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Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy 2026
14 days from Rome to Palermo
Tour Description:
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.PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Sorrento so you can plan your day your way.
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Dates & Pricing
Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner
| Saturday 28 Mar 26 — Saturday 11 Apr 26 | Starting at $4,819 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 04 Apr 26 — Saturday 18 Apr 26 | Starting at $5,019 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 11 Apr 26 — Saturday 25 Apr 26 | Starting at $5,019 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 18 Apr 26 — Saturday 02 May 26 | Starting at $5,019 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 25 Apr 26 — Saturday 09 May 26 | Starting at $5,059 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 02 May 26 — Saturday 16 May 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $5,949 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 09 May 26 — Saturday 23 May 26 | Starting at $5,019 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 16 May 26 — Saturday 30 May 26 | Starting at $5,029 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 23 May 26 — Saturday 06 Jun 26 | Starting at $5,079 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 30 May 26 — Saturday 13 Jun 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $6,049 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 06 Jun 26 — Saturday 20 Jun 26 | Starting at $5,129 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 13 Jun 26 — Saturday 27 Jun 26 | Starting at $5,099 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 20 Jun 26 — Saturday 04 Jul 26 | Starting at $5,129 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 27 Jun 26 — Saturday 11 Jul 26 | Starting at $5,179 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 04 Jul 26 — Saturday 18 Jul 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $6,149 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 18 Jul 26 — Saturday 01 Aug 26 | Starting at $5,199 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 01 Aug 26 — Saturday 15 Aug 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $6,149 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 15 Aug 26 — Saturday 29 Aug 26 | Starting at $4,299 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 22 Aug 26 — Saturday 05 Sep 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $6,149 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 29 Aug 26 — Saturday 12 Sep 26 | Starting at $5,229 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 05 Sep 26 — Saturday 19 Sep 26 | Starting at $5,199 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 12 Sep 26 — Saturday 26 Sep 26 | Starting at $5,229 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 19 Sep 26 — Saturday 03 Oct 26 | Starting at $5,199 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 26 Sep 26 — Saturday 10 Oct 26 | Starting at $5,199 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 03 Oct 26 — Saturday 17 Oct 26 | Starting at $5,029 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 10 Oct 26 — Saturday 24 Oct 26 | Starting at $5,029 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 17 Oct 26 — Saturday 31 Oct 26 | Starting at $5,029 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 24 Oct 26 — Saturday 07 Nov 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $5,739 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 31 Oct 26 — Saturday 14 Nov 26 | Starting at $4,719 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 07 Nov 26 — Saturday 21 Nov 26 | Starting at $4,299 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingSpecial Features Included in this Tour: • Guided walking tour of the archaeological site of Pompeii • Globus Choice excursions in Sorrento − Included in your tour with your choice of a Gelato Class at a family-run gelateria plus tasting, or visit to a family-run lemon grove for a limoncello-making (lemon liqueur) workshop plus local lemon-based specialties sampling• Guided sightseeing in Capri features a funicular ride and a visit to the Augustus Gardens • Guided sightseeing tours in Naples and Palermo• Guided walking tour in Bari Vecchia includes a visit to San Nicola’s Church• Lecce guided sightseeing features the Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica, plus taste a [LF] pasticciotto (filled pastry) with almond-infused iced coffee• Guided walking tour in Alberobello includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional conical-roof house)• [LF] traditional tartufo (ice cream dessert) tasting in Pizzo Calabro• Visit to Taormina’s ancient Greek theater• Guided walking tour of Agrigento’s Valley of Temples• Visit to the Reggio Calabria museum that houses the Bronzi di Riace (famous bronze warrior sculptures)• Orientation walk in Matera• Jetfoil ride to Capri Island
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. We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability.
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. We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability.
MEALS
MEALS ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 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. (D)
Dinner
DinnerDay 2 ROME–POMPEII–SORRENTO AREA
Spend your day your way in Sorrento Together with a Local Guide, visit the incredible excavations of Pompeii. As you walk along the ancient streets, hear about day-to-day life under the Roman Empire and discover what happened when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. After some free time for lunch, enjoy a scenic drive around the Bay of Naples towards Sorrento. Explore more of Sorrento with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Zest For Life
When life gives you lemons, make limoncello! Sorrento's cool and delicious, signature citrus liqueur. Visit a family-run lemon grove and learn what makes Sorrentine lemons so special, then try your hand in a limoncello-making workshop and enjoy tasting local lemon-based specialties.
Gelato Passion: Pure Delight
You scream, I scream, we all scream for gelato! Dig into the secret of Italy's irresistible frozen favorite with a gelato class led by a master gelato maker. Scoop up tips and techniques for the perfect confection at a family-run gelateria, then choose your flavor and delight in freshly made gelato. A very cool experience with sprinkles on top!
