Premium Sicily and Puglia
Premium Sicily and Puglia
Premium Sicily and Puglia
17 Days Starting in Palermo and ending in Naples
Visiting: Palermo, Marsala, Agrigento, Siracusa, Catania, Bari, Nardo, Matera, Naples
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZMPAC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Interests:
Tour Overview
Explore Sicily and unearth the natural and historical wonders of this intriguing island, placed perfectly in the heart of the Mediterranean. Then cross over to the heel of Italy's boot to find dreamy beaches, inspiring architecture and ancient wonders. This premium adventure will take you on a deep dive through southern Italy with one of our most experienced locally based leaders to help uncover all of the best best sights to see and bites to eat (this is Italy, after all).
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Palermo
Location: Palermo
Bongiorno! Welcome to Sicily. When you arrive in Palermo, you’ll be met by a local representative for a complimentary airport transfer into the city. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your fellow travellers and local leader. If you arrive early, you might like to get acquainted with the sights and sounds of the old heart of Palermo. Explore the main monuments like the uniquely styled cathedral, or cafe-hop to try the best of Sicily’s sweets. After your meeting tonight, you'll head out for dinner as a group and get to know the city’s beloved cuisine at a great local restaurant.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Palermo
Location: Palermo
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Enjoy a free morning to see more of Palermo’s small alleyways, buzzing colourful market squares and winding roads. In the afternoon, join a walking tour with your local leader and uncover symbolic places of rebellion and anti-mafia racketeering like the Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria and Beati Paoli Square. You’ll personally meet local shop owners who have had the courage to denounce their extortionists and follow the ethical consumer campaign ‘Pago chi non paga’ – a campaign promoted to support those that rebel against the Mafia. Then, delve deeper into the local cuisine and learn how to create delicious Sicilian dishes with the help of a local chef. As locally sourced products are used in the preparation of these dishes, the menu may differ depending on seasonality and market availability, but whatever you make, you’ll tuck into for dinner.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Marsala
Location: Marsala
Today, it’s time to say goodbye to beautiful Palermo and head towards the small town of Erice. Located more than 750 m above sea level, this beautifully preserved medieval town showcases architectural styles from its varied history. When you arrive, you’ll head to a special Genovesi (traditional Sicilian pastries filled with custard or ricotta cream) tasting. After, take a cable car back down to the town of Trapani, then continue south towards Marsala – a coastal town where you’ll be staying tonight. Famous for its sweet dessert wines, you might like to use your free evening to go out and enjoy a sip (or two) or, you can simply stroll the marble paved streets as the sun sets.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Agrigento
Location: Agrigento
This morning, head east as you stop in the old port of Mazara del Vallo. It’s here that some of the Arab influences in Sicily are most clearly visible. As you stroll through the kasbah (Arab Quarter) you’ll witness the artistic and cultural enrichment brought on by the arrival of Tunisian families in the 70s. Wander the winding lanes and alleyways lined with colourful murals, then continue to Agrigento, stopping at Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks) on the way – this coastline with its white marble cliffs offered protection from the severe winds for the pirates that roamed these waters. Finally, make your way to Agrigento, where you’ll stay in a boutique hotel built in the 13th century and share a meal with your fellow travellers.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Agrigento
Location: Agrigento
This morning after breakfast, travel to the nearby Valley of the Temples. One of the largest archaeological sites in the world, this is where the ancient city of Akragas once stood. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. Along the way, enjoy views of the landscape and Mediterranean Sea. Return to Agrigento and enjoy a free afternoon. Maybe head to Agrigento's Old Town and wander the narrow alleyways and courtyards or find a local cafe, grab a panino and sit and watch the world go by.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Siracusa
Location: Siracusa
Today, say goodbye to Agrigento and hit the road to Siracusa. Along the way, you’ll stop in Ragusa – one of the most scenic towns in all of Sicily. Explore the town and then continue to Modica, which is particularly famous for its chocolate. After tasting some of the local produce, continue to Noto and get acquainted with the city on a guided walking tour. Lesser-known Noto has recently gained a reputation as an architectural jewel and its limestone structures sparkle on a sunlit afternoon. Finally, arrive in Siracusa, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Siracusa
