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Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy 2024 - Small Group

Operator
Globus
Days
14
From
USD $4,929
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Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

In Greek mythology, the Scylla and Charybdis were two sea monsters located in the Strait of Messina between Sicily and the Italian mainland, endangering ancient mariners, and inspiring the expression “being caught between a rock and a hard place.” Will you find yourself in such a predicament on this Undiscovered Tour of Southern Italy and Sicily? On the contrary, you’ll delightfully find yourself caught between Byzantine and Roman culture, flanked by Norman and Italian influences, and in the midst of a cross-cultural wonderland. Your comparison of cobblestones, customs, and cuisine gets underway in Rome, heads down to the dramatic Sorrento Coast, and then kicks the fun from Italy’s heel to its toe and all the way into the great melting pot of Sicily. From Italy’s lower half to its largest island, ruins, resorts—a rich history awaits.

Countries Visited

Italy

  1. Day 1
    ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY
    Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant (D)

    ROME-SKYLINE.jpg
    Meals:   Dinner
  2. Day 2
    ROME–CASTEL GANDOLFO–SORRENTO AREA
    Holy Grounds CASTEL GANDOLFO Take a [LF] guided visit of the Papal Palace and the Barberini Gardens followed by lunch at Villa Barberini en route to the Sorrento Area. (B,L)
    193 mi / 310 km

    LOCAL FAVORITE
    ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Enjoy an extraordinary, guided visit to explore the Papal Palace and beautiful Barberini Gardens. Stroll the spectacular grounds of the grand papal retreat of Castel Gandolfo, where Holy Fathers and world dignitaries walked and talked about faith and the world at large.


    CASTEL-GANDOLFO.jpg
    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch
  3. Day 3
    SORRENTO AREA. EXCURSION TO CAPRI
    Coves, Cliffs & The Clear Blue Sea SORRENTO AREA Jetfoil ride to Capri.
    CAPRI Take a funicular ride from the harbor to the village for guided sightseeing, including the Augustus Gardens. Free time for lunch.
    SORRENTO AREA Free time. (B,D)

    TOUR HIGHLIGHT
    NATURAL WONDERS Nestled high above the sea on the island of Capri lie the exquisite Gardens of Augustus. This natural paradise promises 180-degree panoramic views and a kaleidoscope of botanical beauty on the cliffs overlooking island and the sapphire sea below.


    CAPRI-VIEW.jpg
    Meals:   Breakfast   Dinner
  4. Day 4
    SORRENTO AREA. EXCURSION TO POMPEII AND NAPLES
    A Slice of Life in Naples POMPEII Take a guided walking tour of the excavations. Free time to browse.
    NAPLES Guided sightseeing includes an orientation drive on the panoramic road to Posillipo, a stop in Piazza Plebiscito, and [LF] a slice of Neapolitan pizza. (B)
    68 mi / 110 km

    LOCAL FAVORITE
    LOCAL TASTES Pizza was first delivered to the world after Neapolitans put tomatoes on flatbread. Baker Raffaele Esposito baked a pie with the hues of the Italian flag for Queen Margherita's visit to Naples with mozzarella cheese, red tomatoes, and basil, giving to the world the Neapolitan pizza we love today.


    POMPEII-CITY-VIEW.jpg
    Meals:   Breakfast
  5. Day 5
    SORRENTO AREA–BARI
    Chilling on the Coast SORRENTO AREA Free morning before departing for Bari. (B)
    186 mi / 300 km

    TOUR HIGHLIGHT
    PICTURE PERFECT Puglia region forms the heel of Italy’s “boot,” with whitewashed towns, centuries-old pastoral landscapes, and the magnificent Mediterranean coastline. The vibrant port of Bari and its lovely Baroque architecture is a feast for the eyes and palate in the quintessential Italian style.


    BARI.jpg
    Meals:   Breakfast
  6. Day 6
    BARI–LECCE–ALBEROBELLO AREA
    Sweet Strolls in Apulia BARI Guided sightseeing includes a walking tour of Bari Vecchia, the city’s oldest district, and San Nicola’s Church.
    LECCE Walking tour with a Local Guide includes the Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica. [LF] Taste traditional pasticciotto (filled pastry) with almond-infused iced coffee. (B,D)
    186 mi / 300 km

    LOCAL FAVORITE
    CULTURE & TRADITIONS Traditional pasticciotto is the beloved cream-filled pastry of Lecce, which graces the shelves of Apulia’s bakeries and restaurants. Legend has it that this ubiquitous confection was invented by happy accident when chef Andrea Ascalone made too much cake batter, using the excess ingredients to mix up the original pasticcio (meaning mishap or mess in Italian) - a smaller cake with a creamy filling. Sink your teeth into this heavenly pastry with an almond iced coffee to complete the experience.


