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Peregrine Travel Centre

Premium Sicily and Puglia

Premium Sicily and Puglia

From $ 16,155 AUD

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Description

Explore Sicily and unearth the natural and historical wonders of this intriguing island, placed perfectly in the heart of the Mediterranean. Then cross over to the heel of Italy’s boot to find dreamy beaches, inspiring architecture and ancient wonders. This premium adventure will take you on a deep dive through southern Italy with one of our most experienced locally based leaders to help uncover all of the best best sights to see and bites to eat (this is Italy, after all).

Trip Name
Premium Sicily and Puglia
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
17
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna, as you walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave.
  • Stay in spectacular places including a Feature Stay historic property in Nardo, that was once a Baronial Palace, as well as a Sicilian countryside estate built within a medieval watch tower.
  • Dig in to some of southern Italy’s best eats with a genovesi tasting in Erice, mouth-watering cheese and chocolate tastings on your way to Siracusa, a cooking class in Palermo and an olive oil tasting on a farm that’s been active since Roman times.
  • Discover Palermo’s most symbolic places of rebellion and meet the local people who are taking a stance against the Mafia on an Anti-Mafia Movement tour.
  • Join a group of like-minded travellers on a tour takes a deep dive into the history, culture and natural beauty of southern Italy with one of our most experienced locally based leaders (legends) guiding the way.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Palermo
Bongiorno! Welcome to Sicily. When you arrive in Palermo, you’ll be met by a local representative for a complimentary airport transfer into the city. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your fellow travellers and local leader. If you arrive early, you might like to get acquainted with the sights and sounds of the old heart of Palermo. Explore the main monuments like the uniquely styled cathedral, or cafe-hop to try the best of Sicily’s sweets. After your meeting tonight, you'll head out for dinner as a group and get to know the city’s beloved cuisine at a great local restaurant.
Day 2 - Palermo
Enjoy a free morning to see more of Palermo’s small alleyways, buzzing colourful market squares and winding roads. In the afternoon, join a walking tour with your local leader and uncover symbolic places of rebellion and anti-mafia racketeering like the Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria and Beati Paoli Square. You’ll personally meet local shop owners who have had the courage to denounce their extortionists and follow the ethical consumer campaign ‘Pago chi non paga’ – a campaign promoted to support those that rebel against the Mafia. Then, delve deeper into the local cuisine and learn how to create delicious Sicilian dishes with the help of a local chef. As locally sourced products are used in the preparation of these dishes, the menu may differ depending on seasonality and market availability, but whatever you make, you’ll tuck into for dinner.
Day 3 - Marsala
Today, it’s time to say goodbye to beautiful Palermo and head towards the small town of Erice. Located more than 750 m above sea level, this beautifully preserved medieval town showcases architectural styles from its varied history. When you arrive, you’ll head to a special Genovesi (traditional Sicilian pastries filled with custard or ricotta cream) tasting. After, take a cable car back down to the town of Trapani, then continue south towards Marsala – a coastal town where you’ll be staying tonight. Famous for its sweet dessert wines, you might like to use your free evening to go out and enjoy a sip (or two) or, you can simply stroll the marble paved streets as the sun sets.
Day 4 - Agrigento
This morning, head east as you stop in the old port of Mazara del Vallo. It’s here that some of the Arab influences in Sicily are most clearly visible. As you stroll through the kasbah (Arab Quarter) you’ll witness the artistic and cultural enrichment brought on by the arrival of Tunisian families in the 70s. Wander the winding lanes and alleyways lined with colourful murals, then continue to Agrigento, stopping at Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks) on the way – this coastline with its white marble cliffs offered protection from the severe winds for the pirates that roamed these waters. Finally, make your way to Agrigento, where you’ll stay in a boutique hotel built in the 13th century and share a meal with your fellow travellers.
Day 5 - Agrigento
