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Map of Premium Sicily and Puglia including Italy

Make your way to the Mediterranean to discover the history, culture, and cuisine of Sicily and Southern Italy

Explore Sicily and unearth the natural and historical wonders of this intriguing island, placed perfectly in the heart of the Mediterranean. Then cross over to the heel of Italy's boot to find dreamy beaches, inspiring architecture and ancient wonders. This premium adventure will take you on a deep dive through southern Italy with one of our most experienced locally based leaders to help uncover all of the best best sights to see and bites to eat (this is Italy, after all).

Start
Palermo, Italy
Finish
Naples, Italy
Destination
Italy
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
ZMPAC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

premium accommodation

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna, as you drive up the northern flank of the volcano and embark on a walk through the spectacular Valle del Bove (Bull Valley).

  • Stay in spectacular places including a Feature Stay historic property in Nardo, that was once a Baronial Palace, as well as a Sicilian countryside estate built within a medieval watch tower.

  • Dig in to some of southern Italy’s best eats with a genovesi tasting in Erice, mouth-watering cheese and chocolate tastings on your way to Siracusa, a cooking class in Palermo and an olive oil tasting on a farm that’s been active since Roman times.

  • Step back in time and uncover magnificent ancient monuments and ruins on a guided tour through the Valley of the Temples and Siracusa Archaeological Park, plus join an expert local guide to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, destroyed and preserved by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD.

  • Join a group of like-minded travellers on a tour takes a deep dive into the history, culture and natural beauty of southern Italy with one of our most experienced locally based leaders (legends) guiding the way.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Additionally, please be aware that July, August and the first half of September is high season along the Southern Italian coast, which means that the local infrastructure is under a lot of pressure with a lot of people in the towns we visit. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

Traveller exploring the Valley of Temples located in Sicily, Italy
Group cooking class in Palermo, Italy
Trulli of Alberobello, Puglia, Italy
village of Matera during a beautiful sunrise, Italy
Polignano a Mare town, Puglia region, Italy, Europe.
Pompeii with Mt Vesuvius in the background, Italy
Agrigento archaeological site in Sicily

Itinerary
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Welcome to Sicily, we’re kicking things off in the region's capital – Palermo. Upon arrival, a complimentary airport transfer will take you into the city. This evening we have our first dinner together and a welcome meeting with your local guide and fellow travellers. But until then, the city is yours to explore. If you have time, you might like to get acquainted with the sights and sounds of the old heart of Palermo, and gaze upon some of the main monuments such as the uniquely styled cathedral. Or maybe you’ll choose to café-hop and try the best of Sicily’s sweets. Whatever your fancy, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Palermo.
Accommodation
  • Ai Cavalieri Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Palermo -Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Palermo - Welcome Meeting
  • Palermo - Welcome Dinner
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Sicily's unique cuisine sees Spanish, Greek and Arab influences and combined with a gentle climate and fertile soil, it is known all over the world. Delve deeper into this all important part of culture during a hands on cooking class. Not only will get to know the recipes, you will be learning how to create Sicilian dishes with the help of a local chef. As locally sourced products are used in the preparation of dishes, the menu may differ depending on seasonality and market availability, but your resulting lunch will be a treat.

