Southern Italy & Sicily
Operated by Collette

Southern Italy & Sicily

From
CAD 5,499
Duration
14 days
Countries
Italy
Activity
active
Rating
4.5 · 654 reviewsvia Collette

The adventure

Join Collette's Southern Italy and Sicily tour and get a glimpse into an age-old heritage composed of ancient monuments and cultivated lands.

At a glance

Duration
14 days
Route
Countries
Italy
Activity level
active
Style
Culture & History
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Ask an agent

Day by day

View of a historic hilltop town surrounded by lush greenery under cloudy skies.
Your journey through

Italy

Day 1Overnight FlightThe hidden treasures of Southern Italy and Sicily are yours to explore, for it's here you'll find breathtaking scenery, historic cities, centuries-old hilltop villages and iconic cuisine.
Capture of cityscape from airplane with FlySafair wing visible.Overnight Flight
The hidden treasures of Southern Italy and Sicily are yours to explore, for it's here you'll find breathtaking scenery, historic cities, centuries-old hilltop villages and iconic cuisine.
Day 2Palermo, SicilyYour Italian journey begins in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Discover the city’s vibrant culture as you take in its gritty, unshakable spirit, and captivating energy. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine.
Your Italian journey begins in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Discover the city’s vibrant culture as you take in its gritty, unshakable spirit, and captivating energy. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine.
Day 3PalermoThis morning, visit hilltop Monreale, ascending 92 steps to its 12th-century cathedral and entering to see its majestic Byzantine mosaics. Next, travel to a family-owned farmhouse, picturesquely set in the hills surrounding Palermo. Meet the owners and discover what a typical day on a Sicilian farm is like, and then tuck into a hearty farm-to-table lunch, made with family recipes. Return to Palermo for an evening at leisure.
Discover the vibrant skyline of Palermo, Sicily capturing historic architecture beneath a bright blue sky.Palermo
This morning, visit hilltop Monreale, ascending 92 steps to its 12th-century cathedral and entering to see its majestic Byzantine mosaics. Next, travel to a family-owned farmhouse, picturesquely set in the hills surrounding Palermo. Meet the owners and discover what a typical day on a Sicilian farm is like, and then tuck into a hearty farm-to-table lunch, made with family recipes. Return to Palermo for an evening at leisure.
Map showing Palermo
Day 4Palermo - AgrigentoBegin the day with an extensive walking tour of Palermo’s old town. On foot, uncover cobblestone piazzas and ornate buildings, many worn by time and conflict. This afternoon, relax aboard your bus as you travel over rolling hills and peaceful farmland to Sicily’s southern coast for a two-night stay in the outskirts of Agrigento.
Aerial shot of a historic piazza in Palermo, Italy with landmarks and urban architecture.Palermo
Begin the day with an extensive walking tour of Palermo’s old town. On foot, uncover cobblestone piazzas and ornate buildings, many worn by time and conflict. This afternoon, relax aboard your bus as you travel over rolling hills and peaceful farmland to Sicily’s southern coast for a two-night stay in the outskirts of Agrigento.
Map showing Palermo
Day 5AgrigentoThis morning, step back 25 centuries and delve into ancient Greek history with a visit of the stunning Valley of the Temples, one of the world’s most esteemed archeological sites. Get an up-close view of the temples of Juno, Concordia, and Hercules during an extensive walking tour of this ancient acropolis. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure at your hotel, where you can take in the views from its panoramic terrace and walk along the beach. Spend the evening as you wish. Perhaps you’ll head to Agrigento’s old town for a stroll through its historic centre and free time to explore.
Explore the ancient Temple of Concordia, a classical architectural marvel in Agrigento, Sicily.Agrigento
This morning, step back 25 centuries and delve into ancient Greek history with a visit of the stunning Valley of the Temples, one of the world’s most esteemed archeological sites. Get an up-close view of the temples of Juno, Concordia, and Hercules during an extensive walking tour of this ancient acropolis. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure at your hotel, where you can take in the views from its panoramic terrace and walk along the beach. Spend the evening as you wish. Perhaps you’ll head to Agrigento’s old town for a stroll through its historic centre and free time to explore.
