18 Day Nonna's Southern Italian Road Trip with Sicily

Welcome to Rome, the starting point of Nonna's Southern Italian Road Trip, a tourinspired by Nonna's tales and travels. Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel to get settled in. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is yours to settle in and start soaking up the atmosphere of the Eternal City. Perhaps take a gentle stroll through the surrounding neighbourhood, pause for your first espresso at a local café, or simply unwind after your journey. As evening falls, meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers for your welcome meeting before enjoying an evening at leisure exploring the streets of Rome. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal may offer the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

After breakfast, leave the bustle of the city behind as you journey into the lesser-explored landscapes of Italy's Abruzzo region. En route, stop in the charming town of Sulmona, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of confectionery. Here, visit the Pelino Confetti Museum, where you'll gain insight into the artistry behind Italy's famous sugared almonds, delicately crafted and deeply woven into local culture. Your visit to the museum is self-guided, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Continuing onward, arrive at the Costa dei Trabocchi, a striking stretch of Adriatic coastline dotted with traditional wooden fishing structures known as trabocchi, perched dramatically over the sea. This evening, enjoy a memorable aperitif and dinner set within one of these historic trabocchi (additional beverages at own cost). Suspended above the water, this unique setting offers an authentic and atmospheric dining experience, where local flavours are complemented by sweeping coastal views. Inspiring Highlights Pelino Confetti Museum Trabocco Dinner Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

After breakfast, continue your journey south, travelling deeper into the sun-drenched landscapes of Puglia, where coastal elegance meets distinctive architectural charm. En route, stop in the seaside town of Trani, a hidden gem along the Adriatic coast. Known for its refined atmosphere and historic harbour, Trani invites a gentle exploration of its waterfront, where fishing boats and cafés line the promenade. The town's pale stone cathedral, set dramatically by the sea, offers a striking backdrop and a sense of timeless tranquillity. After time to explore, continue onward to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town famed for its unique trulli, whitewashed stone houses topped with conical roofs. As you arrive, the landscape transforms into a storybook setting, where these distinctive dwellings cluster along winding streets, creating one of Italy's most memorable scenes. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the evening at leisure, soaking up the charm of this truly unique destination. Inspiring Highlights Trani Harbour Trulli Houses Alberobello Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today continues your exploration of Puglia's distinctive landscapes, where whitewashed towns, ancient traditions, and rich flavours define the region's enduring appeal. After breakfast, depart for a deeper discovery of Alberobello, where the fairytale-like trulli create a truly unique architectural landscape. Take time to wander through its winding lanes, where these iconic stone dwellings reveal the history and craftsmanship of the region. From here, continue to the elegant hilltop town of Ostuni, often referred to as the “White City.” Perched above the Adriatic, its labyrinth of narrow streets and gleaming white buildings offers sweeping views and a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere. As you explore, the town's charm unfolds through hidden corners, lively piazzas, and sunlit alleyways. During the day, enjoy a visit to a local oil mill, where you'll experience an olive oil tasting, an essential introduction to one of Puglia's most celebrated products. Discover the traditions behind its production and savour the rich, authentic flavours that define the region's cuisine. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Lecce, a city renowned for its ornate Baroque architecture and vibrant southern Italian spirit. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Ostuni Visit Olive Oil Tasting Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Today invites a deeper exploration of Puglia's cultural richness, where Baroque artistry meets the coastal beauty of the Adriatic. Following breakfast, begin in Lecce, often referred to as the “Florence of the South,” where ornate façades and honey-coloured stone define the city's unmistakable character. Accompanied by your Local Guide, enjoy a walking tour through its historic centre. As you wander through elegant piazzas and intricate streets, discover the craftsmanship and stories behind Lecce's remarkable Baroque architecture.Next, visit a traditional ceramics and pottery workshop, offering insight into one of the region's most cherished artisanal traditions. Observe the techniques passed down through generations and gain a deeper appreciation for the creativity that shapes local culture. This afternoon, continue to the coastal town of Otranto, where history and sea views combine in a setting of understated beauty. Stroll through its charming old town, where narrow lanes open onto glimpses of the Adriatic, and a relaxed pace invites you to linger. Return to Lecce, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Ceramics and Pottery Workshop Otranto Visit Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

