Sicily, Matera & Puglia Tour - Gold Package

Transfer on arrival to the hotel from Catania airport. Dinner at leisure and overnight at Il Principe Hotel 4* or similar.

Breakfast at the hotel before setting off for Syracuse, one of Sicily’s most fascinating cities. Explore the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to the impressive Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, Latomie of Paradise and Ear of Dionysius. Continue to the historic island of Ortigia, with its beautiful Piazza Duomo, Cathedral and Fountain of Arethusa. Lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, head to Noto, a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque, with free time to explore its elegant historic centre. Transfer to Ragusa for dinner and overnight at the Mediterraneo Palace Hotel 4* or similar. (B,D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Modica, one of the jewels of the Baroque Val di Noto, known for its elegant churches, historic palaces and picturesque hillside streets. A special stop at the renowned Sabadì chocolate shop offers the chance to taste its award-winning I.G.P. Modica chocolate. Lunch at a traditional local restaurant. The afternoon continues in Piazza Armerina, home to the extraordinary Villa Romana del Casale, famous for its remarkable Roman mosaics. Continue to Agrigento for dinner and overnight at Baia di Ulisse Wellness & SPA 4*, Hotel Kaos 4* or similar. (B,L,D)

Breakfast at the hotel, then continue to the spectacular Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where the Temples of Juno, Concordia and Hercules stand as reminders of ancient Akragas. Later, travel to Marsala, known for its wine and charming historic centre. Visit the historic Florio Cellars, including the impressive wine cellars, followed by a light lunch accompanied by local wines. In the afternoon, follow the scenic Salt Road, with views of the Stagnone Islands and ancient salt pans. Transfer to Palermo, dinner at leisure and overnight at Mercure Palermo Centro 4*, Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal Hotel 4* or similar. (B,L)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Monreale and its magnificent Arab-Norman Cathedral, renowned for its dazzling Byzantine mosaics, together with the beautiful Cloister. Continue to Palermo, a city shaped by centuries of different cultures and architectural styles. Visit Palermo Cathedral, the Martorana Church and the Cappella Palatina, famous for its spectacular golden mosaics. Enjoy lunch with local products, then explore the historic centre on foot, taking in Teatro Massimo and Piazza Pretoria with its remarkable Renaissance fountain. Dinner at leisure and overnight at Mercure Palermo Centro 4*, Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal Hotel 4* or similar. (B,L)

After breakfast, leave for Cefalù, a charming seaside town dominated by its magnificent Norman Cathedral. Enjoy some free time to wander through the cobbled streets or visit the Mandralisca Museum. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue to Catania, where the city’s distinctive late-Baroque architecture is built around the dark lava stone of Mount Etna. Discover Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral of Sant’Agata and the famous Elephant statue, then walk along Via dei Crociferi, the heart of Catania’s Baroque district, passing the Monastery of San Benedetto. Dinner at leisure and overnight at Il Principe Hotel 4* or similar. (B,L)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a brief visit to Catania’s lively fish market, the “Pescheria.” Then, depart for an excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano (3,350 m). Its dramatic lunar landscape offers stunning views and a memorable experience. The Etna Park, covers 59.000 hectares and is home to extremely varied and rich flora, along with many protected species. At Rifugio Sapienza, visit the “Crateri Silvestri,” two ancient craters inactive since 1888. During the visit, sample artisanal honey and other local products. Next, continue to Taormina, renowned for its natural beauty and historic charm. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in the old town, savouring regional specialties. Explore the magnificent Greco-Roman Theatre, boasting spectacular views of the sea and Mount Etna. Take free time to stroll Taormina’s picturesque streets, browse local craft shops, or simply relax and soak in the town’s unique atmosphere. Return to Catania for dinner at leisure and overnight at Il Principe Hotel 4* or similar. (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy free time in Catania before the private transfer to the airport, according to the flight schedule, and departure to Bari. Private transfer directly to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to discover the city. Dinner at leisure and overnight at Hotel Excelsior or similar. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel and departure towards the heart of Alta Murgia, home to the remarkable Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece commissioned by Emperor Frederick II. Meet the local guide for a visit of the castle, discovering its distinctive architecture, astronomical references and fascinating mysteries. Continue to a traditional Masseria in the Apulian countryside for a guided tasting of Alta Murgia extra virgin olive oil, accompanied by local bread and traditional products, followed by lunch with typical Apulian specialities. In the afternoon, continue to Trani, an elegant town on the Adriatic Sea, renowned for its picturesque harbour and magnificent pale-stone cathedral rising beside the water. Enjoy free time to explore the seafront and historic centre, with its charming squares and narrow streets. Return to the hotel, dinner at leisure and overnight stay at Hotel Excelsior 4* or similar. (B,L)

After breakfast, depart for Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Mediterranean’s most extraordinary cities. Explore the famous Sassi, with their ancient cave dwellings, rock-hewn churches and narrow lanes, reflecting the city’s thousand-year history. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Bari, the lively capital of Puglia and historic bridge between East and West. Explore Bari Vecchia, including the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Cathedral and lanes where local women prepare traditional orecchiette, then walk through the elegant Murattiano district. Return to the hotel, dinner at leisure and overnight stay at Hotel Excelsior 4* or similar. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. First stop in Polignano a Mare, a spectacular cliffside village overlooking the Adriatic Sea, with free time to explore its whitewashed historic centre, panoramic terraces and sea views. Continue to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of the Itria Valley, to visit the Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts, home to hundreds of traditional stone trulli and their ancient building techniques. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Ostuni, the famous White City, and stroll through its lime-washed alleys, stairways, arches and charming squares. Continue to Lecce. Dinner at leisure and overnight stay at Hotel delle Palme 4* or similar. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Otranto, the easternmost town in Italy. Enjoy free time to explore the harbour, Aragonese walls and historic centre, including the Cathedral and its famous Tree of Life mosaic, a masterpiece of medieval art. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, arrive in Lecce, a jewel of Baroque art. Visit the theatrical squares, Basilica of Santa Croce, Cathedral and elegant palaces carved from local Lecce stone. Learn about the traditional art of papier-mâché and enjoy a caffè leccese with almond milk at a historic city café. Return to the hotel, dinner at leisure and overnight stay at Hotel delle Palme 4* or similar. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Gallipoli, an ancient city overlooking the Ionian Sea, with its historic centre set on an island connected to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge. Explore the narrow streets, artisan workshops, Baroque churches, fishermen’s harbour and sea-view squares, experiencing the city’s maritime character. Continue to a renowned winery in Salento for a tasting of local wines, including Negroamaro and Primitivo, accompanied by regional specialities. Return to Lecce and private transfer from the hotel to Lecce Airport. (B)