Grand Tour of Southern Italy: Rome, Amalfi Coast, Puglia and Sicily

After breakfast, participants meet the tour leader and bus driver directly at the hotel to begin a panoramic sightseeing experience of Rome with a licensed local guide. The morning includes walking visits to the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and Via del Corso, followed by external views of the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

At midday, lunch is served in the Campo de’ Fiori area, known for its lively atmosphere and historic market. The afternoon is free to explore Rome independently, relax, or enjoy personal activities. Dinner is at leisure and not included.

After breakfast, participants meet the tour leader for a guided visit to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, one of Rome’s four Papal Basilicas and an important site of religious and artistic heritage. The visit is followed by a private concert held in an exclusive hall inside the basilica, featuring piano and a tenor or soprano, creating a unique and intimate cultural experience.

Lunch takes place at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the basilica, offering panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, participants enjoy a guided walk with the tour leader to admire the Roman Forum and the Colosseum from the outside, followed by free time to explore the city at leisure. Dinner is not include

After breakfast, participants check out of the hotel and depart Rome at 8:00 AM by private bus with the tour leader, heading south toward Naples. Arrival is expected at around 11:00 AM.

From late morning to early afternoon, a guided walking tour explores Naples’ historic center, including Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace, the San Carlo Theatre, Spaccanapoli, and an external view of Naples Cathedral.

At approximately 1:15 PM, lunch is served at a local trattoria, featuring authentic Neapolitan pizza, followed by sfogliatella or gelato. In the afternoon, participants transfer to their hotel for check-in and free time. The day concludes with a group dinner at 7:00 PM.

After breakfast, participants depart Naples at 9:00 AM to begin a full-day tour of the Amalfi Coast. The first stop is Amalfi, where free time allows exploration of the historic center and an external view of Amalfi Cathedral, set against dramatic coastal scenery.

Lunch is served in Amalfi at around 12:30 PM. In the early afternoon, the journey continues to Ravello, with a scenic coastal drive offering views of the Mediterranean and steep cliffs.

In Ravello, known as the “City of Music,” participants enjoy free time to explore the town, relax in the main square, or browse local artisan shops. The return to Naples begins in the late afternoon, with arrival around 4:30 PM. The evening is free, and dinner is not included.

After breakfast, participants check out at 9:00 AM and depart Naples by private bus with the tour leader toward Puglia (approximately 3-hour drive). The first stop is Bari, where lunch is served in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, a licensed local guide leads a walking tour of Bari Vecchia, including key sites such as the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and the Cathedral. The visit also offers insight into daily life in the old town, where traditional orecchiette pasta is still made by hand along the streets.

Following the visit, the group continues to the 4-star hotel for check-in and free time. Dinner is served at the hotel at 7:30 PM.

After breakfast, the group departs at 9:00 AM for Polignano a Mare. Perched on cliffs above the Adriatic Sea, the town is known for Cala Porto (Lama Monachile) and the statue of Domenico Modugno, author of the song “Volare.” A guided visit introduces the town and its panoramic viewpoints.

Late in the morning, participants travel to a traditional masseria, where they tour the property and take part in a hands-on cooking class focused on fresh pasta. Lunch follows, featuring the dishes prepared during the experience.

In the afternoon, the tour continues to Monopoli, a coastal town characterized by its harbor, white stone buildings, and historic center. Free time allows participants to explore independently. Dinner is at leisure before returning to the hotel.

After breakfast, participants depart with the tour leader to visit Ostuni, known as the “White City.” A guided walking tour explores the historic center, whitewashed streets, panoramic viewpoints, artisan shops, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

Lunch is at leisure in Ostuni. In the afternoon, the group continues to Alberobello for a guided visit of the UNESCO-listed districts of Rione Monti and Aia Piccola, famous for their iconic trulli houses. Free time follows before returning to the hotel. Dinner is served at the hotel restaurant with the group.

After breakfast, participants check out and depart at 8:00 AM by private bus for the journey to Catania, with a total travel time of approximately seven hours. During the journey, the group stops in Scilla, a picturesque coastal village in Calabria linked to Greek mythology.

Lunch is served in a local restaurant overlooking the sea. After lunch, the journey continues toward Sicily, including a ferry crossing. Arrival in Catania is expected in the afternoon, followed by 4-star hotel check-in and free time. In the evening at 7:30 PM, the group meets again for dinner near the hotel.

After breakfast, participants depart at 9:00 AM for Taormina, reaching the town after approximately one hour. At 10:00 AM, a licensed local guide leads a visit of Taormina’s highlights, including the Ancient Greek Theatre (interior visit) and the historic center.

Lunch is served at around 12:00 PM in a local restaurant, offering Sicilian specialties. The afternoon is free for independent exploration, shopping, or relaxation. At approximately 4:00 PM, the group returns to the hotel in Catania. Dinner is at leisure and not included.

After breakfast, participants check out from the hotel and depart independently. The nearest airport is Catania Airport, marking the conclusion of the tour.