South of Italy

About the destination: Despite the fact that Bari is quite a large modern city, it has managed to maintain the unique atmosphere of small towns. In this city, ancient buildings and strict gothic castles sit side by side with new trading centres and restaurants, making Bari even more attractive and elegant. Take a stroll along the narrow streets of the city centre to reach the Cathedral of Bari. Built in the 12th century, its crypt is a masterpiece of Baroque art. In these winding streets, another fine example of Baroque architecture stands, the beautiful church of San Nicola, built a thousand years ago. Castello Normanno Svevo, which was built in 1132, is one of the most notable sights of the city. The Museum of Archaeology is another place of interest in Bari as excavations in the old part of the city haven’t stopped even now, so the museum constantly receives new exhibits. If daytime is traditionally used for leisurely walks in shady valleys, night turns Bari into one lively discotheque. Trendy bars, pubs, and clubs are ready to entertain their visitors until dawn.

About the destination: Reggio Calabria is a city and port in southern Italy, capital of the province, in the region of Calabria, located along the Strait of Messina, opposite Sicily. It has a population of 186,547 inhabitants and an area of 236 square kilometres.

About the destination: Catania is the second largest city in Sicily. Buried seven times by fierce eruptions of the Etna volcano and several earthquakes, much of its monuments have been destroyed. Nonetheless, the old town is well maintained, so much so, that it was declared a World Heritage Site in 2002. In the city centre, visitors will be able to enjoy the major feature of the city: its baroque architecture. The main examples are the Cathedral Square, Piazza del Duomo, with the Elephant Fountain, the adorned Cathedral, founded in the 11th century on the ruins of the ancient baths and the impressive 13th century Ursino Castle. The remains of the Roman and Greek heritage can still be witnessed at the former Acropolis of Katane that includes the Roman Theatre, built by Greeks and reconstructed by Romans, the Odeon and the Amphitheatre. Chaotic, noisy and boisterous, Catania’s nightlife is buzzing, hundreds of bars, clubs and eateries are at hand where to get infected with the joie de vivre of the city’s population.

About the destination: Life in Palermo is intense. People and buildings are tightly packed into every available space and chaotic markets make the narrow footpaths impassable. Lush gardens exist along poor narrow streets, and drying laundry resembles the festive banners of a public celebration. Stroll along via Roma up to Corso Vittorio Emanuele, admiring the squares and the exuberant cathedral. The Palazzo dei Normani is an extraordinary fusion of styles, its Byzantine mosaics are a reminder of the city's Golden Age. The ruins of the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti stand around the corner, with its pink domes shielding an exotic cloister garden. The National Gallery of Sicily, housed in the Palazzo Abatellis, has a superb collection of paintings and sculpture. In the mornings, don’t miss the massive open-air Capo market. Most of Palermo’s nightlife occurs in the beach district of Mondello. There you can join the strolling crowds of young Italians sampling fish from seaside kitchen stalls and eating gelato.