Southern Italy Tour
11 NIGHTS/12 DAYS
DAY 1 -CATANIA
Day dedicated to the visit of Catania. For all the noise, chaos and scruffiness that hit the visitor at first glance, Catania has a strong magnetic pull. This is Sicily at its most youthful, a city packed with cool and gritty bars, abundant energy and an earthy spirit in sharp contrast to Palermo’s aristocratic airs. Guided tour with our local guide and time for relax and shopping in Catania.
DAY 2 TAORMINA– ETNA
Today we will move to Taormina, spectacularly perched on the side of a mountain, Taormina is one of Sicily's most popular summer destinations, a chic resort town popular with holidaying high-rollers and those wanting a taste of Sicilian dolce vita; guided visit to the Greek Theatre, and along the narrow and colourful streets with our local guide. In the afternoon excursion to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. Reach 1800 m for a breathtaking view of the incredible surrounding landscape.
OPTIONAL - After a walking tour with our local guide, we will move to the Etna wine production area, to a Biological wine estate , Monaci delle Terre Nere, where we will enjoy a rich wine selection with the best Italian and foreign labels, through the wine tastings with an expert sommelier
DAY 3 SYRACUSE & ORTIGIA
Breakfast in hotel. Leave fora full day tour with your tour guide. Visit Syracuse, a window into the ancient history of the Mediterranean. Its vast archaeological site, on the edge of the modern city, is a rare treasure of temples and amphitheaters. Siracusa flourished in 480 B.C. and soon became the most important Greek city in Sicily, both economically and politically. Across the water from the mainland, Ortygia remains Syracuse's most beautiful corner, a deeply atmospheric quarter with an ever-growing legion of fans enamored with its beautiful streetscapes and attractive dining, drinking and shopping options.
DAY 4 CALABRIA
Arrival to Tropea area and accommodation in your hotel. Day at leisure. Overnight.
Day 5, Day 6 - Tropea area
After breakfast, enjoy activities/optional excursions (see the list below) or just relax on the beach. Overnigh
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
HALF DAY GUIDED TOUR TROPEA AND CAPO VATICANO
HALF DAY GUIDED TOUR OF PIZZO, INCLUDING ENTRANCE TICKET AND TASTING
Day 7 –DAY 4 MATERA
Breakfast at hotel. This day we will move to Tenuta Viglione, a wine estate located in the Murgia Barese, where the autochthon primitivo di Gioia del Colle, Trebbiano e Malvasia are cultivated to produce famous and international award-winnings wines . After a visit to the wineyads and wine tasting experience we will move to Matera, European Capital of Culture 2019, where we will experience a lunch in the Caves ( Sassi) , followed by a walking panoramic tour with our local guide. Overnight in Matera area.
DAY 8 OSTUNI - LOCOROTONDO – ALBEROBELLO
Breakfast at hotel. This day is dedicated to the Valle d’Itria. In this land, throughout the year, you will have the opportunity to live authentic experiences in direct contact with nature, the 'art, history, culture and traditional flavors of Puglia. You can wander through the countryside characterized by the green expanses of olive trees in the coastal zone of the rows of vines and fruit trees that run along the valleys and hills. Kilometers of drystone walls bordering the countryside perfectly groomed and cultivated in all seasons in vegetables, fruits, olives and grapes for the production of excellent extra virgin olive oil and fine wines. From the famous white city of Ostuni, with its unique feature to the Old Town, the Locorotondo to 'must-capital of the Trulli in Alberobello we will visit the highlights of the Valley, together with the unique Urban Wine Estate in Locorotondo, a wine yard located just on the town hill. Overnight in Martinafranca or Ostuni.
DAY 9 MARTINA FRANCA – MANDURIA
Breakfast at hotel. This morning we will join our local guide in Martina Franca to visit its baroque historical center and the Ducal Palace, with its fascinating frescos. At the end of pour tour we will enjoy a cafè and pastry in the famous Tripoli Café,in the square where many Italian spots and movies have been played since 60’s till nowadays. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon we will travel to Manduria and visit the Museo della Civiltà del vino Primitivo where we learn more about Primitivo and taste some local wines . Overnight in Martinafranca or Ostuni
Day 10 - Full-day excursion to Lecce
Breakfast at hotel. Departure for a full-day excursion to Lecce, called “the Florence of Southern Italy” it is the Pearl of Baroque style. Here you will take a half-day guided tour of the city. Lecce is renowned for the richness of the monuments, most of them characterized by the typical Lecce baroque style. Many are the buildings and churches. Such as the Santa Croce Basilica, Santa Chiara Basilica and the Duomo. The city center is rounded by imponent walls with its 4 doors: Arch of Triumph, Rudiae Door, San Biagio Door, San Martino Door. Lunch at leisure. Free time for shopping.
Day 11 Full day excursion to Bari and Trani
Breakfast at hotel. Full day excursion to Bari, the capital of Apulia region, famous for St Nicholas and S. Sabino Cathedrals and the Swabian Castle. In the afternoon we proceed on with a short visit of Trani, the beautiful multi-styles Trani, where the traces of more than one civilization can be found. Arab, Byzantine and Norman).
Day 12 Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer to Catania airport with our tour escort.