Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy
Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to Rome!
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant (D)
Holy Grounds
CASTEL GANDOLFO: Take a guided visit of the Papal Palace and the Barberini Gardens followed by lunch at Villa Barberini en route to the Sorrento Coast. (B/L) 193 mi / 310 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE - 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.
Coves, Cliffs & The Clear Blue Sea
SORRENTO COAST: Jetfoil ride to Capri.
CAPRI: Take a funicular ride from the harbour to the village for guided sightseeing, including the Augustus Gardens. Free time for lunch.
SORRENTO: Free time. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL 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.
A Slice of Life in Naples
POMPEII: Take a guided walking tour of the excavations. Free time for lunch.
NAPLES: Guided sightseeing includes an orientation drive on the panoramic road to Posillipo, a stop in Piazza Plebiscito, and a slice of Neapolitan pizza. (B/D) 68 mi / 110 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE - 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.
Chilling on the Coast
SORRENTO COAST: Free morning before departing for Bari. (B) 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 coastline. The vibrant port of Bari and its lovely Baroque architecture is a feast for the eyes and palate in the quintessential Italian style.
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. Taste traditional pasticciotto (filled pastry) with almond-infused iced coffee. (B/D) 186 mi / 300 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE - 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.
Stone Houses
ALBEROBELLO: Guided walking tour includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional conical-roof house). Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ART & 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.
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 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 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE - 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.
Grand Greek Drama
STRAIT OF MESSINA: Ferry crossing to Sicily.
TAORMINA: Visit the ancient Greek theatre. Free time to explore. (B) 81 mi / 130 km
TOUR 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.
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.
Sicilian Summits
TAORMINA RIVIERA: Enjoy a free day. (B)
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.
Timeless Temples
AGRIGENTO: Take a guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples en route to Palermo. (B) 211 mi / 340 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ANCIENT 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.
Cathedrals & Cocktails
PALERMO: Guided sightseeing includes the Church of Immacolata and 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. Enjoy an Aperitivo (pre-dinner cocktail) at a noble palace followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - CULTURE & TRADITION: They say aperitivo is life. Bid farewell to Italy with a traditional cocktail before dinner. From the Latin word for 'open,' aperitivi cocktails or wine are served between 6 and 9pm as an opener to the evening meal. Alla salute!
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 13 Breakfasts
- 1 Lunches
- 6 Dinners
- Rome Mediterraneo (First-Class)
- Castellammare di Stabia Towers Hotel Stabiae Sorrento Coast (First-Class)
- Bari Grande Albergo Delle Nazioni (Superior First-Class)
- Conversano Grand Hotel D'Aragona (Superior First-Class)
- Reggio Calabria Grand Hotel Excelsior (Superior First-Class)
- Giardini Naxos Hellenia Yachting Hotel (First-Class)
- Palermo Mercure Palermo Centro (First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- The guided visit to Papal Palace and Barberini Gardens will not be possible on 9 & 30 April departures.
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the destination. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great holiday. Savour the flavours of Europe through its regional cuisine. Read more
Globus picks hotels picked on their centralised location, so you'll stay right in the heart of the destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Trip Reviews (5) Most Recent 'Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy' Reviews
The accommodation on the tour was of varying standards and one issue which Globus do need to address is the room bookings for solo travellers who pay a singles supplement ( bringing them in line with couples ) but often get put in single rooms which are small and hidden in the back of the hotel. All breakfasts are provided and again are of varying quality but no traveler will go hungry. Some lunches and dinners are also provided and were very good and on this tour there was only the one occasion (in Sorrento) where the dinner provided was of poor quality. Globus provide certain day tours in their itinerary but also provide what is called 'optional extras"( they highlight what the optional extra's are in the tour over-view). i have always chosen to do them all so that i get to experience and see as much as I can in the time I have. The coach is comfortable and has free WiFi so you can keep in contact with loved ones and or post all your tour pictures as soon as they have been taken. The scenery and the small Italian villages and Italian country side are the real winners on this tour - it is breathtaking and certainly not to be missed.
I booked this tour and my flights to Rome and back with Global Journeys. This is the second time I have booked through Global Journeys and have been extremely happy with the service and attention to detail that they provide. Hannah answered all my questions expediently and was always attentive and professional. I had no issues with any travel arrangements and knew that if an issue did arise Hannah would be available to assist. I can honestly say that I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking at booking through Global Journeys to do so-they will not be disappointed.
Brochure
Globus Worldwide (2023-24)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Globus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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