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Southern Italy & Sicily

With Apulia & the Amalfi Coast

From $5,074
total price from New York
$4,395 air & land inclusive plus $679 airline taxes and fees
Tour Days
15 days
Tour Membership
12-24 guests
Post-Tour Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

Delight in a special exploration of Italy’s southern climes, from striking Sicily and the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to unheralded Apulia, the alluring “boot heel” where a vivid history, unique architecture, and bountiful plains join the sun and sea in creating a prized (and crowd-free) region.  Add Italian hospitality, outstanding cuisine, and notable lodgings for la dolce vita, small-group style.

Tour Details

Southern Italy & Sicily

With Apulia & the Amalfi Coast

From $5,074

total price from New York
$4,395 air & land inclusive plus $679 airline taxes and fees

Tour Days
15 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Tour Days
15 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

Delight in a special exploration of Italy’s southern climes, from striking Sicily and the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to unheralded Apulia, the alluring “boot heel” where a vivid history, unique architecture, and bountiful plains join the sun and sea in creating a prized (and crowd-free) region.  Add Italian hospitality, outstanding cuisine, and notable lodgings for la dolce vita, small-group style.

Small Group 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, uncrowded 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

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Please note: We use a variety of distinctive hotels in Lecce, as listed below. For specific accommodations per departure date, click on the Reservation Request button in the Dates & Prices section below or call for more information.

B
= Breakfast Included
L
= Lunch Included
D
= Dinner Included
1
Depart U.S. for Taormina (Catania), Sicily
Depart U.S. for Taormina (Catania), Sicily
2
Arrive Taormina
D
D
Arrive Taormina

We arrive today in Catania on Italy’s autonomous island of Sicily and then transfer by motorcoach to Taormina and our boutique hotel overlooking the Ionian Sea.  Tonight we gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

We arrive today in Catania on Italy’s autonomous island of Sicily and then transfer by motorcoach to Taormina and our boutique hotel overlooking the Ionian Sea.  Tonight we gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

3
Taormina
B
B
Taormina

Highlights of our morning walking tour of this delightful medieval town include the spectacular ancient Greek theater (dating to the 3rd century BCE), the popular 13th-century cathedral, and the grand Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.  This afternoon is at leisure, perhaps to relax by the hotel pool, visit a lovely Taormina beach, or stroll along Corso Umberto with its shops and restaurants.  With lunch and dinner on our own today, perhaps a culinary adventure is in order…and thanks to Sicily’s strategic Mediterranean location that lured many invaders, Sicilian food incorporates Italian, Arabic, and African influences into a singular and delicious cuisine.

Highlights of our morning walking tour of this delightful medieval town include the spectacular ancient Greek theater (dating to the 3rd century BCE), the popular 13th-century cathedral, and the grand Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.  This afternoon is at leisure, perhaps to relax by the hotel pool, visit a lovely Taormina beach, or stroll along Corso Umberto with its shops and restaurants.  With lunch and dinner on our own today, perhaps a culinary adventure is in order…and thanks to Sicily’s strategic Mediterranean location that lured many invaders, Sicilian food incorporates Italian, Arabic, and African influences into a singular and delicious cuisine.

4
Taormina/Agrigento
B
L
D
B
L
D
Taormina/Agrigento

On today’s excursion, we visit the “Valley of the Temples,” the archaeological zone of Agrigento whose Doric temples and sanctuaries date to Greek rule in the 5th century BCE.  Known in its heyday as the “most beautiful city of mortals,” Agrigento’s highlight is the stunning, well-preserved Temple of Concordia (c. 430 BCE).  A visit to the museum here lends context to our explorations.  Late this afternoon we return to our hotel, where we dine tonight.

On today’s excursion, we visit the “Valley of the Temples,” the archaeological zone of Agrigento whose Doric temples and sanctuaries date to Greek rule in the 5th century BCE.  Known in its heyday as the “most beautiful city of mortals,” Agrigento’s highlight is the stunning, well-preserved Temple of Concordia (c. 430 BCE).  A visit to the museum here lends context to our explorations.  Late this afternoon we return to our hotel, where we dine tonight.