Enjoy an evening at leisure. (B)
168 mi / 270 km
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 3 SORRENTO AREA. EXCURSION TO CAPRI
Coves, Cliffs & The Clear Blue Sea Relax on a jetfoil as you cross the Bay of Naples to the captivating island of Capri. Join your Local Guide for a funicular ride from the harbour to Capri village followed by a guided sightseeing. Visit the Augustus Gardens and admire views of the iconic Faraglioni rocks. Return to the clifftop town of Sorrento for free time to explore this friendly town; browse the artisan stores, try local specialties, or just sit and watch the world go by. (B,D)
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
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 4 SORRENTO AREA. EXCURSION TO NAPLES
A Slice of Life in Naples This morning, take a scenic drive to the charismatic and vibrant city of Naples and join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour of the main highlights, featuring an orientation drive and stop in the iconic Piazza Plebiscito. Enjoy some free time to discover more and perhaps try one of Naples most famous specialties – the pizza. Return to Sorrento for a leisurely evening. (B)
62 mi / 100 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Naples delivers Old World charm in spades as one of Italy’s oldest cities. From its regal Palazzo Reale to the 13th-century Duomo di San Gennaro’s frescoed masterpieces to nearby Mount Vesuvius to the most famous pizza in the world served throughout the city in Neapolitan style. A stroll along the promenade beside the Bay of Naples reveals why locals and visitors choose this spot to soak in the sunset on the Mediterranean Sea
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 5 SORRENTO AREA–BARI
Spectacular Apulia A scenic drive towards Apulia, the charismatic region with the longest coastline, that forms the heel of Italy’s “boot.” Arrive in the vibrant port city of Bari and enjoy free time this evening. (B)
186 mi / 300 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Apulia has lots to offer – with charming, whitewashed towns, centuries-old pastoral landscapes, and the magnificent Mediterranean coastline. It is famed for its agricultural produce; it has more olive trees than any other region, often referred to as “the breadbasket” of Italy thanks to its durum wheat production
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 6 BARI–LECCE–ALBEROBELLO AREA
Sweet Strolls in Apulia This morning, follow your Local Guide on a walking tour of Bari Vecchia, the city’s oldest district, and visit the Basilica of San Nicola. Drive to Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” for a guided walking tour of the beautiful historic center. Visit the Duomo and Basilica of Santa Croce, before stopping at a local cafè to [LF] taste traditional pasticciotto (filled pastry) with almond-infused iced coffee. (B,D)
183 mi / 295 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
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 7 ALBEROBELLO AREA
Stone Houses Visit Alberobello, one of Italy’s most recognizable towns. Join your Local Guide for a walking tour through the trulli lined streets, including an interior visit of a Trullo (traditional conical-roof house) to discover how people live there. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
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
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 8 ALBEROBELLO AREA–MATERA–PIZZO CALABRO–REGGIO CALABRIA
Creamy Desserts & Cave Dwellings This morning, stop in Matera for an orientation walk which includes a panoramic view of the picturesque sassi houses, the ancient cave dwellings that have become popular as a film location. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Gulf of Taranto before stopping in Pizzo Calabro for a [LF] traditional tartufo (ice cream dessert) tasting. Continue to Reggio Calabria, once an important city in Magna Grecia, for a guided visit of the museum that houses the Bronzi di Riace (famous Greek bronze warrior sculptures). (B,D)
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, the “ice-cream city.”
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 9 REGGIO CALABRIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA
Grand Greek Drama A short ferry crossing takes you across the Strait of Messina to Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean. Drive to Taormina, dramatically located on a hill overlooking the sea. Visit the ancient Greek theatre. Free time to explore the town and stroll along stylish Corso Umberto. (B)
62 mi / 100 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
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 10 TAORMINA RIVIERA
The Pearl of the Mediterranean Spend a full day at leisure on the Taormina Riviera: explore more sights, browse the stores, relax on the beaches, or simply sit in a café savoring local specialties and watching the world go by. (B)
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
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 11 TAORMINA RIVIERA
Sicilian Summits Enjoy a free day on the Taormina Riviera or join an optional excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
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
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 12 TAORMINA RIVIERA–AGRIGENTO–PALERMO
Timeless Temples Drive across the island to Agrigento, location of a real cultural treasure, the UNESCO nominated Valley of the Temples. Join your Local Guide for a walk through this remarkable archaeological site to see the beautiful Greek temples. Continue to Palermo, Sicily’s capital city. (B)
199 mi / 320 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
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 13 PALERMO
Cathedrals & New Beginnings This morning join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour of Palermo’s highlights, including a visit to the cathedral. Take a scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. [LF] Hear about “Addiopizzo,” an anti-mafia movement that supports the local community. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
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
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 14 PALERMO
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Accommodations
Accommodations| Rome | Sorrento Area | Bari | Alberobello Area | Alberobello Area | Reggio Calabria | Taormina Riviera | Taormina Riviera | Palermo | Palermo |
Radisson Blu Rome
First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Via Domenico Chelini, 41 Rome Italy
Radisson Blu Rome is situated just a few minutes away from Via Veneto & the city's historic center. It has 285 sophisticated, air-conditioned rooms, all fully equipped with an LED TV, Free Wi-Fi, a minibar, desk and a bathroom furnished with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. Classic Mediterranean delicacies, an aperitivo or a glass of Champagne can be enjoyed on the stylish 7th floor roof restaurant and bar and there is also a fitness room.
First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Via Domenico Chelini, 41 Rome Italy
Radisson Blu Rome is situated just a few minutes away from Via Veneto & the city's historic center. It has 285 sophisticated, air-conditioned rooms, all fully equipped with an LED TV, Free Wi-Fi, a minibar, desk and a bathroom furnished with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. Classic Mediterranean delicacies, an aperitivo or a glass of Champagne can be enjoyed on the stylish 7th floor roof restaurant and bar and there is also a fitness room.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
