Delve into the rich culture and history of Turkiye on an intoxicating journey across this incredible land.
A chance to explore breathtaking sights in three fascinating South American countries.
A PAGE & MOY TOUR
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Southern Italy tells a story with whitewashed towns, cave dwellings and quiet coastlines. We begin in Puglia, where these towns rise from olive groves and the Trulli of Alberobello line the streets like nowhere else on earth. From there, we travel through Matera, where homes have been carved into the rock for thousands of years, and on into Calabria, a coastline still better known to Italians than to visitors.
The journey continues into Sicily, where cliff top Taormina looks out towards Mount Etna, the hill villages of Savoca carry echoes of The Godfather, and ancient Syracuse reveals centuries of Greek and Roman rule from its island quarter of Ortigia. Along the way, there's time for local wine, authentic Puglian cooking and plenty of days left free to explore in your own time.
Pace of trip: Easy-going
The perfect mix of included excursions and time to explore at your own pace - will include moderate walking.
Designed for travellers who want grand adventures but at a more relaxed pace for time to explore further. With just 24 travellers or fewer, be immersed in authentic experiences that bring Italy to life and visit a local community project to see first-hand how tourism can have a positive impact.
Your holiday begins with a flight to the region of Puglia in the sun-warmed heel of Italy. On arrival we’ll travel to our hotel, close to the white city of Ostuni, where we’ll be based for four nights. Surrounded by olive trees, and palms and just a few metres away from the shores of the Adriatic sea, it's the ideal base for the days ahead. This evening, we'll gather for a welcome dinner and the first chance to meet fellow travellers.
Meals included: D
This morning, we’ll explore Ostuni, locally known as ‘la città bianca’ - the white city, named for the lime-washed housed that climb up the hillside. Founded by the Messapians long before Roman rule reached this coast, its maze of narrow lanes still follow the same layout laid down centuries ago. Sunlight bounces off every wall as we wander towards the highest point of town, past doorways draped in bougainvillea and small shops selling olive oil and handmade ceramics. We'll wander through the old town and pause at the Gothic cathedral, with its rose window and curved façade, before some free time for lunch in one of the piazzas.
During your stay in Puglia, you’ll see the quirky trulli dot the landscape, however this afternoon we’ll travel to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage town with more than 1,500 trulli across the Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola districts. Dating back as early as the mid14th- century, these cylindrical buildings with a conical roof were originally built without mortar so they could be dismantled at short notice, a clever answer to feudal tax collectors. Today, they provide one of the most unique skylines in Italy. Enjoy wandering around the town, perhaps stopping to browse in one of the boutique shops or taste a refreshing limoncello spritz in one of the bars.
We’ll venture to a local restaurant for dinner this evening offering views across the countryside.
Meals included: B,D
We will start the day with a visit to the hilltop town of Cisternino where its winding streets and narrow alleys, historic churches and whitewashed houses reflect the unhurried pace of everyday Puglian life. Locals gather over coffee in the piazza, and the smell of freshly baked bread drifts from a bakery tucked just off the main street. From the central piazza the view opens out across rolling hills, dry-stone walls and trulli rooftops scattered below.
We'll continue to Locorotondo, known for its whitewashed buildings, before lunch at a traditional Masseria - a fortified farmhouse, typical of this part of Italy. Lunch here means good, honest Puglian produce, olive oil, burrata, pasta and fresh bread, all served amongst an idyllic backdrop of bougainvillea-adorned terraces looking out over the countryside.
Later, we'll return to the hotel, where the rest of the day is free for you to relax.
Meals included: B,L
Today is yours to spend as you choose. You might make the most of the hotel's pool, spend time at the private beach or unwind at the wellness centre. Or you may prefer to explore the area around the hotel independently, at your own pace.
This evening, you can join a transfer to the coastal town of Monopoli, where the old harbour glows gold in the early evening light and fishing boats bob gently against the quay. A historic centre and Baroque cathedral sit alongside a good choice of bars and restaurants, ideal for an evening at leisure.
