Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy

14 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
In Greek mythology, the Scylla and Charybdis were two sea monsters located in the Strait of Messina between Sicily and the Italian mainland, endangering ancient mariners, and inspiring the expression “being caught between a rock and a hard place.” Will you find yourself in such a predicament on this Undiscovered Tour of Southern Italy and Sicily? On the contr...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Rome : Welcome dinner at a local restaurant
    • Castel gandolfo: Guided visit of the Papal Palace and the Barberini Gardens
    • Sorrento–capri : By jetfoil
    • Capri: Guided visit of Capri village, including a funicular ride
    • Pompeii : Guided walking tour of the excavations
    • Naples : Guided visit; pizza tasting
    • Bari: Guided walking tour
    • Lecce: Guided walking tour; taste pasticciotto with almond-flavored iced coffee
    • Alberobello: Guided walking tour; visit a trullo
    • Matera: Panoramic view of the Sassi houses

What's this trip about?

    In Greek mythology, the Scylla and Charybdis were two sea monsters located in the Strait of Messina between Sicily and the Italian mainland, endangering ancient mariners, and inspiring the expression “being caught between a rock and a hard place.” Will you find yourself in such a predicament on this Undiscovered Tour of Southern Italy and Sicily? On the contrary, you’ll delightfully find yourself caught between Byzantine and Roman culture, flanked by Norman and Italian influences, and in the midst of a cross-cultural wonderland. Your comparison of cobblestones, customs, and cuisine gets underway in Rome, heads down to the dramatic Sorrento Coast, and then kicks the fun from Italy’s heel to its toe and all the way into the great melting pot of Sicily. From Italy’s lower half to its largest island, ruins, resorts—a rich history awaits.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start City ROME, ITALY
End CityPALERMO

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Italy

Attractions

  • Agrigento
  • Bari
  • Lecce
  • Matera
  • Mount Etna
  • Naples
  • Palermo
  • Pompeii
  • Rome
  • Sicily
  • Sorrento
  • Syracuse

Activities

  • Culture

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY

Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant (Dinner)

ROME-SKYLINE.jpg

Day 2: ROME–CASTEL GANDOLFO–SORRENTO AREA

Holy Grounds CASTEL GANDOLFO Take a [LF] guided visit of the Papal Palace and the Barberini Gardens followed by lunch en route to the Sorrento Area. (Breakfast,Lunch) 193 mi / 310 km

LOCAL FAVORITE ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Enjoy an extraordinary, guided visit to explo...

Day 3: 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. (Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR...

Day 4: 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, and [LF] a slice of Neapolitan pizza. (Break...

Day 5: SORRENTO AREA–BARI

Spectacular Apulia SORRENTO COAST Scenic drive to Bari. (Breakfast) 186 mi / 300 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Puglia region forms the heel of Italy’s “boot,” with whitewashed towns, centuries-old pastoral landscapes, and the magnificent Mediterranean coas...

Day 6: 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 (fille...

Day 7: ALBEROBELLO AREA

Stone Houses ALBEROBELLO Guided walking tour includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional conical-roof house). Free time this afternoon and evening. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE The iconic round houses (Trulli) date back hundreds of years. The...

Day 8: 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 J...

Day 9: REGGIO CALABRIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA

Grand Greek Drama STRAIT OF MESSINA Ferry crossing to Sicily. TAORMINA Visit the ancient Greek theatre. Free time to explore. (Breakfast) 81 mi / 130 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE The Greek Theatre of Taormina is considered one of the most impress...

Day 10: TAORMINA RIVIERA

The Pearl of the Mediterranean TAORMINA RIVIERA Enjoy a free day in Taormina, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION With a backdrop of the Volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea providing the cinema...

Day 11: TAORMINA RIVIERA

Sicilian Summits TAORMINA RIVIERA Enjoy a free day. (Breakfast)

FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE 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.

TAORMINA-MOUNT-ETNA.jpg

Day 12: TAORMINA RIVIERA–AGRIGENTO–PALERMO

Timeless Temples AGRIGENTO Take a guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples en route to Palermo. (Breakfast) 211 mi / 340 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-pres...

Day 13: PALERMO

Cathedrals & Human Heroes 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 the important role that the organization "La Casa di Paol...