5
Taormina/Mount Etna
B
L
B
L
Taormina/Mount Etna

This morning’s tour ventures to Europe’s largest active volcano.  The ancients believed Mt. Etna to be the forge of Vulcan, god of fire; today, modern-day Sicilians have a very personal relationship with the volcano, which frequently erupts but is seldom destructive.  Centuries of lava flows have resulted in a rich, fertile landscape where citrus groves and vineyards thrive. At midday we enjoy a small group highlight: lunch at a family-run working farm amidst acres of lemon and kiwi.  After returning to our hotel mid-afternoon, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

This morning’s tour ventures to Europe’s largest active volcano.  The ancients believed Mt. Etna to be the forge of Vulcan, god of fire; today, modern-day Sicilians have a very personal relationship with the volcano, which frequently erupts but is seldom destructive.  Centuries of lava flows have resulted in a rich, fertile landscape where citrus groves and vineyards thrive. At midday we enjoy a small group highlight: lunch at a family-run working farm amidst acres of lemon and kiwi.  After returning to our hotel mid-afternoon, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

6
Taormina/Matera
B
D
B
D
Taormina/Matera

We leave Sicily today for the mainland region of Basilicata via a day-long transfer that includes a ferry ride from Sicily to Calabria.  Late this afternoon we reach Matera, whose historic troglodyte churches and dwellings (Sassi) have been designated a UNESCO site and where our hotel's renovated cave dwellings reside in the city’s historic district.

We leave Sicily today for the mainland region of Basilicata via a day-long transfer that includes a ferry ride from Sicily to Calabria.  Late this afternoon we reach Matera, whose historic troglodyte churches and dwellings (Sassi) have been designated a UNESCO site and where our hotel's renovated cave dwellings reside in the city’s historic district.

7
Matera
B
D
B
D
Matera

Today we explore this city of art and folklore, its unique ancient urban structure still intact.  Home to more than 100 rock churches, Matera resembles ancient Jerusalem and has been used by international film directors as a stand-in for the holy city.  Following a guided walking tour, the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore independently before dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

Today we explore this city of art and folklore, its unique ancient urban structure still intact.  Home to more than 100 rock churches, Matera resembles ancient Jerusalem and has been used by international film directors as a stand-in for the holy city.  Following a guided walking tour, the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore independently before dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

8
Matera/Alberobello/Lecce
B
L
D
B
L
D
Matera/Alberobello/Lecce

Departing Matera this morning, we stop in Alberobello, whose 400 or so trulli – whitewashed conical houses with graystone roofs – rank as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  We take a walking tour along the pristine cobblestone alleys, stepping inside an artisan’s workshop or trullo tipico, a recreation of an inhabited home.  After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue on to Lecce, one of the oldest cities in Apulia (Italy’s “boot heel”) in time for dinner together at our hotel.

Departing Matera this morning, we stop in Alberobello, whose 400 or so trulli – whitewashed conical houses with graystone roofs – rank as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  We take a walking tour along the pristine cobblestone alleys, stepping inside an artisan’s workshop or trullo tipico, a recreation of an inhabited home.  After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue on to Lecce, one of the oldest cities in Apulia (Italy’s “boot heel”) in time for dinner together at our hotel.

9
Lecce
B
D
B
D
Lecce

We discover the “Florence of the South” on this morning’s tour, so named for the unique decorative style for which Lecce is known: barocco leccese, the ornate and intricate sandstone carvings of cherubs, monsters, fruits, and flowers that adorn local buildings from top to bottom.  We see Palazzo Vescovile (c. 1632), the exuberantly decorated church of Santa Croce, and the Duomo with its lovely piazza.  This afternoon is at leisure to explore this town of 100 churches as we wish; tonight we enjoy dinner together.

We discover the “Florence of the South” on this morning’s tour, so named for the unique decorative style for which Lecce is known: barocco leccese, the ornate and intricate sandstone carvings of cherubs, monsters, fruits, and flowers that adorn local buildings from top to bottom.  We see Palazzo Vescovile (c. 1632), the exuberantly decorated church of Santa Croce, and the Duomo with its lovely piazza.  This afternoon is at leisure to explore this town of 100 churches as we wish; tonight we enjoy dinner together.

10
Lecce/Otranto
B
L
B
L
Lecce/Otranto

Today’s excursion takes us to the beautiful walled town of Otranto, overlooking the Adriatic.  On a walking tour here, we see the imposing 15th-century Aragonese castle with its traditional moat and the Romanesque cathedral whose impressive wall-to-wall mosaic floor was created in 1166.  We continue on to a local winery for a tasting and lunch and then return to Lecce mid-afternoon.  Dinner tonight is on our own.

