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Departure: every Tuesday
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9 Day / 8 Nights – The beauties of southern Italy.
This tour of 9 days and 8 night will allow you to visit Sicily, Apulia and the beautiful city of Matera. Sicily is a land that offers its visitors an incredible travel experience during which it is impossible not to fall in love with this island. Since ancient times it has been a land of wars and conquests, all the peoples who have lived there over the centuries have left traces of their artistic, architectural and culinary culture. It was precisely the union and mixture of many peoples with very different customs that has created over time a unique artistic, architectural and cultural heritage in the world. Many are the marvels of the work of the man of this island, but above all nature is the undisputed queen of this suggestive territory: in fact, some of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean belong to Sicily. Finally it, the Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. In Apulia you can discover the great artistic, cultural and natural beauties. You will visit the quaint village of Alberobello with its famous trulli, you get to the “White City” of Ostuni and then to Lecce, a splendid city of art in the heart of Salento. You can not miss an excursion to the famous Sassi di Matera, a city completely built in the rock. Check out the detailed travel program in the itinerary section.
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COD: SICPUG/DIMSI
This tour of 9 days and 8 night will allow you to visit Sicily, Apulia and the beautiful city of Matera.
Itineraries
Day 1
PALERMO
Independent arrival at the hotel in the charming city of Palermo (optional private transfer on request). Meet with our tour-leader; dinner and overnight in hotel.Day 2
PALERMO - MONREALE - MARSALA
After breakfast in hotel, the morning will be spent visiting the capital of Sicily Palermo, one of the richest towns in the island for its history and art. Palermo stands on a bay at the foot of Mt pellegrino, a headland described by Goethe as the loveliest he had ever seen. While the Baroque predominates, there is a profusion of different architectural styles reflecting the city’s multicultural past, including an elegant opera house. We will visit the wonderful Arab-Norman Cathedral, the astonishing Martorana Church and the amazing Cappella Palatina, mirable example from an historical and an artistic point of view, of how different cultures, religions and way of thinking apparently incompatible can coexist. Ruggero II in fact employed both Bizantyne, Muslim and Latin workers. Continuing our walk we will admire the debated fountain in Pretoria Square, situated in the ancient Kalsa area and adorned with XVI century sculptures. Along the visiting day we will have a stop for a food surprise in the famous Antica Focacceria San Francesco. Free time for lunch. Later on we will proceed to Monreale to visit its huge Norman Cathedral, proclaimed the Eighth Wonder of the World, and its splendid Cloister in Arab-Norman style: admirable masterpiece of art, sculpture, and semi-precious stones marquetry! In the afternoon we will continue to Marsala in whose port Garibaldi landed in 1860. Visit of a prestigious wine cellar and wine tasting. Dinner and overnight in hotel.Day 3
MARSALA SALT ROAD - SELINUNTE – AGRIGENTO
This morning the tour will continue along the charming and well-known Salt Road: the west coast of Sicily with many salt marshes, which have given rise to one of the oldest salt-extracting industries in the world. Between Trapani and Marsala they are now protected, in part because of the interesting birdlife, and also as important sites of industrial archaelogy. On the way you will see the nice Island of Mothia (situated at the centre of a large lagoon in Marsala, known today as Stagnone), and the famous Salines and windmills. Departure to Selinunte to visit the largest Archaeological Park in whole Mediterranean and World Heritage Site. Surrounded by a splendid landscape near the African Sea, we will walk among the rests of the ancient Greek city. Free time for lunch. Transfer to Agrigento and visit of the Valley of the Temples stated World Heritage Site, where among hundreds of almond trees, the rests of the ancient Akragas rise. It was defined by Pyndar “the most beautiful city of mortals”. Once one of the most prosperous of the ancient Greek cities on the island, Agrigento presents a remarkable series of Doric Temples of the 5 th century. You will see the “Temple of Hera”, the “Temple of Concordia” and the “Temple of Heracles”. Accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.Day 4
PIAZZA ARMERINA - RAGUSA
Proceeding on we will reach Piazza Armerina where we will admire the splendid polychrome mosaics of the famous Villa Romana del Casale, World Heritage Site. The complex, which has some of the most extensive and most beautiful Roman mosaics known, is a World Heritage Site. This majestic villa, belonged to a member of the Roman Senatorial aristocracy, hosts prestigious mosaics representing mythological and historical episodes and scenes of hunting and entertainments. After free time for lunch, departure to Ragusa Ibla and visit of its historical centre cradle of Sicilian baroque, with its Cathedral, situated in the beautiful square of the Dome and the “giardino Ibleo”. Used as a location of the extremely popular Police Inspector Montalbano Tv series, it is today stated among the 44 Italian World Heritage Sites. This little precious ancient city, well known thanks to the Commissario Montalbano television series, hosts more than 50 churches and many baroque architectural treasures. We’ll conclude the visiting day with a tasting of local products. Proceed to Catania for dinner and overnight in hotel.Day 5
CATANIA - MATERA
