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Italy

Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily

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12 days From $4,195 $3,795 per person
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From pretty Sorrento and the Amalfi coast to ancient Matera, explore the amazing preserved city of Pompeii before uncovering Sicily’s extraordinary culture and Greek relics

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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Early Booking Offer: Save up to $500 per person on 2026 Escorted Europe Vacations. Ends June 30th.

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Mobility Rating 3

2026 Tour code: SIG26

About the tour

Delve into the diverse culture of Southern Italy and glorious Sicily, immersing yourself in its rich history, landscapes, and idyllic coastlines, and indulging in local cuisine.

Each stop reveals layers of history, beauty, and local charm - from the unique houses of Matera and Alberobello to Sicily's magnificent Greek temples, the Palatine Chapels and other eclectic architecture. From Sorrento, discover the preserved Roman city of Pompeii, cruise along the superb Amalfi Coast, then explore the wonders of Sicily from two bases, on this enchanting journey by rail and road.

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Unforgettable Experiences

See the ‘Trulli’ houses of Alberobello
See the ‘Trulli’ houses of Alberobello
On a guided tour with a local expert we explore this enchanting area and its unique dwellings, following a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.
Discover the Valley of the Temples
Discover the Valley of the Temples
Walk among the beautiful relics of Greek temples, ancient tombs, and historic statues on a tour of the magnificent Valley of the Temples, Sicily’s most important site of classical Hellenic monuments.
Visit the stunning sites of Palermo and Monreale
Visit the stunning sites of Palermo and Monreale
Marvel at the golden mosaics and intricate architecture of Palermo’s Palatine Chapel, based in the Norman Palace, and visit Monreale’s breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage cathedral.
Cruise the spectacular Amalfi Coast
Cruise the spectacular Amalfi Coast
Uncover two of Amalfi’s idyllic coastal towns on a relaxing and scenic boat cruise – picturesque Positano, where pastel houses stud the hillsides, and sun-kissed Amalfi, with its stunning cathedral and inviting piazza.
Travel on the Circumetnea Railway
Travel on the Circumetnea Railway
This narrow-gauge railway takes us along the most scenic stretch of the route which encircles the base of Mount Etna, where we encounter historic lava flows and picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Sorrento

Your vacation begins in the sun-kissed town of Sorrento, where Southern Italian charm, beauty and culture awaits. Transfer independently from the airport to your centrally located hotel to meet the Tour Manager and fellow travelers in the lobby. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together. Overnight Sorrento.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - A trip back in time to Roman Pompeii

This morning brings a tour highlight - an awe-inspiring journey back in time to Pompeii, the city buried and preserved by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. After a short train journey to this fascinating archaeological site we are taken on a guided tour of the world's best-preserved Roman city.

Our guide takes us through the incredibly preserved streets of Pompeii, and we wander past the impressive villas, temples, baths and markets of this UNESCO World Heritage site. We also see the amphitheatre, and some of the ancient city's extraordinary frescoes. After retracing our route back to our hotel, the rest of your afternoon and evening is free in Sorrento. You could wander the cobbled streets among beautiful Renaissance buildings, enjoy people watching in Piazza Tasso or looking around the Centro Storico. This quarter is also known for its artisan craft shops of ceramics, lacework and wooden items. Sorrento's Old Town buzzes with atmosphere at night, while the sea facing Marina Grande has an enchanting ambience and a good choice of seafood eateries. Overnight Sorrento.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 - Full-day cruise along the Amalfi Coast

Today we discover the captivating Amalfi Coast from the glistening Tyrrhenian Sea. This UNESCO-listed coastline stretches along the Gulf of Salerno, south of the Sorrentine Peninsula. First we transfer to Sorrento harbor to board our boat. From there we cruise to lovely Amalfi, the 'Jewel of the Amalfi Coast', where there's free time to visit the stunning cathedral, Duomo di Sant'Andrea, overlooking the town's main piazza. The narrow streets are lined with traditional homes, and around the square are al fresco cafés and a gelateria, the perfect setting for a refreshment. You could maybe try a glass of locally produced limoncello or a lemon spritz, the local twist on the Aperol spritz.

Our cruise continues to the cliffside gem of Positano, where pastel houses stud the hillsides and fishermen haul their wooden boats ashore at the colourful harbor, as they have for many decades. After our visit, we return to Sorrento where you are free to relax or explore at leisure for the rest of the day. Overnight Sorrento.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - To Matera, the ‘jewel of Basilicata’

After breakfast at the hotel, we head inland to Salerno station to board our train to Matera. This picturesque route takes us deep into the Basilicata region of Southern Italy where we transfer directly to our hotel on arrival.

We then travel into the town center by coach where there is free time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site and the amazing 'Sassi' cave dwellings. Inhabited since the Palaeolithic era, these stunning natural cave homes were originally etched out from the surrounding limestone rocks. As you wander through this breathtaking setting among the maze of winding streets and ancient abodes, you will find many caves to discover, now transformed into boutiques, craft shops, bars and cafés.

There is time to get acquainted with your new surroundings at leisure this afternoon, before returning by coach to the hotel this evening for dinner. Overnight Matera.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Discovering charming Alberobello

After a relaxed start to the day with breakfast at our hotel, we set out by motorcoach to the whitewashed town of Alberobello, famous for its UNESCO-listed limestone 'Trulli' houses. Originally built without mortar so they could be quickly dismantled and easily rebuilt, these unique homes are now emblematic of the region and on our guided tour we discover why they are built that way.

