Tours Italy Tours Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily

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Summary

Enticing culture, awe-inspiring landscapes and some of Europe's most fascinating historical destinations - this Southern Italy tour has it all! Discover Rome by night on a walking tour. Marvel at Mt Vesuvius and explore the ruins of ancient Pompeii; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy free days to explore Sorrento, Taormina and Palermo at your own pace. See the iconic Trulli houses in Alberobello and the ancient cave city of Matera. Eat, drink and be merry with a group of new friends on our Italy vacations. Discover Southern Italy & Sicily, and return home forever changed!

You can combine this itinerary with a tour of northern Italy - click here for more information.

Highlights

  • 'Rome by night' tour of the Italian capital
  • See Mt Vesuvius and explore the ruins of ancient Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Enjoy free days to explore Sorrento, Taormina and Palermo
  • See the iconic Trulli houses in Alberobello and the ancient cave city of Matera 

Start Point

Hotel in Rome | 10:00 AM

End Point

Hotel in Rome | 11:00 AM
Day 1: Start of tour in Rome

Welcome to Rome! Settle in at the hotel and meet up with your tour leader who will be with you for the duration of the tour. This morning, meet up with your fellow travellers as your tour leader gives you an overview of the upcoming itinerary. Then, embark on an orientation tour of the city. See top attractions such as the Spanish Steps and the Piazza Navona! Later, your tour leader will show you ‘Rome by night’ - explore some of the iconic sights of the Eternal City including the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. A welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included this evening.

Meals: Dinner

Day 1: Start of tour in Rome

Welcome to Rome! Settle in at the hotel and meet up with your tour leader who will be with you for the duration of the tour. This morning, meet up with your fellow travellers as your tour leader gives you an overview of the upcoming itinerary. Then, embark on an orientation tour of the city. See top attractions such as the Spanish Steps and the Piazza Navona! Later, your tour leader will show you ‘Rome by night’ - explore some of the iconic sights of the Eternal City including the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. A welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included this evening.

Experiences

Orientation tour of Rome: Get acquainted with the enchanting city of Rome on an orientation tour of Rome with your tour guide. Admire the Spanish Steps, walk to the Piazza Navona to see the Fountain of the Quattro Fiumi) and learn about other attractions that make Rome a perennial favourite with travellers all over the world!

Rome by Night tour: Tonight, you will enjoy an evening tour of Rome. See the capital in all its glory, including views of the famous Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and ancient Pantheon.

Welcome dinner: Join your tour leader and tour group for a welcome dinner. Celebrate the first night of tour with some delicious Italian food at a local Roman restaurant.

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 2: Rome - Pompeii - Sorrento

Depart Rome after breakfast, and travel to the Sorrento peninsula. En route, stop off to see Mount Vesuvius, and to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii; destroyed in 79AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, travel onwards to tonight’s hotel in Sorrento. Arrive in the Sorrento peninsula, where we have a two-night stay. This area is famous for limoncello (a sweet lemon liqueur); the perfect way to finish off your included dinner this evening!

Experiences

See Mount Vesuvius and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii: Preserved since ancient times under metres of ash and pumice, Pompeii offers superb insights into life (and death) in the ancient Roman Empire. An expert local guide will accompany and introduce you to the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was destroyed in 79 AD in a catastrophic volcanic eruption.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 3: Sorrento: Free Day

Made up of a number of gorgeous old towns hugging the coastline, the Sorrento peninsula is our base for the day. Explore the towns in your own time. Alternatively, choose our optional excursion to the famous Isle of Capri, where you can spend some free time exploring the rugged coastline, ancient Roman ruins and stylish piazzas. Top the day trip off with a boat trip around the islands. It is sure to be an unforgettable day in the south of Italy!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 4: Sorrento - Matera - Alberobello

Today, it is time to head east and explore the southern Italian region of Apulia, making a stop along the way in the ancient cave city of Matera. Known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City), it is famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts; the ‘sassi’. Arrive in Alberobello, and enjoy an orientation tour of the region's famous ‘trulli’ houses. These beautiful 14th century whitewashed stone huts have iconic conical roofs, and are specific to the Itria Valley. This afternoon, enjoy free time to further explore Alberobello. Great places to see include the trullo church of St Antony, and the Trulli museum. Find a beautiful spot to enjoy dinner this evening before returning to the hotel for the night.

