Andrew Limeri

Southern Italy Grand Escape

Luxury Trips - Zicasso

13 Days / 12 Nights

Palermo – Monreale – Agrigento – Taormina – Catania – Mount Etna – Syracuse – Brucoli – Naples – Pompeii – Amalfi Coast – Matera – Alberobello

A vibrant journey through Mediterranean culture, volcanic landscapes, timeless cities, and unforgettable flavors

Ideal for: Culture & history enthusiasts | Nature lovers | Food & wine explorers | Slow travel seekers | Beach & relaxation aficionados

Overview

Discover the very best of Southern Italy through an extraordinary journey designed for travelers who appreciate luxury, authenticity, and seamless service.

From the golden mosaics of Palermo and the ancient Greek temples of Agrigento to the volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna, the timeless beauty of the Amalfi Coast, and the iconic stone districts of Matera, every destination has been carefully selected to showcase the region’s remarkable diversity.

Throughout the journey, enjoy the comfort of a dedicated Tour Leader, private transportation, expert local guides, carefully selected 4★ boutique hotels, and an exceptional collection of food and wine experiences celebrating Sicily, Campania, Basilicata, and Puglia.

A perfect balance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spectacular scenery, refined gastronomy, authentic local traditions, and exclusive experiences creates an unforgettable Grand Tour of Italy’s captivating South.

Why travellers love this trip?

  • Dedicated Tour Leader accompanying the group throughout the entire itinerary
  • Carefully selected luxury hotels in exceptional central locations
  • Private transportation throughout the journey
  • Expert private guides in Italy’s most fascinating historical destinations
  • Explore five UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Discover Sicily, Campania, Basilicata, and Puglia in one seamless itinerary
  • Sunset sailing experiences and breathtaking Mediterranean scenery
  • Full-day exploration of Mount Etna aboard specialized 4×4 vehicles
  • Exclusive archaeological experiences in Agrigento, Pompeii, Syracuse, Palermo, and Matera
  • Exceptional food and wine experiences highlighting the unique culinary traditions of Southern Italy
  • Authentic encounters with local producers and regional gastronomy
  • The perfect balance of iconic highlights, hidden gems, and unforgettable luxury experiences

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Palermo | Arrival in the Heart of Sicily

Upon arrival at Palermo Airport, your private driver welcomes you for a seamless transfer to your elegant city-center hotel.

Here, you’ll be introduced to your dedicated Tour Leader, who will accompany your group throughout the journey, ensuring every detail unfolds effortlessly while enriching each destination with local insight and personalized assistance.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax or enjoy a first stroll through Palermo’s lively streets, where Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences blend into one of Italy’s most fascinating cultural landscapes.

This evening, begin your Southern Italian journey with an elegant tasting dinner paired with carefully selected Sicilian wines, celebrating the island’s extraordinary culinary heritage through a refined multi-course experience.

Overnight in Palermo.


Day 2 – Palermo & Monreale | The Golden Kingdom of the Normans

This morning, meet your private guide for an immersive exploration of Palermo’s remarkable historical center.

Discover magnificent piazzas, vibrant markets, noble palaces, and the extraordinary Royal Palace, whose spectacular interiors reveal centuries of Norman rule and multicultural influence.

In the afternoon, your private driver escorts you to nearby Monreale, home to one of the greatest masterpieces of medieval Europe.

Inside its magnificent cathedral, thousands of square meters of shimmering Byzantine mosaics transform light into gold, creating one of the most breathtaking artistic achievements in Italy.

A day celebrating Sicily’s remarkable cultural crossroads.

Overnight in Palermo.


Day 3 – Agrigento | Echoes of Magna Graecia

Today’s private excursion journeys through Sicily’s timeless countryside toward the magnificent Valley of the Temples.

Accompanied by your expert guide, explore one of the world’s best-preserved Greek archaeological sites, where monumental Doric temples continue to dominate the landscape after more than two millennia.

Walking among these extraordinary monuments offers a rare opportunity to experience the grandeur of ancient Magna Graecia in one of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular settings.

Back in Palermo, another refined tasting dinner paired with exceptional regional wines celebrates Sicily’s remarkable gastronomic traditions.

Overnight in Palermo.


Day 4 – Taormina & Catania | Sicily’s Most Elegant Coast

Depart Palermo by private vehicle, crossing the island toward Sicily’s eastern coast.

En route, enjoy time to discover Taormina, where elegant boutiques, flowering terraces, panoramic balconies, and breathtaking views over Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea have captivated travelers for centuries.

