Sicily, Matera and Apulia Tour

Description

Day 1 - Saturday: CATANIA (hotel in Catania) Individual arrival to the hotel in the charming city of Catania (optional private transfer on request). Dinner on your own and overnight in hotel.

Day 2 - Sunday: SYRACUSE – NOTO (hotel in Ragusa) The day begins with breakfast in hotel and then departure for Syracuse, one of the most fascinating cities in Sicily, rich in history and culture. The first stop will be the Archaeological Park of Neapolis. Here, you will explore the magnificent Greek Theatre, one of the largest and best preserved in the world, a true jewel of antiquity. The tour will continue with a visit of the Roman Amphitheater, which is a testimony of the grandeur and power of ancient Rome. You will then walk among the evocative Latomie of Paradise, ancient stone quarries rich in charm and history, and conclude with the impressive Ear of Dionysius. You will move to the picturesque island of Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse. The visit will start from Piazza Duomo, admiring the splendid Cathedral, a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque, built on the remains of a Greek temple. You will then walk through the baroque streets until you reach the port, where it is possible to admire the beauty of the Arethusa’s Fountain. Free lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to Noto, one of the pearls of the Sicilian baroque. Here, there will be the opportunity to admire magnificent architectural masterpieces of the eighteenth century, walking through the elegant streets of the old town. Free time to discover the beauties of this city. Transfer to Ragusa for dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 3 – Monday: RAGUSA IBLA – MODICA – PIAZZA ARMERINA (hotel in Agrigento) Breakfast in hotel and departure for Ragusa Ibla, famous for its beautiful churches, the picturesque “Giardino Ible” and the magnificent baroque palaces. The city has been a location for the famous fiction "Il Commissario Montalbano". With over 50 churches and numerous historic buildings, Ragusa Ibla will enchant you with its timeless charm. Proceeding on and depart for Modica, where there will be a stop at the renowned chocolate shop Sabadì. Here, you can taste the famous artisan chocolate, awarded internationally and certified I.G.P., as well as Slow Food. Lunch break in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, the tour continues in Piazza Armerina to visit the famous Villa Romana del Casale. You will admire the extraordinary mosaics that adorn this ancient residence, a unique testimony of Roman life and art. Transfer to Agrigento, dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 4 – Tuesday: AGRIGENTO – MARSALA - SALT ROAD (hotel in Palermo) The trip continues to the picturesque Valley of the Temples, a jewel recognized by UNESCO. Here you will explore the magnificent remains of ancient Akragas and admire the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concord and the Temple of Hercules, authentic masterpieces of Greek architecture. The day goes on to the charming Marsala, famous for the landing of Garibaldi. Walking through the city, you will be enchanted by the noble palaces and baroque monuments that enrich the historic centre. You will continue with an exclusive visit of the Florio Cellars. The tour wine starts in front of the majestic giant vats of the 19th, still used for the refinement of Marsala wine. You will explore the three suggestive wine cellars and then enjoy a light lunch accompanied by wines produced by the company. Then, visit the picturesque Salt Road, admiring the islands of Stagnone and the salt pans, among the oldest in the world. These are still an important salt-extraction industry today. Transfer to Palermo, accommodation in hotel, free dinner and overnight.

Day 5 - Wednesday: MONREALE - PALERMO (hotel in Palermo) After breakfast in hotel, depart for Monreale and visit of the magnificent Arab-Norman Cathedral, famous for its splendid Byzantine mosaics and the majestic Cloister, a perfect example of medieval art and architecture. The tour continues to Palermo, a city that stands on a bay dominated by Mount Pellegrino. Palermo is a fascinating mosaic of architectural styles, the result of overlapping different historical periods. You will visit the Cathedral, a masterpiece that combines Gothic, Baroque and Norman elements. Then, you will immerse yourselves in the beauty of the Martorana Church and the magnificence of the Cappella Palatina, adorned with splendid golden mosaics. Lunch break with local products. In the afternoon, walk through the historic centre of Palermo to admire the Teatro Massimo, one of the largest opera houses in Europe, and the fountain in Pretoria Square, a Renaissance masterpiece that adorns the heart of Palermo with its extraordinary beauty. Dinner on your own and overnight in hotel.

Day 6 – Thursday: CEFALU’- CATANIA (hotel in Catania) The day starts with a visit of the charming seaside village of Cefalù, famous for its Norman Cathedral, an architectural jewel that dominates the landscape with its majestic towers. Free time to walk through the cobbled streets of the old town or visit the renowned Mandralisca Museum, which houses a collection of art and archaeology. Lunch stop in a local restaurant to taste the delights of Sicilian cuisine. Departure for Catania. The visit will start in the historic centre with its unique and unmistakable late-baroque style with the use of the lava stone of Etna. You will cross Duomo Square, the beating heart of the city, admiring the Cathedral of Sant'Agata and the famous Elephant of lava stone, a symbol of Catania. You will continue towards University Square, and walk along Via dei Crociferi, the heart of the Baroque in Catania, where stands the Monastery of San Benedetto, a Baroque building rich in history and grandeur. Dinner on your own and overnight in hotel.

