13 Days Tour Start in Rome – End in Palermo
24 Meals to include: 12 breakfast buffets, 4 lunches (wine and olive oil tasting with fine local food,3 lunch), 8 dinners
Main cities: Rome (1), Naples, Amalfi Coast (2), Lecce (2), Salento, Otranto, Castellana Caves, Alberobello, Itria Valley (2), Matera, Pizzo, Taormina (2), Mt. Etna, Agrigento (1), Valley of the Temples, Mt. Erice, Monreale, Palermo (2).
Check DEPARTURES and PRICES:
US Dollar(USD) / Canadian(CAD) / Australian(AUD) / New Zealand(NZD)
Download PDF |
Great Southern Italy is a 13-day tour, perfectly paced to enjoy the beauty of southern Italy. Starting from Rome enjoy the sceneries of the Amalfi Coast, Apulia, Basilicata, and Calabria regions reaching to the Mediterranean Sea where we will embark on a Sicilian adventure. During this marvelous vacation through the south of Italy, you will have the opportunity to enjoy many picturesque towns, which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value for their cultural and natural heritage (whc.unesco.org). Italy is an amazing country filled with beautiful art, magnificent architecture, an extensive history, delectable cuisines, fine wines, and friendly people. Known for its relaxed lifestyle, you will explore Italy in the same fashion.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrive in Rome, Italy!
Welcome to Rome Int. Airport (FCO)! Meet our tour guide & driver, head to your hotel via transfer bus at (9:30 am, 12:30 pm, or 3:00 pm) where you may rest or explore the “Eternal City” on your own. Later, enjoy a sightseeing tour followed by a special Welcome Dinner at one of Rome’s lively restaurants.
Hotel: Massimo D’Azeglio, Aurelia Antica or similar (1 night)
Day 2 – Naples – Amalfi Coast
After breakfast, you’ll follow the Highway of the Sun, passing the hilltop monastery of Cassino to Naples! This morning our local guide will share the history of the Triumphal Arch of New Castle, St. Charles Theater, the Royal Palace, the Galleria Umberto, and the semicircular Piazza Plebiscito where you can enjoy free time to taste the original espresso or enjoy the world famous pizza napoletana. In the afternoon, drive towards the Amalfi Coast to reach your hotel where you have some free time at your own pleasure before enjoy an included dinner.
Hotel: GH Excelsior, La Lucertola or similar (2 nights)
Day 3 – Amalfi Coast – Sorrento
Today, enjoy panoramic views of the enchanting towns along the Amalfi Coast (overlooking Amalfi and Positano) with some free time to enjoy at your own pleasure in Maiori. Lunch will be served at local restaurant. In the afternoon free time in Sorrento for shopping before drive back to your hotel. Enjoy the evening at your own pleasure.
Day 4 – Taranto – Lecce
This morning leave the Amalfi Coast to reach Taranto on the Ionio sea, lies between the Mar Grande (Big Sea) and Mar Piccolo (Little Sea) bodies of water. Bridges link the mainland to the old town on a small island. Enjoy some free time to see the 15th-century Aragonese Castle, the San Cataldo Basilica. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive to beautiful Lecce, also known as “The Florence of the South”. Guided on a sightseeing tour we’ll see this delightful city including the stunning Basilica & its monumental Piazza Del Duomo. Tonight, discover the flavors of typical regional dishes.
Hotel: GH di Lecce, GH Tiziano or similar (2 nights)
Day 5 – Otranto – Salento
Enjoy a full excursion through the Salento province including a visit to the ancient Roman & Byzantine town of Otranto, the easternmost point on the Italian peninsula. Walk through the 1000 year old walled hamlet & the 11th century Norman cathedral with the best preserved mosaic floors in southern Italy. The picture-perfect blue waters, white buildings, & diving rocks make Otranto a frequent cover star of maps, books, & articles about the Apulia region. You will have the pleasure of enjoying lunch at a traditional Italian restaurant before enjoying beautiful Lecce at your own pace.
