DAY 01: ROME, SAN GIOVANNI IN VENERE ABBEY, TERMOLI, TRANI, BARI

• Depart Rome in the morning, crossing the Apennines toward the Adriatic Sea.

• Visit the 11th-century Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere overlooking vineyards and the sea

• Arrive in Termoli for free time to explore or swim (May to mid-Oct)

• Afternoon drive along the scenic Adriatic coast

• Arrive in Bari with free time to explore the old town and its Norman castle

• Enjoy the southern Italian charm before checking in to your hotel in the evening.

• Overnight stay in Bari

• Take a moment to admire the scenic Adriatic coast from the abbey’s panoramic viewpoint.

DAY 02: BARI, BRINDISI, LECCE, GALLIPOLI, BRINDISI

• Depart in the morning for Brindisi, a historic port city with Roman and Greek heritage.

• Walk the waterfront and explore the historic old quarter

• Travel to Lecce, known for its rich baroque architecture and vibrant piazzas

• Enjoy free time for lunch and sightseeing in the "Florence of the South"

• Continue to Gallipoli to discover its ancient coastal charm and historic center

• Return to Brindisi for overnight stay.

DAY 03: BRINDISI, ALBEROBELLO, MATERA, NAPLES

• Visit Alberobello, famous for its unique cone-shaped trulli houses (UNESCO)

• Continue to Matera to explore the ancient cave city of Sassi di Matera (UNESCO)

• Included lunch in Matera and time to walk its historic stone alleys

• Drive through the scenic regions of Basilicata and Campania

• Return to Brindisi in the evening for an overnight stay.

• Matera’s cinematic scenery has served as a filming location for several major movies.

DAY 04: NAPLES, CAPRI, SORRENTO, SALERNO

• Ferry from Naples to the island of Capri (weather permitting)

• Free time on the island to explore boutiques, cafés, and take in cliffside views

• Afternoon ferry to Sorrento and walking tour of its picturesque town center

• Continue to Salerno for an evening hotel check-in.

• Optional evening walk in this lively seaside city

DAY 05: SALERNO, PAOLA, MESSINA, TAORMINA

• Depart in the morning along the Tyrrhenian coast.

• Visit the Sanctuary of San Francesco in Paola with free time in the town

• Cross from Villa San Giovanni to Sicily by ferry

• Brief stop in Messina to explore its central square and local culture

• Arrive in Taormina in the evening, with dinner included.

• Accommodation in Taormina or Messina area

• The short ferry ride to Sicily offers excellent views of the Strait of Messina.

DAY 06: TAORMINA, CALTAGIRONE, VILLA ROMANA DEL CASALE, PALERMO

• Morning stroll in Taormina, famed for its Greek theater and views of Mt. Etna

• Visit Caltagirone by tourist train, famous for ceramics and baroque charm

• Guided visit to Villa Romana del Casale, known for its extraordinary Roman mosaics

• Cross central Sicily’s mountainous terrain to reach Palermo

• Dinner and overnight stay in Palermo

DAY 07: PALERMO, MONREALE, PALERMO

• Morning guided tour of Palermo including its cathedral and Norman Palace

• Visit to Monreale’s cathedral to admire golden mosaics (admission included)

• Afternoon free to explore Palermo’s markets, museums, or local cafés

• Optional local excursions may be available based on group size

• Palermo’s historic markets like Ballarò and Vucciria are perfect for sampling Sicilian street food.

DAY 08: PALERMO

• Breakfast at hotel (included) and end of tour services

• Check out in the morning, with luggage storage available for late flights.

• Optional extra night recommended for those wishing to explore further