Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy with the "Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy" tour. This cultural adventure takes you from the historic streets of Rome to the sun-kissed shores of Sicily, exploring iconic destinations like Sorrento, Taormina, and Palermo. Discover the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the breathtaking beauty of Capri, and the unique Trulli houses of Alberobello. Enjoy guided tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Valley of Temples and the Sassi of Matera. Travel in comfort aboard a private, air-conditioned motorcoach, and relax in first-class accommodations. With 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 6 dinners included, savor the flavors of Italy while immersing yourself in its rich history and culture. This small-group tour ensures a personalized experience, guided by expert local guides, making it the perfect way to explore the wonders of Southern Italy and Sicily. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Rome,Italy
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Starhotels Michelangelo or Degli Aranci
Meals Included: Dinner
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Rome,Castel Gandolfo,Sorrento Area
Location: Rome, Castel Gandolfo, Sorrento
Accommodation Name: Towers Hotel Stabiae Sorrento Coast
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
ROME–CASTEL GANDOLFO–SORRENTO AREA Holy Grounds CASTEL GANDOLFO Take a [LF] guided visit of the Papal Palace and the Barberini Gardens. (B) 193 mi / 310 kmLOCAL FAVORITE ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Enjoy an extraordinary, guided visit to explore the Papal Palace and beautiful Barberini Gardens. Stroll the spectacular grounds of the grand papal retreat of Castel Gandolfo, where Holy Fathers and world dignitaries walked and talked about faith and the world at large.
Day 3: Sorrento Area. Excursion To Capri
Location: Sorrento, Capri
Accommodation Name: Towers Hotel Stabiae Sorrento Coast
Meals Included: Breakfast
SORRENTO AREA. EXCURSION TO CAPRI Coves, Cliffs & The Clear Blue Sea SORRENTO AREA Jetfoil ride to Capri. CAPRI Take a funicular ride from the harbor to the village for guided sightseeing, including the Augustus Gardens. Free time for lunch.SORRENTO AREA Free time. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Nestled high above the sea on the island of Capri lie the exquisite Gardens of Augustus. This natural paradise promises 180-degree panoramic views and a kaleidoscope of botanical beauty on the cliffs overlooking island and the sapphire sea below.
Day 4: Sorrento Area. Excursion To Pompeii And Naples
Location: Sorrento, Pompeii, Naples
Accommodation Name: Towers Hotel Stabiae Sorrento Coast
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
SORRENTO AREA. EXCURSION TO POMPEII AND NAPLES A Slice of Life in Naples POMPEII Take a guided walking tour of the excavations. Free time to browse.NAPLES Guided sightseeing includes an orientation drive on the panoramic road to Posillipo, a stop in Piazza Plebiscito. (B)68 mi / 110 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE The fascinating archaeological site of Pompeii is a treasured glimpse into Roman life near the Bay of Naples. This once thriving and sophisticated Roman city was consumed by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., with its residents and structures buried beneath inescapable ash and stone. See the preserved site of excavated ruins that reveal remarkable frescoes, artwork, and artifacts within its streets and the dwellings of the people who perished here.
Day 5: Sorrento Area,Bari
Location: Sorrento, Bari
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Excelsior
Meals Included: Breakfast
SORRENTO AREA–BARI Spectacular Apulia SORRENTO COAST Scenic drive to Bari. (B) 186 mi / 300 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Puglia region forms the heel of Italy’s “boot,” with whitewashed towns, centuries-old pastoral landscapes, and the magnificent Mediterranean coastline. The vibrant port of Bari and its lovely Baroque architecture is a feast for the eyes and palate in the quintessential Italian style.
Day 6: Bari,Lecce,Alberobello Area
Location: Bari, Lecce, Alberobello
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel D'Aragona
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
BARI–LECCE–ALBEROBELLO AREA Sweet Strolls in Apulia BARI Guided sightseeing includes a walking tour of Bari Vecchia, the city’s oldest district, and San Nicola’s Church.LECCE Walking tour with a Local Guide includes the Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica. [LF] Taste traditional pasticciotto (filled pastry) with almond-infused iced coffee. (B,D)186 mi / 300 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITIONS Traditional pasticciotto is the beloved cream-filled pastry of Lecce, which graces the shelves of Apulia’s bakeries and restaurants. Legend has it that this ubiquitous confection was invented by happy accident when chef Andrea Ascalone made too much cake batter, using the excess ingredients to mix up the original pasticcio (meaning mishap or mess in Italian) - a smaller cake with a creamy filling. Sink your teeth into this heavenly pastry with an almond iced coffee to complete the experience.
