Sicily, Basilicata, Puglia, & Campania Southern Italy Tour

Your tour begins in Palermo, the capital of Sicily and features the lovely squares of Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria and Piazza Bellini. Note the exotic mixture of Moorish, Norman and Spanish Baroque styles that make this city special. Also see the Palace of the Normans, La Martorana Church, and the Cathedral, which houses the Imperial Crown of Constance of Aragon. Click Sicily, Basilicata, Puglia, and Campania Southern Italy Escorted Tour.

Valley of the Temples, one of the most important archeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. From ancient times to the present day, the Valley of the Temples’ ruins, landscape and colors have inspired poets, writers and painters. Here you get an up-close view of the temples of Juno, Concordia, Hercules and Jupiter. Learn about ancient Greek cultures when you visit the Archeological Museum, known for its extensive collection of Greek vases and statues.

Arrive in vibrant Catania, where a local guide will share its history. Visit the cathedral and view the main sites of this historic and baroque city. Witness the daily spectacle of bartering for fresh fish and produce when you visit the local market

Visit Mt. Etna Volcano National Park to see the spectacular landscapes sculpted by nature

Arrive in Giardini Naxos, the “garden of Sicily.”

visit beautiful Taormina, known for its charming atmosphere, significant monuments and flowering gardens. Enjoy viewing the Greek Amphitheater, Corso Umberto and the bountiful Public Gardens.

Basilicata region, arriving this afternoon in the seaside town of Scanzano Jonico. Late afternoon you’ll visit one of the area’s local wineries for a wine tasting and informative visit through the cellars and vineyards. Linger over a delicious regional dinner in the winery’s own “agriturismo” restaurant.

Begin your day with a drive towards Taranto, one of Italy’s most important port cities. Your visit to this southern town will include a special tour of the Aragonese Castle, dating back to the 15th century and belonging today to the Italian Marines.

Visit the mystical town of Alberobello where you will see some of the most unusually built homes, known as “trulli,” with cone-shaped roofs and no mortar to hold the stones together.

Visit the “Sassi di Matera,” an ancient town known for its cave dwellings, both modern and ancient. A local guide will help you learn the history of this site and why it has recently caught the eye of many film producers.

Begin your day exploring the popular seaside resort town of Sorrento. Visit local artisans and watch them demonstrate the art of inlaid wood making. This afternoon take time to explore this lovely town on your own. You may choose to sign up for an optional tour exploring the Amalfi Coast by boat. Or join our private exlcusive tour to the villas of Stabiae, where the ancient Roman plutocrats built their villas overlooking the Bay of Naples. Here Roman Senators and plutocrats made deals during the day and spent their nights celebrating Bacchus. Preserved until today by Mt Vesuvius' volcanic ash, you will walk with our local guide among the original mosaics, fresoces, gardens and more, all providing fascinating insight into the lifetyles of ancient Rome's rich and famous. Whereas Pompeii was the urban center, Stabiae was where the Beverly Hills of ancient Rome.

Travel towards the Bay of Naples and experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Soak in the history of the preserved original buildings of a typical Roman town 2,000 years ago. A local guide will provide an in-depth view of this remarkable archeological sight.