SOUTHERN ITALY & SICILY
May 1 - 13, 2026

The hidden treasures of Southern Italy and Sicily are yours to explore, for it’s here you’ll find breathtaking scenery, historic cities, centuries-old hilltop villages and iconic cuisine.

Your Italian sojourn opens in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Discover the city’s vibrant culture as you take in its gritty, unshakable spirit and captivating energy. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine.

Begin the day with an extensive walking tour of Palermo’s old town. On foot, uncover cobblestoned piazzas and ornate buildings, many worn by time and conflict. Visit hilltop Monreale (UNESCO), ascending 92 steps to its 12th-century cathedral. Tour its majestic Byzantine mosaics and explore the cathedral’s cloisters. Take in the serene atmosphere of the monastic complex before returning to Palermo for an evening at leisure.

This morning, journey to a family-owned farmhouse, picturesquely set in the hills surrounding Palermo. Meet the owners and discover what a typical day on a Sicilian farm is like. Sit back and tuck into a hearty farm-to-table lunch, made with family recipes. Relax aboard your bus as you travel over rolling hills and peaceful farmland to Sicily’s southern coast for a 2-night stay in the outskirts of Agrigento.

This morning, it’s your choice! Enjoy time at leisure at your hotel, where you can take in the views from its panoramic terrace and walk along the beach -OR-venture into Agrigento’s old town for a stroll through its historic center and free time to explore. This afternoon, step back 25 centuries and delve into ancient Greek history with a visit of the stunning Valley of the Temples (UNESCO), one of the world’s most esteemed archeological sites. Get an up-close view of the temples of Juno, Concordia, and Hercules during an extensive walking tour of this ancient acropolis. Then, pause for dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Venture deep into Sicily’s countryside to Piazza Armerina, home of the ancient Villa Romana del Casale (UNESCO). Explore the site with an expert insider for a locally guided tour of its impressive Roman mosaics. In the afternoon, journey east to Sicily’s Ionian Coast for your 2-night stay in Giardini Naxos. This evening, perhaps you’ll join an optional dinner with music, where traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air.

This morning explore beautiful Taormina, home to ancient relics, rocky hills, and charming gardens. With an expert local guide, you’ll stroll the lively pedestrianized main street and climb to the city’s well-preserved Greek theatre. The afternoon is yours to relax in Giardini Naxos – the “garden of Sicily” – or opt to see Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna. During this optional tour, your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe’s largest active volcano while you take in views of its lava formations and basalt rocks.

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 agriturismorestaurant.

Explore the Sassi di Matera (UNESCO), an ancient settlement of carved cave dwellings. 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 join an optional tour to Alberobello (UNESCO) in the nearby region of Puglia. Here, marvel at the town’s whimsical trulli homes, known for their distinct, cone-shaped roofs.

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 farm, transfer to the Sorrentine Peninsula and settle in for a 2-night stay.** During a walking tour, discover the charms of Sorrento and learn about the local tradition of wood marquetry.

This morning, take in the sights and colors of the Mediterranean Sea as you sail*** along the initial stretch of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast (UNESCO). 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 resting along the beach, before returning to Sorrento for an afternoon at leisure.

Journey north to Rome. En route, sail to the enchanting Isle of Capri.*** Upon arrival, admire the island’s iconic scenery on a panoramic cruise,*** passing by the 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. 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.

May 13
Your tour comes to a close today.

 

The overall activity level of this tour is a level 3. This means you’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal. A moderately paced two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.). You can climb three flights of stairs easily and handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Expect some longer days with early mornings or late nights balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. This level is not a fit for travelers who require mobility assistance devices. This comprehensive tour features multiple long bus transfers exceeding 3 hours. In particular, the transfers from Palermo to Agrigento and from Agrigento to Giardini Naxos require 4-plus hours of driving. The full-day transfer from Giardini Naxos to Matera is 7-plus hours of driving and the transfer from Matera to Sorrento is 5-plus hours in length. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motor coaches, especially in historic areas such as Palermo, Monreale, Taormina, Matera and Sorrento, which all require the ability to walk up and down hills on narrow, cobblestoned streets and stairs. The archeological sites of the Valley of the Temples and Pompeii cover several square miles and require extensive walking over uneven, often unpaved terrain with gravel and loose stones. For your comfort, we recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes.

Positano is a vertical village built into the cliffside of the Amalfi Coast. There is no vehicle circulation possible inside the town as all the streets have steps connecting them. Visiting requires the ability to walk up and down very steep inclines and steps without any railings or handles.

If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at time of reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your attention.

The included activities, and most optional ones, are not suitable for travelers using motorized scooters, wheelchairs, walkers or Zimmer-frames.