Insight Vacations
Country Roads of Southern Italy & Sicily - Small Group
Country Roads Of Southern Italy & Sicily – Small Group
Indulge in Italy’s finest food and views during this 2-week guided tour. When in Rome, you will toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain during a walking tour with a Local Expert. In Sorrento, settle into a luxurious resort and take in the views of Mount Vesuvius, which buried Pompeii in a pyroclastic cloud of ash and lava stones in 79 A.D. Dine on traditional Apulian cuisine inside a historic trulli house – iconic to the region with their conical stone roofs. Enjoy seasonal dishes such as orecchiette, a traditional pasta of Puglia, honoring age-old recipes, with a deep connection to their land. In Palermo, a historian will take you through the old city, showing you its cathedral and the Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Normans, where glittering 12th century mosaics will surely take your breath away.
Dining Summary
- 7 Dinner (D)
- 13 Breakfast (B)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Capri: Discover the luxuriant Gardens of Augustus with a Local Expert and admire views of the Faraglioni rocks.
- Capri: Enjoy a tasting of limoncello and learn the history behind this traditional lemon liqueur.
Authentic Dining
- Rome: Savor dinner at a uniquely Roman restaurant, offering a perfect exploration of Lazio’s typical flavors.
- Alberobello: Learn about local life while savoring a freshly prepared Farm-to-Table meal featuring recipes and flavors typical of the region.
- Giardini Naxos: Choose from a curated selection of restaurants in Giardini Naxos, each offering its own inviting atmosphere and culinary flair. Whether you’re drawn to local Sicilian specialties or inspired by broader Mediterranean flavors, your Travel Director will be on hand to help you select a dining experience that reflects your tastes and the character of this coastal town.
- Palermo: Experience local customs as you delve into tantalizing flavors and rustic dishes served with local wine.
Insight Choice
- Capri: Discover the luxuriant Gardens of Augustus with a Local Expert and admire views of the Faraglioni rocks.
- Capri: Enjoy a tasting of limoncello and learn the history behind this traditional lemon liqueur.
Insight Experiences
- Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world’s best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini’s first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.
- Rome: Follow in the footsteps of gladiators for a deeper insight into life in ancient Rome when you enter the Colosseum.
Make Travel Matter
- Grottole: Participate in the fascinating Wonder Grottole Project. This regeneration initiative works to rehabilitate the abandoned historic center and preserve village life. Your visit advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Top Rated Highlights
- Rome: Sightsee the local way, with a leisurely passeggiata through the backstreets, where a friend in Rome will explain how modern life takes place, around ancient treasures like the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
- Sorrento: Perched upon the cliffs, lookout to see the mighty Mount Vesuvius across the Bay of Naples.
- Capri: Cruise by jetfoil to this famous isle through beautiful blue Mediterranean waters.
- Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the first century.
- Alberobello: Led by a Local Expert, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the Trulli of Alberobello. Circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within, built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar.
- Matera: With your Local Expert, visit the famous Sassi or cave dwellings, which were home to approximately 20,000 people until 1950s and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Agrigento: Admire magnificent Hellenistic remains in the Valley of the Temples, such as the massive Temple of Concord and clifftop Temple of Juno.
- Palermo: Discover the Sicilian capital with your Local Expert. See Pretoria Square and the 16th century fountain. View the composite architectural styles of the Palermo Cathedral and visit the Palatine Chapel.
Day 1 |
Often called the Eternal City, Rome stands alone as Italy's most visited destination. The third most populated city in the European Union, Rome boasts ancient sites, yet has a modern flair — an exhilarating mix of the Old World and the new.
Rome's must-see attractions include the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and St. Peter's Basilica. Of course, within the city limits of Rome lies an independent country: Vatican City, the Roman Catholic Church headquarters and the only current example of a country inside a city. With its Renaissance architecture, ancient ruins, and works by Michelangelo, Rome is a vibrant destination offering spectacular examples of human achievement. Visitors wandering through this glorious city have so much to discover! |
Day 2 |
Often called the Eternal City, Rome stands alone as Italy's most visited destination. The third most populated city in the European Union, Rome boasts ancient sites, yet has a modern flair — an exhilarating mix of the Old World and the new.