Continue to Catania, where your centrally located luxury hotel awaits.

As evening approaches, board a private boat for a relaxing sunset cruise, accompanied by an aperitivo as the warm Sicilian light reflects across the volcanic coastline.

An unforgettable introduction to Eastern Sicily.

Overnight in Catania.


Day 5 – Mount Etna | Europe’s Living Volcano

Today is dedicated to one of Europe’s most extraordinary natural landscapes.

Travel aboard specially equipped 4×4 vehicles through Mount Etna’s dramatic volcanic terrain, exploring ancient lava flows, lunar landscapes, dense forests, and spectacular panoramic viewpoints.

Together with experienced local guides, discover hidden lava caves equipped with helmets and headlamps before reaching the famous Silvestri Craters, where a gentle hike at nearly 2,000 meters offers extraordinary views across Sicily.

A traditional light lunch served at a mountain refuge completes this remarkable volcanic adventure.

Overnight in Catania.


Day 6 – Syracuse | Greek Splendor & Baroque Elegance

Today’s private excursion leads south toward the ancient city of Syracuse.

Begin in the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, where your private guide reveals the extraordinary remains of Greek and Roman civilization, including the celebrated Greek Theatre and the legendary Ear of Dionysius.

Continue into the elegant island of Ortigia, where Baroque palaces, waterfront promenades, hidden courtyards, and lively piazzas invite leisurely exploration.

On your return journey, pause in the picturesque fishing village of Brucoli, a hidden coastal gem where tranquil harbors and crystal-clear waters provide a peaceful conclusion to the day.

Back in Catania, enjoy another exceptional tasting dinner celebrating Sicily’s finest regional wines and cuisine.

Overnight in Catania.


Day 7 – Naples | The Soul of Southern Italy

Following breakfast, transfer privately to Catania Airport before your short flight to Naples.

Upon arrival, another private transfer brings you comfortably to your elegant hotel in the city’s historic center.

The afternoon is intentionally left free to relax after your journey or begin discovering Naples at your own pace.

This evening, enjoy an authentic dinner celebrating the rich culinary traditions that have made Naples one of Italy’s great gastronomic capitals.

Overnight in Naples.


Day 8 – Naples | Culture, Craft & Sweet Traditions

Meet your private guide for a fascinating walking tour through Naples’ vibrant historic center.

Ancient churches, lively piazzas, artisan workshops, and centuries of history unfold as you discover one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

During the afternoon, experience one of Italy’s most beloved desserts through a hands-on tiramisù masterclass, followed by a tasting of traditional limoncello, perfectly combining craftsmanship with local flavors.

Overnight in Naples.


Day 9 – Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius | Where History Meets Terroir

Travel by private vehicle toward legendary Pompeii, where your private archaeologist-guide brings the remarkably preserved Roman city back to life.

Walking through ancient streets, homes, baths, temples, and theaters offers an unforgettable glimpse into daily life nearly two thousand years ago.

Later, continue to a prestigious winery located on the fertile slopes of Mount Vesuvius, where a guided estate visit is followed by a gourmet lunch showcasing regional specialties perfectly paired with celebrated Lacryma Christi wines born from the volcanic soil.

Back in Naples, conclude the day with another refined tasting dinner highlighting Campania’s exceptional culinary heritage.

Overnight in Naples.


Day 10 – Amalfi Coast | Mediterranean Perfection by Sea

Experience the Amalfi Coast from its most spectacular perspective aboard a full-day private boat excursion.

Cruise along dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden coves, colorful fishing villages, and crystalline waters before enjoying time to explore the timeless elegance of Positano and Amalfi.

Without the crowds of the coastal road, the sea reveals the true grandeur of one of the world’s most celebrated coastlines.

Return to Naples in the evening.

Overnight in Naples.


Day 11 – Matera | The Eternal City of Stone

Depart Naples with your private driver for the extraordinary city of Matera, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements.

After checking into your elegant hotel nestled within the historic Sassi, meet your private guide for an intimate exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ancient cave dwellings, rock churches, hidden stairways, and breathtaking panoramic terraces reveal a city unlike any other in Europe.

This evening, enjoy an exceptional tasting dinner paired with regional wines inside one of Matera’s remarkable historic settings, where centuries of history provide an unforgettable backdrop.

Overnight in Matera.


Day 12 – Alberobello | The Fairytale Villages of Puglia

Today’s private excursion leads into neighboring Puglia.

