Southern Italy Tale from Amalfi to Sicily 2027 Season

SOUTHERN ITALY TALE

3 Nights Sicily Accommodation – Outlet Tour Included

10 Days 9 Nights – 8 Nights Accommodation

Thessaloniki – Ioannina – Igoumenitsa – Bari / Brindisi – Lecce – Taranto – Messina – Savoca – Taormina – Catania – Siracusa – Plemmirio / Arenella / Fontane Bianche – Sicilia Outlet Village – Palermo – Cefalù – Calabria – Salerno – Positano – Amalfi – Alberobello – Igoumenitsa – Kalambaka (Meteora) – Kavala

Departure Dates
March 5 & April 22 & May 14 & September 10 & October 15 & November 5 – November 12

We begin our unforgettable journey to discover the unique beauties of Southern Italy by picking up our valued guests from in front of the Istanbul Kadıköy Marriage Office parking lot at 21.00, then from in front of the Ziraat Bank opposite the old Ali Sami Yen Stadium in Mecidiyeköy at 21.30, from the İncirli Ömür Bus Stops at 22.00, and from the Beylikdüzü Marmara Park AVM Havaist stops at 22.30. We reach the İpsala Border Gate via Selimpaşa and Keşan. After completing our passport and customs procedures, we cross into Greece and begin our Southern European adventure, which will extend from the Balkans to the Adriatic and from the fascinating cities of Sicily to the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast with our night journey.

Morning Breakfast : Not included
Lunch : Not included
Dinner : Will be taken freely at a facility on the way (Not included in the price)
Route : Istanbul – İpsala Border Gate (257 km)

After having our breakfast freely during our break in Nea Karvali in the morning, we continue our journey towards Thessaloniki, one of the most important cities in northern Greece. With its location on the Aegean Sea coast, vibrant coastline, and multi-layered history reaching from the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Greek periods to the present day, Thessaloniki is one of the most characteristic cities of the Balkans. During our panoramic city tour upon arrival, the Waterfront, White Tower, Rotating Tower, Fair Square, works from the Ottoman and Byzantine periods, Hagios Demetrios Church, and the Alexander the Great Statue are among the main points we will see. After our panoramic tour, we visit the Atatürk House, where Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, was born. During the free time we will have after our visit, you can have your lunch in the lively center of Thessaloniki, walk along the coast, or enjoy coffee and frappe in the city's characteristic cafes. We leave Thessaloniki at the time specified by our guide and continue our journey towards Igoumenitsa on the Adriatic coast. We take a break in the city of Ioannina, which was established on the shores of Lake Pamvotida. After having our dinner freely in Ioannina, one of the most beautiful cities in Greece with its historical center and lake view, which bears important traces from the Ottoman period, we move to the Port of Igoumenitsa. Upon arrival, we complete our ticket, customs, and passport procedures and board our ship. We settle into the places reserved for our group and begin our night journey towards Italy on the Adriatic Sea. Overnight on the ship.

Morning Breakfast : Will be taken freely in Nea Karvali (Not included in the price)
Lunch : Will be taken freely in Thessaloniki (Not included in the price)
Dinner : Will be taken freely in Ioannina (Not included in the price)
Currency : Euro
Route : İpsala – Nea Karvali (186 km), Nea Karvali – Thessaloniki (163 km), Thessaloniki – Ioannina (259 km), Ioannina – Igoumenitsa (79 km)
Approximate Distance to be Covered: 687 km
Boarding Time : Estimated 23.00

