Southern Italy Tour – 14 Days
Lecce (3 nights), Sorrento (3 nights), Catania (2 nights), Taormina (1 night), Siracusa (2 nights), Palermo (3 nights)
This is a sample itinerary which is completely customizable, ask us how.
Highlights
- • Sunset Wine Tasting in Lecce
• Trulli Village Walk in Alberobello
• Coastal Cooking Class in Sorrento
• Capri by Private Boat
• Street Food Safari in Catania
• Jeep Adventure on Mt. Etna with Wine Lunch
• Ancient Greek Wonders in Agrigento
• Palermo Market Tour & Mosaic Marvels in Monreale
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lecce (via Brindisi)
Day 1: Arrival in Lecce (via Brindisi)
Welcome to Southern Italy!
Upon arrival at Brindisi Airport, enjoy a private transfer to your luxury hotel in Lecce, the baroque capital of Puglia. Settle into your elegant room, relax, and take in the charm of this historic town.
Highlights:
- Private chauffeur transfer from Brindisi Airport to Lecce
- Check-in at Risorgimento Resort, a 5-star boutique hotel
- Leisure time to stroll Lecce’s stunning piazzas and enjoy dinner
Stay: Lecce – 3 Nights
Day 2: Alberobello
Day 2: Alberobello
Trulli Magic in Alberobello
Begin your adventure with a private guided tour to the UNESCO-listed Trulli District in Alberobello. These fairytale-like limestone dwellings are unique to the region and offer a true taste of Puglia’s rural charm.
Highlights:
- VIP private walking tour of Alberobello (4 hours)
- Explore hidden lanes filled with historic trulli
- Local expert guide for rich storytelling and photo spots
Excursion from Lecce
Day 3: Ostuni
Day 3: Ostuni
Whitewashed Beauty of Ostuni
Discover the hilltop town of, known as “La Città Bianca” for its gleaming white buildings and panoramic views. You’ll explore its ancient streets and iconic architecture with your private guide.
Highlights:
- Private guided tour of Ostuni (4 hours)
- Visit Piazza Libertà, Cathedral Square, and the Gothic Concattedrale
- Explore ancient walls and the Museum of Preclassic Civilization
Excursion from Lecce
Day 4: Scenic Transfer to Sorrento via Bari & Naples
Day 4: Scenic Transfer to Sorrento via Bari & Naples
Enjoy a seamless journey through Italy’s southern countryside. Your private driver takes you to Bari station, where you’ll board a first-class train to Naples. From there, transfer to your seaside hotel in Sorrento.
Highlights:
- Private transfer from Lecce hotel to Bari train station
- First-class train to Naples Centrale
- Private transfer from Naples to your Sorrento hotel
- Check-in at Relais del Mare (4-star)
Stay: Sorrento – 3 Nights
Day 5: Private Boat Tour to Capri
Day 5: Private Boat Tour to Capri
Set sail on a private boat to explore the glamorous island of Capri. From sea grottoes to chic cafes, this day blends nature, luxury, and legend.
Highlights:
- 6-hour private boat tour from Sorrento to Capri
- Sail past the Blue Grotto, White and Green Grotto
- Dock at Marina Grande, explore Capri and Anacapri
- Optional swim stops and scenic coastal cruising
From Sorrento
Day 6: Pompeii VIP Tour
Day 6: Pompeii VIP Tour
Step back in time with a private guided tour of ancient Pompeii. This perfectly preserved Roman city offers a fascinating look at life before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Highlights:
- Private driver and luxury vehicle from Sorrento
- Guided tour of Pompeii’s ruins (5 hours)
- Skip-the-line access included
From Sorrento
Day 7: Fly to Sicily – Welcome to Catania
Day 7: Fly to Sicily – Welcome to Catania
An early morning transfer whisks you to Naples Airport for your flight to Catania. Upon arrival, enjoy a food-lover’s tour through this lively Sicilian city.
Highlights:
- Flight from Naples to Catania
- Private street food tour in Catania (2 hours)
- Taste arancini, cannoli, granita, and more
Stay: Catania – 2 Nights
Day 8: Mount Etna 4x4 Adventure & Wine Experience
Day 8: Mount Etna 4x4 Adventure & Wine Experience
Explore the awe-inspiring landscapes of Mount Etna by jeep, with stops at lava caves, craters, and panoramic viewpoints. Then unwind with a wine tasting and Sicilian lunch at a vineyard on the slopes.
