11-Day Best of Sicily and Puglia: A private tour of the highlights

Day 1: Saturday: CATANIA 🌋

Arrival in Catania:

Welcome to Sicily!
Once you land at Catania Airport, breeze through customs and immigration. Your private airport transfer driver will be waiting to whisk you and your luggage to your hotel in Taormina, a stunning town perched on the cliffs overlooking the Ionian Sea.

🛏️ Settle In:
Check in at UNAHotels Capotaormina (or a similar property), known for its unbeatable views and relaxing ambiance

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🌅 Your Day, Your Way:
After settling in, you can:

• Rest and recharge after your travels.
• Take a leisurely stroll to explore Taormina’s charming streets, perhaps visiting Corso Umberto, the town’s vibrant pedestrian avenue.
• Savor your first Sicilian meal at a local trattoria—be sure to try fresh seafood or pasta alla Norma, a regional favorite.

This is your time to unwind and soak in the beauty of Sicily. How do you prefer to spend your first evening: relaxing at the hotel or exploring the town? 😊

🏰 Day 2: Explore Taormina & Iconic Godfather Villages

🌞 Morning: Discover Taormina’s Treasures
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before meeting your private guide for a walking tour of Taormina, one of Sicily’s most picturesque hilltop towns.

• Greek-Roman Amphitheater: Visit the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient marvel with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Hear stories about its use for gladiator games, dramatic performances, and concerts throughout history.
• City Center: Wander the charming streets lined with boutique shops, cafes, and historic architecture. Don’t miss Corso Umberto and the beautiful public gardens.

Enjoy free time for shopping or grabbing lunch at a local trattoria—how about sampling arancini or a creamy granita?

🎥 Afternoon: A Godfather Movie Tour
Head to the nearby villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, famous filming locations for The Godfather trilogy.

• Savoca: Walk the quiet streets where scenes like Michael Corleone’s wedding were filmed. Stop by Bar Vitelli for a drink—this iconic bar appeared in the movie and retains its rustic charm.
• Forza d’Agrò: Explore this medieval village perched high in the mountains, offering stunning views of the Ionian coastline. It’s a peaceful spot with historic churches and narrow lanes perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Take in the panorama, including a view back toward Taormina, dubbed the “Queen of the Ionian Sea.”

🍷 Evening: Return to Taormina with plenty of stories and photos. Relax at your hotel or venture out to enjoy a Sicilian dinner.

Would you prefer a relaxed evening or recommendations for a local restaurant with a view? 😊

🌋 Day 3: Mount Etna Adventure & Zafferana Honey Tasting

🛳️ Day 4: From Taormina to Tropea – Myth & Mediterranean Charm

🌞 Morning: Ferry Across the Strait of Messina
Start your day with a scenic ferry ride across the Strait of Messina, the narrow passage that separates Sicily from mainland Italy.

• Explore Scilla: Stop in Scilla, a picturesque fishing village steeped in Greek mythology. According to legend, it’s home to Scylla, the sea monster from Homer’s Odyssey. Wander the charming streets of the Chianalea district, known as the “Venice of Calabria,” where colorful houses rise straight from the water.

🌞 Afternoon: Discover Calabria’s Rugged Beauty
Continue through Calabria, the “toe” of Italy’s boot. This region is a feast for the senses, with its dramatic mountain landscapes, rustic villages, and unspoiled beaches.

• Arrive in Tropea: Travel to Tropea on the Tyrrhenian Coast, often called the “Pearl of Calabria.” Known for its cliffside perch and crystal-clear waters, Tropea is one of the most beautiful seaside towns in the Mediterranean. Stroll the historic center’s cobblestone streets and admire the stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

🏨 Overnight:
Check into your hotel: Hotel Rocca Della Sena or Hotel La Dolce Vita, both offering a perfect blend of comfort and breathtaking coastal views.

How do you feel about adding a visit to Tropea’s iconic Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola or taking an evening beach stroll? 😊

🛤️ Day 5: Journey to Puglia via Matera’s Ancient Wonders

🌞 Morning: Travel to Matera
Leave Calabria behind as you head to Matera, one of Italy’s most unique destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its Sassi di Matera, ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock, the town offers a glimpse into a world that dates back thousands of years.

