Beautiful of Puglia, Campania and Sicily

Welcome to your tour with Europamundo!Today, we’ll travel toward the Adriatic Sea, passing through the stunning landscapes of the Apennine Mountain range. Our first stop will be the San Giovanni in Venere Abbey (admission included), a beautiful 11thcentury abbey built on the ruins of an ancient Roman temple. Next, we’ll visit Termoli, a charming coastal city where the beach is framed by the walled old town, with its 13thcentury castle and Romanesque cathedral as the main attractions. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely walk. We’ll then continue to Bari, a historic port city inhabited since before Roman times. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore and stroll through the old town. Its narrow streets, beautiful churches, and vibrant atmosphere make it a truly special city, full of southern Italian charm.

We’ll follow the coast to Brindisi, a walled port city where you can enjoy a pleasant stroll along the sea, admire the impressive Roman column, and explore the old quarter. Our next stop will be Lecce, a charming city renowned for its stunning baroque architecture, earning the nickname "Florence of the South. " The historic center is filled with beautifully ornate baroque buildings and churches. You’ll have time for a walk and lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Gallipoli, a coastal city on the Ionian Sea founded by the Greeks, who named it "beautiful town. " Influenced by Arab, Norman, and Aragonese cultures, Gallipoli’s old town is connected to the mainland by a 17thcentury bridge. This charming area is a maze of narrow streets and historic buildings, with highlights including the cathedral, the castle, and the ancient city walls. We’ll return to Brindisi at the end of the day for accommodation.

Today, we’ll visit two extraordinary and authentic towns. Our first stop will be Alberobello, famous for its unique conicalshaped houses known as trulli. These distinctive structures, with their stacked stone roofs, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represent a remarkable example of Italian rural architecture. Next, we’ll head to Matera, located in the Basilicata region, renowned for its ancient historic center and the Sassi di Matera—a complex of ancient dwellings and buildings carved into the rock, dating back thousands of years. Not only is it a World Heritage Site, but also one of the oldest continuously inhabited human settlements in the world. In the afternoon, after enjoying an included lunch in Matera, we’ll continue our journey through Basilicata and Campania, taking in the beautiful mountain landscapes. We’ll arrive in Naples by evening, where you’ll have free time to explore.

After breakfast, we’ll head to the port of Naples to board a ferry to the Island of Capri, where we recommend taking the funicular up to Capri town to stroll around and enjoy the stunning views. After lunch, we’ll reboard and head to Sorrento, a charming tourist town nestled at the base of a cliff, where you’ll have free time to wander. Our journey will then take us to the Gulf of Salerno, where we’ll stay in the city of Salerno.

We’ll journey to the south of the boot, marveling at the stunning southern Italian scenery as we cross the Cilento National Park. We’ll arrive in Paola, located on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, where we’ll visit the Sanctuary of St. Francis of Paola and enjoy free time for lunch in its charming historic center. Our adventure will then take us to Villa San Giovanni, where we’ll board a short ferry crossing to the island of Sicily. Upon arrival in Messina, we’ll have time to stroll around the cathedral. Finally, we’ll continue to Taormina. Dinner will be included. Note: Accommodation will normally be in the Taormina region, but on certain dates, lodging may be provided in Messina.

At the foot of Mount Etna lies the beautiful city of Taormina, described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. Early in the morning, we will head to Giardini Naxos, the first Greek settlement in Sicily (founded in 734 B. C. ), with its lovely seafront promenade and popular beaches. Afterwards, we will have time to stroll through the lively old town of Taormina, with its stunning Greek Theater overlooking unforgettable landscapes. After lunchtime, we continue to the Roman Villa of Casale (admission and guided tour included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Roman Empire, villas symbolized agricultural wealth and exploitation. At Casale, not only has the 4thcentury architectural layout been preserved, but thanks to their richness and quality, the mosaics decorating nearly every room are considered the most beautiful of the Roman world. Crossing the mountainous heart of the island, we continue on to Palermo, arriving at the end of the day. Dinner included.

Today, we’ll embark on a guided city tour of Palermo with a local expert. Highlights include the cathedral, famous for its blend of architectural styles and royal tombs (admission included), and the Palazzo dei Normanni, a former royal palace with fountains, markets, and gardens. We’ll also visit Monreale to see its cathedral (admission included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its breathtaking golden mosaics that adorn the entire interior. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Note: For smaller groups, the tour may be conducted as part of a regular excursion offered by local companies instead of a private tour.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.