Destination
Apulia, Matera, Calabria & Sicily
Duration
11 Nights
12 Days
Hotel Category
4★ Hotels
5★ Hotels
Journey Introduction
This exclusive 13-day journey through Southern Italy is a refined blend of authentic culture, coastal beauty, and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, designed for families seeking both discovery and comfort.
Begin in Puglia, where whitewashed villages, crystal-clear waters, and ancient traditions create an atmosphere of understated elegance. Continue to the UNESCO-listed town of Matera, where history comes alive among its extraordinary cave dwellings.
The journey then unfolds through Calabria, a hidden gem of Southern Italy, where dramatic coastlines, charming villages, and genuine local experiences offer a slower, more authentic rhythm of life.
Finally, arrive in Sicily, a land of contrasts and timeless beauty, where Mount Etna, baroque towns, and seaside landscapes create an unforgettable grand finale.
Carefully curated with private transfers, immersive activities, and family-friendly luxury accommodations, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of culture, relaxation, gastronomy, and memorable experiences.
Day 1
Arrival in Puglia: Welcome to Southern Italy
Private Transfer from Bari Airport
Check-in at Your Charming Masseria
Welcome Dinner at the Hotel
Day 2
Trulli & Authentic Puglia Countryside
Visit of Alberobello, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Discover Locorotondo, One of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages
Leisure Time at the Masseria & Pool
Day 3
Polignano a Mare & Ostuni Coastal Experience
Visit of Polignano a Mare
Scenic Views Over the Adriatic Sea
Optional Boat Experience Along the Coast
Relaxed Afternoon
Afternoon in Ostuni – “The White City”
Ape Calessino Tour
Day 4
Baroque Lecce & Gelato Workshop
Visit of Lecce
Free Time for Shopping & Exploration
Gelato Workshop Experience
Leisure Afternoon
Day 5
From Puglia to Matera: A Journey Through Time
Private Transfer to Matera
Guided Visit of the Sassi di Matera (UNESCO)
Check-in at Your Cave Hotel
Day 6
Matera to Calabria (Cirò & Capo Vaticano)
Morning at Leisure in Matera
Private Transfer to Cirò (Calabria – Ionian Coast)
Wine-Oriented or Scenic Stop
Continue to Capo Vaticano / Tropea
Check-in at Capovaticano Resort
Day 7
Tropea Experience: Walking Tour & Cooking Class
Free Morning at Leisure
Afternoon Guided Walking Tour of Tropea
Hands-on Cooking Class with Local Specialties
Dinner Based on the Prepared Dishes
Day 8
Gerace & the Ionian Calabria with Leisure Time in Tropea
Check-out from Capovaticano Resort
Transfer to Sicily
Stops: Scilla / Reggio Calabria (Optional)
Arrival in Taormina & Check-in
Day 9
From Calabria to Sicily: Ferry Crossing & Taormina
Check-out from Capovaticano Resort
Transfer to Sicily
Stops: Scilla / Reggio Calabria (Optional)
Arrival in Taormina & Check-in
Day 10
Mount Etna Adventure & Wine Experience
Excursion to Mount Etna
Wine Tasting & Light Lunch on the Slopes of Etna
Return to Taormina
Day 11
Taormina & Isola Bella
Visit of Taormina
Excursion to Isola Bella
Leisure Time for Shopping or Relaxation
Day 12
Arrivederci Italy
Private Transfer to Catania Airport
Photo gallery experience
TOUR FEATURES
First-class luxury hotels for 10 nights
Accommodation:
Deluxe / Superior Room Category
Included meals:
Daily breakfasts
1 dinner in Rome
1 lunch in Spello
1 food and wine tastings
Selected luxury hotels throughout your journey
4 Nights – Apuglia – Masseria Il Frantoio / Borgo Egnazia (5★) or similar
1 Nights – Matera – Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa / Sextantio (5★) or similar
3 Nights – Calabria (Capo Vaticano / Tropea) – Capovaticano Resort Thalasso & Spa (4★S) or similar
3 Nights – Taormina – CDS Hotels Baia Taormina / NH Collection Taormina (4★S / 5★) or similar
Scenic & Lifestyle Experiences
Visit of Alberobello – UNESCO Trulli Site
Discovery of Locorotondo – One of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages
Polignano a Mare Coastal Experience
Ape Calessino Tour in Ostuni – The White City
Matera – Sassi UNESCO Site Experience
Tropea Coastal Lifestyle & Historic Center Discovery
Excursion to Gerace & the Ionian Calabria
Mount Etna Experience – Europe’s Highest Active Volcano
Taormina & Isola Bella Exploration
Regional Culinary Discoveries