Map showing Agrigento
Day 6Agrigento - Piazza Armerina - Giardini NaxosVenture deep into Sicily’s countryside to Piazza Armerina, home of the ancient Villa Romana del Casale. Explore the site with an expert insider for a locally guided tour of its impressive Roman mosaics. In the afternoon, journey to Sicily’s eastern shores for your three-night stay in Giardini Naxos. This evening, perhaps you’ll join an optional dinner with music, where traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air.
Explore the historic ruins of the Temple of Heracles in Agrigento, a testament to ancient architecture.Agrigento
Venture deep into Sicily’s countryside to Piazza Armerina, home of the ancient Villa Romana del Casale. Explore the site with an expert insider for a locally guided tour of its impressive Roman mosaics. In the afternoon, journey to Sicily’s eastern shores for your three-night stay in Giardini Naxos. This evening, perhaps you’ll join an optional dinner with music, where traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air.
Map showing Agrigento
Day 7Giardini NaxosThis morning, explore beautiful Taormina, home to ancient relics, rocky hills, and charming gardens. With an expert local guide, you’ll stroll the lively pedestrianized main street and climb to the city’s well-preserved Greek theatre. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Taormina or relax in Giardini Naxos – the “garden of Sicily.”
A scenic beach in Sicily, Italy, with rows of umbrellas and people enjoying the sun and sea.Giardini Naxos
This morning, explore beautiful Taormina, home to ancient relics, rocky hills, and charming gardens. With an expert local guide, you’ll stroll the lively pedestrianized main street and climb to the city’s well-preserved Greek theatre. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Taormina or relax in Giardini Naxos – the “garden of Sicily.”
Map showing Giardini Naxos
Day 8Giardini NaxosToday is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps you’ll opt to experience Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure up Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Take in awe-inspiring views from a 4x4 vehicle and hop out to walk amid lava formations and basalt rocks. After a wine-paired lunch at a winery on the slopes of Mount Etna, return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
A grand villa surrounded by lush gardens and mountains near the Italian lake.Giardini Naxos
Today is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps you’ll opt to experience Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure up Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Take in awe-inspiring views from a 4x4 vehicle and hop out to walk amid lava formations and basalt rocks. After a wine-paired lunch at a winery on the slopes of Mount Etna, return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Map showing Giardini Naxos
Day 9Giardini Naxos - MateraTake a short and scenic ferry ride across the narrow Strait of Messina, separating Sicily from Italy’s mainland. During your full day bus transfer, pass through the unspoiled region of Calabria and onto the Basilicata region. Wander through the twisting vines of a local winery before touring the cellar for a tasting. Linger over regional cuisine at dinner in the winery’s <i>agriturismo</i> restaurant.
A stunning aerial view of a coastal town with a beach, hills, and sunset sky.Giardini Naxos
Take a short and scenic ferry ride across the narrow Strait of Messina, separating Sicily from Italy’s mainland. During your full day bus transfer, pass through the unspoiled region of Calabria and onto the Basilicata region. Wander through the twisting vines of a local winery before touring the cellar for a tasting. Linger over regional cuisine at dinner in the winery’s <i>agriturismo</i> restaurant.
Map showing Giardini Naxos
Day 10MateraExplore the Sassi di Matera, an ancient settlement of carved cave dwellings that has been continuously inhabited for millennia. A local guide shares the history and explains why film producers are seeking out this unique landscape. The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you’ll join an optional tour to Alberobello in the nearby region of Puglia. Here, marvel at the town’s whimsical <i>trulli</i> homes, known for their distinct, cone-shaped roofs.
Aerial view of the ancient stone buildings in Matera, showcasing historic Italian architecture.Matera