Highlights:
- Full-day 4×4 Jeep tour on Mt Etna
- Visit extinct craters, lava tubes, and viewpoints
- Wine tasting at a historic Etna winery
- Traditional Sicilian lunch included
From Catania
Day 9: Transfer to Taormina & VIP City Tour
Day 9: Transfer to Taormina & VIP City Tour
Head to the elegant cliffside town of Taormina, with a guided walking tour through its medieval streets, gardens, and iconic Greek theatre.
Highlights:
- Private transfer to Taormina
- Guided walking tour of Taormina (3 hours)
- Visit the Teatro Greco, Piazza Duomo, and Villa Comunale
Stay: Taormina – 1 Night
Day 10: Transfer to Siracusa & Ortigia
Day 10: Transfer to Siracusa & Ortigia
Journey to the beautiful island of Ortigia, the historical heart of Siracusa. Enjoy an afternoon exploring its Greek roots on a private tour.
Highlights:
- Private transfer from Taormina to Siracusa
- Guided tour of Siracusa World Heritage Site (3 hours)
- Visit the Greek theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, and Altar of Hieron II
Stay: Siracusa – 2 Nights
Day 11: Wine & Culture in Marzamemi
Day 11: Wine & Culture in Marzamemi
Sip your way through Nero d’Avola and local labels in a countryside winery before strolling through the charming fishing village of Marzamemi.
Highlights:
- Wine tasting paired with regional specialties
- Visit to historic tuna fishery village Marzamemi
- Private transfer and guided experience
Excursion from Siracusa
Day 12: Valley of the Temples & Palermo
Day 12: Valley of the Temples & Palermo
On your way to Palermo, stop in Agrigento for a deep dive into Sicily’s ancient Greek history with a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples.
Highlights:
- Private transfer with stop in Agrigento
- VIP tour of Valley of the Temples (3 hours)
- Visit Temple of Hera, Concordia, Zeus, and more
Stay: Palermo – 3 Nights
Day 13: Palermo & Monreale Mosaic Wonders
Day 13: Palermo & Monreale Mosaic Wonders
Spend the day discovering the energy and elegance of Palermo with your private guide. Continue to Monreale for its world-famous cathedral mosaics.
Highlights:
- Full-day VIP tour of Palermo & Monreale (6 hours)
- Explore Teatro Massimo, Norman Palace, local markets
- Visit Monreale Cathedral and the mosaic cloister
From Palermo
Day 14: Wine Tasting & Salt Pans in Marsala
Day 14: Wine Tasting & Salt Pans in Marsala
Head west to Marsala for a full-day of Sicilian flavors, fine wines, and salt flat views. This cultural finale is the perfect way to toast the end of your journey.
Highlights:
- Wine tasting in Marsala countryside
- Visit to ancient salt mines near Trapani
- Explore Mazzara del Vallo’s Arab-Kasbah
Excursion from Palermo
Day 15: Departure from Palermo
Day 15: Departure from Palermo
Your private driver will transfer you to Palermo Airport for your onward flight.
Arrivederci! we hope to welcome you back soon!
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FAQs
Palermo, Two Nights
Walking tour of Palermo
Discover the iconic sights of Palermo on a private guided tour with an expert guide. On this private VIP experience, our expert guide will meet you at your hotel before taking you on a journey of discovery through the most glorious parts of Palermo. As a part of this special day, you will have the chance to see all of Palermo’s main attractions and stunning Baroque architecture, including Piazza Politeama, Teatro Massimo, the Quattro Canti, the Cathedral, the Martorana, Piazza Pretoria, the Palatine Chapel, the Norman Palace and the popular markets. During your cultural walk, there will be plenty of time to ask your private guide questions and learn more about the history of Palermo and its charming culture.
Excursion to Monreale
Overlooking the Golden Valley (Conca d’Oro) on top of Mons Regalis, the medieval village of Monreale is known for its magnificent Cathedral, which features some of the most beautiful religious mosaics of the 12th century. The Cathedral is considered to be one of the best examples of Norman architecture in Sicily and is a joy to discover on this small-group day trip from Palermo. As well as the Cathedral, you will have time to explore the abbey cloister, which boasts more than 200 intricate double columns decorated in glass mosaic.