Traditional Apulian Masseria Dining Experience
Gelato Workshop in Lecce
Hands-on Cooking Class in Tropea with Dinner
Etna Wine Estate Experience with Wine Tasting & Light Lunch
Priority Entrance Tickets Included
Skip-the-line access to:
- Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum & Roman Forum
Private Exclusive Services
- All private transfers and luxury transportation as per itinerary
- Scenic transfer from Puglia to Calabria via Cirò (Ionian Coast)
- Transfer from Calabria to Sicily including ferry crossing logistics
Private Guided Experiences
- Private licensed guide in Ostuni, Lecce
- Private licensed guides for curated cultural experiences and in-depth local insight:
- Matera – Private guided exploration of the Sassi (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Mount Etna – Expert local guide for a safe and immersive volcanic experience
Receive the detailed Itinerary
Highlights
- Professional Multilingual Driver/Escort Service
- Friendly and family oriented personalized service
- Certified Local Guides Guaranteed departures with min. 2 passengers
- Safety and customized programs
- Efficiency and looking out for traveler’s interest and needs.
- Experience and passion for travel
Payment schedule
First deposit
30% to confirm the booking (plus any additional deposits by hotels or other suppliers)
Cancellation
- Up to 90 days before commencement of the booking from 0%.
- 90 to 60 days before commencement of the booking 30%.
- 60 to 31 days prior to departure. 50% of the land cost for entire group or individual cancellations**
- 30 to 15 days prior to departure. 75% of the land cost for entire group or individual cancellations
- 14 days to the day of departure. 100% of the land cost for entire group and individual (no shows).
** In addition to penalties that are imposed by other suppliers such as hotels, and non refundable features etc. lf a passenger’s cancellation creates a change in the price schedule, the tour price will be revised, based on the remaining number of participants.
A passenger becoming a single, as a result of a partner’s cancellation, must pay the single supplement.
Final payment
60 Days prior to departure final rooming list should be forwarded with Final Payment.
CONTACTS
ITALY TRAVEL SPECIALIST® s.r.l.
Via Luigi Galvani 2, 50131 Firenze (FI) Italy
mail: info@italytravelspecialist.it
office phone +39 366 188 12 66
The quote excludes:
Hotel City tax not included according to new regulations and where applicable
Items of a personal nature: telephone calls, faxes, laundry, room service and other items of a personal nature not specifically mentioned.
Gratuities to Tour Manager, driver, and local guides.
Trip cancellation/interruption insurance. (available and highly recommended).
Airport taxes, excess baggage, meals not included in attached itinerary.
Passports and or visas necessary for entry into countries on itinerary.
(Note: passports must be valid 6 months beyond intended stay.)
Items of a personal nature: telephone calls, faxes, laundry, room service and other items of a personal nature not specifically mentioned.
Gratuities to Tour Manager, driver, and local guides.
Trip cancellation/interruption insurance. (available and highly recommended).
Airport taxes, excess baggage, meals not included in attached itinerary.
Passports and or visas necessary for entry into countries on itinerary.
(Note: passports must be valid 6 months beyond intended stay.)
Not included:
Flights
City tax / Tourist tax - average cost 6,00€ per person per night at Hotel 4 stars to be paid on spot locally
All that is not mentioned in "included" The last day of the tour is the customary time to extend gratuities to your guide and driver. The schedule is subject to change. An update will be given at the end of each day for the next day’s activities.
Your escort will be available throughout the tour for any questions or assistance.
City tax / Tourist tax - average cost 6,00€ per person per night at Hotel 4 stars to be paid on spot locally
All that is not mentioned in "included" The last day of the tour is the customary time to extend gratuities to your guide and driver. The schedule is subject to change. An update will be given at the end of each day for the next day’s activities.
Your escort will be available throughout the tour for any questions or assistance.