Our first stop in Alberobello is for lunch in a local restaurant. We are then given a tour of this magical town, filled with hundreds of these 14th-century limestone slab homes with conical stacked stone roofs, and learn more about their origins and significance. We return to Matera this evening in time for dinner at our hotel. Overnight Matera.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Southern Italian landscapes to Sicily

Today we leave the 'boot' of Italy and head into Sicily, the Mediterranean island just off its 'toe'. Starting by motorcoach, we venture south to the town of Paola on the west coast, then continue by train to Taormina-Giardini station on the island. As the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is known for its spectacular coastlines, scenic beauty and rich culture. The island's dramatic natural attractions include Mount Etna, and its diverse sites range from Greco-Roman to Norman and North African architecture. Our destination is Giardini Naxos, a relaxed resort town on Sicily's eastern coast, with an ancient Greek heritage and an attractive crescent-shaped bay. After checking in to our hotel we enjoy dinner. Overnight Giardini Naxos.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - A day at leisure in Giardini Naxos

Today is free to explore the local area as you wish. You might be tempted to simply relax and make the most of the facilities at our hotel. Another option is to take a boat tour from Giardini Naxos harbor to the picturesque marine park of Isola Bella where you can look around the elaborate palace and its surrounding Italian baroque garden. This tiny island is connected to the mainland by a thin ribbon of sand which appears to float on the turquoise Ionian Sea.

History buffs could visit the archaeological park near the hotel, to walk among the ruins of ancient Naxos. This site is believed to be one of the oldest Greek settlement in Sicily, being founded by settlers in the 7th century BC. There is also a museum with interesting artifacts recovered from the settlement.

This evening, Giardini Naxos has a good choice of restaurants. Local specialities include seafood such as swordfish, and the baked pasta dish 'ncasciata, which features aubergine, maccheroni and ragù.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 8 - Mount Etna and the Circumetnea Railway

Sicily's most famous landmark is one of the world's tallest active volcanoes, Mount Etna, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This remarkable volcano is on full display today as we explore the surrounding area on a full-day tour. First, we travel up to Rifugio di Sapienza, the highest point in Sicily. From here, you can walk to the Silvestri Craters, two craters formed by Mount Etna's eruption in 1892. Since these craters are inactive, you can explore the volcanic landscape up close. We continue by motorcoach to Adrano, where we join the Circumetnea Railway on its route along the base of the volcano.

This spectacular stretch of track takes us to Randazzo, where we encounter the otherworldly sights of lava fields and landscapes carved by lava flow. Our excursion includes a stop at Gambino Winery where we tour its vineyards and taste wines produced in the rich volcanic soil before a two-course lunch on the premises. Following this unique experience, we are escorted back to our hotel with the evening to spend at leisure. Overnight Giardini Naxos.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 - Sicilian charm in Taormina and Palermo

Traveling into the foothills of Mount Etna, we head to the historic town of Taormina on the east coast of Sicily.

We have a guided tour of this delightful town, familiar to some as the setting of the TV series 'The White Lotus', visiting sites including the Greek theater, which dates back to the 3rd century BC. This vast venue once seated thousands who gathered to watch Greek tragedies or comedies and, during the Roman period, gladiators. Impressive in its own right, the amphitheatre offers views of the glittering Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.

Our tour continues to a local café, Roberto's, where we are treated to an authentic cannolo, an indulgent Italian treat of sweet, crispy pastry filled with ricotta cream. There is free time in Taormino to continue exploring the city independently before leaving the city for Sicily's characterful capital, Palermo. After a transfer to Messina Centrale station, we travel to Palermo by rail. The city is a treasure trove of rich history, art and culture, as well as fantastic food. This evening is free to relax and get to know these new surroundings. Overnight Palermo.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 10 - The sights and flavors of Palermo and Monreale

After breakfast at the hotel this morning, we are introduced to Palermo and the nearby town of Monreale. Our tour begins at Palermo's most renowned attractions, the Palatine Chapel - glistening with golden Byzantine mosaics and marble floors - which is located in the 9th-century Norman Palace. Following our visit, we head to Palermo's Capo Market to experience a traditional Sicilian market. The lively fruit and vegetable stalls are ablaze with color, while aromas of fragrant spices and sizzling grills entice the senses. Our guide leads us through the stalls to sample local flavors on a tasting of street-food.

This afternoon, our adventure continues to Monreale to visit its breathtaking 11th-century cathedral. Ornate and well-preserved, this beautiful structure has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Its unique mosaics, delicately carved columns, and detailed cloisters are an unusual mixture of traditional Norman architecture and North African styles. We return to Palermo this afternoon with the rest of the day to enjoy the city as you please. Overnight Palermo.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 11 - Into the Valley of the Temples

Today, we travel to the south of Sicily for a full-day excursion to discover the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds Sicily's most impressive collection of Hellenic architecture. Set amid a landscape of wind-blown olive trees and flowering almond trees, we arrive at Sicily's most impressive site of ancient classical culture. This spectacular valley comprises a total of eight temples of the Greek gods and numerous ruins. A local guide joins us on arrival and leads us through the archeological site, pointing out various features. Once we have had our fill of history, our excursion ends at a nearby Agriturismo - a 'farm to table' experience where we enjoy drinks and a four-course lunch made from local produce in a rural setting. Following lunch, we return to our hotel and the evening is yours to enjoy the last night of your Southern Italy vacation in Palermo. Overnight Palermo.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 - Homeward bound

From the breathtaking coast and architectural wonders of Southern Italy's mainland to the glorious island Sicily, we have experienced a glittering array of treasures. From the ancient streets of Pompeii to the Amalfi Coast, Alberobello's unique houses to Sicily's bustling Palermo market, the magnificent Valley of the Temples completed our adventure. After breakfast at our hotel this morning, the tour concludes and you are free to continue your journey home.

Train

The Circumetnea Train
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