Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily
Rome
Rome
Italy
Experience the allure of Southern Italy's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and historic marvels on this unforgettable tour. Dive into ancient Rome's wonders, behold the grandeur of Mount Vesuvius, and wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii. Enjoy free days exploring the Amalfi Coast, Taormina, and Palermo at your own pace. Witness the unique Trulli houses in Alberobello and the ancient cave city of Matera. Immerse yourself in the local flavours and make lasting memories with new friends!
Itinerary
Welcome to Rome! Upon arrival, check into the hotel, meet your tour leader, and get acquainted with your fellow travellers. Your tour leader will provide an overview of the upcoming itinerary before you embark on an orientation tour of the city. Visit landmarks such as the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona before enjoying some free time in the city. End the day off with an included welcome dinner at a charming local restaurant.
Experiences
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Orientation tour of Rome
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Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome
Meals Dinner
After breakfast, depart Rome for the Amalfi Coast. En route, spot Mount Vesuvius and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, which was devastated by a volcanic eruption in 79AD. Enjoy a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site followed by an included lunch. Afterward, continue to the hotel on the Amalfi Coast. Arrive in Salerno for a two-night stay. Choose to visit the enchanting town of Amalfi on tonight’s optional excursion. See the top attractions and indulge in a delicious dinner. Be sure to indulge in the local specialty, limoncello — a sweet lemon liqueur; the perfect way to conclude the evening!
Experiences
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See Mount Vesuvius; an ancient volcano
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Explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii
Meals Breakfast, Lunch,
Today, the charming old towns along the Amalfi Coast await exploration. Wander at your own pace through these picturesque towns and their stunning beaches. Alternatively, choose the optional excursion to the renowned Isle of Capri. Here, set off on an orientation tour before spending free time discovering its rugged coastline, ancient Roman ruins, and elegant piazzas. Conclude the day with a boat excursion around the islands, marvelling at its breathtaking grottos. It promises to be an unforgettable day in southern Italy!
Experiences
Meals Breakfast,
Journey east today to explore Apulia, stopping at the ancient cave city of Matera, known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City). It’s famous for its vast cave-dwelling districts — the "Sassi." Continue to Alberobello for an orientation tour of the region's unique "trulli" houses — charming 14th-century whitewashed stone huts with iconic conical roofs. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to delve deeper into Alberobello. The Trullo Church of St. Antony and the Trulli museum are both great places to see. This evening, find a delightful spot for dinner before heading to your hotel for the night.
Experiences
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Visit Matera; an ancient cave city
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Explore Alberobello; famous for its conical houses
Meals Breakfast,
Embark on a scenic coastal drive along the Ionian Sea this morning as you journey back to the mainland. Then, hop on a short ferry ride to Sicily, home to Mount Etna. Prepare for breathtaking views en route to Taormina. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation walking tour of this charming hilltop town, taking note of highlights to explore on tomorrow's free day. End the day with an included dinner at the beachside hotel, immersing yourself fully in the Sicilian experience.
Experiences
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Catch a ferry from mainland Italy to Sicily
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Discover Taormina; a hilltop town in Sicily
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Dinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina
Meals Breakfast, Dinner
The day is yours to choose how it unfolds! Unwind on Taormina's beaches or explore this charming hilltop town, one of Italy's most popular summer destinations. Alternatively, conquer Mount Etna on an optional trip and bring home the memories of an unforgettable adventure! Take a cable car and 4×4 to the top and step out onto volcanic ash as you explore the landscape while learning more about this iconic volcano from the local guides. Afterward, indulge in a feast of local produce at a quaint enoteca. This is truly the best way to spend your free day in Taormina!
Experiences
Meals Breakfast,
Set off on a picturesque drive through the heart of Sicily today, revelling in its stunning landscapes. Pause in Syracuse, an ancient Greek-built town with a vibrant food market — the perfect spot to grab lunch. Continue to Agrigento, home to the 'Valle dei Templi' (Valley of the Temples), which showcases magnificent Magna Graecia art and architecture. Here, enjoy an unforgettable guided sunset tour led by an expert local guide. Finally, find a spot near the beach for dinner or settle into the hotel for the night.
Experiences
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Visit Syracuse; a historic Sicilian city
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Explore the Valley of the Temples
Meals Breakfast,
Departing Agrigento, journey through central Sicily's scenic landscapes to Cefalù — a historic town famed for its beaches. Enjoy free time or join a guided tour with lunch at a local restaurant included. Continue to Palermo, arriving in the afternoon for a walking tour showcasing the city's highlights. Discover the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova, and the Palermo Cathedral, and get lost in the town's rich history, culture, architecture, and cuisine. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner with the group.
Experiences
Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a free day to delve deeper into Palermo, Sicily's capital, shaped by a diverse history of Greek, Roman, and Norman influences. Explore its historic old town, showcasing a blend of architectural styles. Don't miss Italy's largest opera theatre, a city gem that is considered the city's most beautiful building. Experience Palermo’s hidden sights and architectural delights on today’s optional excursion. Don’t forget to indulge in Palermo's renowned cuisine, savouring delights like arancini and cannoli.. Conclude the day with an overnight ferry journey back to the Italian mainland.
Experiences
Meals Breakfast,
After your overnight ferry, arrive in Naples and board the coach for the return journey to Rome, where the tour concludes this afternoon. Bid farewell to Italy, your newfound friends, and Expat Explore, who wish you safe travels and future adventures!
Experiences
Meals Breakfast,
Dates & Rates
Start Date / End Date | Price Per Person |
---|---|
29 Mar 2025 – 07 Apr 2025 | $1,765 |
12 Apr 2025 – 21 Apr 2025 | $1,895 |
26 Apr 2025 – 05 May 2025 | $1,835 |
10 May 2025 – 19 May 2025 | $1,675 |
24 May 2025 – 02 Jun 2025 | $1,765 |
07 Jun 2025 – 16 Jun 2025 | $1,765 |
21 Jun 2025 – 30 Jun 2025 | $1,575 |
05 Jul 2025 – 14 Jul 2025 | $1,575 |
19 Jul 2025 – 28 Jul 2025 | $1,575 |
06 Sep 2025 – 15 Sep 2025 | $1,835 |
20 Sep 2025 – 29 Sep 2025 | $1,675 |
27 Sep 2025 – 06 Oct 2025 | $0 |
04 Oct 2025 – 13 Oct 2025 | $1,895 |
25 Apr 2026 – 04 May 2026 | $1,685 |
Tour Highlights
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Explore Rome, the ancient capital of Italy
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Visit Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii's UNESCO ruins
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Enjoy free days to roam along the Amalfi Coast, Taormina, and Palermo
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Discover Alberobello's iconic Trulli houses and Matera's cave city
Experiences
-
Orientation tour of Rome
-
Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome
-
See Mount Vesuvius; an ancient volcano
-
Explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii
-
Visit Matera; an ancient cave city
-
Explore Alberobello; famous for its conical houses
-
Catch a ferry from mainland Italy to Sicily
-
Discover Taormina; a hilltop town in Sicily
-
Dinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina
-
Visit Syracuse; a historic Sicilian city
-
Explore the Valley of the Temples