This afternoon, join a walking tour with your local guide and uncover symbolic places of rebellion and anti-mafia racketeering. Places such as the Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria, Beati Paoli Square and more, all have a rich history in civil mobilisation. Plus, these areas serve up some mouth-watering street food. You’ll personally meet local shop owners who have had the courage to denounce their extortionists and follow the ethical consumer campaign ‘Pago chi non paga’, a campaign promoted to support those that rebel against the Mafia.
Accommodation
  • Ai Cavalieri Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Palermo - Anti-Mafia Tour
  • Palermo - Sicilian Cooking Class
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Today it is time to say goodbye to beautiful Palermo as we head toward the small town of Erice. Located more than 750 meters above sea level, this beautifully preserved medieval town hosts, despite being handed from one ruling army to the next, many beautiful buildings showcasing architectural styles from its varied history. One thing that cannot be missed during your visit is Genovesi – traditional Sicilian pastries filled with custard or ricotta cream. Luckily for you, we’ve organised a special Genovesi tasting. After our visit to Erice we continue south towards Marsala, a lovely coastal town where we’ll stay tonight. Famous for its sweet dessert wines, you might choose to go out and enjoy a sip, or two, of Marsala’s delicious drinks with newfound friends or simply stroll the marble paved streets and explore at your leisure.
Accommodation
  • Via Colvento Marsala Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Erice - Town Visit
  • Erice - Genovesi Tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning head east as you stop in the old port of Mazara del Vallo. It is here that some of the Arab influences in Sicily are most clearly visible. As you stroll through the kasbah (Arab Quarter) you will witness the artistic and cultural enrichment brought on by the arrival of Tunisian families in the 70's. Wander the winding lanes and alleyways swept with colourful murals. Then, we’ll continue to Agrigento with one final stop in our journey at Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks) along the way. Scala dei Turchi is a truly spectacular coastline with white marble cliffs that offered protection from severe winds for the pirates that roamed these waters. Finally, we make our way to Agrigento where we’ll stay in a magical boutique hotel built in the 13th century. Tonight you will share a meal with your fellow travellers at your here.

Accommodation
  • Hotel Foresteria Baglio della Luna - Feature Stay or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mazara del Vallo - Kasbah Visit
  • Scala dei Turchi - Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning, after breakfast, travel to the nearby Valley of the Temples. One of the largest archaeological sites in the world, it is situated where the ancient city of Akragas once stood. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. Along the way, enjoy magnificent views of the landscape and Mediterranean Sea. Return to Agrigento and enjoy the afternoon in any way you wish. Perhaps, head to Agrigento's old town to wander the narrow alleyways and courtyards or find a local café, grab a panino, sit and watch the world go by.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Foresteria Baglio della Luna - Feature Stay or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Agrigento - Guided visit Valley of the Temples
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today, we kiss Agrigento goodbye and hit the road en route to Siracusa – but not without a few important stops along the way. The first stop today in Ragusa will not disappoint – it’s one of the most scenic towns in all of Sicily. Explore the town and then taste some of the locally produced Ragusano cheese. Afterwards, continue to architecturally fascinating Modica, particularly famous for its chocolate, it is a must-stop for any serious foodie. After tasting some of the local produce we continue to Noto and get acquainted with the city on a guided walking tour. Lesser-known Noto has recently gained a reputation as an architectural jewel, its limestone structures dazzle on a sunlit afternoon. Finally, we make our last stop of the day in Siracusa, where we will stay for the next two nights.
Accommodation
  • Grand Hotel Villa Politi or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ragusa - Visit and Cheese Tasting
  • Modica - Visit and Chocolate Tasting
  • Noto - Guided Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 5 hours.

This morning, enjoy an orientation walk through Ortigia – a small island just adjacent to the main town of Siracusa. Wandering the narrow streets and laneways will reveal ancient ruins, stunning fountains and authentic trattorias, all situated on the medieval island. In the afternoon head to the Neapolis Archaeological Site – known as one of the world’s finest – with your local guide by your side. Uncover the crumbling ruins of the ancient Greek and Roman town; from the Greek theatre to the Roman amphitheatre and ancient stone quarries. Covering an area of 35 hectares, there’s plenty of land to explore and plenty of history to learn about on this guided tour.
Accommodation
  • Grand Hotel Villa Politi or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Siracusa - Ortigia Orientation Walk
  • Siracusa - Archaeological Park Guided Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today, come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano on a daytrip up Mt Etna. Drive up the northern flank of the volcano and embark on an easy walk through the spectacular Valle del Bove (Bull Valley), a valley formed when the original crater of Etna collapsed. At an altitude of approximately 2,000 metres, walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave that can be explored with helmets and torches. Walk among the cold lava streams of Piano Provenzana, a former ski resort that has been destroyed during the last big eruption of 2002. After exploring the fiery natural wonder, continue to the atmospheric city of Catania. The city has a unique energy to it, an interesting blend of young and old. On one hand, there’s a gritty, attractive bar culture that fuels an exuberant nightlife, full of flavour and laughter. On the other hand, the very core of the city boasts one of the fabled “Late Baroque” towns – the UNESCO World Heritage site, Val di Noto. This afternoon, you’ll get the opportunity to explore both sides of this curious city by wandering through its grand piazzas and wide roads.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Principe or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Catania - Mount Etna Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.