After arriving at the Port of Bari or Brindisi in the morning, we leave the ship and begin our journey in the Puglia Region, which carries the unique atmosphere of Southern Italy. Guests who wish can participate in the Lecce Tour to be organized as an extra (50 Euro) (guests who do not participate in the tour will rest at a suitable rest facility on the way). Known as the "Florence of Southern Italy," Lecce is one of the most elegant and characteristic cities of the Puglia Region. The most important element that makes the city special is the highly ornate architectural style called "Lecce Baroque," where the local honey-colored stone is skillfully crafted. The fine stone workmanship, floral motifs, and elegant decorations on the facades of historical buildings give the city center the appearance of an open-air museum. During our walking tour, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the historical city center, Duomo Square, Sant'Oronzo Square, and the Naples Gate are among the main points we will see. While the facade of the Basilica of Santa Croce with its extraordinary details stands out as one of the most impressive examples of Lecce Baroque, Piazza del Duomo is one of the most impressive squares of the city with its surrounding historical buildings. After our tour, we give free time for you to discover the cobblestone streets, small boutiques, and local product shops of Lecce. During this time, you can try the traditional flavors of Puglia cuisine and experience the warm, friendly atmosphere of Southern Italy. After our tour, we meet again with the guests who did not participate in the tour and move to the Taranto region, which we will use only for accommodation. Transfer to our hotel and check-in to our rooms. Overnight at our hotel.

Morning Breakfast : Will be taken freely on the ship (Not included in the price)
Lunch : Will be taken freely during the day (Not included in the price)
Dinner : Will be taken freely in Taranto (Not included in the price)
Currency : Euro
Route : Bari / Brindisi – Lecce – Taranto
Hotel Check-in Time : Estimated 21.00 depending on road conditions

After breakfast at our hotel, we check out with our luggage and begin our journey from mainland Italy towards Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean. We travel through Calabria, cross the Strait of Messina, and arrive on the island of Sicily. Guests who wish may join the optional Savoca – Taormina Tour (75 Euro) (guests not participating in the tour will have free time at a suitable location along the way). Our first stop is Savoca, which hosted the Sicilian scenes of Francis Ford Coppola’s cinematic masterpiece, The Godfather. With its stone houses built into the mountains, narrow streets, and unspoiled village texture, Savoca is a special stop not only for film enthusiasts but also for those wanting to experience an authentic Sicilian atmosphere. The most famous spot in the village is Bar Vitelli, where the scene of Michael Corleone meeting Apollonia’s father was filmed. This historic venue, which largely preserves its atmosphere from the film, transports visitors directly into the world of The Godfather with its photos on the walls and characteristic courtyard. Another important stop is the Church of Santa Lucia, remembered for the wedding scene of Michael and Apollonia. As we walk through the stone streets leading to the church, we will feel the quiet, traditional, and timeless identity of the Sicilian village of Savoca. During our free time, you can sit at Bar Vitelli, try traditional Sicilian lemon granita, and enjoy the atmosphere of this unique village identified with iconic film scenes. After our visit to Savoca, we head to Taormina, one of the most exclusive coastal cities in Sicily and all of Italy. Located on the slopes of Mount Tauro, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, Taormina is one of Sicily's most prestigious destinations with its magnificent view of Mount Etna, historical texture, elegant squares, and stylish lifestyle. The city, which has attracted artists, writers, and European aristocracy for centuries, remains one of the island's most special stops today with its romantic streets, exclusive restaurants, boutique shops, and impressive views. During our tour, the Ancient Greek-Roman Theatre, Corso Umberto, Piazza IX Aprile, and the historic city center are among the main points we will see. After our tour, where we will feel the unique atmosphere of Taormina, you will have free time to browse the boutiques and shops along Corso Umberto, sip your coffee at one of the stylish cafes overlooking the Ionian Sea, try traditional Sicilian desserts, and take unforgettable photos at the city's beautiful spots. After our tour, we meet up with the guests who did not join the excursion and head to Catania. Upon arrival in Catania, located at the foothills of Mount Etna, we transfer to our hotel and check into our rooms. Our first night in Catania. Overnight at our hotel.

