Glories of Southern Italy
Glories of Southern Italy
Trip Itinerary
Arrive in Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, and transfer to your hotel located in the historic center of the city. Sicily boasts a rich history and unique culture, influenced by its independence from mainland Italy. Join your Resident Tour Director for a welcome dinner in the evening.
Embark on a journey to Monreale, a hillside town known for its extravagant cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cathedral, dating from 1170, is an exceptional example of Norman architecture, featuring stunning mosaics. Return to Palermo for a guided tour, exploring the Cathedral and the ninth-century Norman Royal Palace, which houses a glittering chapel.
The palace, still in use today as the seat of Sicily’s Parliament, is Europe’s oldest royal residence. Enjoy leisure time in Palermo before an A&K-exclusive visit to Palazzo Francavilla, where you’ll have a private tour and aperitifs with the owner.
Travel across Sicily’s rugged countryside to the south coast and stop in the village of Corleone, known for its connections to the Mafia. Learn about the history of the Mafia, or Cosa Nostra, from a local expert. Continue to Agrigento, where you’ll explore the ancient Valley of the Temples, including the Temple of Concord, a remarkable example of classical architecture. Check in to your hotel in Favara
Head east to Piazza Armerina, a charming countryside town, and visit the Villa Romana del Casale, a Roman villa housing stunning mosaics dating back to the fourth century, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the east coast and ascend the heights of Mount Etna, an active volcano, to enjoy panoramic views. Arrive in Taormina, a picturesque town known for its beaches and rolling hills. Participate in a special dinner and cooking class, featuring arancini, a Sicilian specialty of deep-fried stuffed rice balls.
Explore Taormina with a local expert, beginning with the town’s spectacular Greek amphitheater, which offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna. Enjoy leisure time for shopping or relaxation.
Travel to Messina and board a ferry to cross the strait to the Italian mainland. Disembark in Villa San Giovanni in Calabria and drive to Matera, the ancient Città Sotterranea (Underground City) carved into the Appenine Mountains. Matera, one of the world’s oldest cities, is characterized by stone dwellings linked by narrow lanes. Check in to your hotel in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Journey to Puglia and visit the picturesque town of Locorotondo for a walking tour. Meet an olive oil producer for a private tasting and enjoy lunch featuring local products. Explore Alberobello and its rows of unique trulli houses, conical limestone dwellings found only in this part of Bari.
Depart for the Amalfi Coast, stopping in Paestum to explore ancient Greek temples. Afterward, visit a mozzarella-making farm for a tour and lunch. Arrive in Naples and check in to your hotel, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Neapolitan pizza dinner.
Tour Herculaneum, an ancient Roman settlement destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Drive to Positano on the Amalfi Coast and explore the charming village. Take boats to Praiano for lunch before returning to Naples.
Cruise to Capri, an enchanting island in the Gulf of Naples. Visit Anacapri and Capri town, known for its stunning scenery, cafés, boutiques, and villas. Enjoy a special farewell dinner.
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Accommodation

Bulgari Hotel Milano

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
