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Great Sicily + Apulia & Matera

13 Days 12 Nights

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13-DAY Comfort Tour (2 Palermo - 1 Agrigento - 2 Taormina - 7 Apulia)

Combinate Great Sicily + Great Apulia & Matera Itinerary

  • Easy
  • First Class Hotel / Masseria
  • Palermo (PMO)
  • Bari (BRI)
  • Included
  • 12 Breakfast - 12 Dinner or Lunch
  • Luxury Minibus/Ferry ticket
  • 1: Orecchiette Experience
  • 2: Mt. Etna + Salento area
  • 1: Apulia

Overview

Experience two of Italy’s most captivating regions on one unforgettable journey. Explore Palermo’s vibrant streets, the dazzling mosaics of Monreale, and the ancient wonders of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples. Continue along Sicily’s eastern coast to enchanting Syracuse, elegant Taormina, and the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna for an unforgettable wine tasting.

Crossing into Puglia, slow down among centuries-old olive groves and discover the whitewashed charm of Ostuni, Alberobello, and Polignano a Mare. Visit the extraordinary cave dwellings of Matera and indulge in the region’s iconic food and wine.

Thoughtfully paced and rich in culture, cuisine, and scenery, this tour is perfect for travellers seeking authentic Italy with a touch of dolce vita.

Itinerary

  • Day
    01

    Welcome to Palermo

    Welcome to Sicily! Upon arrival at Palermo International Airport (PMO), our driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel. Take time to settle in and relax.
    In the late afternoon, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant—your first taste of Sicily’s rich culinary traditions.

    Overnight in Palermo
    Hotel: Artemisia, Bel 3, or similar (2 nights)

  • Day
    02

    Palermo & Monreale

    Meet our local guide for a walking tour of Palermo’s historic center, including its honey-colored Cathedral and lively Piazza Bellini.
    Continue to the hilltop town of Monreale to visit its magnificent 12th-century Norman Cathedral. Admire panoramic views of the Conca d’Oro and marvel at more than 50,000 square feet of dazzling Byzantine mosaics—one of the Mediterranean’s greatest artistic treasures.
    Dinner at a local restaurant.

  • Day
    03

    Erice & Agrigento

    After breakfast, depart for the medieval hilltop town of Erice. Enjoy free time to wander its cobbled streets and visit traditional artisan shops.
    Continue south to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento for a guided walking tour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features some of the most impressive and best-preserved ancient Greek temples outside Athens.
    Dinner included.

    Overnight in Agrigento
    Hotel: Exclusive, Dioscuri, Blu Kaos, or similar (1 night)

  • Day
    04

    Syracuse & Taormina

    Travel along Sicily’s scenic east coast to Syracuse. Explore the historic island of Ortigia, known for the freshwater spring “Fonte Aretusa,” which has inspired poets and writers for centuries.
    In the late afternoon arrive in Taormina, affectionately called “The Pearl of the Ionian Sea.”
    Dinner included.

    Overnight in Taormina
    Hotel: Caesar Palace, Villa Diodoro, or similar (2 nights)

  • Day
    05

    Taormina & Mount Etna Winery

    Begin with a guided walking tour of Taormina. Founded in 400 BC, this enchanting town overlooks both the sea and Mount Etna. Visit Corso Umberto and the impressive 3rd-century Greek Amphitheater, the second largest of its kind in Sicily.
    Continue to the slopes of Mount Etna for a memorable lunch and wine tasting at a local winery.

  • Day
    06

    Into Apulia: Itria Valley

    After check-out, travel through the Calabria region to reach your next accommodation in the heart of Puglia, surrounded by ancient olive groves.
    Dinner included.

    Overnight in the Itria Valley
    Hotel: Relais Porta del Sud, or similar (7 nights)

  • Day
    07

    Ostuni & Olive Oil Experience

    This morning visit Ostuni, the famed “White City,” and enjoy free time to explore its charming historic center.
    Continue to a typical olive oil mill for a guided tour, tasting, and traditional lunch at a Masseria.

  • Day
    08

    Lecce

    Enjoy a relaxing morning at your hotel—perfect for time by the pool.
    In the afternoon, travel to Lecce, often called “The Florence of the South.” Join your guide for a sightseeing tour including the stunning Basilica and the monumental Piazza del Duomo.
    Dinner included with a traditional local music and dance show.