Breakfast : Included at the hotel
Lunch : Free time during the day (Not included in the price)
Dinner : Free time in Catania (Not included in the price)
Currency : Euro
Route : Taranto – Messina – Savoca – Taormina – Catania
Hotel Check-in Time : Will vary depending on road and ferry conditions

After breakfast at our hotel, we begin exploring Catania, one of the most important cities on Sicily's east coast. Founded at the foothills of Mount Etna, one of Europe's highest active volcanoes, Catania has been reshaped many times throughout history by earthquakes and volcanic activity; each time rising from its ashes to become one of Sicily's most characteristic cities today with its magnificent Baroque structures made of black lava stone, wide squares, lively markets, and unique lifestyle. During our city tour, Piazza del Duomo, Catania Cathedral, the city's symbol Fontana dell’Elefante, Piazza della Repubblica, and Via Etnea leading towards Etna are among the main points we will see. After discovering Catania's history, which extends from the Ancient Age to the Baroque period and modern-day Sicily, accompanied by our guide's narration, we complete our city tour. After the tour, guests who wish may stay in Catania and spend the rest of the day at their leisure; they can explore the city's colorful fish market, shops, and historic streets, and try popular Sicilian delicacies such as arancini, pasta alla Norma, cannoli, and granita. Guests who wish may join the optional Siracusa – Plemmirio / Arenella / Fontane Bianche Beach Tour (80 Euro). We head to Siracusa, one of the most important ancient cities of the Mediterranean world. Founded by Corinthian Greeks in the 8th century BC and becoming one of the most powerful cities in the Mediterranean for a time, Siracusa is one of Sicily's most impressive cities in terms of history, with its extraordinarily rich heritage left by the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, and Baroque periods. The historic center of Siracusa, the birthplace of the famous mathematician and inventor Archimedes, is the island of Ortigia, which is like a living open-air museum with its narrow stone streets, romantic squares opening to the sea, and architecture bearing the traces of centuries. During our walking tour, Ortigia Island, Piazza del Duomo, Siracusa Cathedral, the Fountain of Arethusa, and the historic city center are among the main points we will see. After our tour, we provide free time to explore the stone streets of Siracusa, taste Sicilian delicacies at restaurants and cafes by the sea, and take photos. Then, depending on weather, sea, and operational conditions, we head to a suitable beach area in Plemmirio, Arenella, Fontane Bianche, or the surroundings of Siracusa. We provide free time for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on our beach where we will meet the clear and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. After our tour, which brings together Sicily's thousands of years of history with the unique beaches of the Mediterranean on the same day, we return to our hotel in Catania. Our second night in Catania. Overnight at our hotel.

Breakfast : Included at the hotel
Lunch : Free time in Catania or Siracusa (Not included in the price)
Dinner : Free time in Catania (Not included in the price)
Currency : Euro
Hotel Check-in Time : Approximately 19:30 depending on the optional tour program

After breakfast at our hotel, we check out with our luggage and begin our pleasant journey from the east to the west of Sicily. The first stop of the day is the Sicily Outlet Village, which is included in our program. In this comprehensive shopping center, which offers the opportunity to experience Italy's world-famous fashion and design culture in Sicily, we provide free time for you to discover international and Italian brand stores at advantageous prices. After our free time at the outlet center, where you can shop in different categories such as fashion, sportswear, shoes, bags, and accessories, we head to Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Palermo, one of the most important historic port cities of the Mediterranean, offers a unique synthesis of traces left over centuries by different civilizations, from the Phoenicians to the Romans, from the Arabs to the Normans and the Spanish. Beyond being the capital of Sicily, Palermo is a true cultural mosaic and one of the island's most characteristic cities with its Arab-Norman architecture, magnificent palaces, historic churches, squares, and lively street culture. During our city tour upon arrival, Cappella Palatina, Palermo Cathedral, Politeama Square, the Norman Palace, Quattro Canti, Via Roma, and Via della Libertà are among the main points we will see. While discovering the extraordinary history of Palermo, which extends to the Arab, Norman, and Spanish periods, accompanied by our guide's narration, we will also have the opportunity to get to know the unique lifestyle of the Sicilian capital closely. After our city tour, we provide free time for you to explore the center of Palermo, try Sicilian street food, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city. After free time, we transfer to our hotel and check into our rooms. Overnight at our hotel.