Location: Siracusa
This morning, head out on an orientation walk through Ortigia – a small island just adjacent to the main town of Siracusa. Wandering the narrow streets and laneways will reveal ancient ruins, fountains and trattorias. Return to Siracusa in the afternoon, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore. You might like to uncover the Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre and ancient stone quarries of the Neapolis Archaeological Site, see more of the Siracusa town or simply relax at your accommodation.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Catania
Location: Catania
Today, come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano on a daytrip up Mt Etna. At an altitude of approximately 2000 m, you’ll walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave that can be explored with helmets and torches. Walk among the cold lava streams of Piano Provenzana – a former ski resort that has been destroyed during the last big eruption of 2002. After exploring this fiery natural wonder, continue to Catania. The city has a unique energy – an interesting blend of young and old. On one hand, there’s a gritty bar culture that fuels the nightlife scene, and on the other hand, there’s the Late Baroque towns – the UNESCO World Heritage site, Val di Noto. This afternoon, you’ll get the opportunity to explore both sides of the city by wandering through its grand piazzas and wide roads.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Catania
Location: Catania
After breakfast today, take a day trip to the city of Taormina. Start things off with a guided walk, where you’ll notice Greek influence in the architecture. Walk through the back streets, gardens and the world-famous Greek theatre and cathedral. The afternoon is free, so there's plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Have a drink in the Mediterranean sun or dig into some traditional Sicilian pasta before heading back for your final night in Catania. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with your newfound travel friends and group leader.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Bari
Location: Bari
Accommodation: Hotel Nicolaus or similar
Meals Included: dinner
Benvenuto! Welcome to Puglia – the heel of Italy’s boot. Your adventure kicks off in the coastal city of Bari, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers joining you on your adventure. If you arrive early, why not wander the mazelike Old Town or see the 11th-century Basilica di San Nicola – a key pilgrimage site that holds some of St. Nicholas’ remains. You could also pop into a local cornetteria for a decadent Italian croissant. After your meeting, get to know your group over an included dinner, where your local leader will introduce you to Puglia’s cuisine.
Included Activities:
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Day 11: Bari
Location: Bari
Meals Included: breaksfast
Leave the coastline behind as you travel inland by private vehicle to the little town of Alberobello. Set among a tranquil landscape of olive groves, the town is famed for its unique beehive-shaped trulli (dwellings built from limestone in the 14th century). While the origins of the buildings are unclear, one theory suggests the houses were created to be easily dismantled in a feudal tax evasion scheme. Whatever their purpose, the buildings make the Apulia region unlike anywhere else in the world. Join a local guide for an insider’s look at the town, wandering through the Old Town quarter of Rione Monti, dotted with thousands of trulli, and Rione Aia Piccola. Your guide will point out the different shapes of spires and the religious symbols adorning the roofs. Finally, see the Church de Sant’Antonio – a huge cathedral built in the trulli style. You’ll then visit Polignano a Mare to explore another gorgeous coastal town popular for its beaches, rugged cliffside dwellings and bright turquoise waters. Tonight, you’re free back in Bari to find some dinner.
Included Activities:
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Day 12: Nardo
Location: Nardo
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
This morning, visit a local olive oil producer on a farm that’s been active since Roman times. You’ll learn how production techniques have changed over the centuries, taste some of the olive oil for yourself and enjoy an included lunch of regional favourites. Then, visit the small city of Ostuni and explore its whitewashed streets flanked with Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine buildings. From here, travel to the quiet town of Nardo and join an expert local guide for a walking tour through the Old Town, where there are more than a dozen grand palazzos. Tonight, settle into your Feature Stay accommodation – three 13th century Baronial Palaces, once home to aristocracy from the Kingdom of Naples, which have been converted into a hotel by a local architect. Spend the evening exploring the palaces and grounds that feature artwork and sculptures by local artists. In Palazzo Mignano, you’ll find an excellent on-site restaurant offering Salento dishes and a panoramic view from the terrace.