Today’s excursion takes us to the beautiful walled town of Otranto, overlooking the Adriatic.  On a walking tour here, we see the imposing 15th-century Aragonese castle with its traditional moat and the Romanesque cathedral whose impressive wall-to-wall mosaic floor was created in 1166.  We continue on to a local winery for a tasting and lunch and then return to Lecce mid-afternoon.  Dinner tonight is on our own.

11
Lecce/Sorrento
B
L
B
L
Lecce/Sorrento

This morning we depart by coach for Sorrento, located by the Bay of Naples.  En route, we stop for a traditional trattoria lunch in the small town of Polignano a Mare.  Dinner tonight is on our own in lively seaside Sorrento.

This morning we depart by coach for Sorrento, located by the Bay of Naples.  En route, we stop for a traditional trattoria lunch in the small town of Polignano a Mare.  Dinner tonight is on our own in lively seaside Sorrento.

12
Sorrento/Pompeii
B
D
B
D
Sorrento/Pompeii

Today we visit the excavated ruins at the evocative UNESCO site of Pompeii for a guided tour of the city frozen in time by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 CE (the city was accidentally rediscovered in 1749).  Late this afternoon we gather for a hands-on Neapolitan cuisine cooking lesson, followed by dinner to savor the fruits of our labors.

Today we visit the excavated ruins at the evocative UNESCO site of Pompeii for a guided tour of the city frozen in time by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 CE (the city was accidentally rediscovered in 1749).  Late this afternoon we gather for a hands-on Neapolitan cuisine cooking lesson, followed by dinner to savor the fruits of our labors.

13
Sorrento/Capri
B
B
Sorrento/Capri

Today we travel by hydrofoil to the storied Isle of Capri, a popular resort since Roman times.  We explore cozy Capri town, visit the terraced Gardens of Augustus with stunning views of the azure sea, and then enjoy free time for lunch and to explore on our own before we return to Sorrento early this afternoon.  The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this city with views of Mt. Vesuvius as we wish.  Dinner tonight is on our own in Sorrento.

Today we travel by hydrofoil to the storied Isle of Capri, a popular resort since Roman times.  We explore cozy Capri town, visit the terraced Gardens of Augustus with stunning views of the azure sea, and then enjoy free time for lunch and to explore on our own before we return to Sorrento early this afternoon.  The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this city with views of Mt. Vesuvius as we wish.  Dinner tonight is on our own in Sorrento.

14
Sorrento/Amalfi Coast
B
D
B
D
Sorrento/Amalfi Coast

We embark this morning on a breathtaking drive along the winding cliff-top Amalfi Coast road between Sorrento and Amalfi and above the glistening Tyrrhenian Sea – with stops for photos along the way.  This afternoon is at leisure; tonight we bid “arrivederci” to Italy and our fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.

We embark this morning on a breathtaking drive along the winding cliff-top Amalfi Coast road between Sorrento and Amalfi and above the glistening Tyrrhenian Sea – with stops for photos along the way.  This afternoon is at leisure; tonight we bid “arrivederci” to Italy and our fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.

15
Depart for U.S.
B
B
Depart for U.S.

This morning we transfer to the Naples airport where we connect with our return flight to the U.S.

This morning we transfer to the Naples airport where we connect with our return flight to the U.S.

Tour Price Includes

  • Round-trip air transportation from listed cities
  • 13 nights’ accommodations in Superior First Class and First Class hotels
  • 26 meals: 13 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 8 dinners
  • Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
  • Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
  • Luggage handling for one bag per person
  • Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
  • $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

Average Daily High by Month (°F )

  Mar Apr May Aug Sep Oct Nov
Taormina 60 65 69 88 81 72 68
Lecce 59 64 73 88 79 72 63
Amalfi Coast 57 63 72 86 79 70 63

Average Temperature (°F )

  Mar Apr May Aug Sep Oct Nov
Taormina 60 65 69 88 81 72 68
Lecce 59 64 73 88 79 72 63
Amalfi Coast 57 63 72 86 79 70 63

Dates & Prices

Please wait while we retrieve this information.

Post-Tour Extension

Rome – On Your Own

4 days, 3 nights
From
$695
+ from $245 Single Supplement

Rome – On Your Own

4 days, 3 nights
From
$695
+ from $245 Single Supplement

Explore the Eternal City at your leisure.

