s ancient cave town, which dates back thousands of years. This means there are multiple flights of stairs, plenty of steps and uneven cobblestone ground to navigate. Rooms are scattered across multiple levels, accessed from outside - they are not inside a singular building. Meeting our mobility and fitness requirements are essential. No two rooms are the same with quirky layouts that can be dimly lit. While these rooms are still comfortable remember you are staying in a cave! These are incredibly unique and a once in a lifetime experience to stay in this unforgettable location.
Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
You might also like
Treasures of Italy, Sicily and Malta
- Gondola workshop visit and glassblowing demonstration on Murano
- Hands-on cooking class with local chefs using regional ingredients
- Farm-to-table lunch at Tuscan winery with wine pairings
Treasures of Italy, Sicily and Malta
- Explore Rome at dawn with a guided experience
- Small group of no more than 24 guests
- Visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento
Treasures of Sicily and Malta
- Guided tours of Mount Etna, Taormina and Valley of the Temples included
- Lunch with locals in Castelbuono and food tour through Palermo
- Pastizzi cooking experience and ferry crossing to Malta arranged