Day 7 - Friday: ETNA – TAORMINA (hotel in Catania) Breakfast in hotel and short visit of the historic and lively fish market in Catania called “pescheria”. Departure for an excursion on Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe (3,350 m.). Its majesty and lunar landscape offer breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience. Once we reach the Rifugio Sapienza, you will visit the “Crateri Silvestri”, two ancient craters inactive since 1888. During the visit, you will have the opportunity to taste artisanal honey and other local products. The trip continues to Taormina, famous for its natural beauty and historical charm. Lunch in a restaurant in the old town, tasting local specialities. Visit the magnificent Greco-Roman Theatre, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the sea and Mount Etna. Free time to walk through the picturesque streets of Taormina, go shopping in the local craft shops or just relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this charming town. Back in Catania for dinner on your own and overnight in hotel.

Day 8 – Saturday: CATANIA - BARI (hotel in Bari) After breakfast in hotel, enjoy free time in Catania before the private transfer to the airport, according to the flight schedule, and departure to Bari. Private transfer directly to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to discover the city. Dinner and overnight.

Day 9 - Sunday: CASTEL DEL MONTE – TRANI (hotel in Bari) Breakfast and departure to visit Castel del Monte, a 13th-century fortress built by Frederick II, famous for its octagonal shape and mix of architectural styles. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most fascinating and mysterious monuments in Italy. For lunch we will stop at a traditional farmhouse for a delicious gastronomic experience, then continue to Trani, a cultural center on the Adriatic Sea. You will stroll through the historic center and admire the majestic Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino, the symbol of the city. Return to the hotel, dinner on your own and overnight.

Day 10 - Monday: MATERA - BARI (hotel in Bari) After breakfast, transfer to Matera and meet with a local guide to begin the city tour, famous for its “Sassi,” the ancient urban area where houses alternate with caves and labyrinths carved into the rock. With its fascinating and complex history and unique fusion of landscapes and cultures, the city is also renowned for being the film set of great masterpieces, including The Passion of the Christ, written and directed by Mel Gibson. Lunch on your own and in the afternoon guided tour of Bari, the capital of Apulia, historically an important gateway to the East. In the lively and characteristic old town, you will admire the splendid Basilica of San Nicola with its 18th-century crypt, the evocative Cathedral of San Sabino with its imposing rose window, the Norman-Swabian Castle, and the Murattiano district (or “new town”), an epic 19th-century city quarter characterized by wide boulevards, wrought-iron balconies, and elegant decorations. In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

Day 11 - Tuesday: POLIGNANO A MARE – ALBEROBELLO – OSTUNI (hotel in Lecce) After breakfast, departure for Polignano a Mare, the “capital of ice cream” and birthplace of the famous Italian singer Domenico Modugno, to whom a statue is dedicated. Stroll through the charming old town, perched on the cliffs above the sea, and enjoy its shops and narrow streets. Continue to Alberobello, a symbolic town of central Apulia. After free time for lunch, visit the unique historic center, entirely made up of trulli—ancient circular stone houses with cone-shaped roofs, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will also visit the Trullo Sovrano, located in the northern part of Alberobello, declared a national monument in 1923 and the only trullo with an upper floor, accessible from inside by a stone staircase. We will also stop in Ostuni, known as the “White City,” with a historic center characterized by whitewashed houses, winding alleys, and panoramic viewpoints. Its elevated position offers stunning views over the countryside and the Adriatic Sea, making it one of the most picturesque destinations in the region. Continue to Lecce for hotel check-in, dinner and overnight.

Day 12 - Wednesday: OTRANTO - LECCE (hotel in Lecce) Breakfast and departure for Otranto, the easternmost town in Italy, for a guided tour including a pleasant walk along the bastions to the Aragonese Castle. A highlight is the visit to the magnificent Cathedral, with its famous mosaic floor depicting the Tree of Life. Return to Lecce and free time for relaxation. In the afternoon, guided tour of Lecce, the symbol of Apulian Baroque, whose historic center showcases the city’s greatest architectural treasures in a blend of styles and eras: the Church of Santa Croce, the beautiful Piazza Sant’Oronzo with its Roman amphitheater, and the Cathedral with its distinctive bell tower. Along the way, we will stop at a papier-mâché workshop, a hallmark of local craftsmanship, and taste an iced coffee with almond milk, a typical specialty of Lecce. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

Day 13 - Thursday: GALLIPOLI - LECCE Breakfast and departure for Gallipoli, the ancient Kalèpolis, also called the “beautiful city,” which rises on an island connected to the mainland by a characteristic 16th-century stone bridge. We will visit the historic center with the majestic Cathedral of Sant’Agata, the Church of the Purità, and an ancient underground oil mill from the 1600s located beneath Palazzo Granafei. Stop for a wine tasting at a historic winery. Return to Lecce and end of our services. 

Gallery