Day 7: Alberobello Area
Location: Alberobello
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel D'Aragona
Meals Included: Breakfast
ALBEROBELLO AREA Stone Houses ALBEROBELLO Guided walking tour includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional conical-roof house). Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE The iconic round houses (Trulli) date back hundreds of years. These Trulli, constructed of dry stone and cone-shaped roofs include the oldest structures built in the 16th century and were used as grain storage or residences. Made without cement in the masonry techniques of the day, these whitewashed homes were easily disassembled to avoid property taxes when the collectors came calling! Today, you can stroll the streets lined with Trulli houses to see their conical rooftops decorated with symbols such as a cross, heart, astronomical symbol, or the evil eye.
Day 8: Alberobello Area,Matera,Pizzo Calabro,Reggio Calabria
Location: Alberobello, Matera, Pizzo Calabro, Reggio Calabria
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
ALBEROBELLO AREA–MATERA–PIZZO CALABRO–REGGIO CALABRIA Creamy Desserts & Cave Dwellings MATERA Orientation walk with panoramic view of the picturesque sassi house (cave houses). Take a scenic drive along the Gulf of Taranto.PIZZO CALABRO Enjoy a [LF] traditional tartufo (ice cream dessert) tasting.REGGIO CALABRIA Join a guided visit of the museum that houses the Bronzi di Riace (famous bronze warrior sculptures). (B,D) 280 mi / 450 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES The only thing better than a taste of gelato is having a few different tastes inside a chocolate-shelled truffle! Indulge in a tartufo dessert that will melt in your mouth during a visit to Pizzo Calabro.
Day 9: Reggio Calabria,Taormina Riviera
Location: Reggio Calabria, Taormina
Accommodation Name: Hellenia Yachting Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
REGGIO CALABRIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA Grand Greek Drama STRAIT OF MESSINA Ferry crossing to Sicily.TAORMINA Visit the ancient Greek theatre. Free time to explore. (B) 81 mi / 130 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE The Greek Theatre of Taormina is considered one of the most impressive examples of auditorium engineering and architecture for its superb natural setting and acoustical design. This ancient marvel was dug into the hard rock slopes of Mount Tauro in the 3rd-century BC, with seating to accommodate thousands of spectators. The Teatro Antico di Taormina was built in the Greek tradition of incorporating the natural surroundings to become part of the performance, with light and air permeating the columns to become part of the story.
Day 10: Taormina Riviera
Location: Taormina
Accommodation Name: Hellenia Yachting Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
TAORMINA RIVIERA The Pearl of the Mediterranean TAORMINA RIVIERA Enjoy a free day in Taormina. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION With a backdrop of the Volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea providing the cinematic setting for the resort town of Taormina, this Pearl of the Mediterranean is a picturesque coastal gem that will spoil you with its stunning beaches, village beauty, and sumptuous culinary specialties.
Day 11: Taormina Riviera
Location: Taormina, Mount Etna
Accommodation Name: Hellenia Yachting Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
TAORMINA RIVIERA Sicilian Summits TAORMINA RIVIERA Enjoy a free day, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE What better way to spend this free day than with an excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano and one of the most active in the world. Learn how in 1669, an eruption that lasted 112 days developed a record long stream of lava that destroyed the city of Catania.
Day 12: Taormina Riviera,Agrigento,Palermo
Location: Taormina, Agrigento, Palermo
Accommodation Name: Mercure Palermo Centro
Meals Included: Breakfast
TAORMINA RIVIERA–AGRIGENTO–PALERMO Timeless Temples AGRIGENTO Take a guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples en route to Palermo. (B) 211 mi / 340 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia sits in spectacular setting upon a ridge where it served as a beacon for homecoming sailors and today draws enthralled visitors to revel in the remarkable Valley of the Temples.
