Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy
Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy
Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy
14 Days Starting in Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy and ending in Palermo, PA, Italy
Visiting: Arrive In Rome, Italy, Rome, Castel Gandolfo, Sorrento Area, Sorrento Area. Excursion To Capri, Sorrento Area. Excursion To Pompeii And Naples, Bari, Lecce, Alberobello Area, Matera, Pizzo Calabro, Reggio Calabria, Taormina Riviera, Agrigento, Palermo
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Rome,Italy
Location: Arrive In Rome, Italy
Meals Included: Dinner
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant
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 (D)
Day 2: Rome,Castel Gandolfo,Sorrento Area
Location: Rome, Castel Gandolfo, Sorrento Area
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 followed by lunch en route to the Sorrento Area. (B,L) 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 Area. Excursion To Capri
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 Area. Excursion To Pompeii And Naples
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. (B)68 mi / 110 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Pizza was first delivered to the world after Neapolitans put tomatoes on flatbread. Baker Raffaele Esposito baked a pie with the hues of the Italian flag for Queen Margherita's visit to Naples with mozzarella cheese, red tomatoes, and basil, giving to the world the Neapolitan pizza we love today.
Day 5: Sorrento Area,Bari
Location: Sorrento Area, Bari
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 Area
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 Area
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 Area, Matera, Pizzo Calabro, Reggio Calabria
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 Riviera
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 Riviera
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
TAORMINA RIVIERA The Pearl of the Mediterranean TAORMINA RIVIERA Enjoy a free day in Taormina, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)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 Riviera
Meals Included: Breakfast
TAORMINA RIVIERA Sicilian Summits TAORMINA RIVIERA Enjoy a free day. (B)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 Riviera, Agrigento, Palermo
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
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 Paolo" plays to help local children and their families followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant which employs young people with a difficult past. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE FOREVER REMEMBERED "La Casa di Paolo" is a special place. Once the pharmacy of judge Paolo Borsellino's parents and now an invaluable point of reference where children can do their homework in a safe environment with the help of volunteers. Paolo Borsellino and his convoy were killed when a bomb went off just in front of his mother's house on July 19th 1992. His brother and niece decided to commemorate the memory of a human judge who put the lives of others before his own, helping those who would be easy preys of the organised crime if left on their own.
Day 14: Palermo
Location: Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
PALERMO Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
-
Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
-
Fully Guided
-
Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
-
Transport
Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi
What's Not Included
-
Airport Transfers at Destination
-
Insurance
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.
UNESCO Sites
Historic Centre of Naples|Historic Centre of Rome - various properties Vatican City|The Sassi of Matera (See only)|The Trulli of Alberobello|Vatican City
Accommodation
Rome:Starhotels MichelangeloRome:Degli AranciSorrento Area:Towers Hotel Stabiae Sorrento CoastBari:ExcelsiorAlberobello Area:Grand Hotel OlimpoAlberobello Area:Grand Hotel D'AragonaReggio Calabria:Grand Hotel ExcelsiorTaormina Riviera:Hellenia Yachting HotelPalermo:Mercure Palermo Centro
Notes
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.
Check out our Q&As
-
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
-
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 5 years or above
-
What is the maximum group size?
Usually max 43 people
-
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
-
Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
-
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.
-
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.
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026
Sunday - Saturday
Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Apr 20, 2025 - May 03, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Apr 27, 2025 - May 10, 2025Sunday - Saturday
May 11, 2025 - May 24, 2025Sunday - Saturday
May 18, 2025 - May 31, 2025Sunday - Saturday
May 25, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jun 22, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jul 20, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Aug 24, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Oct 19, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Mar 29, 2026 - Apr 11, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Apr 05, 2026 - Apr 18, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Apr 19, 2026 - May 02, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Apr 26, 2026 - May 09, 2026Sunday - Saturday
May 03, 2026 - May 16, 2026Sunday - Saturday
May 10, 2026 - May 23, 2026Sunday - Saturday
May 17, 2026 - May 30, 2026Sunday - Saturday
May 24, 2026 - Jun 06, 2026Sunday - Saturday
May 31, 2026 - Jun 13, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Jun 07, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Jun 14, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Jun 21, 2026 - Jul 04, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Jun 28, 2026 - Jul 11, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Jul 05, 2026 - Jul 18, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Jul 19, 2026 - Aug 01, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Aug 02, 2026 - Aug 15, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Aug 16, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Aug 23, 2026 - Sep 05, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Aug 30, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Sep 06, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Sep 13, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Sep 20, 2026 - Oct 03, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Sep 27, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Oct 04, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Oct 11, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Oct 18, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Oct 25, 2026 - Nov 07, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Nov 01, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Nov 08, 2026 - Nov 21, 2026Book with Confidence
-
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.
-
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.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.