Day 6 – Castellana Caves – Alberobello
This morning, follow a local guide to explore the amazing Caves of Castellana. In the afternoon reach the village of Alberobello, known for its strange white Trulli buildings with their circular structures & conical roofs. Enjoy free time to stroll around the many local boutiques & coffee shops before dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: GH Olimpo, Masseria Chiancone Torricella or similar (2 nights)
Day 7 – Matera – Itria Valley
Today drive to the famous Sassi of Matera, a fascinating cluster of prehistoric cave dwellings built into the rock stone of deep ravines, for a walking tour featuring a visit to one of the most picturesque cities of this tour. In 1993 the town was made a UNESCO World Heritage (https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/) site for being “the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region, perfectly adapted to its terrain and ecosystem”. Dinner will then be served at a local restaurant.
Day 8 – Pizzo Calabro – Taormina
Leaving the town of Matera, we will drive through the unforgettable landscapes of the Calabria region down to Villa San Giovanni. Free time for lunch in the beautiful village of Pizzo. In the afternoon we will take a forty-five minute ferry ride to Sicily before heading to Taormina area, affectionately called “The Pearl of the Ionic Sea”. Founded in 400 BC, this beautiful city overlooks the peak of Mount Etna and the sea. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Villa Diodoro, Ceaser Palace or similar (2 nights)
Day 9 – Mt. Etna
This morning visit the 3rd century Greek Amphitheater, the second largest of its kind in Sicily. Situated above the city, it affords spectacular views of the bay and Mt. Etna. Later, we embark on an exciting excursion to Mt. Etna. Weather permitting, we will ascend 5,400 feet to the highest active volcano in Europe. Lunch will be served on the slopes of Etna with wine tastings from local farms. Then, explore Taormina & its beauty at your own pace. In the city, find homemade lace, coral jewels, ceramic, & much more by simply walking down Corso Umberto or through the tiny streets.
Day 10 – Agrigento
Drive to Agrigento for a tour of the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage (https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/) site home to five ancient Greek temples dating back to the 6th century BC. It is here that we will find some of the world’s most striking and well-preserved Grecian ruins outside of Athens. Tonight’s dinner will be served at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Exclusive, Blu Kaos or similar (1 night)
Day 11 – Erice – Palermo
Today we explore the medieval town of Erice, situated 2,887 feet above sea level, surrounded by ancient Elimi & Phoenician walls on the northeastern side of the city. Stroll through the charming old stone streets & medieval churches like the Cathedral of Erice which was built in the 14th century in Gothic Catalan style complete with solid marble ornate carvings where we see the picture of the famous Black Virgin venerated. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant followed by a short drive to Palermo where we will spend the evening at your own pace.
Hotel: Piazza Borsa, Palazzo Sitano or similar (2 nights)
Day 12 – Palermo – Monreale – St.Rosalia – Mondello
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, the honey-colored Cathedral and Piazza Bellini. From there, travel to the town of Monreale & visit the magnificent 12th century Norman Cathedral. Picturesque views of the Conca d’Oro, famous for its 50,000 square feet of precious Byzantine mosaics, will astonish you as you make your way through this ancient city. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate the success of your vacation.
Day 13 – Leaving for home:
Arrivederci Italia! Our Departure transfer bus will arrive at Palermo Int. Airport (PMO) at 5:30 am and 7:30 am
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Transportation:
- Private airport transfer for your tour on arrival & departure in Rome. (see the Itinerary)
- Luxury air-conditioned private minibus
- Ferry from Calabria to Sicily
Accommodations:
- First Class Hotels (4**** or 5*****)
- Includes all taxes (including city tax)
- Baggage handling included (ask your driver)
- All standard gratuities for hotel personnel
24 Meals:
- 12 breakfast buffets
- 4 lunches to include:
1 wine and olive oil tasting with fine local food
3 lunch – two main courses, dessert, local fine wine (1/4)
- 8 dinners to include:
8 dinner – two main courses, dessert, local fine wine (1/4)
- All Standard gratuities for restaurant personnel
Tour Guide & Tour Driver:
- Your tour will be conducted by our tour guide & tour driver. They will take the worry out of foreign travel as they manage the intricate details of your tour, keeping you entertained with anecdotes and stories to make sure your vacation is educational, entertaining, fun and safe!
