Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily

Your vacation begins today with a private transfer from Naples airport to the sun-kissed town of Sorrento, where southern Italian charm, beauty and culture await.

Perched high above the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is famed for its dramatic hilltop setting, far-reaching sea views and fragrant lemon groves, offering easy access to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.

On arrival at our centrally located hotel, there's time to settle in and unwind before meeting the Tour Manager and fellow travelers before we enjoy dinner together this evening in the hotel restaurant. Overnight Sorrento.

• Dinner

A tour highlight awaits after breakfast this morning - an awe-inspiring journey back in time to Pompeii, the ancient city buried and remarkably preserved beneath volcanic ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. After a short train journey, we arrive at this fascinating archaeological site for a guided tour of one of the world's best-preserved Roman cities.

Our guide takes us through the incredibly preserved streets of Pompeii, passing the impressive villas, temples, bathhouses and markets of this UNESCO World Heritage site. We also discover the vast amphitheater and admire extraordinary frescoes that offer a glimpse into daily life nearly 2,000 years ago.

Returning to Sorrento, the remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. You might choose to stroll along the cobbled streets lined with beautiful Renaissance buildings, enjoy people watching in Piazza Tasso or explore the characterful Centro Storico, known for its artisan craft shops selling ceramics, lacework and wooden items. As evening falls, Sorrento's Old Town comes alive, while the sea facing Marina Grande has an enchanting ambience and a tempting choice of seafood eateries. Overnight Sorrento.

• Breakfast

Today we discover the captivating Amalfi Coast from the glistening waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. After a short coach transfer to Sorrento harbor, we board our boat and set out along one of Europe's most breathtaking coastlines.

Our first stop is the charming town of Amalfi, the "Jewel of the Amalfi Coast", where there is free time to explore. Visit the striking Duomo di Sant'Andrea, which overlooks the town's main piazza, or wander the narrow streets lined with traditional houses. Relax in one of the cafés or a gelateria and perhaps sample a glass of locally produced limoncello or a lemon spritz - a local twist on the Aperol spritz.

Our cruise continues to the cliffside gem of Positano, one of the Amalfi Coast's most iconic towns. Here, pastel-colored houses cascade down the hillsides and fishing boats are still drawn up on the colorful shoreline, as they have been for generations. After time to explore the winding lanes and shaded terraces which offer sweeping views, we return to Sorrento where you are free to relax or explore at leisure for the rest of the evening. Overnight Sorrento.

• Breakfast

This morning after breakfast at the hotel, we travel inland to Salerno station to board our train to Matera, a remarkable UNESCO-listed city in southern Italy. This picturesque route takes us deep into the Basilicata region, where we transfer directly to our hotel on arrival.

Later, we travel into the historic center by coach where we explore this extraordinary city and its famous Sassi cave dwellings. Inhabited since the Paleolithic era, these stunning natural cave homes were carved directly into the surrounding limestone cliffs, forming a labyrinth of dwellings, streets and stairways unlike anywhere else in the world. As you wander through this atmospheric setting, you'll discover many caves that have been thoughtfully transformed into boutiques, craft shops, bars and cafés.

This evening, we enjoy dinner at a traditional local restaurant in the city before returning by coach to the hotel. Overnight Matera.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, we set out by coach to the whitewashed town of Alberobello, famed for its UNESCO-listed trulli houses. These distinctive limestone houses were originally built without mortar, allowing them to be quickly dismantled and easily rebuilt. Today, they remain one of the most iconic architectural traditions in the region.

On arrival, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before setting out on a guided tour of this magical town. Alberobello is filled with hundreds of trulli, with their distinctive conical stone roofs creating a unique streetscape. As we explore, we learn more about their origins, construction and enduring cultural significance. There is free time after the tour to wander at your own pace, perhaps browsing small shops or simply soaking up the atmosphere of this remarkable setting.

Later, we return to Matera in time for dinner at our hotel this evening. Overnight Matera.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we leave the 'boot' of Italy behind as we journey south to Sicily, the sun-drenched Mediterranean island just off its 'toe'. Traveling by coach, we head to the coastal town of Paola on the Calabrian coast, where we continue our journey by train to Taormina-Giardini station on the island.

As the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is known for its spectacular coastlines, scenic beauty and rich culture. Its extraordinary history is reflected in a fascinating blend of influences, from ancient Greek and Roman remains to North African architecture, all set against a backdrop that includes the imposing presence of Mount Etna.

Our destination is Giardini Naxos, a relaxed resort town on Sicily's eastern shore with an ancient Greek heritage and an attractive crescent-shaped bay. After checking in to our hotel, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening. Overnight Giardini Naxos.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today you are free to explore the local area at your own pace. You may choose to relax and enjoy the facilities at the hotel or perhaps join a boat trip from Giardini Naxos harbor to the picturesque marine park of Isola Bella. Here, you can explore the elegant villa and its surrounding Baroque-style gardens, connected to Taormina by a thin ribbon of sand that appears to float on the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea.