Post-Tour Extension Price Includes

  • Private transportation Sorrento/Rome
  • 3 nights’ accommodations at Monti Palace Hotel (Superior First Class)
  • 3 meals: 3 breakfasts
  • Transfer to airport

Pricing: $795 in 2024; $695 in 2025. Single Supplement: $295 in 2024; $245 in 2025

Accommodations

Tour Directors

Maurizio Caminita

“Maurizio is a treasure. What a fabulous tour director he is. His knowledge, stories, and wonderful personality made this tour even better. I could feel his love of Italy, his love for people and his love for his job. He is doing exactly what he is meant to do.”

Carol Kut
Chepachet, RI

Dania Mastacchini

“Best tour director ever! She went way above and beyond expectation.”

John & Jane Pratt
Newbury, NH

Andrea Fiorillo

“Andrea is a gem (diamond). His knowledge, enthusiasm, caring, and competence cannot be overstated. He’s an exceptional leader.”

Nancy Munno
Montpelier, VT

Eva Matosevic

“Her knowledge was amazing, she was fun to be with, and built a real community among the travelers. You knew that each of us was the most important person in her life for those 14 days.”

Thomas & Mary Heyman
Montclair, NJ

Ingrid Jerebica

"Ingrid’s warmth, courtesy, professionalism, and genuine concern made her an absolute pleasure to travel with. With infinite patience and gentle humor, she shared her knowledge and enthusiasm and made our travel stress-free."

Michael & Colleen Thompson
The Woodlands, TX

Elizabeth Cirio

"Elizabeth was beyond exceptional in all areas. Her attention to detail and individual needs was superb; her knowledge…of the areas outstanding; and her management of the group truly admirable."

Gale Wood & David Dewsnap
Havertown, PA

Chiara Campanile

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Anna Gandolfi

“Anna was THE BEST! Unfailingly patient, friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, warm, and a joy to be around. I cannot list enough positive descriptions for her. She is a gem!”

Henry & Susan Fradkin
Dearborn, MI

Marina Caruso

“Marina was outstanding. She was alert to individual needs and extremely helpful throughout the trip.”

John & Arleen Cooper
Arvada, CO

Mara Tiburzi

“She was wonderful!”

Layton & Marsha Carr

Sequim, WA

Osciri Chageg

“Osh [was amazing]…He has a wonderful personality, and helped [the group] bond as a unit. We loved him also.”

Bonnie & Douglas Herr
Williamstown, MA

Thomas Dovestone

"An excellent combination of steel and velvet: firm grasp on all logistics…combined with a caring attitude for each member of the group."

Stephen Rose & Patricia Midgette
Virginia Beach, VA

Katia Girotto

“Katia was hands down the best tour director we have ever had! She was sweet, funny, intelligent, efficient, knowledgeable, and really went way beyond what she had to do…we loved her!”

Jim & Sue Sanders
Plainwell, MI

Franco Caputo

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Daniela Mendola

“Daniela is an asset to your company. Her knowledge and love for her country are remarkable. She is simply 'Magnifico' and 'so Italien.'”

Cary Jane Miller
Corona del Mar, CA

Sara Basile

“You are fortunate to have Sara on your staff. She is the greatest! Her energy, dedication, and professionalism are beyond anything we have seen.”

William Garro
Boonton, NJ

Giulia Tamarri

"On this, our 11th Odysseys tour, we encountered a tour director who exceeded the high standards set elsewhere. Giulia was pure joy: warm, welcoming, with a great sense of humor."

Roger & Donna Authers
Charlottesville, VA

Gaetano Salemi

“[Gaetano] was not only knowledgeable and efficient, but had a great personality and was very funny. The stories he told about his personal experiences greatly enhanced the overall tour. He was one of [the] best we have had.”

Steven & Royce Menkus
Sherman Oaks, CA

Matija Radic

“He did his homework and personally knew the other staff people on the ground.”

Cecilia & Francis Kelly
Hartford, NC

Lisa Careless

“We could not have had a better tour director. Her information about olives, local fare, gelato, and the region was truly an asset to the trip… She is a real treasure!”

Kay & Sherman English
Seattle, WA

Arianna Mura

"Arianna went way above her duties as a tour director. She was very knowledgeable, friendly, patient, [and] helpful."

Kathryn Barton
Rochester, NY

Tour Directors

Mara Tiburzi

“She was wonderful!”

Layton & Marsha Carr

Sequim, WA

Andrea Fiorillo

“Andrea is a gem (diamond). His knowledge, enthusiasm, caring, and competence cannot be overstated. He’s an exceptional leader.”