Day 14: PALERMO

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

PALERMO-PIAZZA.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,899
Price per day$279
Last Updated: 4/10/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
28 Apr 2024
11 May 2024
$4,339
Please Call
05 May 2024
18 May 2024
$4,299
Available
12 May 2024
25 May 2024
$4,349
Sold Out
19 May 2024
01 Jun 2024
$4,349
Available
26 May 2024
08 Jun 2024
$4,349
Available
02 Jun 2024
15 Jun 2024
$5,099
Sold Out
09 Jun 2024
22 Jun 2024
$4,329
Available
16 Jun 2024
29 Jun 2024
$4,329
Available
23 Jun 2024
06 Jul 2024
$4,429
Sold Out
30 Jun 2024
13 Jul 2024
$5,139
Sold Out

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Globus.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Globus Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
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341
Disappointing
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D

Di

Jun 2019

Written on

Expect no help, ignored, no resolution if issue on tour occurs Rate 0

Rate 0, would never touch Globus or Cosmos tour again. Be warned if there is an issue with your tour - Don't expect Globus to help you or provide a resolution – care...

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Other Globus Reviews

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kit

Mar 2024

Written on

guide Sites are amazing, but tour ruins it

This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the exper...

m

mike

Feb 2024

Written on

Never Again

Just returned from Italy. Guides were very informative. Hotels went downhill with each city. Dinners which were included were absolutely horrible - vegetable lasagna...

I

In country help

Jan 2024

Written on

Tour company help is most needed in-country

This is an upcoming trip that I haven't taken yet - the Sicilian Escape. I booked my own international flights for round trip to the launch point in Palermo. My erro...

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Why Travel with Globus?

Perfectly Planned. Seriously Stress Free.

After 90-plus years of sharing the world with travelers, Globus has set the gold standard for award-winning touring across virtually every continent. Our global network of premiere travel partners, operations experts, and hospitality pros share one goal in mind—an exceptional travel experience no matter where we travel together.

Beyond the Guidebooks.

While Italy is synonymous with spectacular food, it is the close family connection that brings generations of tradition to the table. Globus goes beyond typical tours to introduce you to local legends and local experiences not found on just any map. Meet the Bonajuto family at Antica Dolceria—the oldest confectionery in Sicily. More than 150 years after the dolceria was founded by Francesco Bonajuto, the family still serves its heavenly chocolates in the same spot, while also serving as international ambassadors of Sicilian cuisine. Che dolce!

Don’t Miss the Must Sees.

Why stand in line to catch a fleeting glimpse of ancient ruins and remarkable historic sites? Globus gives you VIP access with an expert Local Guide to go deeper, get closer, and soak it all in. From the Parthenon to the Vatican museums, you’ll explore Europe’s most beloved locations without getting lost in a crowd or waiting in line. Don’t just file past masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David or get only a hurried look at the Crown Jewels in Edinburgh Castle. Experience Europe’s extraordinary sights—and historic sites—with the VIP access you deserve.

Dreams Realized.

The Colosseum. The Prado. Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Each Globus tour always includes the legendary landmarks, the major attractions, and the must-see sites. Going beyond the iconic exteriors, we lead you to the front of the line, straight through the door, and inside the walls of Europe’s most awe-inspiring places for an exclusive look behind the scenes. With priority access, we ensure you behold the sights you’ve long dreamed of—without waiting any longer!

Do as the Locals Do.

When in Rome—or London, Paris, or Barcelona—we arrange for you to do as the locals do, not just what the tourists do. In every itinerary, we include hands-on, authentic experiences for a true taste of a day in the life. Board a private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, bake scones in an Irish farmhouse, or sample Geysir Schnapps in Iceland. By striking a golf ball at St. Andrews or dancing the Sirtaki while sipping ouzo, you truly get to step into someone else’s shoes and experience the world from an insider’s perspective.

Adventure, a la Carte

While Globus vacations get you up close and personal to the world's must-see sights and unforgettable experiences, we also know the value of spending time on your own to explore as you please. After all, travel is meant to be filled with memorable moments of your own with serendipitous surprises that can’t be planned or scheduled. We build free time into every itinerary so you can leisurely explore the beckoning bookstore, tempting café table, or whimsical window shopping that's schedule free. Don’t wait a lifetime for that once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s waiting just around the corner!

Pick your Passion.

Maybe you’re an art lover, a foodie, or a history buff. Perhaps you’re moved by music, art, cuisine, or theater. Or maybe making tracks in the great outdoors is more your speed. We offer a wide array of optional excursions and activities—tailored to a variety of fitness levels and interests—so you can customize your adventure with your own personal passions and preferences. Each Globus excursion and activity has been personally tested by us and handpicked to allow you to really get to know each destination. You never have to choose between included and optional excursions, since optional activities fit seamlessly with your vacation schedule!

A Friend in Every City.