After breakfast, depart Lecce, travelling inland toward one of Italy's most extraordinary and atmospheric destinations. Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city famed for its ancient cave dwellings, known as the Sassi, which are carved directly into the limestone cliffs. With your Local Guide, embark on a walking tour through this remarkable landscape. As you navigate its winding pathways, staircases, and rock-hewn spaces, uncover the history of a city that has evolved over thousands of years, where past and present exist in striking harmony. Following your guided exploration, take time to absorb the unique atmosphere of Matera at your own pace, as the soft light of the afternoon enhances the textures and tones of this unforgettable setting. This evening, enjoy a three-course dinner at a local restaurant (beverages at own cost), offering a taste of regional cuisine in an equally evocative environment. Inspiring Highlights UNESCO World Heritage Site - Matera Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Today's journey reveals one of southern Italy's most distinctive cultural landscapes, where dramatic mountain scenery meets deep-rooted traditions. After breakfast, depart Matera and travel toward Calabria, stopping in the remarkable hilltop village of Civita. Perched above the Raganello Gorge, this unique settlement is part of the Arbëreshë community, descendants of Albanian settlers who have preserved their language, customs, and identity for centuries. Accompanied by your Local Guide, enjoy a walking tour through Civita and the surrounding area, including the striking Ponte del Diavolo (Devil's Bridge), allowing you to fully appreciate the dramatic natural setting.During your time here, immerse yourself in local traditions with a three-course Arbëreshë lunch at a local restaurant. The experience is enriched by a demonstration of dromesat arbëresh, a traditional handmade pasta that reflects the region's unique cultural heritage. Continue with a visit to a local farm, where you'll enjoy a tasting of regional wines alongside a selection of local products, an authentic expression of Calabria's rich agricultural traditions. After lunch, continue to the Riviera dei Cedri, where the coastline unfolds in a series of scenic views along the Tyrrhenian Sea. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Arbëreshë Lunch Devils Bridge Wine Tasting Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Wake to the relaxed rhythm of the Tyrrhenian coast, where the Riviera dei Cedri offers a blend of coastal beauty, fragrant landscapes, and understated charm. The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure. Unwind by the sea, stroll through a coastal village, or simply soak in the tranquil surroundings. For those keen to connect with the region's culinary traditions, consider joining an optional cooking class to discover the local flavours and time-honoured recipes of Calabria. In the afternoon, embark on a half day excursion along this picturesque stretch of coastline. As you travel, take in sweeping sea views, rugged cliffs, and small seaside towns that reflect the authentic character of the region. Known for its citrus groves — particularly the prized cedro — the Riviera dei Cedri is rich in both natural beauty and local tradition. Inspiring Highlights Riviera dei Cedri Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Today's journey blends rich culinary tradition with ancient history, as you travel along the Campania coastline toward Salerno. After breakfast, depart the Riviera dei Cedri with your first stop at a local buffalo farm. Here, enjoy an immersive experience centred around one of the region's most celebrated products—buffalo mozzarella. Learn about the production process before indulging in a tasting that highlights the freshness and distinctive flavour of this iconic delicacy. Continue to the charming coastal town of Agropoli, where you'll have time to pause for lunch and soak in the relaxed seaside atmosphere, framed by views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. In the afternoon, arrive at the archaeological site of Paestum, one of Italy's most impressive ancient Greek settlements. Accompanied by your Local Guide, enjoy a walking tour through this remarkable site. With included entrance to the excavation area, explore the exceptionally well-preserved temples and ruins, gaining insight into a civilisation that dates back over two millennia. Following your visit, continue to Salerno. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Buffalo Mozzarella Farm Paestum Archaeological Site Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today is dedicated to the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast, where dramatic cliffs, pastel-hued villages, and the shimmering Mediterranean create one of Italy's most iconic landscapes. After breakfast, begin your journey along the coast, combining land and sea for a truly immersive experience. Travelling by ferry, take in the spectacular scenery from the water—an ever-changing panorama of rugged coastline, hidden coves, and cascading terraces. From Amalfi, embark on a coastal boat tour, offering a closer perspective of this extraordinary region. Cruise along the shoreline as you make your way to Positano and back, passing colourful villages that cling to the cliffs and capturing unforgettable views along the way. After lunch, your exploration continues with a boat ride from Amalfi to Maiori, revealing another side of the coastline, where wide beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere contrast beautifully with the dramatic vertical landscapes of Positano. Return to Salerno in the afternoon, with the evening at leisure to unwind or enjoy the coastal ambiance. Inspiring Highlights Amalfi Coast Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Today's journey brings together ancient history and medieval heritage, as you make your way back to Rome. After breakfast, depart Salerno, travelling first to the extraordinary archaeological site of Pompeii. Accompanied by your Local Guide, enjoy a walking tour through this remarkably preserved ancient city. With included admission to the Pompeii archaeological park, step back in time as you explore streets, homes, and public spaces frozen in the moment of Mount Vesuvius' eruption, offering a powerful glimpse into daily life in the Roman world. Following your visit, continue north toward the historic town of Anagni, often referred to as the “City of Popes.” Here, enjoy admission to the Villa Papale, an important site reflecting the town's significant religious and political past. Later, arrive in Rome and check into your hotel, with time to refresh before your final evening.Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant (beverages at own cost), celebrating the journey and the shared experiences along the way. Inspiring Highlights Pompeii Villa Papale Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Today you say farewell to mainland Italy and fly south to Sicily. On arrival into Palermo, you will make your own way to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and take your first stroll through Sicily's vibrant capital. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel and meet some of your fellow travellers ahead of the journey to come. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Please note – on your departure from Rome you will say goodbye to your previous tour leader. Your flight will be unescorted. You will make your own way from Palermo Airport to the hotel, and your new Sicily tour leader will join the group at the hotel tomorrow morning for the welcome meeting. Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 20kg (44 lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed.

