Beautiful of Puglia, Campania and Sicily (2025)

Day 1

Welcome to your tour with Europamundo!Today, we’ll travel toward the Adriatic Sea, passing through the stunning landscapes of the Apennine Mountain range. Our first stop will be the San Giovanni in Venere Abbey, a beautiful 11th-century abbey built on the ruins of an ancient Roman temple. Next, we’ll visit Termoli, a charming coastal city where the beach is framed by the walled old town, with its 13th-century castle and Romanesque cathedral as the main attractions. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely walk. We’ll then continue to Trani, known as “the pearl of the Adriatic.” This magnificent city embraces the sea and showcases its stunning pink Romanesque cathedral. We’ll arrive in Bari later in the day, where you’ll have some free time to explore the lively port, stroll along the seafront, and wander through the old town’s narrow alleys before heading to the hotel.

Day 2

After breakfast, we’ll have time for a walk through the old town of Bari, a port city with roots that stretch back to pre-Roman times. Its narrow streets, churches, and vibrant atmosphere make it a truly special place. Later, we’ll continue to Brindisi, a walled port city where you can enjoy a pleasant stroll along the sea, admire the impressive Roman column, and explore the old quarter. Our next stop will be Lecce, a charming city renowned for its stunning baroque architecture, earning the nickname "Florence of the South." The historic center is filled with beautifully ornate baroque buildings and churches. You’ll have time for a walk and lunch here. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Taranto, a lively city that embodies the spirit of southern Italy—with its traditions, atmosphere, and a touch of faded charm. Here, you’ll see the impressive Castello Aragonese, the old quarter, and the cathedral. We’ll return to Brindisi at the end of the day for our accommodation.

Day 3

Today, we’ll visit two extraordinary and authentic towns. Our first stop will be Alberobello, famous for its unique conical-shaped houses known as trulli. These distinctive structures, with their stacked stone roofs, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represent a remarkable example of Italian rural architecture. Next, we’ll head to Matera, located in the Basilicata region, renowned for its ancient historic center and the Sassi di Matera—a complex of ancient dwellings and buildings carved into the rock, dating back thousands of years. Not only is it a World Heritage Site, but also one of the oldest continuously inhabited human settlements in the world. You’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our journey through Basilicata and Campania, taking in the beautiful mountain landscapes. We’ll arrive in Naples by evening, where you’ll have free time to explore.

Day 4

We’ll have free time to explore Naples before boarding a boat for a trip to the Island of Capri, where you can choose to take a boat to Grotta Bianca or the funicular to Capri city. After lunch, we’ll reboard and head to Sorrento, a charming tourist town nestled at the base of a cliff, where you’ll have free time to wander. Our journey will then take us to the Gulf of Salerno, where we’ll stay in the city of Salerno.

Day 5

We’ll journey to the south of “the boot”, marveling at the stunning southern Italian scenery as we cross the Cilento National Park. We’ll arrive in Paola, located on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, where we’ll visit the Sanctuary of St. Francis of Paola and enjoy free time for lunch in its charming historic center. Our adventure will continue to Villa San Giovanni for a short ferry crossing to the island of Sicily. In Messina, we’ll have time for a leisurely near the cathedral before heading to Taormina.Note: Accommodation will normally be in the region of Taormina, but on certain dates it may be in Messina.

Day 6

Nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, the beautiful city of Taormina was once described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. You’ll have time to explore the vibrant old town, where the Greek theater is set against the breathtaking landscape. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey toward the center of the island. Our next stop will be Caltagirone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its impressive Baroque architecture. You’ll get to ride a little tourist train (included), where you’ll learn about the city’s rich history and key landmarks. Caltagirone is also the ceramic capital of Sicily, as seen in its numerous shops, workshops, and iconic sites, including the famous 142-step staircase, each step uniquely decorated with colorful tiles. After lunch, we’ll visit the Villa Romana del Casale (admission included), another UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Roman Empire, villas were symbols of agricultural wealth, and Villa del Casale is exceptional not only for its well-preserved 4th-century architecture but also for its stunning mosaics, which adorn almost every room, considered the finest in the Roman world. We’ll then cross the island’s mountainous interior and continue to Palermo, arriving by the end of the day.

Day 7

Today, we’ll embark on a guided city tour of Palermo with a local expert. Highlights include the cathedral, famous for its blend of architectural styles and royal tombs (admission included), and the Palazzo dei Normanni, a former royal palace with fountains, markets, and gardens. We’ll also visit Monreale to see its cathedral (admission included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its breathtaking golden mosaics that adorn the entire interior. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure.Note: For smaller groups, the tour may be conducted as part of a regular excursion offered by local companies instead of a private tour.

Day 8

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.