Meals included: B
Today we explore a quieter stretch of Calabria's coastline, one with waters so clear the seabed stays visible several metres down. We'll set off by boat along the Riviera dei Cedri, passing beneath cliffs that drop straight into the sea, with stops at Arcomagno, a hidden bay framed by a natural stone arch, and the nearby Arco di Enea. From there, we'll cruise to Dino Island to explore its sea caves, including the Blue Grotto, where the water glows an almost unnatural turquoise, and the Lion's Grotto, named for the rock formation that guards its entrance. There'll be time to swim in the crystal clear waters before we return to Diamante.
Back on dry land, Diamante has a character all its own. Known locally as the City of Murals, its historic centre is covered in more than 200 colourful artworks, painted onto walls, doorways and alleyways across the town. We'll wander through to see some of the highlights before the rest of the day is left free for you to relax, explore further or simply enjoy the coastline at your own pace.
Meals included: B
After breakfast, we follow the Tyrrhenian coast towards Sicily, the road winding along cliffs with the sea glinting far below and small towns clinging to the hillsides above the water. We'll stop in the seaside resort of Pizzo, said to be where tartufo was first created, a rich ball of chocolate and hazelnut gelato with a soft chocolate centre, for a tasting and lunch in the shade of the town's palm-lined piazza.
From here, a short ferry crossing takes us to Messina, with an onward journey to our final hotel of the tour in Giardini Naxos. We will have dinner together at the hotel this evening.
Meals included: B,L,D
Today we travel to Syracuse, once one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Mediterranean. With a local guide, we'll tour the city and explore a traditional market, where stallholders call out over baskets of citrus, fish and fresh bread, before some free time for lunch.
We’ll then cross the bridge into Ortigia, the historical heart of Syracuse, where the honey-coloured buildings of the old town catch the afternoon light as we take in sights of the Palazzo Veneziano, and the Spanish Walls.This evening is free for you to dine at leisure.
Meals included: B
Today has been left free for you to spend as you wish, whether that's reflecting on the journey so far or simply taking in the surroundings at your own pace.
This evening, we'll gather for a farewell dinner and wine tasting at a the vines stretching out towards the volcano as the light fades, a fitting way to mark the end of our time in Sicily.
Meals included: B,D
Today we transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK, taking with us memories of Puglia's whitewashed towns, Calabria's quiet coastline and Sicily's ancient cities.
Meals included: BEnjoy an authentic taste of Puglia at family run Casale Cardone, a beautifully restored 15th century farmhouse. Savour traditional dishes made with ancient heritage wheat grown on the farm and seasonal local ingredients, while supporting sustainable farming, local producers and educational programmes that help preserve the region’s rich agricultural traditions.
This refurbished ancient homestead preserves the original architectural features of the complex whilst offering an elegant hotel with traditional and contemporary touches throughout. Set just 500m from the sea, the hotel has its own private beach, swimming pool and gym. The on site wellness centre is equipped with an outdoor heated pool, sauna and ice waterfall. All rooms offer a private patio with seating area, air-conditioning, Wi-fi, safe and minibar.
Set on a hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian scale, this resort looks over the sea and the Riviera dei Cedri. The hotel is ideal for guests looking for a relaxing stop. There is a large swimming pool with a hydromassage, poolside bar and wellness centre. All rooms are tastefully furnished with air conditioning, Wi-fi, and safe.
This hotel located in Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily embraces the beauty of the area. The hotel is located by the sea and has a private beach available between May and September. The rooms are cleanly decorated with free Wi-fi, TV and minibar. Facilities at the hotel include an outdoor pool, spa, tennis court and exercise room.
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Prices shown are based on twin occupancy of a double or twin bedded room with private facilities unless otherwise stated. Single occupancy supplements will apply. Travelsphere have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the hotel images provided on this website and images of room types displayed may vary to those offered on your tour. Therefore due to the possibility of inadvertent errors we do not guarantee their accuracy. Accommodation, airlines used and flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in your final documents.
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