Secrets of Southern Italy and Sicily

Today’s full-day trip starts with a tour of the remarkable zona dei trulli in the old town of Alberobello. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of 1,500 ‘trulli’ - white painted houses with dry-stone conical roofs that date back to the 14th century, only found in southern Puglia. The sea of kiln shaped rooftops appears straight out of a fairy tale. Next, we visit the historic town of Martina Franca in the Apulian hills. With Italian cinematic good looks, we wander through the sun-dappled piazzas, baroque churches and palazzos of the old town. Rising above a patchwork of olive groves, cypress trees and the glittering waters of the Adriatic, we continue up to the whitewashed town of Ostuni - an image synonymous with Puglia and stereotypical Italy at its finest. Topped with a sand-coloured 15th-century Gothic cathedral, the ‘Citta Bianca’ (White City) sweeps down the hillside in a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and staircases, with pretty gardens, painted doorways and tiny Fiats and scooters parked on the cobbles. Our exploration will involve some uphill walking.

Excursions & visits:

Excursion to Alberobello, Martina Franca and Ostuni (all day)

Today we continue exploring this beautiful corner of southern Italy with a trip to Lecce. The old town is a masterpiece of creamy-coloured stone and intricate baroque façades. Dating back to the Trojan Wars, it was given a facelift in the 17th century and is adorned with crouching gargoyles, ornate stained glass and carved balustrades - the elaborate decorative style of which birthed its own architectural name, ‘barocco leccese’. We'll visit the cathedral and then an aristocratic mansion - where we'll enjoy aperitivo.

Excursions & visits:

Excursion to Lecce with local guide, including entrance to cathedral and afternoon aperitivo at an aristocratic mansion (all day)

Our journey south to the Calabria region will be lengthy yet fascinating, stopping in the ancient troglodyte city of Matera. Thought to be the oldest city in the world after Aleppo and Jericho, the cave houses or ‘Sassi’ were inhabited for close to 10,000 years. Once described as the ‘the shame of Italy’ for the poor living standards, the residents were relocated in the 1950s. Finally recognising the historical significance of these dwellings, Matera was given UNESCO status in 1993 and was awarded the European Capital of Culture in 2018. Today, the caves are museums, boutique hotels and filming locations for Hollywood blockbusters. Arriving in Altomonte, we’ll stay for three nights. Our hotel is popular for local weddings and on these occasions we’ll have the use of a private restaurant and terrace.

Excursions & visits:

Guided visit to the caves at Matera (morning)

This morning we take an orientation walk around Altomonte, a town known for its gorgeous churches, romantic stone squares and fabulous views over Pollino National Park and the Pellegrino mountains. The perfect wedding picture backdrop, Altomonte is known as the ‘Wedding City’ for the sheer number of couples that choose to marry here. The afternoon is free to explore.

Excursions & visits:

Orientation walk in Altomonte (morning)

The whole day is free to spend as you please.

Today we drive south to the coastal city of Reggio Calabria or the ‘toe’ of Italy, separated from Sicily by the narrow Strait of Messina. Before we board the ferry for the short crossing, we visit the National Archaeological Museum - home to two full-size Greek bronzes of bearded warriors from around 450 BC. Known as the Riace Warriors, they were found at sea off Calabria in 1972. Our first taste of Sicily is the scenic drive to the town of Giardini Naxos.

Excursions & visits:

Visit to the Archaeology Museum in Reggio Calabria (morning)

Spend the day at leisure.

Even if you’re not a film fan, you can’t fail to be wowed by today’s visit to Savoca. This small medieval village shot to big screen fame when it featured in the 1972 film, ‘The Godfather’. There’ll be free time to explore and soak up the rustic charms and cinematic scenery. Afterwards we visit the town of Taormina, the timeless jewel in Sicily's crown. Perched on a rocky hilltop with endless blue views across the ocean, the crumbling Corinthian columns, arches, and amphitheatre of the ancient Greek theatre are staggering. The one-time home of DH Lawrence and a stop on Europe’s famed Grand Tour during the 17th-19th centuries, the old town is a treasure trove of painted villas and tiled squares lined with chic pavement cafés.

Excursions & visits:

Visits to Savoca and Taormina, including entrance to the Greek theatre (all day)

We head about halfway up the largest active volcano in Europe to the Rifugio Sapienza, where it’s an easy walk across the dried lava to the smaller Silvestri Crateri. After a short stop we head to a Sicilian winery for a tour and tasting. Accompanied by local appetisers of salami, olives and bread, we'll taste four local wines made using grapes from vines grown in the volcanic soil.

Excursions & visits:

Guided excursion to the slopes of Mount Etna, including wine tasting (morning)

We transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.