Nancy Munno
Montpelier, VT

Elizabeth Cirio

"Elizabeth was beyond exceptional in all areas. Her attention to detail and individual needs was superb; her knowledge…of the areas outstanding; and her management of the group truly admirable."

Gale Wood & David Dewsnap
Havertown, PA

Giulia Tamarri

"On this, our 11th Odysseys tour, we encountered a tour director who exceeded the high standards set elsewhere. Giulia was pure joy: warm, welcoming, with a great sense of humor."

Roger & Donna Authers
Charlottesville, VA

Anna Gandolfi

“Anna was THE BEST! Unfailingly patient, friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, warm, and a joy to be around. I cannot list enough positive descriptions for her. She is a gem!”

Henry & Susan Fradkin
Dearborn, MI

Arianna Mura

"Arianna went way above her duties as a tour director. She was very knowledgeable, friendly, patient, [and] helpful."

Kathryn Barton
Rochester, NY

Eva Matosevic

“Her knowledge was amazing, she was fun to be with, and built a real community among the travelers. You knew that each of us was the most important person in her life for those 14 days.”

Thomas & Mary Heyman
Montclair, NJ

Lisa Careless

“We could not have had a better tour director. Her information about olives, local fare, gelato, and the region was truly an asset to the trip… She is a real treasure!”

Kay & Sherman English
Seattle, WA

Chiara Campanile

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Sara Basile

“You are fortunate to have Sara on your staff. She is the greatest! Her energy, dedication, and professionalism are beyond anything we have seen.”

William Garro
Boonton, NJ

Thomas Dovestone

"An excellent combination of steel and velvet: firm grasp on all logistics…combined with a caring attitude for each member of the group."

Stephen Rose & Patricia Midgette
Virginia Beach, VA

Maurizio Caminita

“Maurizio is a treasure. What a fabulous tour director he is. His knowledge, stories, and wonderful personality made this tour even better. I could feel his love of Italy, his love for people and his love for his job. He is doing exactly what he is meant to do.”

Carol Kut
Chepachet, RI

Daniela Mendola

“Daniela is an asset to your company. Her knowledge and love for her country are remarkable. She is simply 'Magnifico' and 'so Italien.'”

Cary Jane Miller
Corona del Mar, CA

Gaetano Salemi

“[Gaetano] was not only knowledgeable and efficient, but had a great personality and was very funny. The stories he told about his personal experiences greatly enhanced the overall tour. He was one of [the] best we have had.”

Steven & Royce Menkus
Sherman Oaks, CA

Marina Caruso

“Marina was outstanding. She was alert to individual needs and extremely helpful throughout the trip.”

John & Arleen Cooper
Arvada, CO

Matija Radic

“He did his homework and personally knew the other staff people on the ground.”

Cecilia & Francis Kelly
Hartford, NC

Osciri Chageg

“Osh [was amazing]…He has a wonderful personality, and helped [the group] bond as a unit. We loved him also.”

Bonnie & Douglas Herr
Williamstown, MA

Dania Mastacchini

“Best tour director ever! She went way above and beyond expectation.”

John & Jane Pratt
Newbury, NH

Katia Girotto

“Katia was hands down the best tour director we have ever had! She was sweet, funny, intelligent, efficient, knowledgeable, and really went way beyond what she had to do…we loved her!”

Jim & Sue Sanders
Plainwell, MI

Ingrid Jerebica

"Ingrid’s warmth, courtesy, professionalism, and genuine concern made her an absolute pleasure to travel with. With infinite patience and gentle humor, she shared her knowledge and enthusiasm and made our travel stress-free."

Michael & Colleen Thompson
The Woodlands, TX

Franco Caputo

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Destination Insights

Exploring...

Recommended Books & Films

Exploring...

Guest Photos & Testimonials

This is my third Odysseys trip, and I continue to be impressed with the venues, guides, and attention to detail.
Lydia Barth
Gardner, KS
The itinerary was very well-organized. Liked the accommodations – they were very interesting, not regular standard hotels. Fantastic guide.
Louisa Nicholson
Hixson, TN
This is my third Odysseys trip, and I continue to be impressed with the venues, guides, and attention to detail.
Lydia Barth
Gardner, KS
The itinerary was very well-organized. Liked the accommodations – they were very interesting, not regular standard hotels. Fantastic guide.
Louisa Nicholson
Hixson, TN
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

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