Alternatively, visit the nearby archaeological park to wander among the ruins of ancient Naxos. Believed to be one of the earliest Greek settlements in Sicily, it was founded in the 7th century BC and offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's past. An on-site museum also houses artefacts recovered from the settlement.

This evening, Giardini Naxos offers a great selection of restaurants. Local specialties include fresh seafood such as swordfish, as well as the traditional baked pasta dish 'ncasciata, made with aubergine, maccheroni and a rich ragù. Overnight Giardini Naxos.

• Breakfast

Sicily's most famous landmark and one of the world's tallest active volcanoes awaits today - Mount Etna. Dominating the landscape, this extraordinary volcano takes center stage as we explore its dramatic surroundings on a full-day excursion. Transferring by coach to Rifugio di Sapienza, the highest point in Sicily, there is the opportunity to walk to the Silvestri Craters, two dormant craters formed during the 1892 eruption. Now inactive, they offer a rare chance to experience this volcanic landscape up close.

Next, we continue by coach to Adrano, where we board the Circumetnea Railway and begin our scenic journey along the base of the volcano. This remarkable route reveals views of lava fields and landscapes shaped by centuries of volcanic activity as we travel towards Randazzo. Here, our excursion continues with a visit to the Gambino winery on the slopes of Etna, where we tour the vineyards and enjoy a tasting of local wines produced in the rich volcanic soil, followed by a two-course lunch on site.

After this unique experience, we return to our hotel where the rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight Giardini Naxos.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Traveling into the foothills of Mount Etna, we make our way to the historic town of Taormina after breakfast this morning, located on Sicily's east coast.

On a guided tour, we discover this elegant hillside town, know to many as a filming location for 'The White Lotus'. We visit highlights including the Greek theatre, dating back to the 3rd century BC. Once seating thousands who gathered for theatrical performances and, later, Roman spectacles, this remarkable amphitheater is not only impressive in scale but also offers sweeping views across the Ionian Sea towards Mount Etna.

Our tour continues with a visit to a local café, where we are treated to an authentic cannolo - an indulgent Italian treat of sweet, crispy pastry filled with ricotta cream. There is free time afterwards to explore Taormina at your own pace, perhaps wandering its charming streets or browsing its boutique shops before leaving by coach for Sicily's characterful capital, Palermo - a city rich in history, art and culture, as well as fantastic cuisine. This evening is free to relax and get to know these new surroundings. Overnight Palermo.

• Breakfast

We are introduced to Palermo and the nearby town of Monreale after breakfast this morning. With a local guide, we uncover the capital's most renowned attractions, starting at the Palatine Chapel, which glistens with golden Byzantine mosaics and marble floors and is located in the 9th-century Norman Palace. Next, we head to Palermo's Cap Market to experience a traditional Sicilian market. The stalls are ablaze with color and fragrant aromas, and our guide leads us through the stalls to sample local flavors on a tasting of street-food. The tour ends here and you can continue exploring the markets and surrounding areas at leisure.

This afternoon, our exploration continues to Monreale to visit its breathtaking 11th-century cathedral. Ornate and well-preserved, this beautiful structure has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Its unique mosaics, delicately carved columns and detailed cloisters are an unusual mixture of traditional Norman architecture and North African styles.

After some free time, we return to Palermo with the evening to enjoy the city at leisure. Overnight Palermo.

• Breakfast

Today, we travel across Sicily for a full-day excursion to the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the finest collections of ancient Greek architecture in the world.

Set amid a landscape of olive groves and almond trees, this remarkable site offers an extraordinary glimpse into Sicily's past. On arrival, a local guide leads us through the archaeological site, where a series of eight beautifully preserved temples and numerous ruins are spread across the landscape.

After our guided tour, we continue to a nearby agriturismo for a relaxed 'farm to table' experience. Here, we enjoy drinks and a four-course lunch prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, all set within a rural setting. We return to Palermo after lunch and the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy before we reconvene this evening for a farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant. Overnight Palermo.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From the breathtaking coastline and architectural wonders of southern Italy's mainland to the sun-drenched island of Sicily, this vacation has revealed a remarkable variety of experiences. We've explored the ancient streets of Pompeii, cruised along the Amalfi Coast and discovered the unique houses of Alberobello, as well as Sicily's bustling Palermo market. Each destination has offered its own unique character, culminating in a visit to the magnificent Valley of the Temples.

After breakfast at our hotel this morning, the tour comes to an end and you are free to start your journey home.

• Breakfast