Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 13 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Puglia - Transfer to Alberobello

Welcome to Italy's southern Puglia region—the heel of the boot! From the airport at the capital of Bari, you'll transfer about an hour southeast to Puglia's fertile green countryside and the town of Alberobello. Upon arrival in the town center, you'll check into your hotel.

Alberobello is a unique and charming place, which you'll discover on a self-guided tour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is most famous for its trulli, circular 14th-century limestone buildings with conical roofs. These whitewashed storybook structures are used for everything from shops and restaurants to tourist lodgings and private homes. Other notable sites in town include the 17th-century Basilica, the trullo Church of St. Anthony, and the heritage museum Trullo Sovrano. 

Alberobello also hosts many festivals during the summer, from an international folk festival to jazz, theater, and children's events. There are even religious festivals with music and fireworks, most of which are free. In the summer, the city's culture of passeggiata—long, leisurely evening strolls—continues well past midnight as pedestrians enjoy the warm summer nights.

Day 2: Alberobello Tour - Rione Monti & Aia Piccola

Today you'll have a guided tour of Alberobello. The UNESCO World Heritage trulli district in Alberobello is one of Puglia's most popular attractions, and the rest of the town is also lovely. Begin the tour on the road from Aia to the Trulli district, which stretches over seven hills. 

The center of the city looks like most Italian small towns, with a few trulli located here and there. Head to the Rione Monti district to see many of these pointy white buildings clustered together. The neighborhood is situated on several narrow lanes on a hillside and is full of little gift shops selling souvenirs and Trulli-themed gifts. You'll have time to wander the picture-perfect streets to find everything from colorful terracotta whistles (a favorite local gift) to trulli-shaped knickknacks. 

Exploring the hidden nooks of this neighborhood is a tour highlight, as many of the buildings contain tiny bars and the panoramic views from the terraces are stunning. Once you've explored to your heart's content, head up the Via Monte Michele to the Chiesa di Sant'Antonio, Alberobello's 20th-century Trullo church. 

Continue to Alberobello's second trulli district—the quiet residential Aia Piccola, which is less frequented by tourists. The rest of the city is mostly composed of typical Italian buildings, with the occasional trulli popping up here and there. Conclude your tour with a visit to 18th-century Trullo Sovrano, the largest trullo home. This two-story building houses an excellent history museum and is outfitted with period fittings illustrating Italian life in the 1700s.

Day 3: Day Trip to Matera

In the morning, you'll transfer an hour west to the ancient hilltop city of Matera, where you'll enjoy a three-hour walking tour. The town is famous for the Sassi di Matera, well-preserved cave homes cut into the soft rock. These unique dwellings are considered to be some of Italy's first human settlements and are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Sassi are located on both sides of the valley. The Sasso Caveoso on the south side are the most historically fascinating, while the Sasso Barisano are commercially developed and house offices and residences. The city of Matera also has many beautiful winding stairways, as well as incredible churches carved into the side of the volcanic rock.

You'll tour the city as well as the unique cave dwellings and rock churches as you learn about the city's history from your guide. See the cathedral of Sasso Barisano, as well as some of the filming locations for Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ. 

Day 4: Alberobello to Lecce - Afternoon Cooking Class

After breakfast, hit the road for the 1.5-hour trip to Lecce, a historic city on the coast of the Ionian Sea. It's the central city of the Salentine Peninsula and is over 2,000 years old. Thanks to its Baroque architectural monuments commonly found in the city, Lecce is nicknamed the "Florence of the Baroque" or "Rome of the South." 

Lecce has a distinctly Greek culture, stemming back to its foundation by the Messapii, a lapygian tribe said to have been from Crete. The city's main attractions include Piazza San Oronzo, the 17th-century Duomo (designed by G. Zimbalo), Porta Napoli (the original gate to the old town), the Obelisk (erected in the 19th century to honor  Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies), and the beautiful Paisiello Theatre.

The Baroque 17th-century Basilica Di Santa Croce (Holy Cross Church) and 15th-century Torre del Parco are popular sites in the city center, while the Orto Botanico di Lecce (University of Lecce botanical garden) is a peaceful nature sanctuary featuring hundreds of fruit trees and other plants. 

