Beautiful Puglia, Southern Italy and Sicily 11 Days

Today, we'll travel toward the Adriatic Sea, passing through the stunning landscapes of the Apennine Mountain range. Our first stop will be the San Giovanni in Venere Abbey (admission included), a beautiful 11th-century abbey built on the ruins of an ancient Roman temple. Next, we'll visit Termoli, a charming coastal city where the beach is framed by the walled old town, with its 13th-century castle and Romanesque cathedral as the main attractions. You'll have time to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely walk. We'll then continue to Bari, a historic port city inhabited since before Roman times. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore and stroll through the old town. Its narrow streets, beautiful churches, and vibrant atmosphere make it a truly special city, full of southern Italian charm.

We'll follow the coast to Brindisi, a walled port city where you can enjoy a pleasant stroll along the sea, admire the impressive Roman column, and explore the old quarter. Our next stop will be Lecce, a charming city renowned for its stunning baroque architecture, earning the nickname ¨Florence of the South.¨ The historic center is filled with beautifully ornate baroque buildings and churches. You'll have time for a walk and lunch. In the afternoon, we'll visit Gallipoli, a coastal city on the Ionian Sea founded by the Greeks, who named it ¨beautiful town.¨ Influenced by Arab, Norman, and Aragonese cultures, Gallipoli's old town is connected to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge. This charming area is a maze of narrow streets and historic buildings, with highlights including the cathedral, the castle, and the ancient city walls. We'll return to Brindisi at the end of the day for accommodation.

Today, we'll visit two extraordinary and authentic towns. Our first stop will be Alberobello, famous for its unique conical-shaped houses known as trulli. These distinctive structures, with their stacked stone roofs, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represent a remarkable example of Italian rural architecture. Next, we'll head to Matera, located in the Basilicata region, renowned for its ancient historic center and the Sassi di Matera, a complex of ancient dwellings and buildings carved into the rock, dating back thousands of years. Not only is it a World Heritage Site, but also one of the oldest continuously inhabited human settlements in the world. In the afternoon, after enjoying an included lunch in Matera, we'll continue our journey through Basilicata and Campania, taking in the beautiful mountain landscapes. We'll arrive in Naples by evening, where you'll have free time to explore.

After breakfast, we'll head to the port of Naples to board a ferry to the Island of Capri, where we recommend taking the funicular up to Capri town to stroll around and enjoy the stunning views. After lunch, we'll reboard and head to Sorrento, a charming tourist town nestled at the base of a cliff, where you'll have free time to wander. Our journey will then take us to the Gulf of Salerno, where we'll stay in the city of Salerno.

We'll journey to the south of the boot, marveling at the stunning southern Italian scenery as we cross the Cilento National Park. We'll arrive in Paola, located on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, where we'll visit the Sanctuary of St. Francis of Paola and enjoy free time for lunch in its charming historic center. Our adventure will then take us to Villa San Giovanni, where we'll board a short ferry crossing to the island of Sicily. Upon arrival in Messina, we'll have time to stroll around the cathedral. Finally, we'll continue to Taormina. Dinner will be included.

Note: Accommodation will normally be in the Taormina region, but on certain dates, lodging may be provided in Messina.

At the foot of Mount Etna lies the enchanting city of Taormina, once described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. You´ll have time to explore the lively historic quarter, with its Greek theater dominating the mesmerizing landscape. You can also relax on the beach. Dinner will be included.

After breakfast, we will head to CATANIA, at the foot of Mount Etna, a city that combines history, art, and Mediterranean life. Its Baroque center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impresses with beautiful squares and palaces, as well as the bustling fish market, one of the most picturesque in Sicily.

Afterwards, we continue to SYRACUSE, an ancient city of Magna Graecia on the Ionian Sea. The city has also been declared a World Heritage Site; its island of Ortigia, connected by bridges, is the oldest part of town, with lively narrow streets, the cathedral, the ancient castle, seaside terraces, and markets. Free time to stroll and have lunch.

In the afternoon, we will travel inland toward AGRIGENTO. Before reaching the hotel, from the coach, we will admire the magnificent complex of the Valley of the Temples. Dinner included.

We'll visit the Valley of the Temples with a local guide, an impressive archaeological site known as the most complete complex of Greek temples (admission included). Then, we'll travel to Marsala, a historic city renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and famous wine, where we'll have time for lunch. Our journey will continue around the scenic Marsala salt pans to Erice, a charming Phoenician town overlooking the sea, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Finally, we'll head to Palermo. Dinner will be included.

After breakfast, we'll explore Palermo, starting with a transfer to the picturesque village of Monreale, now on the outskirts of the city. We'll visit the breathtaking Arab-Norman cathedral, a World Heritage Site famed for its magnificent golden mosaics (tickets included). Palermo is a city rich in contrasts, reflecting the history of Arabs, Normans, and Baroque splendor. Key sights include the Cathedral (tickets included) and the Norman Palace, featuring the exquisite Palatine Chapel. After our tour, we'll enjoy some free time. Later in the afternoon, we'll board a modern night ferry. Accommodation will be in double cabins with en suite bathrooms.

We'll arrive in Naples early in the morning (breakfast not included) and continue to Pompeii, where we'll admire the remains of this ancient Roman city, buried under the ashes of Mount Vesuvius. A local guide will accompany us (tickets and tour are included). Afterward, we'll explore Naples, one of the most fascinating cities in Italy and among the oldest populated places in Europe. The historic center of Naples, one of the largest in Europe, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There will be time for a stroll and lunch. We'll conclude our day with an arrival in Rome.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.