🏛️ Guided Tour of the Sassi Districts
Explore Matera’s Sassi with a local expert who brings the history of these ancient neighborhoods to life.

• Winding Alleys: Stroll through the labyrinthine streets, discovering hidden corners and breathtaking views of the rocky landscape.
• Cave House Visit: Step inside a fully furnished cave house to see how peasant families once lived, complete with tools and artifacts of daily life.
• Rock Churches: Marvel at frescoed rock churches, a testament to Matera’s long-standing spiritual and artistic heritage.
• Personal Stories: Your guide will share not only historical insights but also heartfelt stories from those who have called these caves home.

🌅 Afternoon: Free Time in Matera
Enjoy some time to explore Matera at your own pace. Consider relaxing at a café with a view, sampling local delicacies like crapiata (a traditional legume soup), or simply soaking in the town’s timeless atmosphere.

🏨 Overnight:
Continue your journey to Puglia, where you’ll check into one of Matera’s stunning hotels:

• Hotel Quarry Resort (5-star) or
• Hotel Sant’Angelo (4-star) or a similar property, blending luxury with the area’s authentic charm.

Would you like recommendations for dinner at a local trattoria or to enjoy a sunset view from the Sassi? 😊

🚗 Day 6: Journey to Puglia’s Itria Valley

🌞 Morning: Travel to the Heart of Puglia
Embark on a scenic drive to the Itria Valley, a region celebrated for its rolling hills, olive groves, and the iconic whitewashed trulli houses. This charming area, nestled in the heart of Puglia, is dotted with picturesque towns and countryside vistas.

🌅 Afternoon: Relax or Explore
Once you arrive, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace:

• Relaxation: Unwind at your hotel, take in the serene surroundings, or enjoy the amenities.
• Optional Exploration: Venture out to nearby towns like Locorotondo, known for its circular layout and quaint streets, or Cisternino, famous for its butchers that grill meat to order.

🛏️ Overnight Stay:
Stay in one of the region’s elegant accommodations:

• Masseriola Antiche Fogge in Fasano
• Hotel Tenuta Monacelle (4-star) in Monopoli
• Or a similar charming property that combines modern comforts with local flair.

Would you like suggestions for dining on local specialties like orecchiette or burrata tonight? 😊

🏠 Day 7: Alberobello’s Trulli & Mozzarella Tasting

🌞 Morning: Discover Alberobello’s Iconic Trulli
Start your day with a guided visit to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its trulli—unique stone houses with conical roofs.

• Ingenious Design: Learn how these dry-stacked stone structures are cool in summer, warm in winter, and built without mortar—a testament to clever, traditional craftsmanship.
• Guided Exploration: Stroll through the Rione Monti district, home to more than 1,000 trulli, and hear the stories behind their pinnacles, symbols, and construction.
• Photo Opportunities: Don’t forget your camera—Alberobello’s trulli-lined streets offer one-of-a-kind backdrops!

🧀 Afternoon: Mozzarella & Burrata Experience
Head to a nearby family-run cheese factory to immerse yourself in the art of cheese-making.

• Meet the Artisan: Watch a master cheesemaker as they craft fresh mozzarella and burrata using traditional methods.
• Hands-On Fun: Roll up your sleeves and try your hand at making mozzarella knots—it’s easier than it looks and guarantees plenty of laughs.
• Tasting Session: End the visit with a relaxed tasting of the farm’s specialties, including creamy burrata, fresh mozzarella, and other local delicacies, served in a cozy, rustic setting.

🌅 Evening:
Return to your accommodation in the Itria Valley, feeling inspired by Puglia’s rich traditions and flavors.

Would you like to add a short walk in the evening to a nearby town or unwind at your hotel? 😊

🍷 Day 8: Lecce, Ostuni & Olive Oil Tasting

🌞 Morning: Explore Lecce’s Baroque Charm
Start your day in Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” with a guided walking tour and a taste of local delights.