    LECCE.jpg
    Meals:   Breakfast   Dinner
  7. Day 7
    ALBEROBELLO AREA
    Stone Houses ALBEROBELLO Guided walking tour includes a visit to a Trullo (traditional conical-roof house). Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)

    TOUR HIGHLIGHT
    ART & ARCHITECTURE The iconic round houses (Trulli) date back hundreds of years. These Trulli, constructed of dry stone and cone-shaped roofs include the oldest structures built in the 16th century and were used as grain storage or residences. Made without cement in the masonry techniques of the day, these whitewashed homes were easily disassembled to avoid property taxes when the collectors came calling! Today, you can stroll the streets lined with Trulli houses to see their conical rooftops decorated with symbols such as a cross, heart, astronomical symbol, or the evil eye.


    ALBEROBELLO-TRULLO.jpg
    Meals:   Breakfast
  8. Day 8
    ALBEROBELLO AREA–MATERA–PIZZO CALABRO–REGGIO CALABRIA
    Creamy Desserts & Cave Dwellings MATERA Orientation walk with panoramic view of the picturesque sassi house (cave houses). Take a scenic drive along the Gulf of Taranto.
    PIZZO CALABRO Enjoy a [LF] traditional tartufo (ice cream dessert) tasting.
    REGGIO CALABRIA Join a guided visit of the museum that houses the Bronzi di Riace (famous bronze warrior sculptures). (B,D)
    280 mi / 450 km

    LOCAL FAVORITE
    LOCAL TASTES The only thing better than a taste of gelato is having a few different tastes inside a chocolate-shelled truffle! Indulge in a tartufo dessert that will melt in your mouth during a visit to Pizzo Calabro.


    MATERA.jpg
    Meals:   Breakfast   Dinner
  9. Day 9
    REGGIO CALABRIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA
    Grand Greek Drama STRAIT OF MESSINA Ferry crossing to Sicily.
    TAORMINA Visit the ancient Greek theatre. Free time to explore. (B)
    81 mi / 130 km

    TOUR HIGHLIGHT
    ART & ARCHITECTURE The Greek Theatre of Taormina is considered one of the most impressive examples of auditorium engineering and architecture for its superb natural setting and acoustical design. This ancient marvel was dug into the hard rock slopes of Mount Tauro in the 3rd-century BC, with seating to accommodate thousands of spectators. The Teatro Antico di Taormina was built in the Greek tradition of incorporating the natural surroundings to become part of the performance, with light and air permeating the columns to become part of the story.


    TAORMINA-THEATER.jpg
    Meals:   Breakfast
  10. Day 10
    TAORMINA RIVIERA
    The Pearl of the Mediterranean TAORMINA RIVIERA Enjoy a free day in Taormina, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

    TOUR HIGHLIGHT
    CULTURE & TRADITION With a backdrop of the Volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea providing the cinematic setting for the resort town of Taormina, this Pearl of the Mediterranean is a picturesque coastal gem that will spoil you with its stunning beaches, village beauty, and sumptuous culinary specialties.


    TAORMINA-TOWN.jpg
    Meals:   Breakfast   Dinner
  11. Day 11
    TAORMINA RIVIERA
    Sicilian Summits TAORMINA RIVIERA Enjoy a free day. (B)

    FREE TIME TIPS
    EXPLORE MORE What better way to spend this free day than with an excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano and one of the most active in the world. Learn how in 1669, an eruption that lasted 112 days developed a record long stream of lava that destroyed the city of Catania.


    TAORMINA-MOUNT-ETNA.jpg
    Meals:   Breakfast
  12. Day 12
    TAORMINA RIVIERA–AGRIGENTO–PALERMO
    Timeless Temples AGRIGENTO Take a guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples en route to Palermo. (B)
    211 mi / 340 km

    TOUR HIGHLIGHT
    ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia sits in spectacular setting upon a ridge where it served as a beacon for homecoming sailors and today draws enthralled visitors to revel in the remarkable Valley of the Temples.