This morning after breakfast, travel to the nearby Valley of the Temples. One of the largest archaeological sites in the world, this is where the ancient city of Akragas once stood. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. Along the way, enjoy views of the landscape and Mediterranean Sea. Return to Agrigento and enjoy a free afternoon. Maybe head to Agrigento's Old Town and wander the narrow alleyways and courtyards or find a local cafe, grab a panino and sit and watch the world go by.
Day 6 - Siracusa
Today, say goodbye to Agrigento and hit the road to Siracusa. Along the way, you’ll stop in Ragusa – one of the most scenic towns in all of Sicily. Explore the town and then continue to Modica, which is particularly famous for its chocolate. After tasting some of the local produce, continue to Noto and get acquainted with the city on a guided walking tour. Lesser-known Noto has recently gained a reputation as an architectural jewel and its limestone structures sparkle on a sunlit afternoon. Finally, arrive in Siracusa, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.
Day 7 - Siracusa
This morning, head out on an orientation walk through Ortigia – a small island just adjacent to the main town of Siracusa. Wandering the narrow streets and laneways will reveal ancient ruins, fountains and trattorias. Return to Siracusa in the afternoon, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore. You might like to uncover the Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre and ancient stone quarries of the Neapolis Archaeological Site, see more of the Siracusa town or simply relax at your accommodation.
Day 8 - Catania
Today, come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano on a daytrip up Mt Etna. At an altitude of approximately 2000 m, you’ll walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave that can be explored with helmets and torches. Walk among the cold lava streams of Piano Provenzana – a former ski resort that has been destroyed during the last big eruption of 2002. After exploring this fiery natural wonder, continue to Catania. The city has a unique energy – an interesting blend of young and old. On one hand, there’s a gritty bar culture that fuels the nightlife scene, and on the other hand, there’s the Late Baroque towns – the UNESCO World Heritage site, Val di Noto. This afternoon, you’ll get the opportunity to explore both sides of the city by wandering through its grand piazzas and wide roads.
Day 9 - Catania
After breakfast today, take a day trip to the city of Taormina. Start things off with a guided walk, where you’ll notice Greek influence in the architecture. Walk through the back streets, gardens and the world-famous Greek theatre and cathedral. The afternoon is free, so there's plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Have a drink in the Mediterranean sun or dig into some traditional Sicilian pasta before heading back for your final night in Catania. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with your newfound travel friends and group leader.
Day 10 - Bari
Catch an unescorted flight to the coastal city of Bari to begin the next stage of your Italian adventure in Puglia. On arrival you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You’ll have a meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your new local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not wander the maze-like Old Town or see the 11th-century Basilica di San Nicola – a key pilgrimage site that holds some of St. Nicholas’ remains. You could also pop into a local cornetteria for a decadent Italian croissant. After your meeting, get to know your new group over an included dinner, where your local leader will introduce you to Puglia’s cuisine.
Day 11 - Bari
Leave the coastline behind as you travel inland by private vehicle to the little town of Alberobello. Set among a tranquil landscape of olive groves, the town is famed for its unique beehive-shaped trulli (dwellings built from limestone in the 14th century). While the origins of the buildings are unclear, one theory suggests the houses were created to be easily dismantled in a feudal tax evasion scheme. Whatever their purpose, the buildings make the Apulia region unlike anywhere else in the world. Join a local guide for an insider’s look at the town, wandering through the Old Town quarter of Rione Monti, dotted with thousands of trulli, and Rione Aia Piccola. Your guide will point out the different shapes of spires and the religious symbols adorning the roofs. Finally, see the Church de Sant’Antonio – a huge cathedral built in the trulli style. You’ll then visit Polignano a Mare to explore another gorgeous coastal town popular for its beaches, rugged cliffside dwellings and bright turquoise waters. Tonight, you’re free back in Bari to find some dinner.
Day 12 - Nardo