Accompanied by your private guide, discover the enchanting trulli of Alberobello, whose iconic whitewashed stone houses and conical roofs create one of Italy’s most distinctive landscapes.

Enjoy time to wander quiet lanes, meet local artisans, and experience the authentic atmosphere that has made this remarkable town a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The afternoon offers time to relax before returning to Matera for your final evening in Southern Italy.

Overnight in Matera.


Day 13 – Arrivederci Italia

After breakfast, your private driver accompanies your group comfortably to Bari Airport.

As your Grand Tour of Southern Italy comes to an end, depart with memories of ancient civilizations, active volcanoes, breathtaking coastlines, timeless villages, extraordinary gastronomy, and exceptional hospitality—an immersive journey through the soul of Italy’s South, crafted to the very highest standard.

What is included

Accommodation

  • 12 nights in carefully selected 4★ hotels
  • Daily breakfast
  • 5 Double Rooms + 1 Single Use Double Room throughout the journey

Throughout the Journey

  • Dedicated Tour Leader accompanying the group throughout the entire itinerary
  • Agency planning
  • Local assistance before and during the trip

Day 1 – Palermo

  • Private transfer from Palermo Airport to the hotel
  • Tasting dinner with wine pairing

Day 2 – Palermo & Monreale

  • Private guided walking tour of Palermo
  • Entrance tickets to the Royal Palace
  • Half-day private transfer to Monreale
  • Entrance to Monreale Cathedral

Day 3 – Agrigento

  • Full-day private driver service
  • Private guided tour of the Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park
  • Entrance tickets to the Valley of the Temples
  • Tasting dinner with wine pairing

Day 4 – Taormina & Catania

  • Private transfer from Palermo to Catania, including stop and free time in Taormina
  • Sunset boat tour in Catania with aperitivo on board

Day 5 – Mount Etna

  • Full-day Mount Etna 4×4 experience
  • Professional nature guide
  • Visit to a lava cave with helmet and headlamp
  • Light lunch at a mountain refuge

Day 6 – Syracuse

  • Full-day private driver service
  • Private guided tour of the Neapolis Archaeological Park
  • Entrance tickets to the Neapolis Archaeological Park
  • Free time in Ortigia
  • Scenic stop in Brucoli
  • Tasting dinner with wine pairing

Day 7 – Naples

  • Private transfer from hotel to Catania Airport
  • Flight from Catania to Naples
  • Private transfer from Naples Airport to the hotel
  • Traditional dinner in Naples

Day 8 – Naples

  • Private guided walking tour of Naples
  • Tiramisù masterclass and Limoncello tasting

Day 9 – Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius

  • Full-day private driver service
  • Private guided tour of Pompeii
  • Entrance tickets to Pompeii Archaeological Park
  • Guided winery visit on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius
  • Gourmet lunch with Lacryma Christi wine tasting
  • Tasting dinner with wine pairing

Day 10 – Amalfi Coast

  • Full-day private boat excursion to Positano and Amalfi

Day 11 – Matera

  • Private transfer from Naples to Matera
  • Private guided tour of Matera
  • Tasting dinner with wine pairing

Day 12 – Alberobello

  • Half-day private driver service
  • Private guided tour of Alberobello

Day 13 – Departure

    • Private transfer from Matera to Bari Airport

What is not included

  • International flights
  • Meals and beverages not specifically mentioned under included services
  • City taxes payable locally at hotels
  • Optional activities and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Everything not specifically mentioned under “Included Services”

DEPOSIT

must be paid by


29.400

BALANCE

must be paid by


68.600

TOTAL PRICE

€98.000

Policies & Terms

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations are subject to the following penalties calculated on the total trip price:

  • Deposit (30%) is non-refundable under any circumstances.

If the trip has been fully paid, the following penalties apply:

  • Up to 60 days before departure: 50% penalty
  • From 59 to 45 days before departure: 75% penalty
  • From 44 days prior to departure to the departure date: 100% penalty

Package Modifications

Once the package has been confirmed, modifications can be made up to 45 days before departure.

  • Upgrades: free of charge, except for the cost of the new services
  • Downgrades: subject to an agency fee of €200 per modified service

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your trip in case of unexpected cancellations, changes, or emergencies.

Payment Options & TERMS

Payment currency: € EURO

Accepted Payment Methods:
– Credit card
– Debit card
– Revolut Direct

Payment Terms
Deposit: 30% non-refundable, due at the time of booking confirmation.
Balance Payment: due between 60 and 80 days prior to the departure date.

All payments are to be made in € EURO.

Scroll to Top