Great Sicily + Apulia & Matera

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)

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.

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)

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)

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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