    AGRIGENTO-VALLEY-OF-THE-TEMPLES-VIEW.jpg
    Meals:   Breakfast
  13. Day 13
    PALERMO
    Cathedrals & Human Heroes PALERMO Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the cathedral. Scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. [LF] Hear about the important role that the organization "La Casa di Paolo" plays to help local children and their families followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant which employs young people with a difficult past. (B,D)

    LOCAL FAVORITE
    FOREVER REMEMBERED "La Casa di Paolo" is a special place. Once the pharmacy of judge Paolo Borsellino's parents and now an invaluable point of reference where children can do their homework in a safe environment with the help of volunteers. Paolo Borsellino and his convoy were killed when a bomb went off just in front of his mother's house on July 19th 1992. His brother and niece decided to commemorate the memory of a human judge who put the lives of others before his own, helping those who would be easy preys of the organised crime if left on their own.


    PALERMO-PRETORIA-FOUNTAIN.jpg
    Meals:   Breakfast   Dinner
  14. Day 14
    PALERMO
    Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

    PALERMO-PIAZZA.jpg
    Meals:   Breakfast

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Inclusions

Small Group Discoveries
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.

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Accommodations

Rome: Starhotels Michelangelo
Modern hotel catering to business and leisure travelers located a short walk to St. Peter's Square; staff is multilingual.
Address:
Via Stazione S.Pietro,14
Roma , Italy
Rome: Degli Aranci
Overlooking Villa Borghese, hotel Degli Aranci is housed in a 19th-century Art Nouveau building surrounded by a lush orange tree garden. This boutique hotel offers a fitness center with sauna and hot tub, a restaurant with outdoor dining area where to enjoy delicious Italian specialties, and a bar serving snacks and cocktails throughout the day. All 58 air-conditioned guest rooms are elegantly furnished in a classic style with oriental influences, and are equipped with soundproofed windows, minibar, in-room safe, flat screen TV with international channels, and free Wi-Fi internet access. The hotel is located in the elegant district of Parioli, a quiet residential area perfect for a relaxing stay in the capital. Restaurants and shops are within easy access.
Address:
Via Barnaba Oriani 11
Roma , Italy
Sorrento Area: Towers Hotel Stabiae Sorrento Coast
Built on the grounds of a former cement factory which takes its name from the two replica factory towers, this upscale 150-room hotel is located in a tranquil spot on the beautiful Sorrento peninsula with views of Mt. Vesuvius, a gleaming private stretch of beach and a sparkling (seasonal) outdoor swimming pool. Mediterranean cuisine is served in the restaurant overlooking the Bay of Naples and drinks can be enjoyed at the terrace bar. A large spa area includes a sauna, Turkish bath and Jacuzzi and Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property.
Address:
S.S.145 Sorrentina Km.11
Castellammare di Stabia , Italy
Bari: Excelsior
Hotel Excelsior is just 100 meters from Bari's shopping area and a 3-minute walk from the rear entrance of the train station. All rooms are equipped with elegant furniture, parquet floors, comfortable beds, and free Wi-Fi. The Excelsior's rooms are spread throughout eight floors, all offering windows overlooking the courtyard and a private road. Each guestroom features a marble bathroom with bath or shower and hairdryer.
Address:
Via Giulio Petroni, 15
Bari , Italy
Alberobello Area: Grand Hotel Olimpo
The Grand Hotel Olimpo is surrounded by typical Trulli and offers 40 comfortable, air-conditioned rooms, all fully equipped with a flat-screen, cable channel TV, safety deposit box, a minibar, desk and hairdryer. The Eden restaurant serves a refined à la carte menu with tasty, delicious combinations which respect the local gastronomic traditions and there is also a great selection of fine wines on offer.
Address:
Via Sette Liberatori Della Selva
Alberobello - Ba , Italy
Alberobello Area: Grand Hotel D'Aragona
Located in a very peaceful position close to some of Apulia's most important attractions like Alberobello, Polignano a Mare and Ostuni, this hotel is a great choice for those who want to explore the region. All its air-conditioned rooms have flat-screen/satellite TV and minibar. Most of the rooms also have balconies. Other amenities include an elegant restaurant serving local dishes and two swimming pools. Free Wi-Fi access is available in public areas.
Address:
Via San Donato, 5
Conversano , Italy
Reggio Calabria: Grand Hotel Excelsior
Refined and elegant, equipped with a large Convention Centre and a rooftop garden that hosts the exclusive restaurant Gala, the Grand Hotel Excelsior is the ideal solution both for a business trip or a romantic weekend in the beautiful city of Calabria.
Address:
Via Vittorio Veneto 66
Reggio Calabria , Italy
Taormina Riviera: Hellenia Yachting Hotel
Hellenia Yachting Hotel is an elegant 4-star hotel in Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony of Sicily. The property is directly overlooking the waterfront and features a private beach, a spa and a pool. There is a piano bar located in the main terrace area and immediatly adjacent to the main in-house restaurants which boasts some of the finest Sicilian cuisine, presenting traditional local dishes with a fresh and original touch.
Address:
Via Jannuzzo, 41
Giardini Naxos , Italy
Palermo: Mercure Palermo Centro
The Mercure Palermo Centro has a prime location with the Politeama theatre, the Harbor, the Cathedral and the lively Vucciria Market within walking distance. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and 93 modern rooms with design furniture. Rooms have a refined atmosphere and mostly come with white, beige and black color combinations. Each one has air conditioning, coffee and tea maker facilities, flat screen TV with international channels and in-room safe. In the evening enjoy a cocktail at the bar. Many restaurants, bars and local shops are available nearby.
Address:
via Mariano Stabile, 112
Palermo , Italy