Breakfast : Included at the hotel
Lunch : Free time at Sicily Outlet Village (Not included in the price)
Dinner : Free time in Palermo (Not included in the price)
Currency : Euro
Route : Catania – Sicilya Outlet Village – Palermo
Hotel Check-in Time : Approximately 20:30 depending on road and program conditions

After breakfast at our hotel, we check out with our luggage and begin our journey from Sicily towards mainland Italy. Guests who wish may join the optional Cefalù Tour (40 Euro) (guests not participating in the tour will rest at a facility along the way). Cefalù, founded at the foothills of the magnificent La Rocca cliff on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, is one of Sicily's most romantic coastal towns with its golden sandy beach, small fishing boats, stone houses, and historical texture reaching from the Middle Ages to the present day. The Cefalù Cathedral, located in the heart of the city and built during the Norman period in the 12th century, is one of the most important examples of Arab-Norman heritage in Sicily with its imposing twin towers and mosaics bearing Byzantine influence. During our walk, we discover the Fisherman's Gate, the historic city center, and the characteristic streets by the sea, in addition to the cathedral. As we move through the old stone houses, the small streets that suddenly open to the Tyrrhenian Sea give the town a highly unique and photogenic atmosphere. During our free time, you can walk along the coast, spend time in cafes with sea views, visit small boutiques and local product shops, or enjoy the quiet Mediterranean atmosphere of Cefalù. After our visit to Cefalù, we head to Messina. After seeing Messina panoramically, we go to the port, cross the Strait of Messina by ferry, bid farewell to Sicily, and cross to the Calabria Region on the Italian mainland. We continue our journey towards Salerno accompanied by the impressive coastal and mountain views of Southern Italy. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel and check into our rooms. Overnight at our hotel.

Breakfast : Included at the hotel
Lunch : Free time during the day (Not included in the price)
Dinner : Free time along the way (Not included in the price)
Currency : Euro
Route : Palermo – Cefalù (67 km), Cefalù – Messina (159 km), Messina – Salerno (438 km)
Approximate Distance to be Traveled: 664 km
Hotel Check-in Time : Approximately 22:30 depending on road conditions

After breakfast at our hotel, the day is yours. Guests who wish may join the optional Amalfi Coast Tour (95 Euro). The Amalfi Coast, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is considered one of the most special coastal routes not only in Italy but in the world with its colorful towns built on steep cliffs, lemon groves, turquoise sea, and breathtaking views stretching towards the Mediterranean. We depart from our hotel to reach the point where we will board our boat and head towards Positano, one of the most iconic settlements of the coastline, accompanied by unique coastal views we will see from the sea. With its pastel-colored houses built in steps on steep cliffs, terraces decorated with bougainvillea, lemon groves, and turquoise sea, Positano is one of Italy's most photographed towns. The view that emerges especially when approaching from the sea, thanks to its houses descending in layers towards the sea, offers one of the most unforgettable images of the Amalfi Coast. Positano, which was once a small fishing settlement, has attracted the attention of artists, writers, and the film world over time; today, it has become one of the symbols of the Mediterranean lifestyle with its boutique hotels, design shops, and exclusive restaurants. While walking through the narrow and winding streets of the town, which also hosted important productions such as The Talented Mr. Ripley, you can discover small ceramic workshops, fashion boutiques, and shops selling lemon products. During our free time, you can shop, taste lemon sorbet, spend time in cafes with sea views, or swim in the turquoise waters if weather and sea conditions are suitable. After our visit to Positano, we head to Amalfi, which gives its name to the entire coastline, by our boat. Amalfi, one of the most powerful maritime republics of the Mediterranean in the Middle Ages, was once one of Europe's most important centers in the field of maritime trade and maritime law. Today, it continues to keep this magnificent past alive with its narrow streets, historic buildings, lemon groves, and lively squares opening to the Mediterranean. The magnificent Sant’Andrea Cathedral, located in the center of the town, is the most important symbol of Amalfi with its wide stairs, architecture bearing Arab-Norman influences, and impressive facade. During our walking tour, Sant’Andrea Cathedral, Piazza dei Dogi, and the De Cape ’e Ciucci Fountain are among the main points we will see. Amalfi is known not only for its history but also for its centuries-old handmade paper production, ceramic tradition, and world-famous lemons. During our free time, you can buy ceramic products unique to the region, lemon-themed souvenirs, and local products; you can wander the streets of Amalfi or taste calamari, shrimp, and fish served in paper cones in the Coppa di Amalfi style. After our free time in Amalfi, where we will feel the history, gastronomy, and coastal life of the Mediterranean at the same time, we return to Salerno by our boat and transfer to our hotel. (In case our Amalfi Coast tour is canceled due to adverse weather and sea conditions, transportation will be provided by minibus instead of boat, and the visit to Amalfi will be carried out) Overnight at our hotel.

