Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy (LM)

14 days from Rome to Palermo

2026 Tour Details View 2025 Tour Details »

In Greek mythology, the Scylla and Charybdis were two sea monsters located in the Strait of Messina between Sicily and the Italian mainland, endangering ancient mariners, and inspiring the expression “being caught between a rock and a hard place.” Will you find yourself in such a predicament on this Undiscovered Tour of Southern Italy and Sicily? On the contrary, you’ll delightfully find yourself caught between Byzantine and Roman culture, flanked by Norman and Italian influences, and in the midst of a cross-cultural wonderland. Your comparison of cobblestones, customs, and cuisine gets underway in Rome, heads down to the dramatic Sorrento Coast, and then kicks the fun from Italy’s heel to its toe and all the way into the great melting pot of Sicily. From Italy’s lower half to its largest island, ruins, resorts—a rich history awaits.

Small-Group Discovery Dates Available

Select Globus 2021 Europe tours are limited to an average of just 24 guests per tour. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus European tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery Europe vacation is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi, jetfoil ride to and from Capri Island, and ferry crossing from Reggio Calabria to Sicily. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!

Dates & Prices Book Online

800.268.3636

Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy map

Photo Highlights

Meals

Meals & Itinerary

13 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners

Notes:

This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.

Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY

Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

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Dinner

Day 2 ROME–CASTEL GANDOLFO–SORRENTO AREA

Holy Grounds CASTEL GANDOLFO Take a guided visit of the Papal Palace and the Barberini Gardens.
193 mi / 310 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Enjoy an extraordinary, guided visit to explore the Papal Palace and beautiful Barberini Gardens. Stroll the spectacular grounds of the grand papal retreat of Castel Gandolfo, where Holy Fathers and world dignitaries walked and talked about faith and the world at large.

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Breakfast

Day 3 SORRENTO AREA. EXCURSION TO CAPRI

Coves, Cliffs & The Clear Blue Sea SORRENTO AREA Jetfoil ride to Capri.
CAPRI Take a funicular ride from the harbor to the village for guided sightseeing, including the Augustus Gardens. Free time for lunch.
SORRENTO AREA Free time.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Nestled high above the sea on the island of Capri lie the exquisite Gardens of Augustus. This natural paradise promises 180-degree panoramic views and a kaleidoscope of botanical beauty on the cliffs overlooking island and the sapphire sea below.

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 4 SORRENTO AREA. EXCURSION TO POMPEII AND NAPLES

A Slice of Life in Naples POMPEII Take a guided walking tour of the excavations. Free time to browse.
NAPLES Guided sightseeing includes an orientation drive on the panoramic road to Posillipo, a stop in Piazza Plebiscito.
68 mi / 110 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE The fascinating archaeological site of Pompeii is a treasured glimpse into Roman life near the Bay of Naples. This once thriving and sophisticated Roman city was consumed by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., with its residents and structures buried beneath inescapable ash and stone. See the preserved site of excavated ruins that reveal remarkable frescoes, artwork, and artifacts within its streets and the dwellings of the people who perished here.

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Breakfast

Day 5 SORRENTO AREA–BARI

Spectacular Apulia SORRENTO COAST Scenic drive to Bari.
186 mi / 300 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Puglia region forms the heel of Italy’s “boot,” with whitewashed towns, centuries-old pastoral landscapes, and the magnificent Mediterranean coastline. The vibrant port of Bari and its lovely Baroque architecture is a feast for the eyes and palate in the quintessential Italian style.

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Breakfast

Day 6 BARI–LECCE–ALBEROBELLO AREA

Sweet Strolls in Apulia BARI Guided sightseeing includes a walking tour of Bari Vecchia, the city’s oldest district, and San Nicola’s Church.
LECCE Walking tour with a Local Guide includes the Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica. Taste traditional pasticciotto (filled pastry) with almond-infused iced coffee.
186 mi / 300 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITIONS Traditional pasticciotto is the beloved cream-filled pastry of Lecce, which graces the shelves of Apulia’s bakeries and restaurants. Legend has it that this ubiquitous confection was invented by happy accident when chef Andrea Ascalone made too much cake batter, using the excess ingredients to mix up the original pasticcio (meaning mishap or mess in Italian) - a smaller cake with a creamy filling. Sink your teeth into this heavenly pastry with an almond iced coffee to complete the experience.

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 7 ALBEROBELLO AREA

Stone Houses ALBEROBELLO Guided walking tour includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional conical-roof house). Free time this afternoon and evening.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE The iconic round houses (Trulli) date back hundreds of years. These Trulli, constructed of dry stone and cone-shaped roofs include the oldest structures built in the 16th century and were used as grain storage or residences. Made without cement in the masonry techniques of the day, these whitewashed homes were easily disassembled to avoid property taxes when the collectors came calling! Today, you can stroll the streets lined with Trulli houses to see their conical rooftops decorated with symbols such as a cross, heart, astronomical symbol, or the evil eye.

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Breakfast

Day 8 ALBEROBELLO AREA–MATERA–PIZZO CALABRO–REGGIO CALABRIA

Creamy Desserts & Cave Dwellings MATERA Orientation walk with panoramic view of the picturesque sassi house (cave houses). Take a scenic drive along the Gulf of Taranto.
PIZZO CALABRO Enjoy a traditional tartufo (ice cream dessert) tasting.
REGGIO CALABRIA Join a guided visit of the museum that houses the Bronzi di Riace (famous bronze warrior sculptures).
280 mi / 450 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES The only thing better than a taste of gelato is having a few different tastes inside a chocolate-shelled truffle! Indulge in a tartufo dessert that will melt in your mouth during a visit to Pizzo Calabro.

