The Trip You've Always Wanted
Southern Italy and SicilySouthern Italy & Sicily Itinerary
September 2021
Southern Italy and Sicily is one of Bucket List Travel Tours favorite guided trips. View below the amazing itinerary from May 2018’s trip.
Contact Bucket List Travel Tours for more information about their 2021 trip.
Spectacular scenery combined with fascinating architectural remains and ancient history—all of this awaits you on this fabulous vacation through Southern Italy and Siciy. If you’re interested in Roman history, this tour is certainly for you. You’ll stop in Matera, where you’ll visit one of the Sassi Houses—prehistoric cave dwellings built into the rock—thought to be some of the first human settlements in Italy. You’ll also visit Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, known for its blue skies and rich heritage. Visit the ancient Greek Theater in Taormina, built in the 3rd century BC; the ancient Greek structures that have survived for 2,400 years in Agrigento; 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. You will visit Reggia di Capodimonte, a grand Bourbon palace that houses the National Museum of Capodimonte. This is just another out-of-the-ordinary experience included.
For those desiring amazing scenery, this Italy tour is sure to delight. You’ll visit the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Positano and Capri—all 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, winery, and so much more are waiting for you on this Italy tour. So pack your bag and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
Add 2 additional days in Rome at the same hotel for just $250 more per person for both nights.
Additional nights in Palermo available price is yet to be determined
2018 Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Rome, Italy
Welcome to Rome! Take your individual transfer to your hotel. Later, meet your Tour Director and enjoy a welcome dinner with wine at one of Rome’s lively restaurants and an evening drive of the city. (Dinner)
Day 2 – Rome – Naples – Pompeii – Sorrento
Depart Rome and stop for lunch in Naples before arriving in fascinating POMPEII, the Roman city both destroyed and preserved by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Your Local Guide will walk you past patrician homes, public baths, and commercial districts strikingly recalling day-to-day life when Rome was at the apex of her power. Continue to the charming resort of Sorrento, but first stop and discover the secrets of the wine cellar at an ORGANIC FARM that has its own orchard and olive press. See how local mozzarella and other regional cheeses are produced, and enjoy dinner featuring local specialties, including the famous Sorrento wine. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3 – Sorrento. Excursion to Capri & Positano
Speed across the bay by JETFOIL to the Isle of Capri. Ride the FUNICULAR to Capri village for a guided visit of this pretty town. Free time to explore the little shops on the piazzetta before your return trip across the bay. Next, a scenic drive up to the Madonnina, a breathtaking viewpoint over the Amalfi Coast. Free time to visit and shop in the quaint terraced village of Positano, a prosperous port of the former Amalfi Republic. See the Byzantine church of SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA and its famous majolica tile dome before returning to Sorrento, where dinner at a seaside restaurant awaits you. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4 – Sorrento – Trani – Alberobello
Stop in Trani, where a special lunch with local specialties awaits you at a seaside restaurant. Continue to the picturesque town of Alberobello, where you will stay for the next two nights. This evening, a renowned chef reveals secrets of the local cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in an Italian cooking lesson and prepare your own Italian dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 – Alberobello
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Alberobello today. This evening a special dinner at Masseria Torricella awaits you. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6 – Alberobello – Matera – Reggio Calabria
Stop in Matera to take a photo of the picturesque Sassi Houses. Afterwards, enjoy a spectacular drive south along the Gulf of Taranto to Scilla, the home of the sea-monster Scylla who guarded the narrow Strait of Messina in Greek Mythology. Next, head inland to Reggio Calabria with a Local Guide. Visit the MUSEUM that houses the world-famous bronze warrior sculptures, Bronzi di Riace. (Breakfast)
Day 7 – Reggio Calabria – Taormina Riviera
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 and enjoy time at leisure in this charming hilltop town overlooking the Ionian Sea. This evening a short drive through the countryside will take you to a SICILIAN AGRITURISMO. There you will enjoy a guided visit of this Agriturismo set amidst luxuriant orange and lemon trees with panoramic views over the Mount Etna volcano. Later you will be spoiled with a delicious four-course meal. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 8 – Taormina Riviera. Excursion to Syracuse
Enjoy a morning at leisure in beautiful Taormina. This afternoon travel to Syracuse, once a powerful Greek port and the birthplace of mathematician Archimedes, which has attracted visitors such as philosopher Plato and, later, Apostle Paul, who converted its citizens to Christianity. Enter the archaeological site with a Local Guide to see the 5th-century BC Greek Theater, Garden of Paradise, Ear of Dionysus, Altar of Hieron II, Roman Amphitheater, and the Cordmakers’ Cave. Enjoy dinner on your own upon returning to Taormina. (Breakfast)
Day 9 – Taormina Riviera. Excursion to Mount Etna
