Duration: 14 Days
Spectacular scenery combined with fascinating architectural remains and ancient history—all of this awaits you on this fabulous “off the beaten path” holiday through undiscovered Southern Italy and Sicily. If you’re interested in Roman history, this tour is certainly for you. You’ll stop in Matera, to enjoy a panoramic view of the Sassi houses—prehistoric cave dwellings built into the rock—thought to be some of the first human settlements in Italy. A guided visit of Reggio Calabria’s Bronzi di Riace museum to see the world-famous bronze warrior sculptures will leave a lasting impression. Continue to Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, known for its blue skies and rich heritage, and visit the Greek Theater in Taormina, built in the 3rd century BC. Also visit the amazing Greek structures that have survived for 2,400 years in Agrigento’s Valley of Temples; and the 12th-century Norman cathedral in Monreale, famous for its 50,000 square feet of precious byzantine mosaics. Photos and words cannot adequately capture these sights.
History buffs will also enjoy Pompeii, which was completely buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Imagine what life was like some 2,000 years ago! This preserved town gives you an amazingly detailed look into life at the peak of the Roman Empire. In Naples, enjoy a guided tour and savor a slice of Neapolitan pizza. And a true highlight is a guided visit to the Papal Palace and Barberini Gardens in Castel Gandolfo! This is just another out-of-the-ordinary experience included by Globus.
For those desiring amazing scenery, this Italy tour is sure to delight. You’ll visit the Sorrento coast and Capri—both offering breathtaking views of the crystal-clear, blue sea. Spend time gazing at the mesmerizing water, shop at the boutiques, and dine at the fabulous restaurants visited by celebrities.
History, amazing scenery, tasty cuisine, and so much more is waiting for you on this Italy tour. So pack your bag and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions, and enjoy a welcome dinner at one of Rome's lively restaurants. (D)
Look forward to a unique experience: enjoy a guided visit of the impressive PAPAL PALACE in Castel Gandolfo, former summer residence of the popes and, since 2016, a museum that is open to the public. Also visit the magnificent BARBERINI GARDENS, where ruins of the residence of Roman Emperor Domitian are still visible. Then, continue south on the Highway of the Sun to the Sorrento Coast. (B)
A wonderful day! Speed across the bay by JETFOIL to the Isle of Capri and ride the FUNICULAR to Capri village for a guided visit of this pretty town. Time to explore the little shops on the piazzetta before returning to your hotel. (B)
Explore fascinating POMPEII, the Roman city both destroyed and preserved by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Follow your Local Guide for a walk past patrician homes, public baths, and commercial districts strikingly recalling day-to-day life when Rome was at the apex of her power. With the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to join an optional excursion to the Amalfi coast. (B)
Naples is a city steeped in volcanic history, rich archaeological treasures, and castles and churches to rival Rome! A Local Guide acquaints you with the many sights during your city tour. Stop in the famous Piazza Plebiscito and, savour a slice of Neapolitan pizza. Drive to Bari, capital of Apulia, the heel of Italy's "boot," for your overnight stay. (B)
Discover BARI VECCHIA, the city's oldest district, on foot during a pleasant stroll with a Local Guide. In Lecce, your guided walking tour reveals why Lecce is called the "Florence of the South." Admire its baroque buildings and squares, and taste pasticciotto with almond-flavoured iced coffee. Continue to Alberobello. (B,D)
Enjoy a guided walking tour of the town, and visit one of its unique TRULLI-whitewashed, stone, circular houses with pinnacled, conical roofs. The balance of the day is at leisure. You may wish to join an optional dinner at a traditional Apulian masseria. (B)
In Matera, enjoy a panoramic view of the picturesque sassi houses, followed by a spectacular drive south along the Gulf of Taranto to Scilla, called the "Venice of Calabria." Arrive in Reggio Calabria for a guided visit of the MUSEUM that houses the world-famous bronze warrior sculptures, Bronzi di Riace. (B,D)
Cross the Strait of Messina by FERRY and start your discovery of the beautiful island of Sicily, the great melting pot of the Mediterranean world. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Saracens, Normans, French, and Spanish have left their marks and contributed to its rich heritage. Arrive in Taormina, a charming hilltop town overlooking the Ionian Sea, and visit the ancient GREEK THEATRE dating back to the 3rd century BC. Time to stroll and shop along Corso Umberto I at your own pace. Don't miss the opportunity to taste local specialties, like the Sicilian granita (a treat similar to sorbet). (B)
Two days to just relax in this beautiful resort or choose from our exciting optional excursions to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe; or to the fascinating archaeological site of Syracuse, birthplace of the mathematician Archimedes and once a powerful Greek port whose fleet was feared throughout the Mediterranean. On Tuesday evening, an included dinner has been prepared at a local restaurant with breathtaking sea views. On Wednesday evening, enjoy an included dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
Enjoy day at leisure. (B,D)
Head south to Agrigento and enjoy a walk with your Local Guide through the breathtaking VALLEY OF TEMPLES. Even travellers who have visited Athens and Delphi are awed by the gigantic yet graceful Greek structures that miraculously survived 24 centuries of tormented history. Arrive at your hotel in Palermo. (B)
Guided sightseeing features the ornate Piazza Bellini, Capo Market, the baroque Church of Immacolata, and a visit to the magnificent CATHEDRAL. Drive up to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d'Oro and a visit to the 12th-century NORMAN CATHEDRAL, famous for its 50,000 square (15240 metres) feet of precious byzantine mosaics. Later, dinner at a local restaurant is the perfect way to celebrate your Italian journey. (B,D)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
