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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.
Departures & Pricing
Multiple departures available in between from Jun 2026 to June 2027.
Departure: 2 December 2026
- Twin share from $6,449 per person*
- Single from $7,999 per person*
Departure: 22 January 2027
- Twin share from $6,649 per person*
- Single from $7,999 per person*
Call today, and one of our experienced Travel Advisors can also happily help with flights, pre/post-tour accommodation, and travel insurance.
Please note that prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change without notice.
Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Itinerary
- 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.
- 2
Palermo, Sicily - Tour Begins
Your Italian journey begins in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Discover the city’s vibrant culture as you take in its gritty, unshakable spirit, and captivating energy. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine.
- 3
Palermo
This morning, visit hilltop Monreale, ascending 92 steps to its 12th-century cathedral and entering to see its majestic Byzantine mosaics. Next, travel 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, and then tuck into a hearty farm-to-table lunch, made with family recipes. Return to Palermo for an evening at leisure.
- 4
Palermo - Agrigento
Begin the day with an extensive walking tour of Palermo’s old town. On foot, uncover cobblestone piazzas and ornate buildings, many worn by time and conflict. This afternoon, relax aboard your bus as you travel over rolling hills and peaceful farmland to Sicily’s southern coast for a two-night stay in the outskirts of Agrigento.
- 5
Agrigento
This morning, step back 25 centuries and delve into ancient Greek history with a visit of the stunning Valley of the Temples, 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. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure at your hotel, where you can take in the views from its panoramic terrace and walk along the beach. Spend the evening as you wish. Perhaps you’ll head to Agrigento’s old town for a stroll through its historic centre and free time to explore.
- 6
Agrigento - Piazza Armerina - Giardini Naxos
Venture deep into Sicily’s countryside to Piazza Armerina, home of the ancient Villa Romana del Casale. Explore the site with an expert insider for a locally guided tour of its impressive Roman mosaics. In the afternoon, journey to Sicily’s eastern shores for your three-night stay in Giardini Naxos. This evening, perhaps you’ll join an optional dinner with music, where traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air.
- 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 explore more of Taormina or relax in Giardini Naxos – the “garden of Sicily.”
- 8
Giardini Naxos - Matera
Today is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps you’ll opt to experience Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure up Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Take in awe-inspiring views from a 4x4 vehicle and hop out to walk amid lava formations and basalt rocks. After a wine-paired lunch at a winery on the slopes of Mount Etna, return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
- 9
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.
- 10
Matera
Explore the Sassi di Matera, an ancient settlement of carved cave dwellings that has been continuously inhabited for millennia. 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 in the nearby region of Puglia. Here, marvel at the town’s whimsical trulli homes, known for their distinct, cone-shaped roofs.
- 11
Matera - Sorrento
After a full morning’s drive, 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 dairy, continue to the Sorrentine Peninsula and settle in for a two-night stay.** This evening, discover the allure of Sorrento during a walk around its charming old town.
- 12
Sorrento - Pompeii - Rome
Journey north to Rome. En route, experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii. Here, it’s your choice! Soak in the history of this 2000-year-old Roman town at your own pace by picking between a leisurely-paced walking tour of Pompeii’s essential sights -OR- a faster-paced walk combining the highlights with Pompeii's further-out 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.
- 13
Rome - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close today.
Please note: The Itinerary might change without prior notice.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- 12 nights handpicked accommodation
- 20 meals - 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 6 dinners
- An expert Tour Manager
- Inclusions/Entrance fees as per itinerary
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:
- Experience true Sicilian hospitality during a farmhouse lunch.
- Journey to Positano village, the pearl of the Amalfi Coast.
- Stand in awe before the ancient Greek theatre in Taormina.
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.
- Savour freshly made mozzarella cheese during a visit to a buffalo dairy farm.
Not included
- Visas
- Any flight not mentioned in inclusion
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature, souvenirs, drinks, laundry etc
Accommodation
- NH Palermo (2 Nights)
- Baia di Ulisse (2 Nights)
- Una Hotel Naxos Beach Sicilia (3 Nights)
- UNAHOTELS La Martella (2 Nights)
- Hotel Michelangelo (2 Nights)
- Massimo D'Azeglio Hotel
Hotel might be different at the time of booking.
Common questions about this voyage
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.
Book this tour
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
Terms & conditions
Read the operator’s full booking conditions
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