• Breakfast Treats: Kick things off with a classic custard-filled pasticciotto and a refreshing iced coffee with almond milk while enjoying views of Piazza Sant’Oronzo.
• Tasty Stops: Visit a local bakery for artisanal pizzi (savory bread bites), almond cookies, and the flaky rusticopastry. Pair these with cotognata quince jam and cheese for a flavor-packed experience.
• Raisin Wine Sips: Drop by a liquor store to sample the region’s sweet raisin wine—a perfect conclusion to your culinary tour.
• Lunch in Lecce: Indulge in a light lunch of regional dishes and bold local wines. This leisurely meal will have you ready for a siesta!

🌿 Afternoon: Olive Oil Experience at a Masseria
Visit a renowned Masseria, a traditional fortified farmhouse, for a behind-the-scenes look at olive oil production.

• Walk the Grounds: Explore the beautiful estate surrounded by ancient olive groves.
• Olive Oil Tasting: Learn about the production process and sample a variety of oils, from fruity to peppery, paired with fresh bread and other local bites.

🏙️ Evening: Wander the White City of Ostuni
End your day in Ostuni, known as the “White City” for its dazzling whitewashed buildings perched on a hilltop.

• Self-Guided Exploration: Meander through the maze of narrow streets, staircases, and hidden alleys. Each corner offers picture-perfect views and charming surprises.
• Sunset Vibes: Catch the golden hour overlooking the olive tree-studded plains that stretch to the Adriatic Sea—it’s pure magic!

Would you like dinner recommendations in Ostuni or a suggestion for a quiet spot to unwind after the day’s adventures? 😊

🏖️ Day 9: Leisure or Optional Adventures

Take today at your own pace—relax and soak in the charm of Puglia, or choose from these exciting optional activities to make the most of your day:

🌿 Optional Activities

1. 🍝 Culinary Adventure in Conversano (4 hours):
   • Join a hands-on cooking class in this historic town. Learn to prepare classic Puglian dishes, like orecchiette and focaccia, using fresh, local ingredients.
   • Enjoy a feast of your creations paired with regional wines. Perfect for food lovers!
2. 🌊 Sea Caves & Walking Tour of Polignano a Mare (3 hours):
   • Take a guided tour through the sea caves of this iconic coastal town, known for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
   • Afterward, explore the charming old town on foot and enjoy the breathtaking views from the terrace overlooking the Adriatic.
3. 🚗 Vintage Car Tour of the Itria Valley (6 hours):
   • Drive a classic vintage car through the scenic countryside, stopping at hidden villages and olive groves.
   • Perfect for adventure seekers who want to experience the region at their own pace with a nostalgic twist.

🌅 Evening:
Wrap up your day by relaxing at your accommodation or enjoying a quiet dinner at a local trattoria.

Would you like to book one of these activities or simply have recommendations for a laid-back day? 😊

🚆 Day 10: Travel to Rome

🌞 Morning:
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your private transfer takes you to Bari Train Station. Board your first-class train to Rome, traveling in comfort as you watch the Italian countryside pass by.

🌟 Afternoon:
Arrive at Rome Termini Station, where your local driver will meet you for a smooth transfer to your hotel in Fiumicino, conveniently located near the airport.

🛏️ Overnight Stay:
Settle in at Hotel Isola Sacra Rome Airport (4-star) or a similar property, offering comfort and convenience for your last night in Italy.

Would you like suggestions for a final dinner nearby to end your trip on a high note? 😊

✈️ Day 11: Departure from Rome

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before making your way to Fiumicino Airport (FCO) for your flight home.

We hope your time in Italy was filled with unforgettable memories, incredible flavors, and stunning sights. Have a safe and pleasant journey, and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure!

Departure Dates & Pricing

💶 Tour Price & Availability

This tour has customized pricing and is available with departures year-round, so you can plan your trip whenever it suits you best.

Email us for a quote: info@italy4real.com 

👩‍❤️‍👨 Private Tour Experience

This is a private tour, designed for two people, offering a personalized and exclusive experience tailored just for you.

👥 Customizable for Groups

Traveling with friends or family? We can customize the itinerary to fit any group size while maintaining the same exceptional quality and attention to detail.