Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily – March 24 to October 26, 2026 (10 Days) - From £1,165

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. Why not join the optional excursion to embark on a guided tour of the extraordinary Vatican Museums? End the day off with an included welcome dinner at a charming local restaurant.

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 Salerno on tonight’s optional excursion. See the impressive Cathedral and Old Town before indulging in a delicious dinner. Be sure to indulge in the local specialty, limoncello — a sweet lemon liqueur; the perfect way to conclude the evening!

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, join the optional excursion for an unforgettable Amalfi Coast cruise! Glide past breathtaking coastal views, explore the chic streets of Positano and Amalfi, enjoy an included lunch, and round off the experience with a taste of traditional limoncello and a stop at a fascinating paper museum. It promises to be an unforgettable day in southern Italy!

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.

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.

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 4x4 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!

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.

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.

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.

After your overnight ferry, arrive in Naples and board the coach for the return journey to Rome, where the tour concludes this afternoon. Please note that the ferry times may differ throughout the year and take this into account when booking your outbound flight. Bid farewell to Italy, your newfound friends, and Expat Explore, who wish you safe travels and future adventures!