Day 5: Lecce City Tour

Day 6: Lecce to Bari - Afternoon Food Tour

After a relaxed breakfast hit the road for the 2-hour trip north to the city of Bari, on the Adriatic Coast. The city is famous for its port and university, and is southern Italy's second-most important economic center, after Naples. 

Bari's old town, known as Barivecchia, was its center during Roman times and is now a popular meeting place filled with restaurants, bars, and historic, medieval buildings. Notable churches include the 12th-century Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the 13th-century Bari Cathedral, the newer Russian Orthodox Church (a popular pilgrimage site for Russian and Greek Orthodox worshippers), the 11th-century San Giorgio degli Armeni, and the 17th-century Baroque Santa Teresa dei Maschi. 

The city is also home to the grand 19th-century Petruzzelli Theatre, the 12th-century Castello Svevo (now a museum), the Piccinni and Margherita Theaters (the latter is now a museum), and the Pinacoteca Provinciale di Bari museum of painting and art. 

When the weather is nice, the Orto Botanico di Bari (botanical gardens) is the perfect place for a stroll or an afternoon picnic.

After lunch, meet up with a guide for a walking street food of Bari. You'll go off the beaten path in the city center, as well as the medieval city streets, to discover hole-in-the-wall cafes and family-owned joints. Try local specialties, such as focaccia barese (the local take on an Italian classic) and panzerotti, a sort of fried pizza calzone with a legendary following.

Day 7: Flight from Bari to Palermo - Pick up Rental Car

It's time to say goodbye to Puglia! At the appropriate hour, private transport will take you to the Bari airport for your flight to Palermo, which lasts a little over an hour. Sicily's regional capital boasts beautiful Mediterranean weather and a long and storied history with Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Norman influences. You'll see this mix of cultures reflected in Palermo's architecture, music, and cuisine. 

Upon arrival at the airport, you'll pick up your rental car and drive 45 minutes to your hotel in the heart of the city to settle in. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you like.

You can discover Palermo right away on a self-guided walking tour. The best place to begin is Palermo's historic center. Its medieval streets are easy to navigate by foot, and there are many attractions and restaurants within walking distance. To get your bearings, take a passeggiata (stroll) along the narrow Via Maqueda, a pedestrianized thoroughfare that connects the north of the city to the south. A good place to start is the Fontana Pretoria, a Baroque fountain in the Piazza Pretoria.

Day 8: Guided Tour of Palermo - Visit Monreale

In the morning you will meet your guide for a private half-day tour of the Sicilian capital. Quattro Canti (officially known as Piazza Vigliena), Palazzo Reale, the 12th-century Duomo (the Palermo Cathedral), and Marina Square are some examples of the architectural masterpieces you'll come across. You'll also visit Capo Market, a great spot to pick up some lunch or a typical snack like panelle (chickpea fritters) and cazzilli (pan-fried potato croquettes).

In the afternoon, you might consider driving a short way to the town of Monreale. On the slopes of Monte Caputo, you'll discover what is thought to be the greatest example of Norman architecture in the world, the Cattedrale di Monreale (Monreale Cathedral). This 12th-century UNESCO Heritage Site is made up of ornate cloisters and gold mosaics featuring scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Admire the Norman-Byzantine art and architecture as you tour this national monument.

When you're ready, spend a little time wandering Monreale itself. Consider a stroll through the Belvedere public garden where you can enjoy a beautiful view over the Conca d'Oro below, a fertile valley abounding with citrus trees.

Day 9: Drive From Palermo to Taormina - Visit Cefalù

Start early and drive one hour to Cefalù, a historic port town. You can begin a self-guided tour in the city center at the Lavatoio Medievale, a 16th-century washhouse that utilizes running water from the River Cefalino in its stone basins. Nearby is the Porta Pescara, a gate to Cefalù Beach that features great views of the coastline. Perhaps take a walk to the old harbor and stroll the seaside promenade; the city's Lungomare Beach is also a popular destination for visitors and locals. 