Included Activities:
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Day 13: Nardo
Location: Nardo
Meals Included: breaksfast
Before breakfast, you may like to take a walk through your Feature Stay’s historic ‘secret garden’ where it seems as if figures from days gone by could walk around the corner at any minute. Today head to the beautiful city of Lecce. With its ornate baroque buildings, lively university and ancient Roman ruins, Lecce’s narrow streets are a delight to explore. Let a local guide show you hidden corners and share the city’s history with you this morning. You’ll also have some free time to explore this historic city on your own before heading back to Nardo. Later this afternoon, perhaps head to the beach, which is only 15 minutes away, or join a pasta making or wine tasting class at your hotel.
Day 14: Matera
Location: Matera
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Enjoy a final morning at your Feature Stay hotel, sitting back with a coffee and soaking up the scenery. Then, it’s time to say goodbye and travel to Matera – an ancient city on a rocky outcrop. Along the way, stop at a local winery for some wine tasting and lunch before continuing to Matera. Matera is believed to be the third-longest continuously inhabited human settlement in the world. You’ll be exploring the city’s famous sassi houses in depth tomorrow, so this evening why not take a walk around Matera to discover its churches, traditional restaurants and thousands of years of human history.
Included Activities:
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Day 15: Matera
Location: Matera
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today, dive into Matera’s Old Town, made famous by sassi – more than 3000 stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs, some dating back as far as the 8th century. Join a local guide who will lead you through a labyrinth of staircases and alleyways that cut their way through limestone ravines, dipping in and out of ancient sassi houses as you go. Up until the late 1950s, the sassi were considered the ‘Shame of Italy’ due to the gruelling living conditions and poverty suffered by those who lived here – a result of the city’s rapid population growth. The Italian government intervened, and 15,000 inhabitants were forcibly relocated. Today, the sassi are undergoing extensive restoration, with some dwellings featuring exhibits that recreate inhabited caves. You’ll also visit an ancient underground neighbourhood, made up of houses, streets, cisterns and churches.
Included Activities:
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Day 16: Naples
Location: Naples
Accommodation: Culture Hotel Centro Storico or Similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Begin the day by driving to the storied town of Pompeii, home to one of Europe’s most well-known archaeological sites – the ruins of Pompeii, caused by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. Join a local guide to discover the remains of this once thriving Roman trading centre. After the eruption, the city was covered in a layer of ash and remained undisturbed until the 18th century, when the ruins were rediscovered. Walk among well-preserved villas, temples, theatres, markets and chariot-marked streets as your expert guide helps you to imagine what life here once looked like. You can also visit the Roman Forum and basilica, temples, public baths, and the tiny Odeon created for music recitals. Later in the day, travel to the buzzing city of Naples where you’ll join your group for a final dinner and a chance to look back on all you’ve seen on your journey.
Included Activities:
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Day 17: Naples
Location: Naples
Meals Included: breaksfast
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend more time discovering Naples, just get in touch ahead of time to arrange additional accommodation.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Comfortable Hotel (12 nights), Feature Stay (4 nights) -
Palermo -Complimentary Arrival Transfer
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Palermo - Welcome Meeting
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Palermo - Welcome Dinner
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Palermo - Anti-Mafia Tour
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Palermo - Sicilian Cooking Class
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Erice - Town Visit
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Erice - Genovesi Tasting
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Mazara del Vallo - Kasbah Visit
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Scala dei Turchi - Visit
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Agrigento - Guided visit Valley of the Temples
Transport
- Private vehicle
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- FACILITIES
- European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Important Information
- 1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
- 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room? on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip? and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Mode of Transport
- Private vehicle
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- FACILITIES
- Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Additionally, please be aware that July, August and the first half of September is high season along the Southern Italian coast, which means that the local infrastructure is under a lot of pressure with a lot of people in the towns we visit. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions