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. 

North of Sicily, standing high up on the rocky cape, the Club Med Exclusive Collection Cefalù Resort owes its name from the small neighbouring fishing village. From the infinity pool, admire the Rocca, a 244-metre rock rising up from the dark Tyrrhenian Sea. Wander around the amphitheatre’s alcoves and try out paddleboard at sunset. Try all-inclusive activities such as Vibhava Yoga or sailing. During winter, enjoy hiking into the heart of the Sicilian countryside.

MSC Seaside rewrites the rule book of cruise ship design, combining indoor and outdoor areas to connect you with the sea like never before. Located as low as deck 8 is a unique seafront promenade lined with places to eat, drink, shop, swim and sunbathe. And you can enjoy superb views from the two glass-floored catwalks and panoramic elevators.

Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:

• $2500 flight credit per person
• 13 night Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy guided tour with Globus, Rome to Palermo
• Includes superior accommodation, 20 meals, sightseeing, porterage, hotel taxes, tips plus more
• 2 nights accommodation at Club Med Cefalù
• Includes all-day dining, open bar, sports & activities, entertainment & WiFi
• 7 night Western Mediterranean cruise onboard MSC Seaside, Palermo return
• All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues & selected non-alcoholic beverages
• A wide range of onboard activities & entertainment
• Select transfers

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 22 September – 14 October 2024

Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details

Tour Itinerary:

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)

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

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 harbour to the village for guided sightseeing, including the Augustus Gardens. Free time for lunch. SORRENTO AREA Free time. (B,D)

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

Day 5 / SORRENTO AREA-BARI

CHILLING ON THE COAST SORRENTO AREA Free morning before departing for Bari. (B) 186 mi / 300 km

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 FAVOURITE 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.

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.

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 FAVOURITE 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 FAVOURITE 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.

Day 14 / PALERMO

Safe travels until we meet again! Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Cruise Itinerary: