Southern Italy & Sicily featuring Taormina, Matera and the Amalfi Coast

Southern Italy & Sicily featuring Taormina, Matera and the Amalfi Coast
from $3,699 pp

Duration: 13 Days
Destinations: Italy

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Journey through a crossroads of civilizations in Sicily and on to the spectacular coastlines of Southern Italy. Uncover Sicily's capital Palermo and its Moorish and Norman influences. Explore seaside Cefalu and Agrigento's ancient Valley of the Temples. Travel to the historic hilltop town of Taormina. Visit a local winery for a wine tasting and agriturismo dinner. Venture to the ancient cave dwellings of Sassi di Matera. Explore Sorrento and stunning Positano, the pearl of the Amalfi Coast. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in the excavated Pompeii. Allow the unique culture to capture your heart and get a glimpse into an age-old heritage composed of ancient monuments and cultivated lands.

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Overnight Flight

The hidden treasures of Southern Italy and Sicily are yours to explore, for it's here you'll find breathtaking scenery, historic cities, centuries-old hilltop villages and iconic cuisine.

Palermo, Sicily - Tour Begins

Your Italian sojourn opens in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Discover the city's vibrant culture as you take in its gritty, unshakable spirit and captivating energy. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine.

Palermo - Monreale - Palermo

Begin the day with a walking tour of Palermo's old town. Uncover cobblestoned piazzas and ornate buildings, many worn by time and conflict. Visit hilltop Monreale (UNESCO), ascending on foot to its 12th-century cathedral for a guided tour of its majestic Byzantine mosaics. Explore the cathedral's cloisters, taking in their serene atmosphere of the monastic complex before returning to Palermo for an evening at leisure.

Palermo - Cefalu - Agrigento

This morning, set off for the stunning seaside town of Cefalu on Sicily's northern coast. Stroll the charming medieval streets with a local guide and visit the city's impressive cathedral showcasing Norman architecture. Next, journey to a family-owned farmhouse, picturesquely set in the surrounding hills. Meet the owners and discover what a typical day on a Sicilian farm is like. Sit back and tuck into a hearty farm-to-table lunch, made with family recipes. Relax aboard your bus as you travel over rolling hills and peaceful farmland to Sicily's southern coast for a relaxing 2-night stay.

Agrigento - Valley of the Temples

This morning, enjoy time at leisure at your hotel, where you can take in the views from its panoramic terrace and walk along the beach or venture into Agrigento's old town for a stroll through its historic center and free time to explore. This afternoon, step back 25 centuries and delve into ancient Greek history for a visit of the stunning Valley of the Temples (UNESCO), one of the world's most esteemed archeological sites. Get an up-close view of the temples of Juno, Concordia, and Hercules during an extensive walking tour of this vast archeological site. This evening, pause for dinner at a local restaurant and an evening view of the illuminated Valley of the Temples from a panoramic spot located nearby.

Agrigento - Piazza Armerina - Giardini Naxos

Venture deep into Sicily's countryside to Piazza Armerina, home of the ancient Villa Romana del Casale (UNESCO) and explore the site with an expert insider for a locally guided tour of its impressive mosaics. In the afternoon, journey east to Sicily's Ionian Coast and to Giardini Naxos - the "garden of Sicily" - for your 2-night stay.

Giardini Naxos - Taormina - Giardini Naxos

This morning, explore beautiful Taormina, home to ancient relics, rocky hills, and charming gardens. With an expert local guide, you'll stroll the lively pedestrianized main street, see the imposing Corvaja Palace and climb to the city's well-preserved Greek theatre. The afternoon is yours to explore more of this hillside resort or opt to see Sicily's wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna. During this optional tour, stare up at the iconic peak as your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe's largest active volcano. Spend the day exploring this legendary giant, passing by lava formations and basalt rocks. This evening let traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air during an optional Sicilian dinner with musical accompaniment.

Giardini Naxos - Matera

Take a short ferry ride to Villa San Giovanni, located on Italy's mainland. During your full day bus transfer, pass through the unspoiled region of Calabria to the Basilicata region. Wander through the twisting vines of a local winery before touring the cellar for a tasting. Linger over regional cuisine at dinner in the winery's agriturismo restaurant.

Matera

Explore the Sassi di Matera (UNESCO), an ancient settlement of carved cave dwellings. A local guide shares the history and explains why film producers are seeking out this unique landscape. Visit a local shop and get a taste of regional specialties. The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you'll join an optional tour to Alberobello (UNESCO) in the nearby region of Puglia. Here, marvel at the town's whimsical trulli homes, known for their distinct, cone-shaped roofs.

Matera - Sorrento

After a stop at a sustainable buffalo dairy farm* for a taste of freshly made mozzarella and a peek into the history of this iconic cheese, arrive in Sorrento where you'll settle in for a 2-night stay.** Later this afternoon, discover this charming seaside town during a walking tour and learn about the local tradition of wood marquetry.

Sorrento - Positano - Sorrento

This morning, take in the sights and colors of the Mediterranean Sea as you sail*** along the initial stretch of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast (UNESCO). Gaze out over the deep blue hues of the sea paired with the bright citrus fruits lining the hillsides. Pause in Positano with its pastel-colored houses and pebbly beaches. Spend time in this legendary locale browsing the posh boutiques or resting along the beach, before returning to Sorrento for an afternoon at leisure.

Sorrento - Pompeii - Rome

Journey north to Rome. En route, experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii (UNESCO). A local guide gives you an in-depth look into this 2,000-year-old Roman town, nestled in the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Step into another time as you explore its preserved buildings and imagine life in the 1st century. An afternoon-long transfer leads to Rome where you arrive in the early evening. Celebrate the end of your journey with a delightful farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Rome - Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close today.

Departure Dates

Dates	From Price	Price My Trip
Apr 25, 2025 - May 7, 2025	$3,699 pp \| Land Only	Price My Trip
May 9, 2025 - May 21, 2025	$3,699 pp \| Land Only	Price My Trip

Start: April 25, 2025 End: May 7, 2025 Price: $3,699 pp \| Land Only Price My Trip
Start: May 9, 2025 End: May 21, 2025 Price: $3,699 pp \| Land Only Price My Trip

Price My Trip

Product Code: Member Choice Vacations-39

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