Immersive Southern Italy and Sicily Tour: Food, Culture, and History

View of the Arc de Triomphe of Constantine and the Colosseum, Rome

What to expect on this itinerary

During this immersive 8-day vacation, you will discover the rich history, lively culture, and delicious cuisine of the area. Picturesque towns and stunning landscapes can be found throughout southern Italy and Sicily. Exclusive tours and private tastings will be enjoyed at every destination as you indulge in la dolce vita during this unforgettable vacation.

Countries Visited

Italy

Places Visited

Rome, Naples, Salerno, Palermo (City), Agrigento

Suggested Duration

8 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Rome – The Legendary Colosseum

Your 8-day trip will begin when you land at Fiumicino Airport in Rome. Upon your arrival, a driver will greet and transfer you to your accommodation, where you will have time to settle in and relax. When you are ready, your guide will lead you on an intriguing tour of the Colosseum. The ancient Colosseum is perhaps one of the most admired landmarks of Italy. The age-old amphitheater dates back to the first century, and you may find yourself imagining being a spectator at one of the epic battles of the gladiators. After your tour of the Colosseum concludes, you can explore more of the city at your own pace.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Tour
Day 2

Naples – Pizza-Making Course

Day 3

Salerno – Explore the Ruins of Pompeii

Day 4

Palermo – Ferry Ride to Sicily

Day 5

Palermo – Private Food Tour

Day 6

Palermo – Historical City Tour

Day 7

Agrigento – The Valley of the Temples

Day 8

Agrigento – Departure

Trip Highlights

  • Discover the famous Colosseum, which will allow you to travel back in time to ancient Rome and bring the gladiator battles to life
  • Visit Montecassino Abbey, where you will learn about its intriguing history and marvel at its many preserved details
  • Indulge in the world-renowned pizza of Naples during a pizza-making class at an authentic pizzeria
  • Explore the city of Pompeii during an engaging walking tour around the remains
  • Immerse yourself in the cuisine of Sicily as you discover the delicious flavors of Palermo
  • Uncover the historic highlights of Palermo, including the stunning Palermo Cathedral and Palace of the Normans
  • Journey around the ruins of the Valley of the Temples as you stroll through the history of Agrigento

Detailed Description

An exploration of the food, culture, and history of Southern Italy and Sicily is an immersive experience. Your 8-day journey will begin when you land at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. Your introduction to the city will come when you embark on a private tour of the legendary Colosseum. The next morning, you will transfer to Naples. Along the way, you will stop in Cassino for a guided tour of the Montecassino Abbey, which dates back to the first century. An evening pizza-making class in Naples, which is the birthplace of pizza, will be a memorable and tasty way to explore the cuisine of the city.

The next morning, you will transfer to the coastal city of Salerno. The ancient city of Pompeii will be a great place to stop and explore to break up the journey. The endless excavations and preserved pieces of history will be awe-inspiring, and you will feel as though you have been transported back in time. The next day, you will ride the ferry to the island of Sicily. The ferry will have wonderful accommodations, and you will enjoy dinner onboard before arriving in the capital city of Palermo later that evening.

The following day, you will discover the city’s cuisine during a private food tour. As you stop at various culinary destinations with your guide, you will learn about traditional Sicilian dishes and sample multiple specialties. A discovery of the fascinating history of Palermo will be in store the following day, and you will tour the city’s historic highlights, including the Palermo Cathedral and Palace of the Normans. The next morning you will transfer to your final destination of Agrigento. Upon your arrival, you embark on a private tour of the Valley of the Temples, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After one last night, a private transfer will lead you to Palermo Airport the next morning for the flight home.

Starting Price

$3,600 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.

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Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 6051 reviews

Melanie E.
Italy Honeymoon Review: Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Pompeii, Vespa Tour, Food Tour, Wine Tasting, 12 Days

We had a wonderful honeymoon in Italy! It was easy to coordinate with Zicasso’s travel specialist; she heard what we were interested in doing and seeing, and she planned a seamless vacation. The travel from point to point was easy, we had knowledgeable drivers and guides as we visited new places, and the hotel and restaurant recommendations all led us to perfect spots we wouldn't have found on our own. We had a great time in Rome and Florence, and in the countryside in Tuscany, and would absolutely consider Zicasso again for future trips.

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Dirk S.
Italy Travel Review: 2 Weeks

The trip was excellent. Zicasso’s tour operator handled our special request and situation very well. They were very responsive and helpful.

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Laurie H.
Italy Trip Review: Naples, Lecce, Ischia, Mount Etna, Trulli Homes, 3 Weeks

Zicasso's was a great company to work with for our trip to Italy. Everyone replied promptly to questions or concerns. We liked the suggested tours. Most of the guides were very engaging and easy to understand.

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Joseph G.
Italy Travel Review: Florence, Cooking Class, 1 Week

The tour company did everything we agreed upon.

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Teresa V.
Italy Travel Review: Florence, Chianti, Private Guide, 5 Nights

Zicasso’s tour operator was superb! Their communication, understanding of our requests, and planning were excellent. They made our first trip to Italy unforgettable.

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Paula Z.
Italy Travel Review: Palermo, Agrigento, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Opera, Winery, Cooking Class, 10-Day Trip

Zicasso’s travel specialist did a wonderful job at listening to what we were looking for in our trip and the experiences we would like to incorporate. Her recommendations were spot-on! All of the tours, guides, cooking classes, and drivers were excellent. All details were taken care of and we had nothing to worry about but enjoying our vacation.

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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