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Globus Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy(LM)

14 days from Rome to Palermo 
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.

Itinerary (2024)

Day 1ARRIVE 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)
Day 2ROME–CASTEL GANDOLFO–SORRENTO COAST
 Holy Grounds CASTEL GANDOLFO Take a [LF] guided visit of the Papal Palace and the Barberini Gardens followed by lunch at Villa Barberini en route to the Sorrento Coast. (B,L)
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.
Day 3SORRENTO COAST. EXCURSION TO CAPRI
 Coves, Cliffs & The Clear Blue Sea SORRENTO COAST 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 Free time. (B)

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.
Day 4SORRENTO COAST. EXCURSION TO POMPEII AND NAPLES
 A Slice of Life in Naples POMPEII Take a guided walking tour of the excavations. Free time for lunch.
NAPLES Guided sightseeing includes an orientation drive on the panoramic road to Posillipo, a stop in Piazza Plebiscito, and [LF] a slice of Neapolitan pizza. (B,D)
68 mi / 110 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Pizza was first delivered to the world after Neapolitans put tomatoes on flatbread. Baker Raffaele Esposito baked a pie with the hues of the Italian flag for Queen Margherita's visit to Naples with mozzarella cheese, red tomatoes, and basil, giving to the world the Neapolitan pizza we love today.
Day 5SORRENTO COAST–BARI
 Chilling on the Coast SORRENTO COAST Free morning before departing for Bari. (B)
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.
Day 6BARI–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. [LF] Taste traditional pasticciotto (filled pastry) with almond-infused iced coffee. (B,D)
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.
Day 7ALBEROBELLO AREA
 Stone Houses ALBEROBELLO Guided walking tour includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional conical-roof house). 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.
Day 8ALBEROBELLO 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 [LF] 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). (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.
Day 9REGGIO CALABRIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA
 Grand Greek Drama STRAIT OF MESSINA Ferry crossing to Sicily.
TAORMINA Visit the ancient Greek theatre. Free time to explore. (B)
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.
Day 10TAORMINA RIVIERA
 The Pearl of the Mediterranean TAORMINA RIVIERA Enjoy a free day in Taormina, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

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.
Day 11TAORMINA RIVIERA
 Sicilian Summits TAORMINA RIVIERA Enjoy a free day. (B)

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.
Day 12TAORMINA RIVIERA–AGRIGENTO–PALERMO
 Timeless Temples AGRIGENTO Take a guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples en route to Palermo. (B)
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.
Day 13PALERMO
 Cathedrals & Cocktails PALERMO Guided sightseeing includes the Church of Immacolata and 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. Enjoy an [LF] Aperitivo (pre-dinner cocktail) at a noble palace followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION They say aperitivo is life. Bid farewell to Italy with a traditional cocktail before dinner. From the Latin word for ‘open,’ aperitivi cocktails or wine are served between 6 and 9pm as an opener to the evening meal. Alla salute!
Day 14PALERMO
 Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Globus Tour Dates


Guaranteed Departure  indicates Guaranteed Departure
*Tour Land StartGlobus RetailRequest Quote
Guaranteed Departure 04/21/2024 $4,339.00
Guaranteed Departure 04/28/2024 $4,339.00
Guaranteed Departure 05/05/2024 $4,299.00
Guaranteed Departure 05/19/2024 $4,349.00
Guaranteed Departure 05/26/2024 $4,349.00
Guaranteed Departure 06/02/2024 $5,099.00
Guaranteed Departure 06/09/2024 $4,329.00
Guaranteed Departure 06/16/2024 $4,329.00
Guaranteed Departure 07/07/2024 $4,359.00
Guaranteed Departure 08/04/2024 $5,149.00
Guaranteed Departure 08/25/2024 $5,099.00
Guaranteed Departure 09/01/2024 $4,359.00
Guaranteed Departure 09/29/2024 $5,129.00
Guaranteed Departure 10/06/2024 $4,279.00
Guaranteed Departure 10/20/2024 $4,279.00
Guaranteed Departure 10/27/2024 $4,929.00
Guaranteed Departure 11/03/2024 $4,059.00
11/10/2024 $3,899.00
03/30/2025 $4,599.00
04/06/2025 $4,699.00
04/13/2025 $4,699.00
04/20/2025 $4,779.00
04/27/2025 $4,779.00
05/04/2025 $5,579.00
05/11/2025 $4,789.00
05/18/2025 $4,789.00
05/25/2025 $4,789.00
06/01/2025 $5,609.00
06/08/2025 $4,769.00
06/15/2025 $4,769.00
06/22/2025 $4,879.00
06/29/2025 $4,799.00
07/06/2025 $5,649.00
07/20/2025 $4,799.00
08/03/2025 $5,669.00
08/17/2025 $4,819.00
08/24/2025 $5,619.00
08/31/2025 $4,799.00
09/07/2025 $4,799.00
09/14/2025 $4,799.00
09/21/2025 $4,799.00
09/28/2025 $4,799.00
10/05/2025 $4,699.00
10/12/2025 $4,699.00
10/19/2025 $4,699.00
10/26/2025 $5,429.00
11/02/2025 $4,469.00
11/09/2025 $4,289.00
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