Explore the Sassi di Matera, an ancient settlement of carved cave dwellings that has been continuously inhabited for millennia. A local guide shares the history and explains why film producers are seeking out this unique landscape. The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you’ll join an optional tour to Alberobello in the nearby region of Puglia. Here, marvel at the town’s whimsical <i>trulli</i> homes, known for their distinct, cone-shaped roofs.
Map showing Matera
Day 11Matera - SorrentoAfter a full morning’s drive, stop at a sustainable buffalo dairy farm* for a taste of freshly made mozzarella and a peek into the history of this iconic cheese. After lunch at the dairy, continue to the Sorrentine Peninsula and settle in for a two-night stay.** This evening, discover the allure of Sorrento during a walk around its charming old town.
A scenic view of the ancient stone cityscape in Matera, Italy, under clear skies.Matera
After a full morning’s drive, stop at a sustainable buffalo dairy farm* for a taste of freshly made mozzarella and a peek into the history of this iconic cheese. After lunch at the dairy, continue to the Sorrentine Peninsula and settle in for a two-night stay.** This evening, discover the allure of Sorrento during a walk around its charming old town.
Map showing Matera
Day 12SorrentoThis morning, take in the sights and colours of the Mediterranean Sea as you sail*** along the initial stretch of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Gaze out over the deep blue hues of the sea paired with the bright citrus fruits lining the hillsides. Pause in Positano with its pastel-colored houses and pebbly beaches. Spend time in this legendary locale browsing the posh boutiques or relaxing along the beach, before returning to Sorrento for an evening at leisure.
Aerial view of Sorrento's stunning coastline and harbor with vibrant buildings and boats in Campania, Italy.Sorrento
This morning, take in the sights and colours of the Mediterranean Sea as you sail*** along the initial stretch of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Gaze out over the deep blue hues of the sea paired with the bright citrus fruits lining the hillsides. Pause in Positano with its pastel-colored houses and pebbly beaches. Spend time in this legendary locale browsing the posh boutiques or relaxing along the beach, before returning to Sorrento for an evening at leisure.
Map showing Sorrento
Day 13Sorrento - Pompeii - RomeJourney north to Rome. En route, experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii. Here, <b>it’s your choice!</b> Soak in the history of this 2000-year-old Roman town at your own pace by picking between a leisurely-paced walking tour of Pompeii’s essential sights <b>-OR-</b> a faster-paced walk combining the highlights with Pompeii's further-out gems. Step into another time as you explore the preserved buildings and imagine life in the 1st-century. An afternoon-long transfer leads to Rome, where you arrive in the early evening. Celebrate the end of your journey with a delightful farewell dinner.
Charming aerial view of Sorrento, capturing its historic buildings, bustling marina, and scenic coastline.Sorrento
Journey north to Rome. En route, experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii. Here, <b>it’s your choice!</b> Soak in the history of this 2000-year-old Roman town at your own pace by picking between a leisurely-paced walking tour of Pompeii’s essential sights <b>-OR-</b> a faster-paced walk combining the highlights with Pompeii's further-out gems. Step into another time as you explore the preserved buildings and imagine life in the 1st-century. An afternoon-long transfer leads to Rome, where you arrive in the early evening. Celebrate the end of your journey with a delightful farewell dinner.
Map showing Sorrento
Day 14Rome - Tour EndsYour tour comes to a close today.
The Colosseum stands majestically amidst bustling Rome, an iconic remnant of ancient architecture.Rome
Your tour comes to a close today.
Map showing Rome

Traveller reviews

4.5

Based on 654 reviews · via Collette

Discover Italy

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

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A picturesque town nestled by cliffs on the Amalfi Coast, Italy.
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Beautiful view of Ponte Sant'Angelo spanning the Tiber River in Rome, Italy under a clear sky.

Upcoming departures

DatesPrice / personAvailability
18 Jun 20261 Jul 2026CAD 6,499AvailableBook my trip
Operated by Collette

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