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy free time to discover the beauty of Catania and its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Free time for lunch. Departure to Matera in the early afternoon. Arrival at late night, dinner and overnight at the hotel.Day 6
MATERA - CASTEL DEL MONTE - TRANI
After breakfast, meeting with the guide. Travelers will discover the stunning Matera, popular for its "Sassi", the ancient part of the city, where buildings alternate with rock caves and labyrinths. The old town reveals a fascinating and complex history with a charming fusion between landscapes and cultures; Matera is also famous for being the movie set of great masterpieces, including Mel Gibson’s "The Passion of the Christ". After free time for lunch, the tour will proceed to Castel del Monte, to visit the suggestive Medieval Castle - UNESCO World Heritage Site - with its particular octagonal plant, built by Federico II. Departure to Trani, a lovely sea town, with the visit of its majestic Cathedral, an authentic Romanesque jewel of Apulia ancient architecture. Transfer to Bari with dinner and overnight at the hotel.Day 7
BARI - POLIGNANO A MARE
After breakfast, briefing with the guide. The tour goes to Bari, Apulia’s capital, which has always been considered an important connection with the East. Several studies have shown that the actual district of Bari Vecchia was inhabited since Prehistorical ages, thanks to the geographical location and its favorable conditions to find food and water. In the popular and lively Bari city center, travelers will admire: the wonderful Basilica of St. Nicola - with its XVIIIthcentury crypt - the impressive San Sabino Cathedral with remarkable rose windows, the Norman Castle, a stunning Medieval fortress dating back to 1131 and rebuilt by Federico II. Then the Murat quarter a typical XIXth century district featuring wide avenues and elegant balconies with wrought-iron decorations. After free lunch, the tour goes to Polignano a Mare, the city of gelato and Domenico Modugno birthplace, popular Italian singer, to whom a statue was dedicated. Strolling in the city center among streets and shops. Transfer to Bari with dinner and overnight at the hotel.Day 8
ALBEROBELLO - OSTUNI - LECCE
This morning the tour will continue to Alberobello, a symbol of central Apulia. The group will take a stroll in the city centre, all made up of trulli. These ancient circular limestone buildings, featuring pyramidal roofs, are part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then the tour proceeds to Ostuni, where travelers can spend free time discovering the old town as knowns as "white city", with its exceptional landscape and architectural heritage. After lunch, departure to Lecce; arrive at the hotel and briefing with the guide. Lecce, the most important Baroque city of Apulia, reveals stunning architectural heritage and a fabulous mix of styles and ages: the Santa Croce church, the wonderful Sant'Oronzo square, the Roman amphitheater - the heart of the city- the impressive Duomo with its particular bell tower. Along the way, the group will visit a papier-mâché lab, a real pride of local craftsmanship, and enjoy a wine aperitif in the main square. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.Day 9
GALLIPOLI - LECCE
After breakfast, check out and luggage drop at the hotel. The morning will be dedicated to the visit of Gallipoli; the ancient Kalèpolis, also called "beautiful city", rises on an island connected to the mainland by a XVIth- century bridge. The group will visit the city center, the majestic Sant'Agata Cathedral, the Church of Santa Maria della Purità and an ancient 1600 hypogeum oil-mill located under Palazzo Granafei. Return to Lecce and end of our services.sicily
– Multilingual tour leader and professional travel guide* (English, Italian or Spanish) from the evening of the 1st day to the evening of the 4th day, local guides or audio-guides where necessary.
– Deluxe bus form day 2 to day 4
– Whisper kit
– Accommodation in charming 4 stars hotels mostly located in the city centre
– Half board basis in hotels or local restaurants (dinner – 3 main courses fixed menu , beverages not included) to have a taste of Sicilian and Italian cuisine.
– Visit of the main suggestive Unesco World Heritage Sites: Monreale, Palermo, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Ragusa.
– 1 lunch: day 3 in a local winery in Marsala.
– Tasting of Sicilian typical products: Palermo (day 2) tasting of local street food; Marsala (day 3): visit of a wine cellar and wine tasting; Ragusa (day 4): tasting of local cheese.
– Private transfers from hotel in Catania to Catania airport
Private tour extension to MATERA & APULIA
-Private transfer Bari airport-Hotel in Bari
– Accommodation in charming 4 stars hotels mostly located in the city centre
– Half board basis in hotels or local restaurants (dinner – 3/4 main courses fixed menu, beverages not included) to have a taste of Apulian and Italian cuisine.
– English speaking travel guide in the following cities: Matera, Bari, Alberobello, Lecce.
– 1 Wine Aperitif in Lecce
– One-way flight (direct or with layover) Catania-Bari with hold luggage up to 20 kg
– All the transfers with private car+driver.
– Transfers in/out – All lunches except for the one on day 3 in Marsala – Beverages at meals – Entrance fees at monuments/museums – City taxes (where compulsory) – Tips and extras in general – Messina/ Villa San Giovanni ferry -Anything not specified under “The rates include”.
SUPPLEMENTS:
– Pre-night in hotel in Palermo ( BB basis overnight and breakfast): € 70,00 p.p. in Standard double room per night – € 128,00 in single room per night.
– Transfer from Palermo airport to hotel in Palermo: 1/3 pax € 43,00 per car
– Transfer from Lecce to Brindisi Airport: € 70,00 (per car 1/3 pax)
– Transfer from Lecce to Bari Airport: € 190,00 (per car 1/3 pax)
– Post-night in hotel in Lecce on request.
– Assistance – Medical Expense Reimbursement – Luggage insurance – Travel Cancellation Expenses Insurance