A Local Guide accompanies you on a scenic drive through orchards, vineyards, and forests up to the western slope of Europe’s highest active volcano. From your vantage point at 6,500 feet, observe an unreal landscape of extinct craters and rivers of solidified lava. Return to Taormina for an afternoon at leisure. This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with breathtaking sea views. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 10 – Taormina Riviera – Agrigento – Marsala – Palermo
Head south to Agrigento and enjoy a walk with your Local Guide through the breathtaking VALLEY OF TEMPLES. Even travelers who have visited Athens and Delphi are awed by the gigantic yet graceful Greek structures that miraculously survived 24 centuries of tormented history. Drive along the western coast to Marsala and enjoy a WINE TASTING at the famous Florio wine cellar to sample and learn about Marsala wines. Visit SALT MILLS before stopping for dinner. Arrive at your hotel in Palermo. (Breakfast)
Day 11 – Palermo
Guided sightseeing features the ornate Piazza Bellini, Capo Market, the baroque Church of Immacolata, and the 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 feet of precious byzantine mosaics. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. Tonight, travel to Sferracavallo, a fishing village just a few miles from Palermo for a farewell dinner complete with fine seafood and fish dining, Sicilian style! (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 12 – Palermo
After breakfast this morning individual transfers bring you to the airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)
Included in Your Southern Italy & Sicily Guided Tour
TOUR DIRECTOR~ Silvio Cacace
The services of a professional, multilingual Tour Director will be provided throughout.
MEALS
11 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
8 Dinners
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Motor coaches are fully air-conditioned everywhere while touring. No use of the motor coach other than as specified in the itinerary. One group airport transfer on arrival and departure.
SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary with inside visits (including admission charges) and special features shown in UPPER CASE in the tour description. Sightseeing with local guides where applicable.
QUALITY HOTELS
The hotels provided for your custom tour quotation will be of similar quality to those listed. Please note, no hotels are reserved at the time of quotation, therefore the hotel list is subject to change. Accommodations will be confirmed 45 days after receipt of deposit OR in November of the year prior to departure, whichever is the later date.
If for any reason we are unable to confirm a particular hotel within this timeline, we reserve the right to have additional time to confirm the hotel and may seek alternative accommodation. Accommodations will be provided in superior first-class hotels, or best available first-class. Twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower, based on double occupancy. Hotel taxes, service charges, state and local taxes, porterage service for one piece of luggage per person, tips to baggage porters and hotel staff is all included in the tour prices. Groups must utilize a minimum of 10 hotel rooms.
Not Included in Your Southern Italy & Sicily Guided Tour
AIRPORT MISCELLANEOUS
Airfare, Airport taxes (where applicable), excess baggage, meals not included in attached itinerary, all items of a personal nature such as laundry, cleaning, telephone, internet, or fax expenses, beverages including tea and coffee (except at breakfast and at hotel dinners), wines, liquors, soft drinks, etc. Gratuities for the Tour Director, motor coach driver and local guides are not included and can be added for the entire group at your request. In some cases, gratuities for local guides cannot be included and must be paid while on tour. Airfare may be arranged with Bucket List Travel Tours.
PASSPORTS & VISAS
Passports must comply with immigration regulations. Regulations may include, but are not limited to the following: must have at least 2 blank pages when entering a country and must have no less than 6 months before expiring. It is the responsibility of the traveler to check visa requirements and obtain visa(s). Bucket List Travel Tours preferred visa provider is GenVisa. GenVisa provides centralized customer service through its website, a national customer service center in Washington, D.C., and processing offices in San Francisco, Chicago, New York and Houston. Contact GenVisa at 800.845.8968 or info@genvisa.com.
Details from 2018’s Italy Trip
Pricing
Per person price based on double occupancy: $3198
Price includes land tour, sightseeing,accommodations, meals as detailed in the itinerary, airport arrival & departure transfers, and the services of a professional Tour Director.
- Deposit due at the time of reservation: $350
- Single Supplement: $558
- Deposit become non refundable:
December 1, 2017 - Final Payment due:
January 15, 2018
Please make checks payable to Bucket List Travel Tours.
Travel Protection
Travel Protection rate is based on, cost of trip and length of trip starting at $249 per person or less and must be purchased at time of deposit.
Additional Information
- 2 Additional nights available in Rome prior to Tour for $250 per person
- Terms & Conditions: Download the complete list of terms and conditions.
- This is a non-smoking tour for Adults Only
Downloads
About Bucket List Travel Tours
Think of Bucket List Travel Tours as your travel professionals—all organized and managed by Sue Piazza. No matter whether you're looking for a quiet vacation package, a group tour package, or business travel, we are here to help.
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