- Overview
- Trip Outline and Itinerary
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- Reviews
- Optional Excursion
Enticing culture, awe-inspiring landscapes and some of Europe's most fascinating historical destinations - this Southern Italy tour has it all! Discover the many wonders of ancient Rome. Marvel at Mt Vesuvius and explore the ruins of ancient Pompeii; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy free days to explore the Amalfi Coast, Taormina and Palermo at your own pace. See the iconic Trulli houses in Alberobello and the ancient cave city of Matera. Eat, drink and be merry with a group of new friends on our Italy vacations. Discover Southern Italy & Sicily, and return home forever changed!
- Embark on an orientation tour of Rome
- Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome
- See Mount Vesuvius; an active volcano
- Explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii
- Visit Matera; an ancient cave city
- Explore Alberobello; famous for its conical houses
- Catch a ferry from mainland Italy to Sicily
- Discover Taormina; a hilltop town in Sicily
- Enjoy dinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina
- Visit Syracuse; a historic Sicilian city
- Explore the Valley of the Temples
- Visit Cefalù; home to Italy’s finest beaches
- Enjoy a walking tour of Palermo
Itineraries
Day 1
Start of tour in Rome
Welcome to Rome! Settle in at the hotel and meet up with your tour leader who will be with you for the duration of the tour. Meet your fellow travellers as your tour leader gives you an overview of the upcoming itinerary. Then, embark on an orientation tour of the city. See top attractions such as the Spanish Steps and the Piazza Navona before enjoying some free time to explore on your own. A welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included this evening.
Day 2
Rome - Pompeii - Amalfi Coast
Depart Rome after breakfast, and travel to the Amalfi Coast. En route, stop off to see Mount Vesuvius, and to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii; destroyed in 79AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site before sitting down for an included lunch. Afterwards, travel onwards to tonight’s hotel in the Amalfi Coast. Arrive in Salerno, where we have a two-night stay. This area is famous for limoncello (a sweet lemon liqueur); the perfect way to finish off your evening! This evening, choose to join the optional excursion to Amalfi for a breathtaking ferry ride from Salerno, followed by an orientation tour of Amalfi and an authentic Italian dinner.
Day 3
Amalfi Coast: Free Day
Made up of a number of gorgeous old towns hugging the coastline, the Amalfi Coast is our base for the day. Explore the towns and stunning beaches in your own time. Alternatively, choose our optional excursion to the famous and exceptionally beautiful Isle of Capri. Here, enjoy an orientation tour before spending some free time exploring the rugged coastline, ancient Roman ruins and stylish piazzas. Top the day trip off with a boat trip around the islands and its breathtaking grottos. It is sure to be an unforgettable day in the south of Italy!
Day 4
Amalfi Coast - Matera - Alberobello
Today, it is time to head east and explore the southern Italian region of Apulia, making a stop along the way in the ancient cave city of Matera. Known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City), it is famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts; the ‘Sassi’. Arrive in Alberobello, and enjoy an orientation tour of the region's famous ‘trulli’ houses. These beautiful 14th century whitewashed stone huts have iconic conical roofs, and are specific to the Itria Valley. This afternoon, enjoy free time to further explore Alberobello. Great places to see include the trullo church of St Antony, and the Trulli museum. Find a beautiful spot to enjoy dinner this evening before returning to the hotel for the night.
Day 5
Alberobello - Taormina
Enjoy a coastal drive along the Ionian Sea this morning. Soon, it is time to head back to the mainland, and enjoy a short ferry ride over to the island of Sicily; home of Mount Etna. Prepare for stunning views while on the way to Taormina. Arrive, and enjoy an orientation walking tour of this hilltop town. Keep an eye out for some of the highlights you can explore further on your free day tomorrow. This evening, top off the Sicilian experience with an included dinner at the beachside hotel.
Day 6
Taormina: Free Day
Enjoy a free day to relax on Taormina's beautiful beaches, or explore the charming hilltop town which is one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations. For those looking to explore further afield, why not embark on a day trip to Mount Etna? This is one of the tour’s top optional excursions and perfect for those seeking a bit of adventure. Take a cable car and a 4x4 to the top station, walk in the volcanic ash and learn more about the volcano from the local guides. After, indulge in a feast of local produce at a charming enoteca. This evening, choose to enjoy a sunset cruise and swim in Taormina’s crystal clear waters!
Day 7
Taormina - Syracuse - Agrigento
Take a drive through the heart of Sicily today, and be charmed by the gorgeous Sicilian scenery en route. Along the way, make a stop in Syracuse, an ancient town on the southeast coast of Sicily that was built in ancient Greek times. Syracuse is home to an excellent food market, making it a perfect spot to grab lunch. Then, drive the final stretch for the day to ‘Valle dei Templi’ (Valley of the Temples); one of the most outstanding examples of Magna Grecia art and architecture. Enjoy a guided sunset tour with an expert local guide. Spend the night in the hilltop city of Agrigento.