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Questions & Answers

Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?

Each person is allowed one "check-in," and one "carry-on." Remember to take all valuables with you as "carry-on", because electronic equipment, cameras, laptops, jewelry, business documents and money are not covered by the airlines' liability, so always carry them aboard with you.

Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?

Airfare from your point of origin to and from the trip is not included in the land price.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.6
Accommodations
4.5
Itinerary
5
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
4
Value for Money
4.5

Ratings based off 4 reviews - currently showing 31 reviews with comments only

I was surprised by how nice the acccommodations were and centrally located. The coach was brand new and was quite spacious for the number of travelers.

This trip was an incredibly amazing from the moment it started in Rome and finished in Palermo. This tour is highly recommended to anyone who wants to visit Southern Italy.

Wonderful tour, totally organized. Some days a bit too much time on the road/bus & some hotels too isolated. Didn't like Naples but loved all other stops on itinerary. Tour needs to make more time in Positano- that was a disappointment. Overall would definitely recommend this tour.

Great customer service given by Trena. The price compared with the Globus price was a money saver for us. We will book with Affordable Tours again.

Our tour director, Daniela, was awesome. She was very organized and made our road trip smooth and enjoyable. She was very knowledgeable of the places we visited. The pace and number of days we stayed in certain cities were just right. It gave us time to enjoy the place and to explore on pur own. The schedule was not tight.

The wine, coffee, and breakfasts provided were well below our expectations. The optional dinner food was excellent. Day one hotel room was awful. The rest of the hotels were nice.

Globus did not allow enough time for our flight from Palermo to Frankfurt. We barely made the connection on time and another Globus group doing the same tour missed their flight out of Frankfurt altogether. Globus needs to pay more attention to their scheduling, especially out of Fankfurt, Amsterdam and Rome. Our Tour Director, Nicholas was fabulous and we met him on our first trip to Italy in 2012. He's the best Tour Guide we have ever had.

The trip was wonderful, loved the entire trip itinerary.

We had a great time. Made new friends and really enjoy the trip. Capri and Sicily are beautiful!!

I paid extra fees for single occupancy of a room, I supposed to have same room as couples or at least is not stuffed me into tiny rooms or rooms without proper accessories that is for several trips.