Rome's must-see attractions include the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and St. Peter's Basilica. Of course, within the city limits of Rome lies an independent country: Vatican City, the Roman Catholic Church headquarters and the only current example of a country inside a city. With its Renaissance architecture, ancient ruins, and works by Michelangelo, Rome is a vibrant destination offering spectacular examples of human achievement. Visitors wandering through this glorious city have so much to discover! |
Day 3 |
Often called the Eternal City, Rome stands alone as Italy's most visited destination. The third most populated city in the European Union, Rome boasts ancient sites, yet has a modern flair — an exhilarating mix of the Old World and the new.
Rome's must-see attractions include the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and St. Peter's Basilica. Of course, within the city limits of Rome lies an independent country: Vatican City, the Roman Catholic Church headquarters and the only current example of a country inside a city. With its Renaissance architecture, ancient ruins, and works by Michelangelo, Rome is a vibrant destination offering spectacular examples of human achievement. Visitors wandering through this glorious city have so much to discover! |
Day 4 |
Capri, a jewel of the Tyrrhenian Sea, has long been a favorite retreat for emperors, artists, and writers. This enchanting island off Italy's Amalfi Coast captivates with its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and timeless elegance. The most iconic sight on Capri is the Blue Grotto, a sea cave illuminated by a magical blue light created by sunlight passing through an underwater cavity. A boat tour through this ethereal natural wonder is an unforgettable experience that draws visitors from around the world. The charm of Capri extends beyond its natural beauty. The Piazzetta, often called "the world's living room," is the beating heart of the island where locals and tourists mingle over an espresso or an Aperol Spritz. Narrow lanes from the Piazzetta lead to designer boutiques, artisan shops, and local eateries, showcasing the island's blend of sophistication and authenticity. A stroll along Via Camerelle will take you past high-end fashion stores and picturesque cafés, while a hike to Villa Jovis, the former palace of Emperor Tiberius, offers a glimpse into the island’s imperial past. Capri's natural landscapes are equally alluring. The Gardens of Augustus, with their vibrant flowers and stunning vistas of the Faraglioni rock formations, provide a serene escape for nature lovers. For the more adventurous, the Sentiero dei Fortini trail along the western coast presents breathtaking views of the sea, rugged cliffs, and ancient forts. Alternatively, a chairlift ride to the top of Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island, offers a panoramic view that stretches from the Bay of Naples to the Sorrentine Peninsula. A fun fact about Capri is its enduring status as a muse for creativity. The island has inspired many, including French novelist André Gide and American author Norman Douglas, whose works captured the essence of Capri's idyllic yet mysterious allure. Visit between April and October to experience Capri in its sun-soaked glory, where every corner invites discovery and every view feels like a postcard come to life. |
Day 5 |
Nestled along the cliffs of the Gulf of Naples, Sorrento will charm you with its picturesque scenery and breathtaking coastal views. Three hours south of metropolitan Rome, Sorrento provides easy access to many of Italy’s most beloved destinations, including Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi, and Capri. Swim near the piers of Sorrento’s Marina Grande, stroll the delightfully Mediterranean Piazza Tasso, nibble on lemony gelato and fresh seafood, or travel north to the Parco Regionale dei Monti Lattari to hike the peninsula’s stunningly verdant mountainside. Sparkling Sorrento awaits! |
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Matera, one of Italy's most enchanting cities, is a living testament to human resilience and creativity. Nestled in the southern region of Basilicata, Matera is renowned for its ancient cave dwellings, known as the Sassi. These prehistoric stone houses, carved directly into the limestone rock, date back thousands of years, making Matera one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Walking through the winding alleys and stairways of the Sassi di Matera, you'll feel as though you've stepped back in time, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the city's unique architecture. This ancient settlement is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding cultural and historical significance. Matera offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore a city where history and modernity coexist in harmony. The Palombaro Lungo, an enormous underground cistern