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 9 REGGIO CALABRIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA

Grand Greek Drama STRAIT OF MESSINA Ferry crossing to Sicily.
TAORMINA Visit the ancient Greek theatre. Free time to explore.
81 mi / 130 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE The Greek Theatre of Taormina is considered one of the most impressive examples of auditorium engineering and architecture for its superb natural setting and acoustical design. This ancient marvel was dug into the hard rock slopes of Mount Tauro in the 3rd-century BC, with seating to accommodate thousands of spectators. The Teatro Antico di Taormina was built in the Greek tradition of incorporating the natural surroundings to become part of the performance, with light and air permeating the columns to become part of the story.

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Breakfast

Day 10 TAORMINA RIVIERA

The Pearl of the Mediterranean TAORMINA RIVIERA Enjoy a free day in Taormina, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION With a backdrop of the Volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea providing the cinematic setting for the resort town of Taormina, this Pearl of the Mediterranean is a picturesque coastal gem that will spoil you with its stunning beaches, village beauty, and sumptuous culinary specialties.

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 11 TAORMINA RIVIERA

Sicilian Summits TAORMINA RIVIERA Enjoy a free day.

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE What better way to spend this free day than with an excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano and one of the most active in the world. Learn how in 1669, an eruption that lasted 112 days developed a record long stream of lava that destroyed the city of Catania.

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Breakfast

Day 12 TAORMINA RIVIERA–AGRIGENTO–PALERMO

Timeless Temples AGRIGENTO Take a guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples en route to Palermo.
211 mi / 340 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia sits in spectacular setting upon a ridge where it served as a beacon for homecoming sailors and today draws enthralled visitors to revel in the remarkable Valley of the Temples.

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Breakfast

Day 13 PALERMO

Cathedrals & New Beginnings PALERMO Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the cathedral. Scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. Hear about “Addiopizzo”, an anti-mafia movement that supports the local community.

LOCAL FAVORITE
FAIR TRADE “Addiopizzo” literally means “good-bye protection payment” and is an association founded in Palermo by a group of young, local people. They will share with you their story of how they are supporting local communities and helping with the regeneration in some of the urban areas. As they have gained support over the years, the movement can now also be found in other Italian cities.

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 14 PALERMO

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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Breakfast

Tour Director

With GLOBUS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

LINO NEFANDO

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

“My life is a journey... Born in Southern Italy, my passion is history and rediscovering the traditions and the most refined art of this country. I love to share with my customers on the Globus tours moments of the breathtaking coastlines, the monuments and the unbelievable recipes of Italy. Follow me, I am going to make you live the Italian experience as if you were a part of this never-ending show.”

Accommodations

Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)

Sorrento Area

Bari

Alberobello Area

Taormina Riviera

Palermo

Sorrento Area

Charming Positano

The most thrilling drive in Europe awaits as you travel along the famed Amalfi Coast for breathtaking panoramas and a visit to charming Positano!

Price Range: $$$

Neapolitan Experience

Enjoy a delicious meal in the picturesque area of Sorrento

Price Range: $$$

Bari

Scenic Polignano: On the Cliffs of the Adriatic Sea

The quaint old town with its medieval structures and the breath-taking sea views make this a location worthy of a visit if you are in Puglia.

Price Range: $$

Alberobello Area

Italian Fairytale: Apulian Farm Dinner & Music

Travel into the fairytale landscapes of the Apulian countryside for free time in one of Italy's most beautiful villages, followed by dinner and traditional entertainment at a local masseria (farmhouse).

Price Range: $$$

Taormina Riviera

A Taste of Sicily Dinner

Discover the tastes, aromas, and delectable nuances behind authentic Sicilian cuisine at a traditional dinner with drinks, beautiful surroundings, and spectacular views.

Price Range: $$$

Excursion to Syracuse and Ortigia

Discover the ancient Greek and Roman heart of Sicily on this exciting half-day guided excursion to unforgettable Syracuse.

Price Range: $$$

Journey to Mount Etna, Europe's Tallest Volcano

Come face to face with towering Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, on this mesmerizing half-day guided excursion along the eastern coast of Sicily.

Price Range: $$

Palermo

Dinner by the Sea

Enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner at a typical Sicilian restaurant.

Price Range: $$

Private Touring

Private Touring: Globus European Private Touring enables you to experience all of the attractions, sights and highlights of your selected Globus tour as a private experience - delivered just for you and your traveling party. With Private Touring, you'll have your own dedicated Tour Director, your own private transportation and driver, and your own professional local guides. All with greater flexibility in pace and your experience.

For your selected tour, there will be additional per-person cost for the size of your party - from 1 to 24. This additional supplement is reduced with each traveler you add to your party.

Here's a sample of the additional cost:

6 guests in a party: $5,698*
18 guests in a party: $1,299*

Contact Globus or your preferred travel agent for pricing for your specific party size as well as any other information on Globus Private Touring.

* Supplement pricing is per person (CA) and will be added to the standard published price for your given departure date and is based on availability. Supplement price is valid for 2020 and 2021 travel years. Occasionally some included and optional activities & excursions may be operated with other guests. Additional restrictions may apply. Not applicable for custom groups. No Group allowances or promotions are available on Private Touring. Published itineraries only. Note that blackout dates may exist where the Private Touring option is not available.

The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.

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