Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily Tour with 39 Reviews by Expat Explore

10 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

51 peopleMaximum group size

10 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Rome, Italy

Ends

Rome, Italy

Highlights

Explore Rome, the ancient capital of Italy

Visit Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii's UNESCO ruins

Enjoy free days to roam along the Amalfi Coast, Taormina, and Palermo

Discover Alberobello's iconic Trulli houses and Matera's cave city

Itinerary

Southern Italy and Sicily beckon with their distinctive charm and remarkable heritage on the Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily tour. Beginning and ending in Rome, this 10-day trip is tailored for those who relish cultural exploration and moderate activity. Guided visits reveal the grandeur of ancient Rome and the volcanic wonders of Mount Vesuvius, while free days along the Amalfi Coast and in Taormina and Palermo invite leisurely discovery at your own rhythm. Highlights include the haunting ruins of Pompeii, the storybook trulli of Alberobello, and the ancient cave dwellings in Matera—a true feast for the curious traveler. This tour package brings together a tapestry of UNESCO sites, dazzling coastlines, and local flavors, creating an unparalleled journey through Italy’s southern heartlands. Designed with experienced travelers and seniors in mind, it balances structure and flexibility, allowing you to savor regional cuisine, connect with fellow travelers, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of southern Italian traditions. The unique selling point here is the chance to experience both famed destinations and lesser-known gems in one seamless, enriching itinerary.

day 1 - Start of tour in Rome

Welcome to Rome! Upon arrival, check into the hotel, meet your tour leader, and get acquainted with your fellow travellers. Your tour leader will provide an overview of the upcoming itinerary before you embark on an orientation tour of the city. Visit landmarks such as the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona before enjoying some free time in the city. Why not join the optional excursion to embark on a guided tour of the extraordinary Vatican Museums? End the day off with an included welcome dinner at a charming local restaurant.

Meals:Dinner

Others:Orientation tour of Rome, Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome

day 2 - Rome - Pompeii - Amalfi Coast

After breakfast, depart Rome for the Amalfi Coast. En route, spot Mount Vesuvius and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, which was devastated by a volcanic eruption in 79AD. Enjoy a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site followed by an included lunch. Afterward, continue to the hotel on the Amalfi Coast. Arrive in Salerno for a two-night stay. Choose to visit the enchanting town of Salerno on tonight’s optional excursion. See the impressive Cathedral and Old Town before indulging in a delicious dinner. Be sure to indulge in the local specialty, limoncello — a sweet lemon liqueur; the perfect way to conclude the evening!

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Others:See Mount Vesuvius; an ancient volcano, Explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii

day 3 - Amalfi Coast

Today, the charming old towns along the Amalfi Coast await exploration. Wander at your own pace through these picturesque towns and their stunning beaches. Alternatively, join the optional excursion for an unforgettable Amalfi Coast cruise! Glide past breathtaking coastal views, explore the chic streets of Positano and Amalfi, enjoy an included lunch, and round off the experience with a taste of traditional limoncello and a stop at a fascinating paper museum. It promises to be an unforgettable day in southern Italy!

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Amalfi Coast - Matera - Alberobello

Journey east today to explore Apulia, stopping at the ancient cave city of Matera, known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City). It’s famous for its vast cave-dwelling districts — the "Sassi." Continue to Alberobello for an orientation tour of the region's unique "trulli" houses — charming 14th-century whitewashed stone huts with iconic conical roofs. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to delve deeper into Alberobello. The Trullo Church of St. Antony and the Trulli museum are both great places to see. This evening, find a delightful spot for dinner before heading to your hotel for the night.

Meals:Breakfast

Others:Visit Matera; an ancient cave city, Explore Alberobello; famous for its conical houses

day 5 - Alberobello - Taormina

Embark on a scenic coastal drive along the Ionian Sea this morning as you journey back to the mainland. Then, hop on a short ferry ride to Sicily, home to Mount Etna. Prepare for breathtaking views en route to Taormina. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation walking tour of this charming hilltop town, taking note of highlights to explore on tomorrow's free day. End the day with an included dinner at the beachside hotel, immersing yourself fully in the Sicilian experience.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Others:Catch a ferry from mainland Italy to Sicily, Discover Taormina; a hilltop town in Sicily, Dinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina

day 6 - Taormina

The day is yours to choose how it unfolds! Unwind on Taormina's beaches or explore this charming hilltop town, one of Italy's most popular summer destinations. Alternatively, conquer Mount Etna on an optional trip and bring home the memories of an unforgettable adventure! Take a cable car and 4x4 to the top and step out onto volcanic ash as you explore the landscape while learning more about this iconic volcano from the local guides. Afterward, indulge in a feast of local produce at a quaint enoteca. This is truly the best way to spend your free day in Taormina!

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Taormina - Syracuse - Agrigento

Set off on a picturesque drive through the heart of Sicily today, revelling in its stunning landscapes. Pause in Syracuse, an ancient Greek-built town with a vibrant food market — the perfect spot to grab lunch. Continue to Agrigento, home to the 'Valle dei Templi' (Valley of the Temples), which showcases magnificent Magna Graecia art and architecture. Here, enjoy an unforgettable guided sunset tour led by an expert local guide. Finally, find a spot near the beach for dinner or settle into the hotel for the night.

Meals:Breakfast

Others:Visit Syracuse; a historic Sicilian city, Explore the Valley of the Temples

day 8 - Agrigento - Cefalù - Palermo

Departing Agrigento, journey through central Sicily's scenic landscapes to Cefalù — a historic town famed for its beaches. Enjoy free time or join a guided tour with lunch at a local restaurant included. Continue to Palermo, arriving in the afternoon for a walking tour showcasing the city's highlights. Discover the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova, and the Palermo Cathedral, and get lost in the town's rich history, culture, architecture, and cuisine. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner with the group.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 9 - Palermo

Enjoy a free day to delve deeper into Palermo, Sicily's capital, shaped by a diverse history of Greek, Roman, and Norman influences. Explore its historic old town, showcasing a blend of architectural styles. Don't miss Italy's largest opera theatre, a city gem that is considered the city's most beautiful building. Experience Palermo’s hidden sights and architectural delights on today’s optional excursion. Don’t forget to indulge in Palermo's renowned cuisine, savouring delights like arancini and cannoli.. Conclude the day with an overnight ferry journey back to the Italian mainland.

Meals:Breakfast

day 10 - End of tour in Rome

After your overnight ferry, arrive in Naples and board the coach for the return journey to Rome, where the tour concludes this afternoon. Please note that the ferry times may differ throughout the year and take this into account when booking your outbound flight. Bid farewell to Italy, your newfound friends, and the tour operator, who wish you safe travels and future adventures!

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

8 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenienceSingle travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)1 night's accommodation in twin share ferry cabin with private bathrooms

Meals

Enjoy a welcome dinner in RomeDinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners * Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

Catch a ferry from mainland Italy to SicilyModern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboardOvernight ferry from Palermo to NaplesAny public transport used as part of the tour days (excludes free days)

Guide

Fully guided tour with experienced tour leaderTour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

Others

Orientation tour of RomeSee Mount Vesuvius; an ancient volcanoExplore the ancient ruins of PompeiiVisit Matera; an ancient cave cityExplore Alberobello; famous for its conical housesDiscover Taormina; a hilltop town in SicilyVisit Syracuse; a historic Sicilian cityExplore the Valley of the Temples

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily

4.5

based on 39 reviews

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Anonymous

Sistema di prenotazione semplice e intuibile. In caso di necessità le istruzioni presenti sul sito sono risultate utili e chiare. Nessun problema riscontrato

6 days ago

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