Experiences

Stop over in the ancient cave city of Matera: Known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City), it is famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts; the ‘sassi’.

Walking tour of Alberobello: Discover the area’s beautiful 14th century whitewashed stone huts that have iconic conical roofs, and are specific to the Itria Valley, with a local guide.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 5: Alberobello - Taormina

Enjoy a coastal drive along the Ionian Sea this morning. Soon, it is time to head back to the mainland, and enjoy a short ferry ride over to the island of Sicily; home of Mount Etna. Prepare for stunning views while on the way to Taormina. Arrive, and enjoy an orientation walking tour of this hilltop town. Keep an eye out for some of the highlights you can explore further on your free day tomorrow. This evening, top off the Sicilian experience with an included dinner at the beachside hotel.

Experiences

Ferry ride to Sicily: Take a ferry ride to the island of Sicily; the home of Mount Etna.

Orientation walk of Taormina: One of the most popular holiday resorts in Sicily, Taormina, was founded by the Greeks who built an amphitheatre in a stunning hilltop location overlooked by Mount Etna. Learn about the art of passeggiata, an Italian social custom, during your exploration with your tour leader. As you roam through the streets and alleyways, the presence of the active volcano Mount Etna adds to the excitement of visiting this Greco-Roman town.

Dinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina: Join the group for a lovely dinner at a restaurant overlooking the ocean.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 6: Taormina: Free Day

Enjoy a free day to relax on Sicily's beautiful beaches, or explore the island's quaint towns. The town of Taormina itself is one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations, perched on the side of a mountain, and home to medieval churches, a castle and Greek amphitheatre. For those looking to explore further afield on their Italian tour, speak to your tour leader for their recommendations, including boat tours of the beautiful coastline, day trips to Mount Etna, and 'Godfather' tours.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 7: Taormina - Syracuse - Agrigento

Take an easy drive through the heart of Sicily today and be charmed by the sweet Sicilian scenery en route. Along the way, take a comfort stop in Syracuse, an ancient town on the southeast coast of Sicily that was built in ancient Greek times. Then drive the final stretch for the day to ‘Valle dei Templi’ (Valley of the Temples), one of the most outstanding examples of Magna Grecia art and architecture. Spend the night in the hilltop city of Agrigento.

Experiences

Visit Syracuse: The historically significant Sicilian city of Syracusa (as the locals call it) is located on the southeast coast of Sicily. Syracuse was originally a Greek colony, and today is home to a number of Greek remains like a Greek theatre that dates back to the 5th Century BC. You will be transported back in time as you meander cobbled lanes, pavement cafes and baroque architecture. While here, shop locally-grown pistachios, almonds and sun-dried pachino (tomatoes).

Explore the Valley of the Temples: The ‘Valle dei Templi’ is a national monument of Italy, and archaeological site in Agrigento. The Valley includes the remains of seven temples built in the Doric style. It is famous for being home to incredible examples of Magna Grecia art and architecture.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 8: Agrigento - Cefalù - Palermo

Leaving Agrigento this morning, take a scenic drive through central Sicily and arrive in the town of Cefalù for lunch. Cefalù is a historic town that boasts some of Italy’s finest beaches. Next, travel on to Palermo. Arrive in the early afternoon, and enjoy a walking tour that will introduce you to the city’s highlights. Founded more than 2,700 years ago by the Phoenicians, Palermo is noted for its history, culture, architecture and food. Sights on the walking tour include the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova (The New Gate) and the Cathedral of Palermo. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.

Experiences

Visit Cefalù: Travel to the historic city of Cefalù where you have free time to find a place to enjoy lunch. This coastal city is famous for its incredible beaches as well as its Norman cathedral complete with soaring towers and Byzantine mosaics.

