A tour around the unique region of Southern Italy which includes UNESCO sites and amazing beaches
A tour around the unique region of Southern Italy which includes UNESCO sites and amazing beaches
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Traveling to Southern Italy offers a mix of great weather, delicious food, and interesting culture. The region usually has warm and sunny weather, especially in the summer. You can enjoy beautiful landscapes and explore the coast. Food is a big deal here, with tasty dishes like Neapolitan pizza and fresh seafood along the Amalfi Coast. The culture is rich in history, seen in places like Pompeii. People are friendly, and you’ll feel a warm vibe, especially during festivals. Take it easy, enjoy the yummy food, and soak up the Southern Italian way of life.
-Departing from Kuala Lumpur, board a Turkish Airlines flight for a magical journey across the ceramic hub of Istanbul to kickstart an enchanting Italian adventure. In the sky, relish the wind’s touch, overlooking endless landscapes. Touching down in Bari, the gem of the Mediterranean, with its rich history, feels like stepping into a time tunnel. Wander through quaint alleys, savor local delicacies, and embrace the fresh Mediterranean breeze—a journey through Southern Italy filled with adventure and romance, crafting each moment into an indelible memory.
-Arriving in Bari, embark on an unforgettable journey. Begin at Monti Castle, an octagonal fortress built by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II between 1229 and 1249, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in the picturesque Puglia region, surrounded by olive groves, the castle offers a unique landscape. In the afternoon, stroll to Ostuni, the charming white city atop a 240-meter hill, enclosed by ancient walls. Wander through narrow streets, white houses against the blue sky, and explore churches merging Romanesque and Gothic styles, stepping into ancient civilizations. Immerse yourself in Ostuni’s timeless elegance.
-MOB/ Local dish / Hotel dinner
-Hotel: Delle Palme Hotel or SML
-Known as the “Southern Florence,” Lecce is a treasury of Baroque marvels, steeped in the warm hues of bygone architecture. The Basilica of Santa Croce, a Baroque gem, was constructed from the 14th to 17th centuries by three successive architects, showcasing intricate sculptures and a splendid rose window. Lecce’s Cathedral bell tower, towering over 72 meters, ranks 17th in Europe. Venture to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its unique Trullo architecture. These mushroom-like structures, born from ingenious responses to oppressive taxation in medieval times, are found only in Alberobello, meticulously preserved since 1996.
-Buffet/ Local dish / Local-style dish
-Hotel: Sierra Silvana Hotel or SML
-Matera stands as the Mediterranean’s largest and most complete troglodyte settlement, one of the world’s oldest human habitats. This nearly forgotten realm, once deemed one of the “World’s Ten Most Ghost Towns” for its desolation, is renowned for its representative “stacked cave dwellings” known locally as “Sassi.” Inhabited since prehistoric times, these residences were carved into the natural caves and crevices of limestone. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993, Matera’s inhabitants gradually relocated 50 years ago due to poor living conditions and disease outbreaks. The eerie, deserted cityscape, akin to ancient Jerusalem, gained renewed global attention when Mel Gibson filmed “The Passion” here, reminiscent of a bygone era.
-Buffet/ Local dish / Hotel dinner
-Hotel: Cetus Hotel Cetaras or SML
-Embarking on a journey to Italy’s southern coast to explore the acclaimed “World’s Most Beautiful Coastline” and one of the “50 Must-Visit Places in a Lifetime,” the Amalfi Coast promises a spectacular adventure. Along the way, marvel at the endless coastal vistas and the enchanting mountainous towns, constructed with softly colorful houses on steep cliffs, resembling a captivating painting. Particularly, visiting Positano offers a unique and unforgettable sight, with its cliffside town and beach. Next, venture to the cliff-top town of Sorrento, overlooking the beautiful bay, offering views of Naples and renowned for its abundant lemon production, creating an unforgettable Italian odyssey.
-Buffet/ Seafood Spaghetti / Hotel dinner
-Hotel: Towers Hotel or SML
-Boarding a cruise, set sail for the dreamy island of Capri, located off the Sorrento Peninsula, hailed as a “dreamy paradise even emperors find irresistible.” Among those enchanted by its charm was Emperor Augustus of the Roman Empire, and celebrities like Grace Kelly and Leonardo DiCaprio are frequent visitors. This Mediterranean gem boasts azure skies, turquoise seas, and captivating scenery. Next, explore the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, later unveiled after centuries. Then, embark on a ferry to Palermo, the capital of Sicily.
-Buffet/ Pizza & seafood Risotto / On ship
-Hotel: On board ship
-Upon arrival, explore Palermo in Sicily’s northwest, starting with the ancient and lively Ballarò Market, a glimpse into local daily life. The market bustles with diverse goods, and vendors energetically promote their wares, including the vibrant scene of fresh fish being handled on-site. Visit the opulent Norman Palace in the old town, highlighting the visually stunning Palatine Chapel, comparable in grandeur to the Sistine Chapel. A short distance south lies Monreale, where the world’s largest Norman-style Monreale Cathedral boasts a unique fusion of Byzantine mosaic art and Arab architectural styles, adorned with exquisite crafts. -Visit: Palermo’s New Gate, Quattro Canti (Four Corners), and the Ballarò Market.
-Buffet/ Local dish / Hotel dinner
-Hotel: Crystal Hotel or SML
–Trapani, on Sicily’s west side, witnessed Carthaginian, Roman, and Byzantine rule. Infused with Arabian charm, it thrives on fishing, coral, and salt industries. Coastal salt fields once flourished, producing top-quality sea salt. Erice, a spiritually rich ancient town atop a cliff, offers panoramic views of Trapani and the Mediterranean, revealing even Tunisia’s Cape Bon on clear days. Trapani’s waters birthed Venus in Greek myth, who erected the Eryx mountain. Erice boasts ancient churches and the Venus-named Norman fortress. Explore the stunning Turkish Steps along the Agrigento coast, famous from Italy’s “Cinema Paradiso,” featuring unique white cliffs shaped by relentless waves—a Sicilian leisure under warm sunlight. -Explore: Erice’s Norman fortress and the Turkish Steps.
-Buffet/ Spicy Meat dish / Hotel dinner
-Hotel: Dioscuri Bay Palace Hotel or SML
-Embark on a journey to Agrigento, known as the “City of the gods,” and explore the Temple Valley on the slopes of the southern coastal hills. Once praised as the “most beautiful city among mortals” by poet Pindar, it showcased wealth to allure passing ships. Roam amidst perfectly preserved ancient temples, capturing their elegant architecture. Then, venture to the renowned resort town of Taormina in Sicily, renowned for its exquisite historic buildings and the ancient Greek Theatre, perched on a cliff, hosting regular artistic performances.
-Buffet/ Sicilian style beef / Hotel dinner
-Hotel: Giardini Naxos Hotel or SML
-Discover the famed “Tear of the Madonna” in the modern-designed sanctuary in Sicily. The interior houses a statue of the Virgin Mary, believed to have wept. (Exterior photos available if entry is restricted.) Explore the ancient town’s charm before heading to Catania, Sicily’s second-largest city, nestled at the foot of Mount Etna. After touring its landmarks, return to Kuala Lumpur via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines.
-Buffet/ Seafood dish
-Safely arrived in KL
-MOB