carved out in the 16th century, is an engineering marvel that can be explored on guided tours. Meanwhile, the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario museum provides a glimpse into traditional cave-dwelling life, complete with antique furnishings and tools that showcase the humble yet ingenious lifestyle of its past inhabitants. For a spiritual experience, visit the rock-hewn churches of Matera, such as the Chiesa di Santa Maria de Idris and San Pietro Barisano, which feature stunning frescoes and carvings that date back to the 8th and 9th centuries. Beyond its ancient allure, Matera is also a hub for contemporary culture and cuisine. The city's historic center is dotted with artisan shops, stylish cafes, and innovative restaurants that serve local specialties like orecchiette pasta and Lucanian sausages, providing an authentic taste of southern Italy. Matera has also become a favorite backdrop for filmmakers, earning the nickname "the second Bethlehem" due to its biblical landscapes. It was prominently featured in films such as Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" and the recent James Bond movie, "No Time to Die", adding a modern cinematic layer to its ancient appeal. Fun fact: Matera was named the European Capital of Culture in 2019, a testament to its rich history, vibrant local arts scene, and ongoing cultural revival. This recognition has helped elevate Matera from a hidden gem to a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience a blend of ancient history, captivating scenery, and genuine Italian culture. |
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Day 13 |
Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, Italy, is a city where history, culture, and gastronomy converge in a kaleidoscope of experiences. A walk through Palermo is like stepping into a living museum, where Byzantine, Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences blend seamlessly. The Palermo Cathedral, a masterpiece of architectural evolution, showcases a mix of styles from its Norman origins to later Baroque and Neoclassical elements. Visitors can marvel at its intricate façade and explore the royal tombs within. One of Palermo’s most captivating sites is the Capella Palatina, an exquisite chapel within the Norman Palace. Adorned with stunning mosaics and golden Byzantine artwork, this chapel reflects the grandeur of Sicily’s medieval period. The palace itself, once a royal residence, offers a glimpse into the opulent past of Sicilian nobility. The city's bustling markets are a sensory overload of vibrant colors and enticing aromas. The Mercato di Ballarò and Mercato della Vucciria are among the most famous, where you can experience the lively atmosphere and taste local delicacies like arancini (stuffed rice balls) and cannoli. These markets not only offer delicious food but also an immersive look into Palermo's daily life and traditions. Fun fact: Palermo is known for its unique street food culture, with the city's market vendors offering some of the best street food in Italy. Be sure to try "pane con la milza," a traditional Sicilian sandwich made with spleen, a local delicacy. |
Day 14 |
Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, Italy, is a city where history, culture, and gastronomy converge in a kaleidoscope of experiences. A walk through Palermo is like stepping into a living museum, where Byzantine, Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences blend seamlessly. The Palermo Cathedral, a masterpiece of architectural evolution, showcases a mix of styles from its Norman origins to later Baroque and Neoclassical elements. Visitors can marvel at its intricate façade and explore the royal tombs within. One of Palermo’s most captivating sites is the Capella Palatina, an exquisite chapel within the Norman Palace. Adorned with stunning mosaics and golden Byzantine artwork, this chapel reflects the grandeur of Sicily’s medieval period. The palace itself, once a royal residence, offers a glimpse into the opulent past of Sicilian nobility. The city's bustling markets are a sensory overload of vibrant colors and enticing aromas. The Mercato di Ballarò and Mercato della Vucciria are among the most famous, where you can experience the lively atmosphere and taste local delicacies like arancini (stuffed rice balls) and cannoli. These markets not only offer delicious food but also an immersive look into Palermo's daily life and traditions. Fun fact: Palermo is known for its unique street food culture, with the city's market vendors offering some of the best street food in Italy. Be sure to try "pane con la milza," a traditional Sicilian sandwich made with spleen, a local delicacy. |
Travel Dates | Price | ||
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06/13/26 - 06/26/26 |
Starting At $6,450 |
Get A Quote |
Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change.
Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.