Southern Italy & Sicily featuring Taormina, Matera and the Amalfi Coast
Journey through a crossroads of civilizations in Sicily and on to the spectacular coastlines of Southern Italy. Travel to the historic hilltop town of Taormina and take in sweeping views from its ancient Greek Theatre, with Mount Etna rising in the distance. Visit a local winery for a wine tasting and agriturismo dinner. Venture to the ancient cave dwellings of Sassi di Matera and wander through the distinctive trulli houses of Alberobello in the heart of Puglia. Explore Sorrento and stunning Positano, the pearl of the Amalfi Coast. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in the excavated ruins of 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.
- 11 Jul 2027 – 22 Jul 2027
from $7,999 pp twin share / $9,799 pp solo * - 01 Aug 2027 – 12 Aug 2027
from $7,999 pp twin share / $9,799 pp solo * - 03 Sep 2027 – 14 Sep 2027
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 05 Sep 2027 – 16 Sep 2027
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 19 Sep 2027 – 30 Sep 2027
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 24 Sep 2027 – 05 Oct 2027
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 01 Oct 2027 – 12 Oct 2027
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 03 Oct 2027 – 14 Oct 2027
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 08 Oct 2027 – 19 Oct 2027
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 10 Oct 2027 – 21 Oct 2027
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 15 Oct 2027 – 26 Oct 2027
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 17 Oct 2027 – 28 Oct 2027
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 22 Oct 2027 – 02 Nov 2027
from $7,999 pp twin share / $9,799 pp solo * - 24 Mar 2028 – 04 Apr 2028
from $7,999 pp twin share / $9,799 pp solo * - 09 Apr 2028 – 20 Apr 2028
from $8,399 pp twin share / $10,399 pp solo * - 21 Apr 2028 – 02 May 2028
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 23 Apr 2028 – 04 May 2028
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 28 Apr 2028 – 09 May 2028
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 05 May 2028 – 16 May 2028
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 07 May 2028 – 18 May 2028
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 21 May 2028 – 01 Jun 2028
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 26 May 2028 – 06 Jun 2028
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 04 Jun 2028 – 15 Jun 2028
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 11 Jun 2028 – 22 Jun 2028
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 18 Jun 2028 – 29 Jun 2028
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo * - 25 Jun 2028 – 06 Jul 2028
from $8,799 pp twin share / $10,699 pp solo *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Giardini Naxos, Sicily
Your Italian journey begins in Giardini Naxos, a seaside resort on Sicily’s eastern shores. Settle in and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere, with Mount Etna rising in the distance. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day at leisure, exploring independently or relaxing by the waterfront. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for an orientation briefing, followed by an evening at leisure.
Day 2 – 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 pedestrian main street and climb to the city’s well-preserved Greek theatre. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Taormina or relax in Giardini Naxos – the “garden of Sicily.” This evening, gather for a welcome dinner where traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air.
Day 3 – Giardini Naxos
Today is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps you’ll opt to experience Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure up Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Take in awe-inspiring views from a 4×4 vehicle and hop out to walk amid lava formations and basalt rocks. After a wine-paired lunch at a winery on the slopes of Mount Etna, return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 4 – Giardini Naxos
This morning, it’s your choice! Linger in Giardini Naxos, enjoying a leisurely morning of dolce far niente (sweet do nothing): stroll along the beach, dip your toes in the Mediterranean Sea, perhaps treat yourself to some gelato -OR- take a walk in old-world Sicily as you visit the hilltop village of Savoca. Known to film lovers as a setting for The Godfather, Savoca captures a sense of quiet nostalgia and cinematic history. The afternoon is at leisure: remain in Giardini Naxos or head to nearby Taormina to wander its streets and browse local shops.
Day 5 – Giardini Naxos – Matera
Take a short and scenic ferry ride across the narrow Strait of Messina, separating Sicily from Italy’s mainland. During your full day bus transfer, pass through the unspoiled region of Calabria and onto 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.
Day 6 – Matera
Explore the Sassi di Matera, an ancient settlement of carved cave dwellings that has been continuously inhabited for millennia. A local guide shares the history and explains why film producers are seeking out this unique landscape. The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you’ll visit the Palombaro Lungo, an underground cistern once essential to the city’s water storage system, or explore independently, discovering the surrounding countryside and rock churches that reflect Matera’s prehistoric and medieval past.
Day 7 – Matera
This morning, explore Alberobello, in the nearby region of Puglia. During a walking tour, marvel at the town’s whimsical trulli homes, known for their distinctive cone-shaped roofs. Then, explore another side of Puglia during a guided visit to the Castellana Caves, a vast underground system featuring dramatic chambers, towering stalactites, and striking rock formations shaped over millennia. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 8 – Matera – Sorrento
After a full morning’s drive, stop at a sustainable buffalo dairy farm for a taste of freshly made mozzarella and a peek into the history of this iconic cheese. After lunch at the dairy, continue to the Sorrentine Peninsula and settle in for a three-night stay. This evening, discover the allure of Sorrento during a walk around its charming old town.
Day 9 – 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. 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 relaxing along the beach, before returning to Sorrento mid-afternoon. This evening, learn a few tips and tricks behind authentic Neapolitan-style pizza making before a pizza dinner, capped with homemade limoncello.
Day 10 – Sorrento
Enjoy a day at leisure to take in the laid-back charm of Sorrento. Perhaps you will embark on an optional ferryboat trip to the Mediterranean isle of Capri. Upon arrival, admire the island’s iconic scenery on a panoramic cruise, passing by steep cliffs, endless small caves, and the famous Faraglioni rocks, jutting out of the water. Spend time in Capri town with its world-famous piazzetta and explore this island paradise of chic boutiques, lush vegetation, and outdoor cafés. Return to Sorrento in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.
Day 11 – Sorrento – Pompeii – Rome
Journey north to Rome. En route, experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii. Here, it’s your choice! Soak in the history of this 2000-year-old Roman town at your own pace by picking between a leisurely-paced walking tour of Pompeii’s essential sights -OR- a faster-paced walk combining the highlights with Pompeii’s further-out gems. Step into another time as you explore the 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.
Day 12 – Rome – Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close today.
Highlights
- Expert local guides included in Taormina, Matera and Alberobello
- Wine tasting and agriturismo dinner at a local winery
- Guided walk through Positano village on the Amalfi Coast
Journey through a crossroads of civilizations in Sicily and on to the spectacular coastlines of Southern Italy. Travel to the historic hilltop town of Taormina and take in sweeping views from its ancient Greek Theatre, with Mount Etna rising in the distance. Visit a local winery for a wine tasting and agriturismo dinner. Venture to the ancient cave dwellings of Sassi di Matera and wander through the distinctive trulli houses of Alberobello in the heart of Puglia. Explore Sorrento and stunning Positano, the pearl of the Amalfi Coast. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in the excavated ruins of 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.
Inclusions
- Wander through the maze-like streets of Alberobello, lined with whitewashed trulli adorned with traditional symbols.
- Journey to Positano village, the pearl of the Amalfi Coast.
- Learn about the traditions and techniques behind Neapolitan-style pizza making.
- Stand in awe before the ancient Greek theatre in Taormina.
- Journey to the Sassi di Matera, known for its cave dwellings.
- Experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius.
FAQs
- Una Hotel Naxos Beach Sicilia, Giardini Naxos
- UNAHOTELS MH Matera Hotel, Matera
- Hotel Michelangelo, Sorrento
- Massimo D’Azeglio Hotel, Rome
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 12 days and 11 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 11 Jul 2027 and 06 Jul 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Can I travel solo?
Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
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