This morning, visit a local olive oil producer on a farm that’s been active since Roman times. You’ll learn how production techniques have changed over the centuries, taste some of the olive oil for yourself and enjoy an included lunch of regional favourites. Then, visit the small city of Ostuni and explore its whitewashed streets flanked with Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine buildings. From here, travel to the quiet town of Nardo and join an expert local guide for a walking tour through the Old Town, where there are more than a dozen grand palazzos. Tonight, settle into your Feature Stay accommodation – three 13th century Baronial Palaces, once home to aristocracy from the Kingdom of Naples, which have been converted into a hotel by a local architect. Spend the evening exploring the palaces and grounds that feature artwork and sculptures by local artists. In Palazzo Mignano, you’ll find an excellent on-site restaurant offering Salento dishes and a panoramic view from the terrace.
Day 13 - Nardo
Before breakfast, you may like to take a walk through your Feature Stay’s historic ‘secret garden’ where it seems as if figures from days gone by could walk around the corner at any minute. Today head to the beautiful city of Lecce. With its ornate baroque buildings, lively university and ancient Roman ruins, Lecce’s narrow streets are a delight to explore. Let a local guide show you hidden corners and share the city’s history with you this morning. You’ll also have some free time to explore this historic city on your own before heading back to Nardo. Later this afternoon, join your group for a cooking class on traditional Puglia regional cuisine.
Day 14 - Matera
Enjoy a final morning at your Feature Stay hotel, sitting back with a coffee and soaking up the scenery. Then, it’s time to say goodbye and travel to Matera – an ancient city on a rocky outcrop. Along the way, stop at a local winery for some wine tasting and lunch before continuing to Matera. Matera is believed to be the third-longest continuously inhabited human settlement in the world. You’ll be exploring the city’s famous sassi houses in depth tomorrow, so this evening why not take a walk around Matera to discover its churches, traditional restaurants and thousands of years of human history.
Day 15 - Matera
Today, dive into Matera’s Old Town, made famous by sassi – more than 3000 stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs, some dating back as far as the 8th century. Join a local guide who will lead you through a labyrinth of staircases and alleyways that cut their way through limestone ravines, dipping in and out of ancient sassi houses as you go. Up until the late 1950s, the sassi were considered the ‘Shame of Italy’ due to the gruelling living conditions and poverty suffered by those who lived here – a result of the city’s rapid population growth. The Italian government intervened, and 15,000 inhabitants were forcibly relocated. Today, the sassi are undergoing extensive restoration, with some dwellings featuring exhibits that recreate inhabited caves. You’ll also visit an ancient underground neighbourhood, made up of houses, streets, cisterns and churches.
Day 16 - Naples
Begin the day by driving to the storied town of Pompeii, home to one of Europe’s most well-known archaeological sites – the ruins of Pompeii, caused by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. Join a local guide to discover the remains of this once thriving Roman trading centre. After the eruption, the city was covered in a layer of ash and remained undisturbed until the 18th century, when the ruins were rediscovered. Walk among well-preserved villas, temples, theatres, markets and chariot-marked streets as your expert guide helps you to imagine what life here once looked like. You can also visit the Roman Forum and basilica, temples, public baths, and the tiny Odeon created for music recitals. Later in the day, travel to the buzzing city of Naples where you’ll join your group for a final dinner and a chance to look back on all you’ve seen on your journey.
Day 17 - Naples
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend more time discovering Naples, just get in touch ahead of time to arrange additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
15-04-202501-05-2025AUD $ 16,800-
29-04-202515-05-2025AUD $ 18,145-
22-05-202507-06-2025AUD $ 16,800-
17-06-202503-07-2025AUD $ 16,155-
28-08-202513-09-2025AUD $ 16,155-
04-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 17,620-
11-09-202527-09-2025AUD $ 17,445-
18-09-202504-10-2025AUD $ 17,445-
14-04-202630-04-2026AUD $ 18,095-
28-04-202614-05-2026AUD $ 18,095-
14-05-202630-05-2026AUD $ 18,815-
21-05-202606-06-2026AUD $ 19,540-
26-05-202611-06-2026AUD $ 19,540-
04-06-202620-06-2026AUD $ 18,815-
11-06-202627-06-2026AUD $ 18,815-
16-06-202602-07-2026AUD $ 18,095-
23-06-202609-07-2026AUD $ 18,095-
07-07-202623-07-2026AUD $ 18,095-
25-08-202610-09-2026AUD $ 18,095-
27-08-202612-09-2026AUD $ 18,815-
03-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 19,540-
10-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 19,540-
17-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 19,540-
19-09-202605-10-2026AUD $ 18,815-

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (12 nights),Feature Stay (4 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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