You should definitely visit the 17th-century Bastione di Capo Marchiafava, one of many old defensive fortresses located along the coast. The view from the top of the Bastione is a real treat. Right nearby is the Norman-Arabic Duomo Basilica Cattedrale (Cefalù Cathedral) which dates to the 12th century. And if there's time, climb the Rocca, the promontory above the city. A steep staircase winds through city walls before emerging onto a rocky outcrop with stunning views of the city and ocean. 

Continue your drive about three hours east to the seaside town of Taormina, where you'll check into your hotel.

Day 10: Explore Taormina - Guided Mount Etna Hike

Enjoy a leisurely morning on a self-guided tour of the city. Perhaps walk across the spit of land to Isola Bella and visit the 17th-century palace, elegant gardens, and fishing village. Alternatively, there are ruins of a medieval castle and the hilly streets of Castelmola, a small village located three miles (five km) north of Taormina. If you're in want of a beach day, there's the Taormina Mare, an impressive stretch of coastline characterized by rocky outcroppings, lidos (public beaches with amenities), and a variety of restaurants and cafés. 

In the afternoon, head inland toward Europe's largest active volcano, Mount Etna. You'll arrive at Rifugio Sapienza, Etna's southern access point, and prepare for a guided hike. After organizing your equipment, you'll ride a cable car up 9,500 feet (2,900 m) to Torre del Filosofo, the last accessible lookout point before the summit. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery that includes solidified lava flows, smoke fumaroles, and wide vistas that stretch out to the Mediterranean.

Upon your return to your car, you'll make your way back to Taormina. Cap off the day with a rewarding scoop of gelato as you take a passegiata along the seafront promenade to enjoy the old gardens of the Villa Comunale.

Day 11: Drive from Taormina to Syracuse - Visit Noto

This morning you'll drive south two hours south along the coast to Noto to spend some time exploring this postcard-perfect baroque city. In a couple of hours, you can easily cover the town on foot. Stroll Corso Vittorio Emanuele and walk beneath Porta Reale (Royal Gate), taking in the embellished architecture at every turn, like the Chiesa di Santa Chiara, and end your walk at the spectacular 18th-century limestone Noto Cathedral. 

From here you'll continue up the coast about 45 minutes to your hotel on the island of Ortygia, the historical heart of the city of Syracuse, and check into your hotel. Sometimes called Città Vecchia (Old City), Ortygia is an easily walkable area full of treasures waiting to be discovered. Perhaps begin with a walk around the island before ducking into the network of narrow and winding alleyways, passing churches and baroque palaces as you go. You can't go wrong here, as everything is a visual treat.

Day 12: Guided Tour of Syracuse

Take the day to immerse yourself in historic Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its rich Greek history, culture, architecture, as well as the birthplace of engineer and mathematician Archimedes, Syracuse was long regarded as one of the major powers in the Mediterranean.

Dedicate the morning to explore the ancient ruins of the Ionian coast on a guided tour of Syracuse (about three hours). Venture to the Neapolis Archaeological Park for a stroll among the ruins and ancient relics together with your expert guide. Learn about the region's Greek and Roman history as you explore the architecture and then continue the walking tour through Ortygia—Syracuse's beautiful old town, located on a spit of land which extends into the Mediterranean. 

Afterward, you'll have the afternoon free. Lose yourself in Syracuse's winding streets and discover hidden gems like the late 19th-century Palazzo Impellizzeri, done in the indulgent Rococo style. There's also the Temple of Apollo in Piazza Pancali, and the underground San Giovanni Crypt and Catacombs, which date to the 6th century. Alternatively, if you're in need of a little relaxation, laze on the golden sands of Arenella Beach, just 20 minutes south of Syracuse.

Day 13: Drive From Syracuse to Catania - Depart

After breakfast, make the hour drive north to Catania. The second-largest city next to Palermo, Catania sits at the foot of Mount Etna and deserves a little exploration if there's time before dropping off your car rental and catching your departure flight. Depending on traffic, it typically takes 15 to 20 minutes to travel from Catania's center to the airport. Best to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your international departure (and with some extra time to drop off your rental car).