Day 8
Agrigento - Cefalù - Palermo
Leaving Agrigento this morning, take a scenic drive through central Sicily and arrive in the town of Cefalù. Cefalù is a historic town that boasts some of Italy’s finest beaches. Here, enjoy free time to explore or join the locally guided tour which includes lunch at a local restaurant. Next, travel on to Palermo. Arrive in the afternoon, and enjoy a walking tour that will introduce you to the city’s highlights. Founded more than 2,700 years ago by the Phoenicians, Palermo is noted for its history, culture, architecture and food. Top sights on the walking tour include the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova (The New Gate) and the Cathedral of Palermo. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight
Day 9
Palermo: Free Day
Enjoy a free day to further explore Sicily’s capital; Palermo! Over the centuries, Palermo has been colonised by many different rulers, including the Greeks, Romans and Normans. This melting pot has resulted in a variety of architectural styles for you to explore in its historic old town. For an in-depth guide to this city’s many historical hidden gems, join today’s Hidden Palermo optional excursion and discover beautiful churches, diverse architecture, art and more! Or, explore on your own. Palermo is also renowned for its delicious cuisine and irresistible dishes like arancini and cannoli, don’t forget to try these delicious treats during your free day. This evening, take an overnight ferry back to the Italian mainland.
Day 10
End of tour in Rome
Arrive in Naples after the overnight ferry this morning. The tour group will continue on the coach with the tour leader, and travel back to Rome, where the tour will come to an end this afternoon. After 10 days filled with Italian adventures and memories, it’s time to say arrivederci to Italy and your new travel friends. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onwards and hopes to see you again soon!
Accommodation
- 8 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
- 1 night's accommodation in twin share ferry cabin with private bathrooms
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room/cabin (subject to availability)
Meals
- 9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners
*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples
- Any public transport used as part of the tour days (excludes free days)
Tour Leader
- Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
- Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
- Visa to any Country (tourists must obtain before travelling to Europe), We will help with VISA Assistance only.
- International flights to and from Europe.
- Airport departure tax if required.
- Travel insurance (trip, medical and personal).
- Daily personal expenses.
- Early check-in or late check-out at hotels.
- Tip and gratuity for local tour guides and drivers.
- Please read terms and conditions at https://letstraveleuro.com/terms-and-conditions/
Explore the incredible town of Amalfi! This optional evening includes a breathtaking ferry ride from Salerno to Amalfi, followed by an orientation tour and a return transfer to Salerno. See some of the town's top attractions, including the waterfront, Piazza Dei Dogi, the Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi shopping street, Main Square and Saint Andrew's Fountain. End this unmissable experience with an authentic two-course Italian dinner at one of Amalfi's top-rated restaurants!
Join a local guide for a day trip to the beautiful Isle of Capri! Catch a ferry to the colourful Marina Grande and take the cable car to Capri Town where you’ll enjoy a tour and a visit to the gorgeous Gardens of Augustus which boasts exceptional views. Enjoy free time to go to the beach or explore the famous isle more before heading back to the port and hopping aboard a boat for a private cruise around the island! This excursion includes a private cruise, return ferry trip, entrance to the Gardens of Augustus and a local guide for the duration of the excursion.
Please Note: Minimum numbers are required.
Experience a wonderful evening in Montecatini with the scenic views! Enjoy a return trip to Montecatini Alto on the Montecatini Funicular and admire the views of Montecatini Terme along the way.
The tour leader will escort the group throughout the evening.
Please Note: During winter, the group will travel to Montecatini Alto by taxi as the funicular is closed from October to Marc
Conquer Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world! Enjoy a day trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After transferring from the hotel to Etna Park, take a funicular trip to the halfway point and then travel by 4X4 vehicle to the top station. During the visit, learn more about Mount Etna’s geography, geology, flora and fauna, local customs and history from local guides on site. Explore the volcanic grounds before coming back down for an included Sicilian lunch including wine and olive oil tasting. Look forward to sampling local products as well as a Sicilian feast of charcuterie, pasta, cheese, preserves, dessert and more!
Explore the Taormina coastline and Mermaid’s Bay on a private boat. See the lesser-known but equally as beautiful sister to Capri’s Blue Grotto, enjoy swimming stops in the Ionian Sea, admire the natural beauty of Isola Bella island, visit locations where scenes from The Godfather were filmed and watch the sunset from the boat! There’s also an aperitivo to enjoy onboard with complimentary snacks including a drink, fresh fruit and Sicilian Bruschetta.
Spend your free day in Palermo exploring the many hidden gems of Sicily’s capital! This journey begins in the Piazza Marina, home to the Steri Palace, a private noble residence which served as the headquarters for the Sicilian Inquisition. Then, step inside the 17th-century Oratory of San Lorenzo which is renowned for its exceptional religious artworks. Next, admire the Gothic-style facade of the Church of San Francesco before making your way to Martorana Church in Bellini Square. Step inside and be captivated by the intricate mosaics and Byzantine architectural details. The tour comes to an end at the beautiful Saint Catherine Cloister where you can indulge in a tasting of delectable Sicilian sweets made in an ancient convent bakery!
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