South Italy Tour

Day 1: arrival in Sicily – Catania to Syracuse

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Catania Airport, where our professional drivers will transfer you to your hotel in Syracuse. Spend the rest of the day unwinding, exploring the city at your leisure, or indulging in local cuisine at a traditional trattoria.

Day 2: exploring Syracuse and Ortigia

Ortiglia island, Syracuse

After a delicious breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Syracuse, once the wealthiest Greek city in antiquity. Key highlights include:

• The Neapolis Archaeological Park, featuring the renowned Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the legendary Ear of Dionysius.
• Ortigia Island, Syracuse’s historic heart, home to the magnificent Syracuse Cathedral, built on an ancient Greek temple, and the enchanting Fountain of Arethusa.
• Stroll through charming streets, visit artisan boutiques, and savor Sicilian delicacies in a lively piazza.

Day 3: baroque wonders – Noto, Modica, and Ragusa

Travel through Sicily’s Baroque triangle, discovering three architectural gems:

• Noto, the “Capital of Sicilian Baroque,” with stunning 18th-century buildings like Palazzo Ducezio and San Carlo’s Church.
• Modica, a city sculpted into hillsides, famous for its Aztec-style chocolate and impressive churches.
• Ragusa Ibla, a beautifully preserved town boasting panoramic views, medieval alleys, and stunning Baroque palaces.

Day 4: Mount Etna and Taormina – from volcanoes to coastal beauty

Greek Teatre of Taormina

Your journey continues with an excursion to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Highlights include:

• A visit to Rifugio Sapienza at 2,000 meters for breathtaking views.
• The chance to ascend to 3,000 meters via cable car and 4×4 (optional extra).
• Afternoon in Taormina, where you’ll explore:
  • The Greek Theatre, with panoramic views of Mount Etna and the sea.
  • Corso Umberto, a lively pedestrian street filled with shops and cafes.
  • The beautiful public gardens and historic Palazzo Corvaja.

Day 5: Agrigento’s valley of the temples and the mosaics of Piazza Armerina

Delve into Sicily’s ancient history with visits to:

• The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, an awe-inspiring archaeological park with remarkably preserved Greek temples.
• Villa Romana del Casale, in Piazza Armerina, renowned for its extensive Roman mosaics, including the famous bikini-clad athletes.

Day 6: crossing to mainland Italy – Messina, Reggio Calabria, and arrival in Puglia

Bid farewell to Sicily and journey to Puglia:

• Ferry ride from Messina to Villa San Giovanni, crossing the Strait of Messina.
• Stop in Reggio Calabria to see the Riace Bronzes, two ancient Greek warrior statues.
• Travel along Calabria’s scenic coast before reaching Polignano a Mare, a beautiful seaside town in Puglia, for an overnight stay.

Day 7: caves, white towns, and trulli – Castellana, Ostuni, and Alberobello

Rione Monti, Alberobello

Explore Puglia’s most famous landmarks:

• Castellana Caves, a spectacular underground system with stalactites and stalagmites.
• Ostuni, the “White City,” known for its dazzling whitewashed buildings and medieval charm.
• Alberobello, a UNESCO-listed town famous for its unique trulli, traditional stone houses with conical roofs.

Day 8: Locorotondo and Matera – breathtaking scenery and history

Experience the charm of:

• Locorotondo, a picturesque circular town with whitewashed houses and panoramic views.
• Matera, home to the ancient Sassi cave dwellings, an extraordinary rock-hewn city that resembles biblical Jerusalem. Return to Polignano a Mare for a relaxing evening.

Day 9: departure – a farewell to south Italy

On your final day, our team will ensure a smooth transfer to your departure point, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your South Italy Tour.