Personally Escorted Small Group Tours of Puglia, Calabria and Sicily 2027

Today we start the tour by meeting our local guide for a fascinating walking tour through Bari’s enchanting old town. As we wander the narrow lanes of Bari Vecchia, we’ll visit the famous “Pasta Street,” where local Nonna’s handcraft orecchiette outside their homes—a heartwarming and authentic glimpse into daily life and tradition. Later, we take a short drive to the stunning seaside town of Polignano a Mare, perched dramatically on limestone cliffs above the Adriatic. Enjoy time to stroll through its whitewashed streets, take in breathtaking coastal views, and perhaps sample the town’s famous gelato. The afternoon is at leisure before we reunite in the early evening for a glass of wine and a welcome dinner featuring regional specialties.

Overnight in our beautiful Hotel near Bari Vecchia.

After breakfast, we leave Bari and head into the countryside to visit a traditional Masseria—a historic farmhouse estate. Here, we’ll spend a memorable day learning to make cheese, cooking regional dishes, and enjoying a long, leisurely lunch in a beautiful rural setting. In the late afternoon, we continue to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its ancient cave dwellings and dramatic landscapes.

Upon arrival, we’ll check in for a 2-night stay at a beautifully restored cave hotel nestled in the heart of the Sassi, offering a truly unique and atmospheric experience.

After breakfast, we’ll meet our local guide for a fascinating tour of the “Sassi of Matera.” As we wander through this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site, we’ll explore ancient cave dwellings and learn about the city’s layered history and cultural significance—one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace, perhaps visiting local museums, enjoying a quiet moment with a view, or discovering hidden corners of this unforgettable city.

Today, we depart Matera and journey toward the elegant Baroque city of Lecce, famed for its ornate architecture and vibrant culture. Along the way, we’ll stop in Locorotondo, a delightful hilltop village known for its circular layout, whitewashed houses, and flower-filled balconies. We’ll then visit Ostuni, the “White City,” where dazzling white buildings and winding cobblestone streets create a magical, timeless atmosphere. We arrive in Lecce in the late afternoon, ready to soak in its rich history and southern Italian charm.

Check in for our 3-night stay in our palazzo hotel located in the historic centre.

Today, we enjoy a full-day excursion exploring two of Apulia’s coastal gems. Our first stop is Gallipoli, a historic town on the Ionian Sea known for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and fortified old town set on an island. Once a humble fishing village, Gallipoli still boasts a lively fish market—one of the most renowned in the region. Later, we head to Otranto, a stunning seaside town where history, architecture, and dramatic coastal views come together. With its medieval charm and turquoise waters, Otranto is one of the most picturesque destinations in Southern Italy.

This morning, we’ll join our local guide for a walking tour of Lecce, uncovering the city’s rich history, striking Baroque architecture, and vibrant culture. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace—whether that means discovering hidden piazzas, browsing artisan boutiques, or simply relaxing with a coffee in one of the lively squares.

After breakfast, we depart Lecce and make our way to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the heart of Apulia. On arrival, we’ll meet our local guide to discover the fascinating history of the town’s iconic Trulli—over 1,500 whitewashed, cone-roofed dwellings dating back to the 14th century.  The late afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure—perfect for wandering the quaint streets or sampling local cuisine.

We then check in for a unique 1-night stay in a traditional trullo, offering an authentic and charming local experience.

After breakfast, we check out and continue our journey south through Calabria to the stunning          seaside town of Tropea. Along the way, we’ll stop at a beautiful hilltop Castello — a                            sixteenth‑century gem built by the tenth Count of Altomonte. We’ll soak up the views from the          surrounding vineyards and olive groves, wander a little, and settle in for a relaxed lunch made with  local ingredients. It’s a simple, warm, and very real taste of the countryside. After lunch we continue to Tropea. Perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tropea is famed not only for its dramatic views and golden beaches but also for its sweet red onions. Located along the breathtaking Costa degli Dei—the Coast of the Gods—this picturesque town offers a perfect blend of history, charm, and natural beauty. The rest of the afternoon is leisurely. Explore the charming seaside village of Tropea at your own pace—wander its historic streets, relax on stunning beaches, or savour local delicacies in quaint cafés.
Check in for our 2-night stay near the town centre

This morning, we depart Tropea and make our way to Reggio Calabria, a vibrant coastal city just           across the Strait of Messina from Sicily. Along the way, we’ll stop in one of Calabria’s beautiful             seaside towns and wander through its charming streets to soak up the local atmosphere. We then        continue to Reggio Calabria

Check in for a 2‑night stay at our seaside hotel, offering wonderful views and easy access to the city’s  highlights.

In the morning, we meet up with our local guide for an easy-going walking tour of the city. The              afternoon is yours to enjoy however you like — take your time exploring at your own pace. Later on,    we’ll wander over to our restaurant and settle in for an evening of local food and wine.

Today, we leave the mainland and cross the Strait of Messina to reach Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean. After a brief stop in the city of Messina, we continue on to the charming seaside village of Cefalù. Known for its golden beaches, medieval lanes, and impressive Norman cathedral, Cefalù offers a perfect blend of coastal beauty and historic character.

Check in for our 2-night stay at our hotel located near the sea.

Today, you have the option to venture into the scenic Madonie Mountains for a morning of exploration, or simply unwind with a full day at leisure by the sea in beautiful Cefalù. The choice is yours.