Breakfast : Included at the hotel
Lunch : Free time in Amalfi (Not included in the price)
Dinner : Free time in Salerno (Not included in the price)
Currency : Euro
Hotel Check-in Time : Approximately 18:30 depending on the tour program

After breakfast at our hotel, we check out with our luggage and perform our panoramic city tour in Salerno, which is considered one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Europe. Salerno, which is the eastern gate of the Amalfi Coast, has a unique atmosphere with its long coastline surrounded by palm trees, historic center, medieval structures, boutique shops, and the lively lifestyle of Southern Italy. After our panoramic tour, we leave Salerno and head towards the Adriatic coast. Guests who wish may join the optional Alberobello Tour (40 Euro). Guests not participating in the tour will rest at a facility along the way. Alberobello, one of the most extraordinary settlements in Puglia, has gained worldwide fame with its white-washed houses with conical stone roofs called “Trullo”. Alberobello, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List thanks to these unique structures built without mortar and dating back centuries, gives its visitors the feeling of walking inside a fairy-tale town. After our trip through the characteristic streets where Trulli houses are densely located, we provide free time to take photos, examine local products, and experience the unique atmosphere of the town. Then we head to the Port of Bari or Brindisi. Upon arrival, we complete our ticket, customs, and passport procedures, move to the places reserved for our group, and head towards Greece in the evening. Overnight on the ship.

Breakfast : Included at the hotel
Lunch : Free time in Alberobello (Not included in the price)
Dinner : Free time on the ship (Not included in the price)
Currency : Euro
Route : Salerno – Alberobello (294 km), Alberobello – Bari / Brindisi
Approximate Distance to be Traveled: Approximately 351–374 km depending on the port to be used
Ship Boarding Time : Approximately 17:30 depending on road and ship departure time

After arriving at the Port of Igoumenitsa in the morning, we disembark from the ship and begin our journey back to Istanbul. Our guests who wish to do so may join the optional Kalambaka – Meteora Tour (35 Euro) (guests who do not participate in the tour will rest at a facility on the way). Meteora, one of the most extraordinary geographies in Greece and often described as the “Cappadocia of Greece,” is one of the world’s most impressive religious and natural heritage sites, featuring historic Orthodox monasteries built atop giant rock pillars rising hundreds of meters above the Thessaly Plain. In this region, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, we have the opportunity to see the monasteries built centuries ago by monks on rocks that are extremely difficult to reach for seclusion, as well as the extraordinary Meteora panorama. After our guide’s explanations about the history of the region, monastic life, and the extraordinary geographical formation of Meteora, we continue our journey. We proceed through Northern Greece to reach Kavala, where we take a panoramic tour of the city and stop for dinner. After enjoying the coastal atmosphere and Aegean view of Kavala, we head towards the Ipsala Border Gate. Following the completion of our passport and customs procedures, we cross into Turkey and continue through Tekirdağ to Istanbul. Upon our arrival in Istanbul, we drop you off at the points where we picked you up, concluding this unforgettable journey where we explored the unique beauties of Southern Italy and Sicily together, and we bid you farewell with the hope of meeting again on new routes.

Breakfast              : Will be taken freely on the ship (Not included in the price)
Lunch                     : Will be taken freely during the day (Not included in the price)
Dinner                 : Will be taken freely in Kavala (Not included in the price)
Currency                         : Euro
Route                                      : Igoumenitsa – Kalambaka (168 km), Kalambaka – Kavala (378 km), Kavala – Ipsala (192 km), Ipsala – Istanbul (292 km)
Approximate Distance to be Traveled: 1,030 km