SICILY & APULIA & MATERA 2 week

In the morning we will pick you up in PALERMO Airport and transfer to the hotel. If you agree after lunch we can have a short drive up to the Sacred Monte Pellegrino at Santa Rosalia Sanctuary (The protector Saint of Palermo) Dinner and overnight. (Hotel 1)

Visit of the town of Palermo, historical centre, one of the largest of Europe (including the Cathedral, the Palatine Chapel (supreme ruler of self-representation, united in himself piety, political ambition, proud affirmation of the majesty and power), the Royal Palace and the open market. In the late afternoon free time to stroll around or we take a short drive to Bagheria. Then back to Palermo for dinner and overnight. (Hotel 1)

After breakfast we will drive to Cefalù: from the sea up to the Cathedral. We will sit out in the piazza at Bar Duomo with a gelato and enjoy the cathedral façade and the church bells marking the hour. Then we will reach Caccamo for lunch. Caccamo:It is assumed that the first urban plan was made by the Carthaginians, refugees in the country after Himera had been destroyed by Gelon, tyrant of Syracuse. Then back to Palermo for dinner and overnight. (Hotel 1)

Today we will drive along the North-West Coast with a stop in Scopello or San Vito Locapo then we will reach Erice, lunch in a typical trattoria. Erice is a very picturesque medieval town with its cobbled and narrow streets and its rich artistic and architectural heritage, has been the capital of science since 1963. We will drive along the South Coast to reach Agrigento for Dinner and overnight. (Hotel 2)

The archaeological area known as the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, is one of the most important archeological sites in the world and a Unesco world heritage site since 1998. Along a long rocky scarp, chosen as the southern limit of the town, are still sited the great temples of ancient Akragas: the Temple of Hera (Juno) Lacinia, Concordia, Heracles (Hercules), Olympian Zeus (Jupiter), Castor and Pollux (Dioscuri) and Hephaistos (Vulcan). Dinner and overnight in Agrigento. (Hotel 2)

Today we will have a stop for Cappuccino along the way to Piazza Armerina. We will visit the Villa Romana del Casale. Containing the richest, largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world, it is one of 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy. Lunch in the area .Then we will drive to another small village of inland and then we will reach the East Coast for Chcking in hotel, Dinner and Overnight.. (Hotel 3)

Visit of Syracuse that was founded by Ancient Greek Corinthians and became a very powerful city-state. Syracuse was allied with Sparta and Corinth, exerting influence over the entire Magna Grecia area of which it was the most important city. Once described by Cicero as "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all". In the afternoon a short drive in the countryside. Then a short drive in the surrounding for lunch and back to the hotel in Syracuse. Dinner and overnight in the area. (Hotel3)

We will have a cappuccino in the small village of Acitrezza and Aci Castello. Then we will drive up to Etna Volcano (weather permitting) and enjoy of a beautiful panorama. The Etna, is the highest active volcano in Europe. Lunch and Dinner on your own .(Hotel3)

After breakfast we will drive to Taormina for a cappuccino and a walk in the historical centre and the Roman Theatre. Then we continue our trip to Apulia (Taranto area) with a stop along the way for lunch. We need about 5,5 hours drive to reach the hotel for dinner and overnight. (Hotel 4)

Lecce is often billed as the Florence of the south, thanks to an abundance of buildings constructed in a v ery florid sty le of Mediterranean Baroque. The Basilica and Lecce's main square, the Piazza Oronzo, is a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. Lunch in town or if possible at sea along the coast. Then we will drive back to the hotel passing though nice villages like Nardò and/or Porto Cesareo etc... Dinner and Overnight. (Hotel 4)

Today we will start our visit with Ostuni that shines like a beacon, a pearly white, rampart-ringed town across three hills and surrounded by olive groves. Then we will have lunch and visit in Alberobello. Unesco World Heritage Site Alberobello is a town of stubby pointed roofs, white-tipped as if dusted by snow. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see a gnome pop out to water its window boxes. Dinner and Overnight in the Area. (Hotel 4)

Today we will visit Matera (Basilicata Region) - named UNESCO World Heritage Site - set of the Movie "The Passion of Christ" of Mel Gibson. In the Sassi caves is concealed the capital of the peasants, its heart hidden in their ancient civilization. Anyone who sees Matera cannot help but be awe-struck, so expressive and touching is its sorrowful beauty. Lunch in a nice village to taste local food. Dinner and overnight in the same hotel. (Hotel 4)

After breakfast we will reach Montecassino. The city is best known as the site of the Abbey of Montecassino and the Battle of Monte Cassino during World War II, which resulted in tremendous Allied and German casualties as well as the near total destruction of the town itself. We can visit also the war cemetery. Arrival in the evening at Fiumicino in a hotel close to the Airport of Rome. Dinner and Overnight. (Hotel 5)

Transfer to Rome airport or town or to the nearest Train Station to continue your trip.