Segesta, Erice, Marsala and Selinunte, Two Nights
Excursion to Segesta and Erice
Enhance your sightseeing experience of Sicily on an enriching full-day excursion to Erice and Segesta. First, you can delight in the medieval majesty of Erice, a walled town that reigns over the picturesque harbor of Trapani, where you can delve into the historical wonders of one of Sicily’s most in-demand destinations. Through the eyes of your expert guide, you will become acquainted with the city and its key landmarks on an in-depth history tour with the chance to also hike along the coastal reserve.
Next, you will discover Segesta, one of the major cities of the ancient indigenous Elymian people. Here you can visit the Doric temple, which dates back to the late 5th century BC. It was built on a hilltop just outside of the ancient city and has a commanding view of the surrounding area. If anyone needed yet more proof that the Greeks had a good eye for where to build, Segesta would lay any doubts to rest once and for all! Indeed, the setting of the temple is simply beautiful as completely unspoiled rolling green countryside stretches right down to the glistening aquamarine sea.
Wine tasting in Marsala and Selinunte
On this VIP excursion you will be picked up by our private driver at your hotel and leave for Marsala, which was once known as Lilibeo and was founded by refugees fleeing the destruction of Mozia. It was conquered by the Romans at the end of the First Punic War and became a luxurious town featuring glorious palaces and thermal baths. The Arabian settlers called the ancient city Mars-Alì (“the harbor of Alì” or “the big harbor”), but it is now known as Marsala. The modern city is known for its world-famous Marsala wine, as well as for the landing of Giuseppe Garibaldi in 1860. On our private adventure, you will discover all the best sights, including the Archaeological Museum and the Salt Road with the Salt Pans. You will also stop in a winery for Marsala wine tasting before reaching Selinunte, an ancient Greek city in the widest archaeological park of Europe. It was founded in the 7th century BC but was destroyed in 409 BC by the Carthaginians allied with Segesta, its eternal rival. The two most important areas you’ll visit are the Eastern Hill with the ruins of three temples, and the Acropolis where Greek and Punic ruins are still visible.
Agrigento, One Night
Valley of the Temples tour
Immerse yourself in Sicily’s Greek past with this tour of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples (entry included).
The UNESCO-protected Valley of the Temples is one of Sicily’s most important archaeological sites and is a joy to discover if you have an interest in history or simply want to learn more about Sicily’s turbulent past. This tour experience takes you to the sacred site, where an expert guide will treat you to a guided walk through the Valley.
As a part of your tour, you will see the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Herakles, the Temple of Zeus and the Sanctuary of Chtonian Deities (Temple of Castor and Pollux). During the tour, your guide will discuss the temples’ construction and tell you about their on-going preservation.
Syracuse and Pantalica, Two Nights
Private walking tour of Syracuse Enjoy a private tour around the historical center of Syracuse with this VIP experience on the ancient island of Ortygia. This private walk begins at the ancient Greek Apollo Temple and leads you to Cathedral Square, which boasts beautiful limestone buildings and Baroque architecture. From here, you will visit the Arethusa Fountain, which is steeped in legend and mystery – your guide will tell you all its secrets! The tour concludes with a visit to the Jewish Quarter and Archimedes Square, where you can admire the Fountain of Diana, which was built in a Neoclassical style and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Ortygia. Naturalistic excursion to Pantalica One of the most impressive archaeological sites in Sicily and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the rocky necropolis of Pantalica, in eastern Sicily. This site is somewhat off the beaten track but certainly worth a visit on your complete Sicily vacation. Pantalica is a prehistoric site dating back to the late Bronze Age (from the 13th to the 8th century BC) and is famous for its necropolis, which features thousands of tombs dug into the overhanging walls of the Anapo Canyon. Pantalica is also famous for its breathtaking natural vistas and unusual wildlife. In fact, it is part of the revered Anapo Valley Nature Reserve, which is a paradise for trekking.
