Delight in a special 15-day exploration of Italy’s southern climes, from striking Sicily and the stunning Amalfi Coast to Apulia, the alluring “boot heel,” enjoying Italian hospitality, outstanding cuisine, and unique hotels.  Your small group sets out first to experience Sicily’s intriguing cultural heritage in Taormina.  Encounter Agrigento’s Grecian temples in the impressive “Valley of Temples.”  Enjoy two tour highlights:  a visit to Mt. Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, and lunch at a family-run farm.  Traveling to the mainland, tour Matera’s ancient cave dwellings and Alberobello’s medieval white-washed buildings, both UNESCO sites.  Discover Lecce, the “Florence of the South.”  Tour the evocative UNESCO site of Pompeii, and enjoy a Neapolitan cuisine cooking lesson in Sorrento.  Cruise by hydrofoil to the storied Isle of Capri for a day trip.  The Italian sojourn ends with another highlight:  a breathtaking Amalfi Coast drive.  Explore eternal Rome independently on an optional 4-day/3-night post-tour extension.

Itinerary

Day 1. Depart U.S./Taormina (Catania)
Day 2. Taormina
Day 3. Taormina
Day 4. Taormina
Day 5. Taormina
Day 6. Matera
Day 7. Matera
Day 8. Lecce
Day 9. Lecce
Day 10. Lecce
Day 11. Sorrento
Day 12. Sorrento
Day 13. Sorrento
Day 14. Sorrento
Day 15. Depart Naples for U.S.

Trip Highlights

  • Sicily’s intriguing cultural and historic heritage
  • “Valley of the Temples,” Agrigento
  • Mt. Etna excursion
  • Lunch at a working Sicilian farmhouse
  • Two Apulia UNESCO sites: Cave dwellings of Matera and Alberobello’s medieval white-washed buildings
  • Neapolitan cooking demonstration and dinner
  • Lecce, the “Florence of the South”
  • Fascinating, Apulia region
  • Stunning Amalfi Coast
  • Tour of ancient ruins at Pompeii (UNESCO site)
  • Day trip to Isle of Capri
  • Unique, well-located small-group style hotels
  • Pleasing mix of touring and time at leisure