Walking tour of Palermo: Follow your guide, and look out for popular attractions like the Piazza Indipendenza, Porta Nuova (The New Gate) and the Cathedral of Palermo.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 9: Palermo: Free Day

Enjoy a free day to further explore Sicily’s capital; Palermo! Over the centuries, Palermo has been colonised by many different rulers, including the Greeks, Romans and Normans. This melting pot has resulted in a variety of architectural styles for you to explore in its historic old town. Be sure to visit Italy’s largest opera theatre which is widely considered the city’s most beautiful building! Palermo is also renowned for its delicious cuisine and irresistible dishes like arancini and cannoli. To try some of these delectable treats at two of Palermo’s most vibrant markets, join today’s optional excursion! This evening, take an overnight ferry back to the Italian mainland.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation
Ferry
On Tour Excursions

DAY 10: End of tour in Rome

Arrive in Naples after the overnight ferry this morning. The tour group will continue on the coach with the tour leader, and travel back to Rome, where the tour will come to an end later this morning. After 10 days filled with Italian adventures and memories, it’s time to say arrivederci to Italy and your new travel friends. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onwards and hopes to see you again soon!

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 8 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms, 1 night's accommodation in twin share ferry cabin with private en-suite facilities
  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room/cabin

Meals

  • 9 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners 
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
  • Overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples
  • Any public transport used as part of the tour days (excludes free days)

Tour Leader

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

14 Experiences!

  • Orientation tour of Rome
  • Experience Rome by night
  • 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 scenic ferry from mainland Italy to Sicily
  • Discover Taormina; a hilltop town in Sicily
  • Enjoy dinner at a beachside hotel in Taormina
  • Visit Cefalù; home to Italy’s finest beaches
  • Walking tour of Palermo
  • Visit Syracuse; a historic Sicilian city
  • Explore the Valley of the Temples

Accommodation

Hotels are chosen closer to departure date. We do use a variety of hotels in each destination, so you may stay in a hotel different to that listed here.

Rome

Photos of the tour

Positano and the Amalfi Coast

Discover the stunning Amalfi Coast - Italy’s most scenic coastline! Travel by private minibus to Positano, accompanied by a local guide. This is one of the most beautiful drives in Europe! On arrival in Positano, enjoy a limoncello tasting. This sweet lemon liqueur is a speciality of the Amalfi Coast. Follow that with a tasting of sugared almonds, which are known in Italy as confetti and date back to the 15th century. After a short guided walking tour down to the historic centre of Positano, enjoy some free time to explore the most famous and iconic village on the Amalfi Coast.

Optional Excursions

Unless marked as “Pre-Book”, all optional excursions can be booked on tour and paid for in cash (in the stated currency) to your tour leader.
Prices and availability are subject to change

Dates & Rates

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Our pricing model: Lowest-priced seats are sold first, then the price increases slightly. The quicker you book, the less you pay. Select a date below to secure your seat.
Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
24 Mar 2024 - 02 Apr 2024Flexible booking date for 24 Mar 2024 - 02 Apr 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 1,810 € 1,455
07 Apr 2024 - 16 Apr 2024Flexible booking date for 07 Apr 2024 - 16 Apr 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 1,810 € 1,510
21 Apr 2024 - 30 Apr 2024Flexible booking date for 21 Apr 2024 - 30 Apr 2024Only 2 seats left at this price€ 1,810 € 1,565
05 May 2024 - 14 May 2024Flexible booking date for 05 May 2024 - 14 May 2024Last seat left - Book Now!€ 1,810 € 1,595
16 Jun 2024 - 25 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 16 Jun 2024 - 25 Jun 2024Last 4 seats left - Book Now!€ 1,810 € 1,595
30 Jun 2024 - 09 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 30 Jun 2024 - 09 Jul 2024Only 5 seats left at this price€ 1,810 € 1,565
28 Jul 2024 - 06 Aug 2024Flexible booking date for 28 Jul 2024 - 06 Aug 2024Only 3 seats left at this price€ 1,810 € 1,385
11 Aug 2024 - 20 Aug 2024Flexible booking date for 11 Aug 2024 - 20 Aug 2024Only 3 seats left at this price€ 1,810 € 1,455
08 Sep 2024 - 17 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 08 Sep 2024 - 17 Sep 2024Only 1 seat left at this price€ 1,810 € 1,455
22 Sep 2024 - 01 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 22 Sep 2024 - 01 Oct 2024Only 2 seats left at this price€ 1,810 € 1,510
06 Oct 2024 - 15 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 06 Oct 2024 - 15 Oct 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 1,810 € 1,565
02 Jun 2024 - 11 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 02 Jun 2024 - 11 Jun 2024SOLD OUT!