- Any gratuities are at your pleasure for our tour guide & tour driver
Equipment:
- Wireless headsets to hear our guides clearly and distinctly in public places allowing you to roam & explore sites (within 60 feet) without missing any insight from your local guides (group of 9 or more)
- Travel documents (PDF) included
- One umbrella per person in case of rain
VIEW – VISIT – WALKING TOUR – MUSEUMS AND GALLERY: (WLG) = With Local Guide and wireless headsets
Rome:
- Comfortable sightseeing bus tour of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, St. Peter Square, the Circo Massimo and Via Veneto
Naples:
- View of the Triumphal Arch of the New Castle, St. Charles Theater, the Royal Palace, Galleria Umberto, and the semicircular Piazza Plebiscito, and Posillipo Hill
Lecce:
- Guided tour through the center city, see the Basilica and its monumental Piazza del Duomo (WLG)
Otranto:
- Visit the beautiful city and enjoy the view of the Castle
Castellana Caves:
- Visit the remarkable karst cave system (WLG)
Alberobello:
- Walking tour through the Trulli of Alberobello
Matera:
- Visit the Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera (WLG)
Taormina:
- Visit the 3rd-century Greek Amphitheater and Mont Etna
Agrigento:
- Visit the Valley of the Temples (WLG)
Palermo:
- Visit of the city including the Cathedral, the “Palatina” Chapel, and panoramic tour of the town (WLG)
Monreale:
- Visit the magnificent 12th century Norman Cathedral (WLG)
Suggested attire:
- Comfortable shoes are important for walking on the uneven surfaces
- Attire for Italian Churches: No shorts, skirts, tank tops, or bare shoulders for men or women are permitted. Bermuda shorts are permitted
Great Southern Italy 2024 - Land price per person (USD)
Depart - End Dates | Double | Single | Triple | Young (5-12) |
---|---|---|---|---|
April 02 - April 14 | 3900 | 5070 | 3705 | 3627 |
April 16 - April 28 | 3900 | 5070 | 3705 | 3627 |
April 30 - May 12 | 4000 | 5200 | 3800 | 3720 |
May 14 - May 26 | 4000 | 5200 | 3800 | 3720 |
May 28 - June 09 | 4000 | 5200 | 3800 | 3720 |
June 11 - June 23 | 4100 | 5330 | 3895 | 3813 |
June 25 - July 07 | 4100 | 5330 | 3895 | 3813 |
July 09 - July 21 | 4100 | 5330 | 3895 | 3813 |
Sept 03 - Sept 15 | 4100 | 5330 | 3895 | 3813 |
Sept 17 - Sept 29 | 3900 | 5070 | 3705 | 3627 |
Oct 01 - Oct 13 | 3900 | 5070 | 3705 | 3627 |
Oct 15 - Oct 27 | 3900 | 5070 | 3705 | 3627 |
Oct 29 - Nov 10 | 3900 | 5070 | 3705 | 3627 |
Price per person in Double, Single, Triple room occupancy
Price include Tax, city night tax, credit cards fee, currency exchange
Great Southern Italy 2024 - Land price per person (CAD)
Depart - End Dates | Double | Single | Triple | Young (5-12) |
---|---|---|---|---|
April 02 - April 14 | 5655 | 7352 | 5373 | 5260 |
April 16 - April 28 | 5655 | 7352 | 5373 | 5260 |
April 30 - May 12 | 5800 | 7540 | 5510 | 5394 |
May 14 - May 26 | 5800 | 7540 | 5510 | 5394 |
May 28 - June 09 | 5800 | 7540 | 5510 | 5394 |
June 11 - June 23 | 5945 | 7729 | 5648 | 5529 |
June 25 - July 07 | 5945 | 7729 | 5648 | 5529 |
July 09 - July 21 | 5945 | 7729 | 5648 | 5529 |
