Welcome to your tour with Europamundo!Today, we will travel toward the Adriatic Sea, crossing the magnificent landscapes of the Apennine Mountains. We will stop to discover TERMOLI, a charming coastal town featuring a walled old town, a 13th-century castle, and a Romanesque cathedral. You will have time for lunch, a stroll, and—during the summer months, weather permitting—a dip in the sea. We will then continue toward the Gargano Peninsula, the "spur of Italy’s boot," where we will visit MONTE SANT´ANGELO, a beautiful medieval town located at 800 meters. You will have free time to wander its streets, explore its castle, and visit the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel. At the end of the day, we will arrive in SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO, home for decades to Padre Pio. There will be time to visit the ancient Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where he lived and celebrated Mass, before heading to our hotel.

Depart for the Adriatic coast to discover some of Apulia´s most iconic towns. Stop in TRANI, a charming port city dominated by its spectacular Romanesque cathedral set right by the sea. Time for lunch and a stroll along its elegant harbor. Continue to CASTEL DEL MONTE, a unique octagonal fortress, one of Italy´s greatest architectural treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, arrival in BARI, capital of Apulia, where you will have time to explore its fascinating historic center, narrow medieval streets, and the Basilica of Saint Nicholas. Its lively spirit makes it a truly special city with all the authentic flavor of Southern Italy.

After breakfast, we travel to POLIGNANO A MARE, a picturesque coastal town perched above the Adriatic, famous for its whitewashed houses, spectacular viewpoints, and the small inlet Lama Monachile. We continue toward OTRANTO, the easternmost town in Italy, featuring a charming historic center, defensive walls, and a Cathedral famous for its extraordinary medieval mosaic. Time for lunch and, weather permitting, the opportunity to enjoy a swim in its crystal-clear waters. In the afternoon, we arrive in LECCE, renowned for its impressive Baroque architecture, which nickname is "Florence of the South." The historic center is filled with beautifully ornate Baroque buildings and churches. Free time to stroll before heading to the hotel.

Today, we will visit two spectacular and unique UNESCO World Heritage towns. ALBEROBELLO, famous for its distinctive cone-shaped houses known as "trulli," an iconic example of Italian rural architecture; and MATERA, one of the oldest continuously inhabited human settlements in the world. We include a guided tour of its historic center, featuring the "Sassi di Matera", a complex of ancient homes and structures carved into the rock that date back thousands of years. Lunch included. In the afternoon, we will travel through Basilicata and Campania amid beautiful mountain landscapes. SALERNO, arrival in the late afternoon. We recommend taking a stroll along its waterfront promenade.

We’ll journey to the south of the boot, marveling at the stunning southern Italian scenery as we cross the Cilento National Park. We’ll arrive in Paola, located on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, where we’ll visit the Sanctuary of St. Francis of Paola and enjoy free time for lunch in its charming historic center. Our adventure will then take us to Villa San Giovanni, where we’ll board a short ferry crossing to the island of Sicily. Upon arrival in Messina, we’ll have time to stroll around the cathedral. Finally, we’ll continue to Taormina. Dinner will be included.Note: Accommodation will normally be in the Taormina region, but on certain dates, lodging may be provided in Messina.

At the foot of Mount Etna lies the beautiful city of Taormina, described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. Early in the morning, we will head to Giardini Naxos, the first Greek settlement in Sicily (founded in 734 B.C.), with its lovely seafront promenade and popular beaches. Afterwards, we will have time to stroll through the lively old town of Taormina, with its stunning Greek Theater overlooking unforgettable landscapes.After lunchtime, we continue to the Roman Villa of Casale (admission and guided tour included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Roman Empire, villas symbolized agricultural wealth and exploitation. At Casale, not only has the 4th-century architectural layout been preserved, but thanks to their richness and quality, the mosaics decorating nearly every room are considered the most beautiful of the Roman world.Crossing the mountainous heart of the island, we continue on to Palermo, arriving at the end of the day. Dinner included.

Today, we’ll embark on a guided city tour of Palermo with a local expert. Highlights include the cathedral, famous for its blend of architectural styles and royal tombs (admission included), and the Palazzo dei Normanni, a former royal palace with fountains, markets, and gardens. We’ll also visit Monreale to see its cathedral (admission included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its breathtaking golden mosaics that adorn the entire interior. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.