This morning we leave Cefalù and travel to a local farm, a hidden gem nestled in the beautiful                 Madonie Mountains where we learn about traditional farming followed by lunch. After lunch, we         continue to Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily. Renowned as the world’s most conquered city,           Palermo is a captivating tapestry shaped by centuries of Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and       Norman influence. Upon arrival, we’ll meet our local guide for a walking tour through the city’s lively streets and markets, immersing ourselves in its rich history and local traditions.

Check in for our 2-night stay in our centrally located hotel in the historic centre.

Today is yours to soak up the lively atmosphere of Palermo at your own pace. Explore its bustling markets, visit stunning churches and museums, or simply relax and enjoy a coffee in one of its lively piazzas.

Today, we leave Palermo and make our way to the enchanting hilltop village of Erice. On arrival, we’ll enjoy a leisurely walk through its cobbled streets, taking in the medieval charm and panoramic views, followed by a chance to sample some of Erice’s world-famous pastries. In the afternoon, we  continue to Trapani for a stroll through its historic centre, rich in Baroque architecture and seaside                      atmosphere before settling into our hotel.

Check in for our 2-night stay in our centrally located hotel near the historic centre.

Today, we set sail from Trapani to explore the beautiful Egadi Islands. Our day focuses on Favignana, known for its crystal‑clear turquoise waters and relaxed island charm, and Levanzo, the smallest of  the Egadi Islands, celebrated for its peaceful atmosphere and striking rocky coastline. After a full day soaking up their natural beauty, we return to Trapani in the late afternoon. The evening is at leisure.

This morning we leave Trapani behind travel to Agrigento. On the way we stop to explore the historic centre of Marsala, known for its charming streets, Baroque architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a wine tasting experience paired with local food in a stunning winery on the outskirts of Marsala. In the afternoon, we continue our journey to Agrigento, where we’ll check in for a two-night stay at our hotel, conveniently located just a short distance from the Valley of the Temples.

After breakfast, we head into the countryside to visit a traditional olive farm. Here, we’ll tour the olive groves, learn about the production process, sample fresh olives and oils, and enjoy a relaxed street food-style lunch.

In the late afternoon, we’ll meet our guide for a walking tour of the Valley of the Temples, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing some of the best-preserved ancient Greek ruins in the world.

Today, we travel to Ragusa, with a stop along the way at the picturesque town of Piazza Armerina. Here, our guide will lead us on a tour of the magnificent Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkably preserved Roman mosaics. We’ll then enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch at a nearby restaurant before continuing on to Ragusa. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our centrally located hotel.

Check in for a 1-night stay in a charming hotel carved into the rockface in the historic centre.

In the evening we will walk to our local restaurant to indulge in a traditional Sicilian dinner.

We begin the day with a visit to the elegant Donnafugata Castle, a 19th-century noble residence surrounded by lush gardens and steeped in Sicilian history. From there, we travel to Modica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its magnificent Baroque architecture and famous artisanal chocolate. Here, we’ll enjoy a special tasting experience that showcases the unique flavours and ancient techniques of Modica’s chocolate-making tradition. Later we continue to Siracusa and the island of Ortigia, our home for the next two nights. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel, perfectly situated in the heart of Ortiygia — an ideal location for soaking up the charm and atmosphere of this beautiful little island.

Check in for 2 nights in a charming, centrally located boutique hotel.

Today, we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Siracusa and the quaint island of Ortigia, discovering its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant local life. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure—wander charming streets, browse lively markets, visit unique shops, or relax in one of the many inviting restaurants.

Today, we make our way to Catania, an ancient port city on Sicily’s east coast, sitting at the base of Mount Etna. Catania has a lively, down‑to‑earth feel — full of Baroque architecture, bustling markets, and that unmistakable Sicilian energy. When we arrive, we meet our local guide and enjoy a laid‑back exploration of the city. The afternoon is yours to wander, take things at your own pace,                or enjoy a bit of shopping therapy.

Check in for a 1-night stay in the centre of Catania.

After breakfast, we set out for Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, for our unforgettable Etna Experience—an opportunity to take in its dramatic landscapes and volcanic wonders up close. We have the added experience of enjoying lunch on the slopes of Mt Etna before continuing our journey to Taormina for some free time to explore this enchanting hilltop town. With the evening at leisure, you might like to find a scenic spot for dinner and soak in the views as the sun sets over the coast.

Check in for a three-night stay at our hotel overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

Today, we journey to Savoca, a peaceful and ancient hilltop village perched high above the sea, where you can truly soak in the authentic spirit of Sicily. This charming town is best known for its connection to Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, with scenes filmed in the village square at the iconic Bar Vitelli. After exploring Savoca, we continue to my parents’ home village—another memorable filming location from The Godfather. Here, we’ll be welcomed by my cousins and share a traditional home-cooked Sicilian meal. It’s the perfect way to toast and enjoy a local experience nearing the end of our unforgettable 26-day journey.  Early evening, we will return to Taormina.

After breakfast, we meet our local guide for a walking tour, uncovering Taormina’s rich history and its breathtaking views. Once the tour wraps up, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy — take your  time exploring the medieval streets and winding laneways at your own pace. In the evening, we  come together for dinner at a local restaurant to toast the end of our journey through Puglia, Calabria and Sicily, and reminisce about the wonderful experiences we’ve shared.

Our unforgettable journey comes to an end after breakfast this morning. We say our goodbyes, taking with us wonderful memories, new friendships, and a deeper connection to the heart of Sicily and Southern Italy.