After breakfast today, take a day trip to the charming city of Taormina. Start things off with a guided walk, where you’ll notice Greek influence in the architecture. Walk through the back streets, gardens, and visit the world-famous Greek theatre and the cathedral. The afternoon will be at your leisure, so there's plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Have a drink in the Mediterranean sun or dig into some traditional Sicilian pasta before heading back for our final night in Catania. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with your newfound travel friends and group leader.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Principe or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Taormina - Guided Walk
  • Taormina - Greek Theatre Admission
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

After breakfast, depart Sicily on an unescorted flight to Bari, via Rome. The Puglia portion of your adventure kicks off in the coastal town of Polignano a Mare, where you’ll be collected from the Bari airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel. A welcome meeting will take place here at 6pm for you to meet your local leader and the fellow travellers joining you on your adventure. If you arrive with time to spare, Polignano a Mare is blessed with beautiful beaches, coves and caves to explore. Feeling peckish? Why not pop into a local cornetteria for a decadent Italian croissant. After your welcome meeting, get to know your group over an included dinner, where your local leader will introduce you to Puglia’s cuisine.
Accommodation
  • San Lorenzo Boutique Hotel And Spa (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Polignano a Mare - Welcome Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Leave the coastline behind as you travel inland by private vehicle to the little town of Alberobello. Set among a tranquil landscape of olive groves, the town is famed for its unique beehive-shaped trulli; dwellings built from limestone in the 14th century. While the origins of the buildings are unclear, one theory suggests the houses were created to be easily dismantled in a feudal tax-evasion scheme. Whatever their purpose, the buildings truly are a sight to behold and make the Apulia region unlike anywhere else in the world. Join a local guide for an insider’s look at the town, wandering through the old town quarter of Rione Monti, dotted with thousands of trulli, and Rione Aia Piccola, where trulli still serve as family homes. Your guide will point out the different shapes of spires and the religious and mystic symbols adorning the roofs. Finally, stand in awe of the Church de Sant’Antonio, a huge cathedral built in the trulli style. Return to Polignano a Mare for an evening at leisure – your leader will have tips on the best places to grab dinner tonight.
Accommodation
  • San Lorenzo Boutique Hotel And Spa (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Alberobello - Day Trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, travel to the small city of Ostuni and explore its whitewashed streets flanked with Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine buildings. Then, continue to a local olive oil producer on a farm that has been active since Roman times, with some trees thought to be close to 3000 years old. Here you’ll learn how production techniques have changed over the centuries, taste some of the olive oil for yourself, and enjoy an included lunch of regional favourites. From here, continue your journey south, arriving in the beautiful city of Lecce. With its ornate baroque buildings, lively university and ancient Roman ruins, Lecce’s narrow streets are a delight to explore. Let a local guide show you hidden corners and share the city’s history with you this afternoon, then later in the day, travel out to the quiet town of Nardo. Here you’ll settle into your Feature Stay accommodation, a 13th century Baronial Palace converted into a spectacular hotel by a local architect. Spend the evening exploring the hotel and grounds, featuring artwork and sculptures by local artists, as well as a citrus grove and excellent onsite restaurant.
Accommodation
  • Relais Monastero Santa Teresa (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ostuni - Olive Oil Tasting
  • Lecce - Walking Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Before breakfast, you may like to take a walk through your Feature Stay’s historic ‘secret garden’ where it seems as if figures from days gone by could walk around the corner at any minute. Join an expert local guide for a walking tour through Nardo’s charming old town where there are more than a dozen grand palazzos, many of which were once home to the region’s nobility. Your guide will also point out the town’s many fine museums which you may like to visit this afternoon. And of course, you will stop at Piazza Salandra. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful baroque squares in the whole of southern Italy, you may like to return here this evening to join the locals for passeggiata, an early evening stroll that’s a tradition throughout Italy. This afternoon, perhaps head to the beach, which is only 15 minutes away, or join a pasta making or wine tasting class at your hotel.
Accommodation
  • Relais Monastero Santa Teresa (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Nardo - Walking Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy a final morning at your Feature Stay hotel, sitting back with a coffee and soaking up the scenery. Then it’s time to say goodbye and travel on to Matera, an ancient city perched on a rocky outcrop. And when we say ancient, we really mean it – Matera is believed to be the third-longest continuously inhabited human settlement in the world. You’ll be exploring the city’s famous sassi houses in depth tomorrow, so this evening why not take a walk around Matera to discover its churches, traditional restaurants and thousands of years of human history.
Accommodation
  • La Suite Hotel & Spa or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you will dive into Matera’s incredible old town, made famous by sassi; more than 3000 stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs, some dating back as far as the 8th century. Join a local guide who will lead you through a labyrinth of staircases and alleyways that cut their way through limestone ravines, dipping in and out of ancient sassi houses as you go. Up until the late 1950s, the sassi were considered the ‘Shame of Italy’ due to the gruelling living conditions and poverty suffered by those who lived here – a result of the city’s rapid population growth. The Italian government intervened, and 15,000 inhabitants were forcibly relocated. Today, the sassi are undergoing extensive restoration, with some dwellings featuring exhibits that recreate inhabited caves. You’ll also pay a visit to an ancient underground neighbourhood, made up of houses, streets. cisterns, and churches.
Accommodation
  • La Suite Hotel & Spa or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Matera - Ipogeo Underground Cistern
  • Matera - Guided Walking Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Begin the day by driving to the storied town of Pompeii, home to one of Europe’s most well-known archaeological sites – the ruins of Pompeii, caused by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. Today you will join a local guide to discover the remains of this once thriving Roman trading centre. After the eruption, the city was covered in a layer of ash and remained undisturbed until the 18th century, when the ruins were rediscovered. Walk among well-preserved villas, temples, theatres, markets and chariot-marked streets, and visit the magnificent amphitheatre and the ‘Villa of Mysteries’ as your expert guide helps you to imagine what life here once looked like. You can also visit the Roman Forum and basilica, temples, public baths, and the tiny Odeon created for music recitals. Later in the day, travel to the buzzing city of Naples where you will join your group for a final dinner and a chance to look back on all you’ve seen on your journey.
Accommodation
  • Palazzo Salgar or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pompeii - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Pompeii - Archaeological Site
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Your Italian adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend more time discovering Naples, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

16 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (12 nights), Feature Stay (4 nights)

Included activities

  • Palermo -Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Palermo - Welcome Meeting
  • Palermo - Welcome Dinner
  • Palermo - Anti-Mafia Tour
  • Palermo - Sicilian Cooking Class
  • Erice - Town Visit
  • Erice - Genovesi Tasting
  • Mazara del Vallo - Kasbah Visit
  • Scala dei Turchi - Visit
  • Agrigento - Guided visit Valley of the Temples
  • Ragusa - Visit and Cheese Tasting
  • Modica - Visit and Chocolate Tasting
  • Noto - Guided Walk
  • Siracusa - Ortigia Orientation Walk
  • Siracusa - Archaeological Park Guided Visit
  • Catania - Mount Etna Visit
  • Taormina - Guided Walk
  • Taormina - Greek Theatre Admission
  • Polignano a Mare - Welcome Dinner
  • Alberobello - Day Trip
  • Ostuni - Olive Oil Tasting
  • Lecce - Walking Tour
  • Nardo - Walking Tour
  • Matera - Ipogeo Underground Cistern
  • Matera - Guided Walking Tour
  • Pompeii - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Pompeii - Archaeological Site

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Premium Sicily and Puglia trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room? on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip? and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential trip information

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