Italian Journey Coastal Charms and Historic Wonders
Set off from Rome on an 8 day journey that sweeps from the Adriatic to Sicily – finishing in Palermo. You’ll explore abbeys perched above the sea, sand fringed towns and the historic ports of Bari and Brindisi. Expect to see Lecce’s lavish baroque, the white trulli of Alberobello and the cave quarters of Matera – with lunch included. Sail to Capri for big views, pause in Sorrento and cross to Sicily for Messina and Taormina’s Greek Theatre. There’s time on the coast at Giardini Naxos and a deep dive into Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale, before Palermo and Monreale’s glittering cathedrals.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysHotel Rating
4 star hotelsStarts
RomeEnds
PalermoMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Italy that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Country
ItalyPassengers
$1,876.00
$400.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
Rome
San giovanni in venere abbey
Termoli
Bari
Brindisi
Lecce
Gallipoli
Alberobello
Matera
Naples
Capri
Sorrento
Salerno
Paola
Mesina
Taormina
Caltagirone
Villa Romana del Casale
Palermo
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Rome - San giovanni in venere abbey - Termoli - Bari
From Rome we travel east across the Apennines towards the Adriatic. Our first stop is the 11th‑century San Giovanni in Venere Abbey – admission included – built on the site of an ancient Roman temple. We then continue to Termoli, a coastal city where the beach sits below the walled old town, home to a 13th‑century castle and a Romanesque cathedral. You’ll have time here for lunch and a relaxed walk. In the afternoon we head on to Bari, a historic port city inhabited since before Roman times, where you can explore the old town’s narrow streets and churches at your own pace.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - Bari - Brindisi - Lecce - Gallipoli - Brindisi
We follow the Adriatic coast to Brindisi, a walled port city where you can enjoy a relaxed seafront stroll, see the Roman column and wander the old quarter. We then continue to Lecce, celebrated for its ornate baroque architecture – often called the Florence of the South. You have time to explore the historic centre and break for lunch. In the afternoon we visit Gallipoli on the Ionian Sea, founded by the Greeks and later influenced by Arab, Norman and Aragonese rule. Its old town is linked to the mainland by a 17th century bridge and forms a maze of narrow streets and historic buildings, with the cathedral, the castle and the ancient city walls among the highlights. We return to Brindisi at the end of the day for your overnight stay.
Day 3 - Brindisi - Alberobello - Matera - Naples
We travel inland from Brindisi to Alberobello to discover its remarkable trulli – cone‑roofed dry‑stone houses recognised by UNESCO for their unique rural architecture. We then continue to Matera in Basilicata to explore the Sassi – ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock and designated a World Heritage Site as one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban settlements. Lunch is included in Matera. In the afternoon we cross the mountain landscapes of Basilicata and Campania, arriving in Naples by evening, where you’ll have free time to explore.
Day 4 - Naples - Capri - Sorrento - Salerno
After breakfast, we head to the Port of Naples to board the ferry to Capri. On arrival, you can take the funicular up to Capri town to stroll and enjoy the views, with time for lunch. In the afternoon, we reboard the ferry and continue to Sorrento – a charming town set beneath dramatic cliffs – where you’ll have free time to wander. We then travel on to the Gulf of Salerno to stay in the city of Salerno.
Day 5 - Salerno - Paola - Mesina - Taormina
We leave Salerno and travel south through Cilento National Park to Paola on the Tyrrhenian Sea. We visit the Sanctuary of St Francis of Paola, then you’ll have free time for lunch in the historic centre. We continue to Villa San Giovanni to board the ferry to Sicily – a short crossing to Messina – where we take time to see the cathedral before continuing to Taormina. Dinner is included. Accommodation is usually in the Taormina region – on certain dates it may be in Messina.
Day 6 - Taormina - Giardini Naxos - Villa Romana del Casale - Palermo
At the foot of Mount Etna sits Taormina – once described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. Early this morning we head to Giardini Naxos, the first Greek settlement in Sicily, founded in 734 BC, with its seafront promenade and popular beaches. Afterwards, you’ll have time to wander Taormina’s lively old town, where you can see the Greek Theatre looking out over the surrounding landscape.After lunchtime we continue to Villa Romana del Casale – admission and guided tour included – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Roman Empire, villas symbolised agricultural wealth and exploitation. Here the layout from the 4th century survives, and the mosaics that cover almost every room are renowned for their richness and quality – among the finest of the Roman world.We then cross the mountainous heart of the island and continue to Palermo, arriving at the end of the day – dinner included.
Day 7 - Palermo
Palermo comes to life this morning on a guided tour with a local expert. We explore the cathedral – a striking blend of styles with royal tombs – with admission included. We continue to the Palazzo dei Normanni, the former royal palace, and take in the city’s fountains, markets and gardens. We also visit nearby Monreale to see its cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its golden mosaics – with admission included. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace.Note: For smaller groups, the tour may run as part of a regular excursion operated by local companies rather than a private tour.
Day 8 - Palermo
After breakfast in Palermo, we conclude the tour – we hope you leave with wonderful memories. You’re free to make your onward travel arrangements.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Palermo
Double
Twin
Triple
Single
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Rome
Double
Twin
Triple
Single
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Looking for a date not yet released?
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in Italy to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
On The Go Tours
Our agents are waiting to chat to you...
Are you a Travel Agent or Customer?
Do you have an booking reference?