  • Day
    09

    Winery Visit & Orecchiette Experience

    Today, visit a local winery for a tasting experience, followed by an engaging Orecchiette fresh pasta-making class, one of Puglia’s most iconic culinary traditions.
    Lunch included with regional specialties.

  • Day
    10

    Alberobello & Locorotondo

    This morning visit Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its unique cone-shaped Trulli houses. Enjoy a guided walking tour to learn about their history and construction.
    Continue to nearby Locorotondo, considered one of Italy’s most beautiful historic towns, with free time to explore at your own pace.
    Dinner featuring local Apulian cuisine.

  • Day
    11

    Matera

    Today, travel to Matera, home to the extraordinary Sassi, prehistoric cave dwellings carved into the rock. Enjoy a guided walking tour through one of Italy’s most fascinating ancient cities.
    Lunch at a local restaurant.

  • Day
    12

    Polignano a Mare & Bari

    This morning visit Polignano a Mare, known as “The Pearl of the Adriatic.” Stroll its charming cliffside old town and enjoy free time to explore.
    In the afternoon continue to Bari for a walking tour of the historic center, followed by lunch featuring the famous local dish Pasta all’Assassina.

  • Day
    13

    Arrivederci Italia!

    Check out of your hotel and enjoy a private transfer to Bari Airport (BRI) for your departure flight.

Cost Includes

  • Private airport transfers (arrival and departure days)
  • English-speaking tour guide
  • First-class hotels
  • Daily breakfast buffets
  • 12 lunches or dinners with fine local wine
  • Orecchiette Cooking class experience
  • Olive oil and wine tasting
  • Mount Etna wine tasting with lunch
  • Licensed local guides: Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse, Taormina, Lecce, Alberobello, Matera, and Bari
  • Museum and historical site entrances included Wireless headsets for walking tours
  • Gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff

Cost Excludes

  • Airfare
  • Travel Insurance

FAQs

What type of accommodation is provided?

Guests stay in first-class hotels and a traditional Masseria in Apulia.
Typical properties include:

  • Palermo: Artemisia, Bel 3, or similar
  • Agrigento: Exclusive, Dioscuri, Blu Kaos, or similar
  • Taormina: Caesar Palace, Villa Diodoro, or similar
  • Itria Valley (Puglia): Relais Porta del Sud, or similar

All accommodations include private facilities, daily breakfast, and hotel gratuities.

Are airport transfers included?

Yes. Private airport transfers are included on both arrival (Palermo) and departure (Bari) at scheduled time (see the itinerary).

What special food and wine experiences are included?

The tour includes:

  • Mount Etna winery visit with lunch
  • Salento winery experience
  • Olive oil tasting and mill visit
  • Orecchiette pasta-making class led by local experts
  • Traditional Apulian dinner with a local music & dance show

Which cities and highlights are included in the itinerary?

Key destinations:

In Sicily:

  • Palermo & Monreale Cathedral
  • Erice
  • Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples
  • Syracuse & Ortigia Island
  • Taormina & Greek Amphitheater
  • Mount Etna wine region

In Apulia & Basilicata:

  • Itria Valley (Masseria stay)
  • Ostuni, Alberobello, Locorotondo
  • Lecce
  • Polignano a Mare
  • Bari
  • Matera and the ancient Sassi

What is the starting point and ending point of the tour?

Start: Palermo International Airport (PMO)

End: Bari International Airport (BRI)

What type of cuisine can guests expect?

The tour highlights authentic Sicilian and Apulian cuisine, including fresh seafood, local cheeses, olives, artisanal pasta, traditional pastries, and award-winning regional wines.

Can the itinerary be customized or extended?

Yes. Pre- and post-tour extensions (e.g., Rome, Amalfi Coast, Catania, Naples) can be arranged upon request.

What is the best time of year to enjoy this tour?

Spring and fall seasons typically offer ideal weather:

  • April–June
  • September–October

However, departures may be available in other months depending on scheduling.

Premium small escorted tours in Italy. Small Groups 4/20 Guests, First-Class Accommodations, Comfortable Morning Departure, 2 Meals Included Daily All Excursions Included, Enjoy Complete Price Transparency, Best deal Italy has to offer!

+39 3294218922
info@greattoursofitaly.com

See it online https://greattoursofitaly.com/trip/special-tour-sicily-apulia/