Day 13: Palermo
Location: Palermo, Monreale
Accommodation Name: Mercure Palermo Centro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
PALERMO Cathedrals & New Beginnings PALERMO Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the cathedral. Scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. [LF] Hear about “Addiopizzo”, an anti-mafia movement that supports the local community. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE FAIR TRADE “Addiopizzo” literally means “good-bye protection payment” and is an association founded in Palermo by a group of young, local people. They will share with you their story of how they are supporting local communities and helping with the regeneration in some of the urban areas. As they have gained support over the years, the movement can now also be found in other Italian cities.
Day 14: Palermo
Location: Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Fully Guided
The tour is fully guided by an expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides.
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Transport
Travel comfortably in a private, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available), ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout your tour.
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Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Historic Centre of Naples, Historic Centre of Rome, Vatican City, The Sassi of Matera, and The Trulli of Alberobello.
What's Not Included
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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International Travel
International flights to and from Italy are not included.
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds. ...more ...less
UNESCO Sites
Arab-Norman cathedral of Monreale|Archeological area of Agrigento|Archeological Site of Pompeii|Historic Centre of Naples|Historic Centre of Rome - various properties Vatican City|The Sassi of Matera (See only)|The Trulli of Alberobello|Vatican City
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably in a private, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available), ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout your tour.
Accommodation
Stay in first-class or superior first-class hotels with private bath or shower, including Starhotels Michelangelo and Degli Aranci in Rome, Towers Hotel Stabiae Sorrento Coast in Sorrento Area, Grand Hotel Excelsior in Bari, Grand Hotel D'Aragona in Alberobello Area, Hellenia Yachting Hotel in Taormina Riviera, and Mercure Palermo Centro in Palermo. ...more ...less
Accommodation
Rome:Degli Aranci
Sorrento Area:Towers Hotel Stabiae Sorrento Coast
Bari:Excelsior
Alberobello Area:Semiramide Palace
Alberobello Area:Grand Hotel D'Aragona
Alberobello Area:Grand Hotel Olimpo
Reggio Calabria:Grand Hotel Excelsior
Taormina Riviera:Hellenia Yachting Hotel
Palermo:Garibaldi
Palermo:Mercure Palermo Centro
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Notes
Rome - the 2025 Jubilee Year events may necessitate changes in the sequence of activities or the omission of certain events/places. Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, but it may be subject to change.
This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Please note that due to national holidays, the Day 13 visit to “Addiopizzo” will not be possible on the departures of 6th April, 13th April, 20th April and 3rd August.
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Meals
13 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides travel in a private, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi where available, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout the tour.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in first-class or superior first-class hotels with private bath or shower. Some of the hotels include Starhotels Michelangelo and Degli Aranci in Rome, Towers Hotel Stabiae Sorrento Coast in the Sorrento Area, Grand Hotel Excelsior in Bari, Grand Hotel D'Aragona in the Alberobello Area, Hellenia Yachting Hotel in the Taormina Riviera, and Mercure Palermo Centro in Palermo. ...more ...less
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 6 dinners.
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Will there be guided tours during the trip?
Yes, the tour is fully guided by an expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides.
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What are some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited on this tour?
The tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Historic Centre of Naples, Historic Centre of Rome, Vatican City, The Sassi of Matera, and The Trulli of Alberobello.
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Is there a small group option available for this tour?
Yes, Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.
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What is the significance of the 'Addiopizzo' movement mentioned in the itinerary?
The 'Addiopizzo' movement is an anti-mafia initiative founded in Palermo by a group of young locals. It supports local communities and helps with urban regeneration by promoting fair trade and saying 'good-bye' to protection payments.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy
14 Days Starting in Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy and ending in Palermo, PA, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Castel Gandolfo, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Naples, Bari, Lecce, Alberobello, Matera, Pizzo Calabro, Reggio Calabria, Taormina, Mount Etna, Agrigento, Palermo, Monreale ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LM-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
23 - 46
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
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