Loved the entire tour itinerary and accommodations! Superb hotels and locations chosen by Globus. Very affable tour director and driver. Luca was the best, added humor along with vital information to keep the tour on schedule. Fun farm dinners, the food portion of the trip was a highlight. Nice location in Rome, within close walking distance to Vatican City, Castel St Angelo, the Pantheon and other historic and important sites. The Hard Rock Cafe store was also on the chart to go visit. Great food and coffee and gelato in Roma. Were there in 1985 and it has only improved. Loved The Towers Hotel on the Sorrento Coast, modern and fun, great scenic location across the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Trip to Bari but only one night in the beautiful and artistic Grand Hotel delle Nozioi in Bari. 1960s minimalist revival done in superb taste as the Italians do with a sweeping view of the harbor and Adriatic coast and town from the roof dining room. Visiting Alberobello with Truli houses and other chosen stops were refreshing and fun. Only one night in Reggio, Calabria, but directly across the street from the Archeology Museum and a fun tour of the fabulous Greek Warrior Statues found on the sea floor off of Reggio. Loved the Magna Grecia part of the tour which we chose because of this! Beautiful stay at the Hilton Giardini Naxos and nice choice at the Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa in Palermo, lovely historic repurposed bank building with Lots of Space and accommodating staff. Great food and drink throughout the tour; wonderful sites that one MUST see on tour of southern Italy and Roma! Kudos to the whole Globus Team! Would liked to have time to see Archeology Museum in Naples for objects removed from digs at Pompeii but understand the difficulty there. Naples is much cleaner and safer than when I was there in the 1980s. Loved the clean and fun city of Bari and Hotel delle Nozioni. Would like to spend some time there in the future. Thanks to the Globus Team an to our fun and experienced travel group also. Thanks Lucca and Salvatore!!!! We always felt in good hands with our safe and efficient driver and tour guide.

Very disappointed in Globus Southern Italy and Sicily tour.

My chief complaints: 1. Two of the hotels were distant from local restaurants and shopping, thus requiring participants to book optional dinners or eat at the hotel. 2. Our return flights were changed without notification, thus excluding us from making adjustments without penalty. The one hour twenty minute layover in Chicago did not provide enough time to clear customs and make our way to the (missed) connection. Globus representatives assured us we would be met at the gate in order to catch the next plane. No one was present to "meet and assist" us. 3. Our tour director was efficient and competent but did not interact on a personal level with members of this very large (41) group. I felt like another head to be counted.

My trip to southern Italy was much more then I expected. I meet fabulous people and our tour guide Leno and driver Salvador where professional and so much fun to be with. They made us feel special and provided great information about all of our travels. Never thought I would like a your but can't wait till the next time!

It seems as though Globus is cutting back. The hotels were not up to our expectations. The two Hiltons were good but some of the others were way under what we expected. Our flight coming home was awful. Who books these? If Globus, they need to revise their methods. If Affordbale Tours does it, they need to talk with their clients about connections, etc. We spent over 18 hours in transit coming back. People on the west coast got back hours before us.

We had such an incredible guide -- passionate and knowledgeable about the area -- and southern Italy and Sicily are spectacular places to visit. We came away feeling that we had a true appreciation and understanding of the area, its people and history.

Have been on multiple Globus tours. This was one of the best. Fabulous hotels and meals. Only issue there was considerably more difficulty walking than I was expecting but we managed.

The G7 Conference prevented us from going into Taromina, Scicily. We were informed that this was going to happen about three days before our departure date. We feel like Globus should have known that this could happen and should have given us the opportunity to reschedule the departure date of our trip. There were two parties of ten and eight people in each party that were traveling together. Our dining experiences were scheduled so that these parties could sit together, which gave them priority seating in almost all of the situations. This left the other available seating arrangements for the rest of us. I do not think that Globus should schedule more than one party wanting to travel and sit together on a trip. We have traveled with Affordable Tours and Globus to Europe on six trips and this is the first time that this has happened to us.

This was our 3rd tour with Globus. Their staff is thorough and courteous. Hotels, in general, were good. We would use Globus again. There was an issue with the hotel in Alberobello, Italy because the hotel advised our tour guide of a problem with the water; it was not to be consummed. However, neither the hotel nor Globus provided bottled drinking water to the tour group. Since many of us on the tour needed to take medication, this situation was unacceptable.

The room in Alberobello at the Hotel Astoria was a real "dump" and the staff was not friendly at all. After we were there and had checked in and finished dinner, which was at least 4 or more hours, they told us that we could NOT DRINK THE WATER. This was too late as some people on the tour had already drank the water. Then Globus provided bottled water, and NOT the Hotel. Also, the farewell dinner was a 1 hour drive each way and made it way too late returning to the hotel in Palermo for early morning departures.

Since I travel as a single I pay the single supplement. Most of the single rooms are very uncomfortable. When I travel a single room costs substantially less than a double room. So here I pay more for a single room and get very much less. After several tours this continues to be an issue and this will probably be my last tour because of this. .

Great trip. Good guide and driver. Local tour guides were also good.