Taormina and Mount Etna, Two Nights
Full-day Mount Etna Jeep tour with wine tasting and lunch
Scale the slopes of Italy’s famously active Mount Etna on this full-day 4×4 Jeep tour from Taormina. As a part of this unique experience, you will travel up rugged mountain tracks in an off-road vehicle and trek by foot to a stunning lookout point with views of lava flow basins and cave tubes created by the 2002 eruption. After descending from the volcano, you will enjoy a decadent and authentic Sicilian lunch of handmade cheeses, cured meats, pasta and dessert served with local wine.
VIP Taormina tour, featuring the Greek Theater
Today you will discover Taormina’s historic secrets and modern delights on a two-hour private tour. This guided experience allows you to explore the highlights of this charming city, including Palazzo Corvaja, the Santa Caterina Church and Vicolo Stretto, which is the narrowest street in town. As a special addition to this Taormina tour, you will enjoy “skip the line” entry to the ancient Greek Theater, which boasts magnificent views of Mount Etna and Giardini Naxos. There is no better way to discover this unassuming city’s treasured attractions!
Catania, Two Nights
VIP Catania walking tour The scent of fresh lemons and oranges and the harmonized landscape of Mount Etna’s cliffs rolling into the glistening sea set the backdrop for the sublime city of Catania. And on this exclusive tour experience, you will have every opportunity to discover the best of Catania, including Piazza del Duomo, the Amenano Fountain, Castello Ursino, Teatro Massimo, Palazzo Biscari, Saint Agata Dome, Via Etnea, Piazza Stesicoro, which features a Roman Theater, and finally the Bellini Garden. Catania street food experience With our hand-selected local guide, who you can be sure knows where to find only the best Catania cuisine, you will begin this food-tasting experience with a historical overview of the city, including the intricate alleys and squares of Catania’s old town, the ancient central market of Catania, Piazza Duomo, Via Etnea (the main street) and Piazza Stesicoro. But, of course, the most important part of this Catania food tour will be the opportunity to taste no less than 15 popular street foods that the city is famous for: arancino, cipollina, pizzetta, fresh fish, meatballs, local cheese, olives, cannolo with ricotta, cassatella, granita and much more!Palermo, Two Nights
Walking tour of Palermo
Discover the iconic sights of Palermo on a private guided tour with an expert guide. On this private VIP experience, our expert guide will meet you at your hotel before taking you on a journey of discovery through the most glorious parts of Palermo. As a part of this special day, you will have the chance to see all of Palermo’s main attractions and stunning Baroque architecture, including Piazza Politeama, Teatro Massimo, the Quattro Canti, the Cathedral, the Martorana, Piazza Pretoria, the Palatine Chapel, the Norman Palace and the popular markets. During your cultural walk, there will be plenty of time to ask your private guide questions and learn more about the history of Palermo and its charming culture.
Excursion to Monreale
Overlooking the Golden Valley (Conca d’Oro) on top of Mons Regalis, the medieval village of Monreale is known for its magnificent Cathedral, which features some of the most beautiful religious mosaics of the 12th century. The Cathedral is considered to be one of the best examples of Norman architecture in Sicily and is a joy to discover on this small-group day trip from Palermo. As well as the Cathedral, you will have time to explore the abbey cloister, which boasts more than 200 intricate double columns decorated in glass mosaic.Segesta, Erice, Marsala and Selinunte, Two Nights
Excursion to Segesta and Erice
Enhance your sightseeing experience of Sicily on an enriching full-day excursion to Erice and Segesta. First, you can delight in the medieval majesty of Erice, a walled town that reigns over the picturesque harbor of Trapani, where you can delve into the historical wonders of one of Sicily’s most in-demand destinations. Through the eyes of your expert guide, you will become acquainted with the city and its key landmarks on an in-depth history tour with the chance to also hike along the coastal reserve.
Next, you will discover Segesta, one of the major cities of the ancient indigenous Elymian people. Here you can visit the Doric temple, which dates back to the late 5th century BC. It was built on a hilltop just outside of the ancient city and has a commanding view of the surrounding area. If anyone needed yet more proof that the Greeks had a good eye for where to build, Segesta would lay any doubts to rest once and for all! Indeed, the setting of the temple is simply beautiful as completely unspoiled rolling green countryside stretches right down to the glistening aquamarine sea.
