13-DAY Comfort Tour (2 Palermo – 1 Agrigento – 2 Taormina – 7 Apulia)
Combinate Great Sicily + Great Apulia & Matera Itinerary
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First Class Hotel / Masseria
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Palermo (PMO)
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Bari (BRI)
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Included
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12 Breakfast - 12 Dinner or Lunch
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Luxury Minibus/Ferry ticket
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1: Orecchiette Experience
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2: Mt. Etna + Salento area
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1: Apulia
Dates
The same itinerary, with a minimum of 6 participants, can also be offered as a private tour at no additional cost. Your private trip combines comfort, exclusivity, and exceptional value—ensuring an unforgettable Italian experience crafted just for you. Request your private tour using the form below (end of the page), or contact us at: info@greattoursofitaly.com
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Available PackagesThursdayOctober 1, 2026TuesdayOctober 13, 2026EUR 4519Sold Out
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Available PackagesTuesdayNovember 3, 2026SundayNovember 15, 2026EUR 4290
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Available PackagesTuesdayNovember 17, 2026SundayNovember 29, 2026EUR 4000
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.
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)
Welcome to Sicily!
Upon arrival at Palermo International Airport (PMO), you’ll be greeted by our driver and transferred 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 unforgettable cuisine.
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.
Inclusions
- 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
- Airfare
- Travel Insurance
Overall Trip Rating:
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Verified Purchase
By Mary Ann(United States (US))October 17, 2025 Off beaten pathI was a little skeptical when I agreed with my niece to go on this Sicily and Apulia tour. As it turns out it was more than I ever could imagine. Simone is a proud Italian man who envelopes his knowledge, culture, family and friends in his tour. The combination of notable sites and off the beaten path experiences was extraordinary not to mention the unlimited culinary treats and wine were a great combination. I cannot adequately express my gratitude and satisfaction with this tour. Grazie Great Tours of Italy
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Verified Purchase
By Amanda J.(United States (US))September 29, 2025 Beautiful tourI cannot thank you enough for this magnificent experience! Everything was simply beautiful and beyond my wildest expectations. How can I return to this mundane routine? If God permits, I will return and dare I dream to make your sweet Italia home? Everyone was so warm and welcoming. Observing the lifestyle has been life changing. The food was incredible. Keep up the good work it will pay off. Thank Great Tours of Italy and hope to see you soon.
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Verified Purchase
By Colin(United States (US))September 26, 2025 The best of southern ItalyThe trip celebrated the best of southern Italy: history, culture, food, wine ... at a wonderful pace, with fabulous travel companions, great guides and experiences, and staying in unique and comfortable accommodations. I would wholeheartedly recommend!
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Verified Purchase
By Bob P. September 20, 2025 Amazing Tours!Amazing Tours! I am a veteran traveler in Italy, my favorite place on earth, and I also speak Italian. I have traveled there countless times, both with and without the benefit of a tour. I had never traveled to the Apulia region before. It was one of the best trips I have ever taken! Great Tours of Italy tour is carefully planned to showcase the region with a variety of wonderful culinary and cultural experiences, as well as uniquely regional businesses such as bakeries, factory, artisans, and purveyors of traditional goods and products, as well as the breathtaking landscapes and picturesque towns and villages of the region. One comes away with a depth of experience that comes from really having an opportunity, not just to dine and sightsee, but to interact with local people in their homes and workplaces. I also did the Great Sardinia tour immediately after, and the guides and activities were also phenomenal. Both regions are incredibly beautiful, and more off the beaten tourist track. The small group size is anther big plus. I don’t think you can miss by booking with Great Tours of Italy, a sentiment shared by everyone in both tour groups. Bravissimi!
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.
Yes. Private airport transfers are included on both arrival (Palermo) and departure (Bari) at scheduled time (see the itinerary).
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
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
Start: Palermo International Airport (PMO)
End: Bari International Airport (BRI)
The tour highlights authentic Sicilian and Apulian cuisine, including fresh seafood, local cheeses, olives, artisanal pasta, traditional pastries, and award-winning regional wines.
Yes. Pre- and post-tour extensions (e.g., Rome, Amalfi Coast, Catania, Naples) can be arranged upon request.
Spring and fall seasons typically offer ideal weather:
- April–June
- September–October
However, departures may be available in other months depending on scheduling.