I do wish to express my disappointment with Globus. I have traveled with Globus before but I found the choice of all the hotels (except 1) inferior. Although I do realize that European hotels are not to be compared with our hotels I do know that the hotels we were put in were definitely not what I would classify as 4 - 5 star. There were not located centrally, some were actually dirty with mold in the bathrooms. Clearly unacceptable. I would definitely have to consider another Escorted Tour company before I considered booking with Globus again. Also, letting you know that most of the travelers on our tour felt the same way. Globus may have cut costs for themselves but they have probably lost some clients. My husband and I love to travel and we expect to pay for what we want and get what we pay for.

The tour guide/director was excellent....and made the trip most enjoyable and memorable

Everything about my trip went beyond my expectations. 

One of the best trips we have ever taken.

Four years ago we took a Globus tour of northern Italy, and had a wonderful time. That is why we decided to take the Globus tour of Southern Italy and Sicily this year.

Four days before the trip we were told that the two night stay in Sorrento was changed to single nights in Sorrento and Capri. We are not in the best of health, and would never have signed up for a trip involving three one night stays. To make matters worse, we were required to bring an additional carry on suitcase everywhere we traveled, and Globus made it clear that they would not help in any way with the carry on luggage. They changed the itinerary again upon our arrival in Rome, telling us that we would overnight in Capri on Sept..18th rather than on the 19th as stated in the e-mail. We had to depart Rome on day 3 at 0730 and after a long day of touring, we had to carry our bags for several blocks through the port of Naples and on to the ferry. We arrived at the port of Capri at 5:30pm, and had to carry our bags to the funicular and through the streets of Capri to our hotel. Other tour companies had porters taking luggage to hotels, but not Globus. By the time we arrived at our hotel we were too tired to enjoy being on the island. The next day we had to carry our bags through the town, down the funicular, and onto the ferry to Sorrento. This change in itinerary turned the trip into a nightmare. We do not feel that we got the trip that we paid for. The hotel in Matera was substandard with an indifferent staff and awful food. The hotel in Reggio was okay, but the dinner at the hotel was terrible. On a positive note, the hotel and meals in Taurmina were excellent. The optional dinner in Sorrento(Flavors of Sorrento) was a rip off. For $48 per person we expected a better main course than pizza. Everyone we spoke with on the tour agreed that Globus has really gone downhill in its customer service. We scheduled a noon departure from Palermo so that we could sleep in and have a relaxing breakfast. Instead Globus made us depart the hotel at 0800. They refused to arrange a later departure for the two couples with noon flights. As a result we had to begin a long journey home with a 3.5 hour wait at the Palermo airport. We are still planning a river cruise within the next 18 months, but it will not be with Globus or any of its affiliates.

The hotel Cicerone in Rome was a disappointment.We were very hopeful that would be the worst of the hotels and it did prove to be. Other than that, all accomadations were fine.

We had a wonderful time - great guides, wonderful accomodations ( except for our stay in Palermo - the NH Jolly simply didn't live up to your high standards) and great food! We were kept very busy each day. The only suggestion I would make is alllowing for a bit more free time. Also, the dinner on the final evening should have been included in the tour rather than offered as an option.

the Highlights of Southern Italy tour was fantastic, wonderful and adventurous. We love the various cities and the excursions and the great varieties of foods. The tour guide was friendly, cheerful, helpful, concerned, knowledgeable and very professtional -

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How It Works

Vacationing has never been easier or cheaper with the help of a dedicated travel consultant from AffordableTours.com

Freq Quote 1. Free Quote

Find your perfect trip on our website and simply request a free quote. Need to speak to a live person? Call us 7 days a week at 1-800-935-2620. No robots here!

Dedicated Travel Consultant 2. Dedicated Travel Consultant

Your personal travel consultant will reach out and be your point of contact for your entire travel experience from start to finish. Did we mention you'll be working with an award winning team? Sweet!

Low Price Guaranteed 3. Lowest Price Guaranteed

Because we're one of the largest sellers of travel, we're able to give you a discount on your vacation package. No one beats our prices!

Stress Free Travel 4. Stress Free Travel

Knowing you got the best deal, all that's left is for you to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!


Better Business Bureau

AffordableTours.com is a proud recipient of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) awards 2006-2022 with A+ Rating.

It Pays To Refer! Earn Up To $200!

It's simple: Sign up your friends, family, and anyone to us and when they book you will receive an American Express gift card worth up to $200 in the mail for simply referring.

Read About Our Referral Program


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