Number of travellers

Payment option

Flexible booking: flexible booking

Additional Information

For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre.

Additional Information Help Centre

Reviews

Reviews powered by: Power Reviews

60 reviews
R
Raider Verified Buyer 2023-10-05
Roma is the blessing.
The accommodations were not always perfect, however, Roma managed to lift our spirits and fill our hearts with the knowledge and appreciation of each location and made where we stayed irrelevant. This travel had a cohesiveness that existed because of respect and rapport that Roma built with each of us.
E
Edmond Verified Buyer 2023-09-30
Very good tour exploring southern Italy and Sicily
Amazing experience exploring mount Etna and the delicious wine and specialty dishes of Sicily.
S
Sarah Verified Buyer 2023-09-25
Great taste of Southern Italy and Sicily
Great way to experience the south of Italy and Sicily. Tour coach driver truly amazing …. how he could navigate around is something I would never want to do. The tour certainly takes in the highlights covering historical sites, food markets, exceptional shopping opportunities. All hotels are of a good standard and meals on tour very good. The highlight was the lunch included with the Mt Etna tour and the Palermo markets. Get ready to walk, swim, shop, eat and have some memorable moments.
N
Nancy Verified Buyer 2023-08-04
Sicily
Amazing adventure and education at the same time despite the global heat wave impacting travelers. Guide us absolutely knowledgeable and attentive, yet, fun!
T
The Cranberries Verified Buyer 2023-08-01
Fantastic Experience
A good combination of guided tours and free time.

Why this tour?

Italy is a dream travel destination. This diverse country is the complete package - stunning scenery, ancient history, world-famous art and culture scene, and, of course, the mouthwatering cuisine! If all of the above sounds ideal then Expat Explore’s Italian holiday packages are just the thing for you! This Italy Sicily tour features the highlights of Southern Italy including an incredible Sicily tour. The days are filled with excellent sightseeing, fun local activities and ample free time. 

Start your Italian adventure in Rome and travel south. There are different options for tour endpoints: Palermo, Naples and Rome. You can select the destination that works best for you at no extra cost.

The tour features several highlights that showcase the variety of experiences on offer when touring Southern Italy:

  • See Mount Vesuvius (the only active volcano on mainland Europe!) and explore the ruins of Pompeii with a local guide who will share insight into this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Enjoy an “evening in Roma” and tour Rome by night. Your tour leader will take you to iconic Rome attractions including the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon - top sights on Italy vacations. 
  • See the Trulli Houses in Alberobello and admire these 14th-century traditional huts.
  • Visit Matera which is famous for its extensive ancient cave-dwelling districts!
  • Explore Sicily, Italy - the largest Mediterranean island located just off the tip of Italy’s “boot”. See Taormina, Cefalu, Syracuse and Palermo - all must-see destinations on Sicily vacations.
  • Visit the Valley of the Temples. This archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and illustrates Sicily’s ancient culture! It’s definitely a top site on Sicily tours.
  • Three full free days in Sorrento, Taormina and Palermo are included on this Southern Italy and Sicily itinerary giving you ample time to discover Italy at your own pace.  

Add a few more travel experiences to your Italy holiday with a variety of optional activities. From a tour of the Isle of Capri to a Mount Etna day trip! 

Is this the right tour for me?

What will the accommodation be like?
Twin-share rooms in quality hotels will be used on these Southern Italy tours. Travellers will share with someone of the same gender. If you would prefer a private room, a single supplement is available to purchase. 

How fit do I have to be to join this tour?
There are orientation tours and guided walking tours included on these Southern Italy escorted tours that travellers need to be able to comfortably complete. While the tours are not physically intense, comfortable walking shoes are a must. Travellers also need to be able to transfer their luggage from the coach to the hotel.   

Will I feel safe in Southern Italy?
While Southern Italy & Sicily may have ties to mafia notoriety, the region is safe to visit. Normal traveller safety rules apply as they would in any major travel destination - keep valuables safe and keep an eye out for petty crimes like pickpocketing. 

Get ready to experience the highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily over 10 days with Expat Explore! Look forward to an Italy holiday package that is fun, convenient and affordable!