This morning after breakfast, at approximately 9am, meet your tour leader and the rest of your group for a welcome meeting and brief of the day's activities. You will then set out for the nearby hilltop town of Monreale, where you will visit the magnificent UNESCO-listed Cathedral, known for its golden Norman mosaics and the layered Arab, Byzantine and Norman influences that shaped Sicily. You will have a little time to browse the local craft shops before returning to Palermo for a walking tour of the historic centre with your local guide. Together you will discover the city's tangle of palaces, churches and lively streets and visit Palermo Cathedral, with its remarkable mix of architectural styles. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. You could wander down to the famous Ballarò or Vucciria street markets to soak up the atmosphere, sit at a café on Piazza Pretoria, or visit the Teatro Massimo opera house. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel. Inspiring Highlights Monreale – Cathedral visit Palermo – Guided walking tour of the historic centre Palermo – Cathedral visit

After breakfast you will leave Palermo behind and head west to Erice, a beautifully preserved medieval village perched on a mountaintop with sweeping views over the western coast. You will have time to wander its cobbled lanes and stone churches before continuing south to Marsala, the town that gave its name to Sicily's most famous fortified wine. Here you will visit a historic cellar for a tasting paired with a light lunch, learning how Marsala has been produced and aged for centuries. From here you will travel on to Agrigento and visit the famous Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site set on a ridge above the Mediterranean. With your local guide you will walk among the remarkably preserved Doric temples, including the Temple of Concord, Temple of Hercules and Temple of Jupiter. You will then check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner. Inspiring Highlights Erice – Medieval village visit Marsala – Historic cellar visit with wine tasting Agrigento – Guided tour of the Valley of the Temples Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

After breakfast you will set off across southern Sicily towards Ragusa, one of the jewels of the Val di Noto. On arrival you will explore Ragusa Ibla, the historic lower town, on a walking tour through its honey-coloured Baroque streets. Stroll through the Giardini Iblei gardens and take in the highlights of the old centre, including the Church of San Giuseppe, the grand Cathedral of San Giorgio and the elegant Cosentini Palace. This area forms part of the UNESCO-listed Val di Noto, a string of towns rebuilt in late Baroque style after the great earthquake of 1693. After your tour you will check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner. Inspiring Highlights Ragusa Ibla – Baroque architecture walking tour Ragusa Ibla – Giardini Iblei, Church of San Giuseppe, Cathedral of San Giorgio and Cosentini Palace Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

After breakfast you will travel on to Noto, often considered the finest of all Sicily's Baroque towns. You will have time to wander its honey-stone main street and take in the beautifully restored Cathedral of San Nicolò. From here you will continue on to Siracusa, once one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Greek world. You will explore Ortygia Island, the historic core of the city, where layers of medieval and Baroque buildings sit side by side with ancient Greek foundations. Later in the afternoon you will arrive in Taormina, your final base, perched on a hillside above the Ionian Sea. You will check in to your central hotel and enjoy dinner. Inspiring Highlights Noto – Baroque architecture and Cathedral of San Nicolò Siracusa – Ortygia Island visit Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast you will head out to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and a constant presence on the Sicilian skyline. You will learn about its geology and recent eruptions as you make your way up the slopes, taking in the otherworldly landscape of lava fields, craters and black ash. Weather permitting, you will reach an altitude of around 1,800 metres for views across the surrounding countryside and out to the coast. You will return to Taormina in the afternoon with free time to explore at your own pace. You might stroll along Corso Umberto, the main pedestrian street lined with cafés and boutiques, visit the spectacular Greek Theatre with its Mount Etna backdrop, or wander down to the Public Gardens for a quiet moment with sea views. Tonight is at your leisure to find a local restaurant for dinner. Inspiring Highlights Mount Etna – Volcano visit

After breakfast, your Sicilian adventure comes to an end. You will make your own way from the hotel to the airport for your onward flight. We hope you have enjoyed your journey across Sicily and return home with memories of golden Norman mosaics, Baroque streets, smoking volcanoes and long Mediterranean lunches that will stay with you for years to come. Safe travels. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.