Join us and a few of our friends in your next dream destination. After all, we’ve spent over 90 years making friends in virtually every city and country in the world who let us in on local secrets, like where to find the best scone, stein, or spumoni; the best people-watching table; or the best view of wide-open spaces. Every Globus vacation includes local experts who share the stories behind the sights and Local Favorites you won’t find in the guidebooks. Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides hail from the region through which you’re traveling. No one is more familiar, passionate, or eager to share insider knowledge than our local pros!


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Logistics

Accommodation

Starhotels MichelangeloModern hotel catering to business and leisure travelers located a short walk to St. Peter's Square; staff is multilingual.RomaItalyVia Stazione S.Pietro,14Degli AranciOverlooking Villa Borghese, hotel Degli Aranci is housed in a 19th-century Art Nouveau building surrounded by a lush orange tree garden. This boutique hotel offers a fitness center with sauna and hot tub, a restaurant with outdoor dining area where to enjoy delicious Italian specialties, and a bar serving snacks and cocktails throughout the day. All 58 air-conditioned guest rooms are elegantly furnished in a classic style with oriental influences, and are equipped with soundproofed windows, minibar, in-room safe, flat screen TV with international channels, and free Wi-Fi internet access. The hotel is located in the elegant district of Parioli, a quiet residential area perfect for a relaxing stay in the capital. Restaurants and shops are within easy access. RomaItalyVia Barnaba Oriani 11Towers Hotel Stabiae Sorrento CoastBuilt on the grounds of a former cement factory which takes its name from the two replica factory towers, this upscale 150-room hotel is located in a tranquil spot on the beautiful Sorrento peninsula with views of Mt. Vesuvius, a gleaming private stretch of beach and a sparkling (seasonal) outdoor swimming pool. Mediterranean cuisine is served in the restaurant overlooking the Bay of Naples and drinks can be enjoyed at the terrace bar. A large spa area includes a sauna, Turkish bath and Jacuzzi and Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property.Castellammare di StabiaItalyS.S.145 Sorrentina Km.11ExcelsiorHotel Excelsior is just 100 meters from Bari's shopping area and a 3-minute walk from the rear entrance of the train station. All rooms are equipped with elegant furniture, parquet floors, comfortable beds, and free Wi-Fi. The Excelsior's rooms are spread throughout eight floors, all offering windows overlooking the courtyard and a private road. Each guestroom features a marble bathroom with bath or shower and hairdryer. BariItalyVia Giulio Petroni, 15Grand Hotel OlimpoThe Grand Hotel Olimpo is surrounded by typical Trulli and offers 40 comfortable, air-conditioned rooms, all fully equipped with a flat-screen, cable channel TV, safety deposit box, a minibar, desk and hairdryer. The Eden restaurant serves a refined à la carte menu with tasty, delicious combinations which respect the local gastronomic traditions and there is also a great selection of fine wines on offer. Alberobello - BaItalyVia Sette Liberatori Della SelvaGrand Hotel D'AragonaLocated in a very peaceful position close to some of Apulia's most important attractions like Alberobello, Polignano a Mare and Ostuni, this hotel is a great choice for those who want to explore the region. All its air-conditioned rooms have flat-screen/satellite TV and minibar. Most of the rooms also have balconies. Other amenities include an elegant restaurant serving local dishes and two swimming pools. Free Wi-Fi access is available in public areas. ConversanoItalyVia San Donato, 5Grand Hotel ExcelsiorRefined and elegant, equipped with a large Convention Centre and a rooftop garden that hosts the exclusive restaurant Gala, the Grand Hotel Excelsior is the ideal solution both for a business trip or a romantic weekend in the beautiful city of Calabria.Reggio CalabriaItalyVia Vittorio Veneto 66Hellenia Yachting HotelHellenia Yachting Hotel is an elegant 4-star hotel in Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony of Sicily. The property is directly overlooking the waterfront and features a private beach, a spa and a pool. There is a piano bar located in the main terrace area and immediatly adjacent to the main in-house restaurants which boasts some of the finest Sicilian cuisine, presenting traditional local dishes with a fresh and original touch. Giardini NaxosItalyVia Jannuzzo, 41Mercure Palermo CentroThe Mercure Palermo Centro has a prime location with the Politeama theatre, the Harbor, the Cathedral and the lively Vucciria Market within walking distance. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and 93 modern rooms with design furniture. Rooms have a refined atmosphere and mostly come with white, beige and black color combinations. Each one has air conditioning, coffee and tea maker facilities, flat screen TV with international channels and in-room safe. In the evening enjoy a cocktail at the bar. Many restaurants, bars and local shops are available nearby. PalermoItalyvia Mariano Stabile, 112,
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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
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