Sept 03 - Sept 15 | 5945 | 7729 | 5648 | 5529 |
Sept 17 - Sept 29 | 5655 | 7352 | 5373 | 5260 |
Oct 01 - Oct 13 | 5655 | 7352 | 5373 | 5260 |
Oct 15 - Oct 27 | 5655 | 7352 | 5373 | 5260 |
Oct 29 - Nov 10 | 5655 | 7352 | 5373 | 5260 |
Price per person in Double, Single, Triple room occupancy
Price include Tax, city night tax, credit cards fee, currency exchange
Great Southern Italy 2024 - Land price per person (AUD)
Depart - End Dates | Double | Single | Triple | Young (5-12) |
---|---|---|---|---|
April 02 - April 14 | 5850 | 7605 | 5558 | 5441 |
April 16 - April 28 | 5850 | 7605 | 5558 | 5441 |
April 30 - May 12 | 6000 | 7800 | 5700 | 5580 |
May 14 - May 26 | 6000 | 7800 | 5700 | 5580 |
May 28 - June 09 | 6000 | 7800 | 5700 | 5580 |
June 11 - June 23 | 6150 | 7995 | 5843 | 5720 |
June 25 - July 07 | 6150 | 7995 | 5843 | 5720 |
July 09 - July 21 | 6150 | 7995 | 5843 | 5720 |
Sept 03 - Sept 15 | 6150 | 7995 | 5843 | 5720 |
Sept 17 - Sept 29 | 5850 | 7605 | 5558 | 5441 |
Oct 01 - Oct 13 | 5850 | 7605 | 5558 | 5441 |
Oct 15 - Oct 27 | 5850 | 7605 | 5558 | 5441 |
Oct 29 - Nov 10 | 5850 | 7605 | 5558 | 5441 |
Price per person in Double, Single, Triple room occupancy
Price include Tax, city night tax, credit cards fee, currency exchange
Great Southern Italy 2024 - Land price per person (NZD)
Depart - End Dates | Double | Single | Triple | Young (5-12) |
---|---|---|---|---|
April 02 - April 14 | 6240 | 8112 | 5928 | 5804 |
April 16 - April 28 | 6240 | 8112 | 5928 | 5804 |
April 30 - May 12 | 6400 | 8320 | 6080 | 5952 |
May 14 - May 26 | 6400 | 8320 | 6080 | 5952 |
May 28 - June 09 | 6400 | 8320 | 6080 | 5952 |
June 11 - June 23 | 6560 | 8528 | 6232 | 6101 |
June 25 - July 07 | 6560 | 8528 | 6232 | 6101 |
July 09 - July 21 | 6560 | 8528 | 6232 | 6101 |
Sept 03 - Sept 15 | 6560 | 8528 | 6232 | 6101 |
Sept 17 - Sept 29 | 6240 | 8112 | 5928 | 5804 |
Oct 01 - Oct 13 | 6240 | 8112 | 5928 | 5804 |
Oct 15 - Oct 27 | 6240 | 8112 | 5928 | 5804 |
Oct 29 - Nov 10 | 6240 | 8112 | 5928 | 5804 |
Price per person in Double, Single, Triple room occupancy
Price include Tax, city night tax, credit cards fee, currency exchange
- Small group of max. 16 passengers, means intimate and personalized experience, enjoy authentic local restaurant, learning more with a peace of mind
- All excursions are included at no additional cost, which will turn an already amazing experience into the trip of a lifetime (skip the line tickets, restaurants, venues, local guides, transportation, excursions and more). There will be no surprises along the way
- All our tours have been planned with comfortable morning departure times. Never leaving your hotel before 8:00 am.
- Included every day you will have a minimum of two meals; our selected family owned restaurants will certainly be unforgettable!
- You will never feel alone. Your tour director and tour driver who will be ready to fulfill your needs with the utmost professionalism and safety
- Tour price include Tax, city night tax, credit cards fee
- Travel and connect with locals “Traveling in Italian Style”