Southern Italy Discovery in 2 Weeks

The splendors of Palermo will quickly reveal themselves during your private tour through the colorful market that features the traditional open-air lanes of Sicily. You may find aromas of spices and slow-cooked meats as vendors call to one another across the aisles. Vendors may showcase dishes like arancini or fresh pomegranates. After visiting Palermo, you will continue to the grand architecture of Monreale, a monastery that overlooks Palermo. The twin spires crown the facade, and the interior resembles a blend of antique European and North African traditions amidst the marble floors inlaid with mosaics.

With idyllic beaches and quiet towns, you can take your time embracing Sicily’s Northwestern Cape. At Castellammare del Golfo, you will find the natural wonder of the rugged coastline crowned by the castle that overlooks the preserved nature of Zingaro Reserve. The small town at the edge of the water reflects the traditions of fishing culture accentuated by colorful facades, cobbled lanes, and boats returning from the water. You could also visit the Aegadian Islands, such as Levanzo, to find crystalline turquoise water, the secluded port village of Cala Dogana, and the ancient sea cave that possesses ancient paintings.

After breakfast, you will make your way to Favara at your leisure. Along the drive, you can stop at the idyllic Scala dei Turchi, an evocative rocky cliff overlooking the sea. The pure white stone may glint in the sunlight as you lounge on the rocks or learn about the frequent Turkish pirate invasion that gave the shoreline its name. Lounge in the fine sand of the neighboring beaches and indulge in the soothing sounds of the lapping waves. Once in Favara, you will find the historic dwellings modernized with art and museum galleries, tea gardens, and shops.

The opulence of the ancient world will come to light as you tour the Valley of Temples. Your guide will lead you around the archaeological park to find Greek temple foundations dating back to the 6th century BC. You may walk along a suspended footbridge and view the remaining pillars of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. In Scoglitti, you can witness the blend of fishing traditions and contemporary resort charm. Visit the tidal pools and enjoy the shade of the umbrella pines. Ast a local wine cellar, you can sample the wines to find hints of cherries and dark fruits.

You can immerse yourself in the culinary beauty of Sicily with a half-day cheese and chocolate tour. Your guide will take you through the Hyblaean countryside and into the heart of Modica to explore stone walls and Baroque stairways. In Ragusa, you can discover the slight sweetness of the ricotta as you wander the sloping tangle of lanes, stone houses, and opulent palaces. In Modica, you can find the indulgent flavors of the chocolate as cinnamon aromas fill the shops.  The city may shine beneath the towering Baroque cathedral before you embark on a winetasting excursion to a celebrated vineyard.

After breakfast, you will reach the Catania-Fontanarossa Airport for your flight to Puglia. After reaching the Karol Wojtyla Airport in Bari, you will drive to Polignano a Mare for the remainder of the day at your leisure. The dramatic seaside cliffs will overlook the crystal clear turquoise waters as the town embraces foundations dating back to the 4th century BC. Whitewashed streets lead to the ancient gate, and locals enjoy diving down into the sea. You can relax and enjoy the town at your pace before reaching the comforts of your luxury accommodation near Ugento.

The town of Gallipoli spreads from the contemporary streets of the mainland to the ancient lanes of a small, connected island rising out of the Ionian Sea. Baroque architecture creates a serene and opulent juxtaposition to the 14th-century walls and traditional finishing port. The crescent-shaped beach features soft golden sands and pebbles set beneath the bustling neighborhood accentuated by the fluorescent glow of the water in the Mediterranean light. In the afternoon, you will venture out onto the sea and corners of the coastline accessible by boat. Sip prosecco, swim in the warm water, and embrace the comforts of Puglia.

Outside of Ugento, you will find the quiet beauty of Puglia and the towns of Northern Salento. You can visit Specchia to stroll along the hilltop avenues that overlook the Adriatic Sea. Wandering to explore is a simple pleasure that captures the historic churches and ancient walls, lively piazzas, and opulent views for which Specchia is celebrated. You could also venture to Galatina to explore the 17th- and 18th-century architecture embodied in Baroque palaces and elegant churches. The aristocratic piazzas spread beneath sculpted balconies and windows decorated with elaborate designs.

In the morning, you can visit a celebrated beach club to soak in the sun along a long strip of golden sand and azure waters. The combination of lively coastline and sun loungers may provide you with the perfect ambiance of a Southern Italian resort getaway. You can continue your exploration of Salento by visiting the southern towns from Leuca to Otranto. Upon reaching Otranto, you can stroll through the megalithic garden to find Bronze Age stones, view 12th-century Byzantine mosaics in the Basilica di San Pietro, and sample local cuisine that features the bay’s majestic colors and ingredients.

You will leave behind the quiet ambiance of Urgenot in the morning and travel to your new accommodations near Ostuni. Along the way, you can stop in the city of Lecce to uncover hidden piazza and extravagant Baroque basilica. The 16th-century facade demonstrates a grandiose idea with carved lions, eagles, griffons, and human figures sprouting from capitals to cornices. At Palazzo Taurino, you may find a new perspective of the ancient city with a focus on the once-thriving Jewish community or wander beneath the tapered bell tower of Piazza del Duomo.

The fantastical ambiance of Alberobello derives from the trulli homes that resemble houses crafted by ferries. The whitewashed walls and conical rooftops create a unique visual and shape a distinctive atmosphere along the city’s cobbled lanes. Explore the heritage and history of the town as the light glints against the limestone walls. You will continue to a local dairy to learn more about the process and flavors of Pugliese cheese, specifically mozzarella and burrata. You may find semi-herbaceous aromas in the renet of the mozzarella or discover a surprisingly sweet taste and buttery texture of the burrata.

In the morning, you will have a private walking tour of Ostuni, the White City. The town spreads across three hills and features a sparkling cathedral. Your guide may introduce you to the architectural history, the culinary culture, or the simple beauty of being within the historic city center. You will continue with a guided food experience where the sea meets the hills. Wander through an onsite garden to pick fresh herbs, learn the delicate art of crafting local pasta, and bask in the flavors of focaccia or a glass of locorotondo wine before visiting an olive oil mill.

At breakfast, you may choose to take your time and indulge in the flavors of a traditional morning espresso and pastry. You can take the car and visit one more town to embrace the slower pace and exceptional beauty of Puglia. When you are ready, you will return the car to the Salento Airport in Brindisi and check in for your flight home. You can always extend your trip to visit more of Italy at your pace and leisure or board your flight, bringing an end to your immersion in Southern Italy.