Splendors of Italy: Puglia, Calabria & Sicily

Morning arrival at Bari Airport, met your tour Director and Driver for transfer to your hotel in Martina Franca. Balance of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening meet your tour director for a welcome drink followed by special welcome dinner at a local restaurant (D)

Morning tour of Alberobello known for the world famous “Trulli”, picturesque cone shaped houses that take us back in time to a traditional countryside life. Needless to say, also Alberobello is a UNESCO world heritage site. Enjoy lunch on own. In the afternoon visit an olive oil farm in Cisternino. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight (B & D)

Excursion to Northern Puglia, the capital city Bari for guided tour of the historical center, the Cathedral of Saint Sabino and the Basilica of Saint Nicolas. Today tnjoy lunch at a local restaurant along the coast of Monopoli & Polignano a mare followed by visit and free time in the village of Domenico Modugno, home of the famous Italian song “Volare”. (B & L)

Morning departure for Calabria. En route excursion to Matera to visit this unique village Carved in the lime stone also movie set for the “Passion of Christ”. In the afternoon, continue along the southern Italian peninsula to Calabria. Late afternoon arrive in Vibo Valentia on the tyrrenean coast of Calabria. Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B,D)

Morning departure for Tropea , which is known as one of the most picturesque & historical centers in the region. Here you will visit a famous Norman Cathedral and the balcony overlooking the bay of St Eufemia. Today enjoy a local exclusive lunch. This afternoon time at leisure to relax. Visit to Pizzo Calabro known for the best Truffle gelato!! (B/L)

This morning our journey continues to explore the very southern point of the Italian peninsula before boarding the ferry crossing the straits of Messina to reach Taormina we stop in Reggio Calabria. Visit the archeological museum of Greater Greece including the famous “Bronzi di Riace” original V century BC statues. We then continue to the D’Argo Valley, to visit the towns that served as location when filming the ‘Godfather” trilogy.  Check in at your hotel followed by dinner. (B,D)

Explore the slopes of Mt. Etna that also includes an interesting honey-tasting & wine tasting session in Zafferana. Continue climbing to 6,000 feet, where you can enjoy the best views, as you drive through the fertile slopes and villages that sit on ancient volcanic eruptions.  Enjoy a wine tasting session followed by lunch. In the afternoon Return to Giardini Naxos . (B,L)

Today enjoy Taormina’s charming city center that includes the Greek/Roman amphitheater, with its spectacular view of Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe.  Enjoy some free time.  Farewell Dinner at local restaurant. (B,D)

Morning transfer to Catania Airport for your early connecting return flight Meals and refreshments served on board. (B)