- day tour

Arrive individually at your hotel in the charming city of Palermo. Optional private transfers are available upon request. Enjoy dinner at your leisure, allowing you to explore local culinary delights. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Overnight: Bari

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before departing for Monreale, perched on the hills overlooking Palermo. Here, we will explore the renowned Arab-Norman Cathedral, celebrated for its stunning Byzantine mosaics. The sheer grandeur of the cathedral is sure to impress. Our visit continues at the Cloister, where you'll find intricately carved columns and a lush garden. Next, we head to Palermo, nestled at the base of Monte Pellegrino. This city is rich in history and culture, offering a fascinating blend of architectural styles that reflect Sicily's complex past. Our first stop is the Cathedral, a masterpiece showcasing a mix of Norman, Arab, and Baroque design. We'll then visit the Martorana Church, noted for its exquisite mosaics and the seamless integration of Byzantine and Baroque architecture. Discover the Cappella Palatina, located within the Palazzo dei Normanni, before enjoying a typical Sicilian lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Palermo's historic centre. You'll be captivated by landmarks such as the Teatro Massimo and the Fountain of Pretoria Square, a notable Renaissance monument. The day concludes with dinner at your leisure and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Overnight: Monreale

Our day begins in Cefalù, a charming coastal town renowned for its Norman Cathedral. This architectural masterpiece invites you to delve into medieval Sicilian history. You have time to wander through the old town's streets at your leisure, or you might choose to visit the esteemed Mandralisca Museum. We'll then stop for lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Catania, which lies at the foot of Mount Etna. Catania is a lively city rich in history. Its old town features late-Baroque architecture, crafted with lava stone that lends the buildings their distinctive dark hue. Our tour will take us through Duomo Square, where you can admire the Cathedral and the iconic lava stone Elephant, a symbol of the city. Our walking tour continues to University Square, an elegant area surrounded by historical and academic buildings, and then to Via dei Crociferi, Catania’s Baroque heart. Here, you can marvel at the stunning palaces and churches, including the Monastery of San Benedetto. We'll pause at a historic bar in the centre to enjoy a local speciality: granita with brioche. Dinner is at your discretion, and we will spend the night at a hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the lively Pescheria in Catania, renowned for its bustling fish market. Next, we'll depart for Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe. The landscape here is dramatic, with its lava flows and craters, and teems with biodiversity. Our journey will lead us to Rifugio Sapienza, our starting point for exploring the ancient "Crateri Silvestri," which are now dormant. Along the way, we'll have the chance to taste artisanal honey and other local delicacies. We then continue to Taormina, a true gem of the Mediterranean, known for its enchanting scenery and stunning vistas. We’ll enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the old town. Afterwards, we visit the captivating Greco-Roman Theatre, which perfectly frames views of the sea and Mount Etna, blending art, history, and nature. You will have free time to explore Taormina's historic centre, walk its narrow streets, or browse local craft shops. We return to Catania for an independent dinner, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Syracuse, a city rich in history and art. You will explore the renowned Archaeological Park of Neapolis, which offers a glimpse into Sicily’s glorious past. Within the park, visit the impressive Greek Theatre, one of the largest and best-preserved ancient theatres in the world, as well as the Roman Amphitheatre, a formidable relic of Syracuse's prominence during the Roman Empire. Wander through the Latomie of Paradise, ancient stone quarries once used as prisons, leading to the Ear of Dionysius, a remarkable rock formation known for its acoustic properties. Enjoy lunch at your leisure. Our tour then takes us to Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse, where you will admire Piazza Duomo, a square steeped in history and stunning architecture, and visit the Cathedral, an exquisite example of Sicilian Baroque built on the remains of a Greek temple. From Piazza Duomo, walk to the port and see the Fountain of Arethusa. We return to Catania for dinner at your own arrangement and overnight at the hotel.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Bari. Upon arrival, a comfortable minivan will transport us to the picturesque town of Trani. Known for its stunning harbour and charming old town, Trani offers a delightful blend of history and Italian coastal beauty. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have free time to explore the UNESCO-listed city centre of Catania, renowned for its Baroque architecture, or further immerse yourself in the scenic allure of Trani. We will conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at a local hotel.

Our day begins with a breakfast showcasing local flavours to set us up for the adventures ahead. At 10 am, we embark on an escorted tour of Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built by Frederick II of Swabia, it is renowned for its intriguing architecture and mysterious past. Afterwards, we head back to Trani, where you have time for a leisurely lunch on your own. In the afternoon, we delve into the rich history of Trani on a guided tour. You'll visit the magnificent seaside cathedral, a city landmark, explore the lively port, and wander the charming Jewish quarter. This walk offers a chance to experience the alluring pace of life in this coastal gem. As evening falls, we will enjoy an aperitif with stunning views of Trani's tourist port at sunset. For dinner, you have the opportunity to choose your own dining experience. Accommodation will be provided overnight in a local hotel.

After breakfast, we'll set off for Matera, a truly captivating city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its "Sassi," the ancient district where stone dwellings intertwine with rock caves and labyrinthine paths, Matera offers a unique glimpse into a layered history where various cultures and landscapes blend seamlessly. As a notable film location, such as for Mel Gibson’s "The Passion of the Christ," it showcases its remarkable scenery. Our guided tour begins at Piazza Vittorio Veneto, opposite the Banco di Napoli. Here, you'll enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Civita and Sasso Barisano. We’ll explore key landmarks, including Piazza del Sedile and Via Duomo, before reaching a magnificent viewpoint to admire the full splendour of Matera. The tour continues with visits to the rock churches of Madonna dell'Idris and San Giovanni in Monterrone, extraordinary remnants of a distant past. You will have the chance to step inside a typical cave house, providing an immersive experience of Matera's traditional living conditions. We'll then return to Trani, where you can enjoy dinner at your leisure, followed by an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we continue our journey to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 and a iconic destination in Apulia. Known as the capital of "trulli," these unique, conical-roofed structures are like no others globally. Discover the secrets and stories of these white "casedde," crafted by the ancient artisans known as "caseddari" or "trullari." Our local guide will lead us through Alberobello's historic districts: Aia Piccola and Rione Monti. Next, we head to Polignano a Mare, renowned for its stunning views and charming historic centre. On arrival, you’ll see the statue of Domenico Modugno, celebrating the famous singer of "Volare." Explore the historic centre perched dramatically over the sea, offering numerous terraces with spectacular views of the clear waters. Don't miss the chance to try the famous 'special coffee,' a local drink with a unique flavour and secret recipe. We then return to the hotel for a free evening to enjoy dinner on your own, followed by an overnight stay.