Wine tasting in Marsala and Selinunte
On this VIP excursion you will be picked up by our private driver at your hotel and leave for Marsala, which was once known as Lilibeo and was founded by refugees fleeing the destruction of Mozia. It was conquered by the Romans at the end of the First Punic War and became a luxurious town featuring glorious palaces and thermal baths. The Arabian settlers called the ancient city Mars-Alì (“the harbor of Alì” or “the big harbor”), but it is now known as Marsala. The modern city is known for its world-famous Marsala wine, as well as for the landing of Giuseppe Garibaldi in 1860. On our private adventure, you will discover all the best sights, including the Archaeological Museum and the Salt Road with the Salt Pans. You will also stop in a winery for Marsala wine tasting before reaching Selinunte, an ancient Greek city in the widest archaeological park of Europe. It was founded in the 7th century BC but was destroyed in 409 BC by the Carthaginians allied with Segesta, its eternal rival. The two most important areas you’ll visit are the Eastern Hill with the ruins of three temples, and the Acropolis where Greek and Punic ruins are still visible.Agrigento, One Night
Valley of the Temples tour
Immerse yourself in Sicily’s Greek past with this tour of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples (entry included).
The UNESCO-protected Valley of the Temples is one of Sicily’s most important archaeological sites and is a joy to discover if you have an interest in history or simply want to learn more about Sicily’s turbulent past. This tour experience takes you to the sacred site, where an expert guide will treat you to a guided walk through the Valley.
As a part of your tour, you will see the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Herakles, the Temple of Zeus and the Sanctuary of Chtonian Deities (Temple of Castor and Pollux). During the tour, your guide will discuss the temples’ construction and tell you about their on-going preservation.Syracuse and Pantalica, Two Nights
Private walking tour of Syracuse Enjoy a private tour around the historical center of Syracuse with this VIP experience on the ancient island of Ortygia. This private walk begins at the ancient Greek Apollo Temple and leads you to Cathedral Square, which boasts beautiful limestone buildings and Baroque architecture. From here, you will visit the Arethusa Fountain, which is steeped in legend and mystery – your guide will tell you all its secrets! The tour concludes with a visit to the Jewish Quarter and Archimedes Square, where you can admire the Fountain of Diana, which was built in a Neoclassical style and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Ortygia. Naturalistic excursion to Pantalica One of the most impressive archaeological sites in Sicily and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the rocky necropolis of Pantalica, in eastern Sicily. This site is somewhat off the beaten track but certainly worth a visit on your complete Sicily vacation. Pantalica is a prehistoric site dating back to the late Bronze Age (from the 13th to the 8th century BC) and is famous for its necropolis, which features thousands of tombs dug into the overhanging walls of the Anapo Canyon. Pantalica is also famous for its breathtaking natural vistas and unusual wildlife. In fact, it is part of the revered Anapo Valley Nature Reserve, which is a paradise for trekking.Taormina and Mount Etna, Two Nights
Full-day Mount Etna Jeep tour with wine tasting and lunch
Scale the slopes of Italy’s famously active Mount Etna on this full-day 4×4 Jeep tour from Taormina. As a part of this unique experience, you will travel up rugged mountain tracks in an off-road vehicle and trek by foot to a stunning lookout point with views of lava flow basins and cave tubes created by the 2002 eruption. After descending from the volcano, you will enjoy a decadent and authentic Sicilian lunch of handmade cheeses, cured meats, pasta and dessert served with local wine.
VIP Taormina tour, featuring the Greek Theater
Today you will discover Taormina’s historic secrets and modern delights on a two-hour private tour. This guided experience allows you to explore the highlights of this charming city, including Palazzo Corvaja, the Santa Caterina Church and Vicolo Stretto, which is the narrowest street in town. As a special addition to this Taormina tour, you will enjoy “skip the line” entry to the ancient Greek Theater, which boasts magnificent views of Mount Etna and Giardini Naxos. There is no better way to discover this unassuming city’s treasured attractions!Why Travel with Bellarome
Personalized Travel Services
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Help with tracking ancestral roots and arranging to meet relatives with the help of a translator and local anagrapher.
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Thousands of positive online reviews and happy repeat customers. ASTA members (US), ATOL protected (UK) and AFTA members (Australia) means peace of mind.
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Local help desk available when you travel with 24/7 support included in the service.
