Want to Experience a Trip Like This?
Connect with our team to help you plan your next vacation.
Call Bluegreen Travel Services at (800) 459-1597 today!
Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy | May 2023
14 Day Tour from Rome to Palermo
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.
Trip Highlights
- St. Peter’s Square
- Greek Amphitheater
- Valley of Temples
- Pompeii
- Athens
- Palermo
14-Day, Daily Activity Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Rome, Italy
Welcome to Rome! Upon arrival in the evening, meet your Bluegreen Host, Tour Director, and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Dinner Included
Day 2 - Rome – Castle Gandolfo – Sorrento Coast
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. Followed by lunch at Villa Barberini en route to the Sorrento Coast.
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 3 - Sorrento Coast Excursion to Capri
From the Sorrento Coast enjoy a jetfoil ride to Capri. Take a funicular ride from the harbor to the village for guided sightseeing, including the Augustus Gardens, nestled high above the sea on the island of Capri. This natural paradise promises 180-degree panoramic views and a kaleidoscope of botanical beauty on the cliffs overlooking the island and the sapphire sea below. Free time for lunch and head back to Sorrento for the most thrilling drive in Europe as we travel along the famed Amalfi Coast for breathtaking panoramas and a visit to charming Positano! We will end the day with a Neapolitan experience to enjoy a delicious meal on the picturesque area of Sorrento.
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 4 - Sorrento Coast Excursion to Pompeii and Naples
Take a guided walking tour of the excavations in Pompeii. Enjoy free time for lunch and afterwards take a guided sightseeing tour in Naples that includes an orientation drive on the panoramic road to Posillipo, a stop in Piazza Plebiscito, and a slice of Neapolitan pizza for dinner.
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 5 - Sorrento Coast - Bari
Relax on the Sorrento Coast in the morning before departing for Bari. Visit the quaint old town with its medieval structures and the breath-taking sea views that make this a location worthy of a visit if you are in Puglia. 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.
Breakfast Included
Day 6 - Bari – Lecce – Alberobello Area
Sightsee Bari with a guided walking tour of Bari Vecchia, the city’s oldest district, and San Nicola’s Church. From there enjoy the scenic ride to Lecce and tour the city with a Local Guide that includes the Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica. Afterwards, taste traditional pasticciotto, a beloved cream-filled pastry of Lecce. Sink your teeth into this heavenly pastry with an almond iced coffee to complete the experience.
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 7 - Alberobello Area
While in Alberobello, tour a Trullo (traditional conical-roof house). These iconic round houses date back hundreds of years. In the afternoon travel into the fairytale landscapes of the Apulian countryside for free time in one of Italy's most beautiful villages, followed by dinner and traditional entertainment at a local masseria (farmhouse).
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 8 - Alberobello Area – Matera – Pizzo Calabro – Reggio Calabria
Discover Matera with an orientation walk that includes a panoramic view of the picturesque Sassi house (cave houses). Later, take a scenic drive along the Gulf of Taranto and enjoy a traditional tartufo (ice cream dessert) tasting at Pizzo Calabro. From there travel to Reggio Calabria for a guided visit of the museum that houses the Bronzi di Riace (famous bronze warrior sculptures).
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 9 - Reggio Calabria – Taormina Riviera
Take the ferry crossing to Strait of Messina in Sicily. Visit the ancient Greek theatre of Taormina. This is considered one the most impressive examples of auditorium engineering and architecture. In the afternoon explore at your leisure.
Breakfast Included
Day 10 - Taormina Riviera
While in Taormina discover the ancient Greek and Roman heart of Sicily on this exciting half-day guided excursion to unforgettable Syracuse. We will end the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 11 - Taormina Riviera
Explore more of Taormina with a free day. In the evening, discover the tastes, aromas, and delectable nuances behind authentic Sicilian cuisine at a traditional dinner with drinks, beautiful surroundings, and spectacular views.
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 12 - Taormina Riviera – Agrigento – Palermo
Take a guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, Sicily’s most amazing archaeological site where it served as a beacon for homecoming sailors. Followed by a scenic ride to Palermo and dinner by the sea to enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner at a typical Sicilian restaurant.
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 13 - Palermo
Sightsee Palermo with your guide that includes the Church of Immacolata and a visit to the cathedral. Take a scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. Enjoy an Aperitivo (pre-dinner cocktail) at a noble palace followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Alla salute!
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 14 - Palermo
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast Included
Tour Inclusions
- 3+ star hotel accommodations in Rome, Sorrento Coast, Bari, Alberobello Area, Reggio Calabria, Taormina Riviera, and Palermo
- Breakfast daily, some lunches and dinners
- Balance guided sightseeing and free time to explore
- Admission into attractions
- Tour Director and Local Guides
- Bluegreen Vacations Host
- Prepaid gratuities
- On-tour motor coach transportation
Owner Adventures are open to ALL deeded Bluegreen owners. Traveler Plus members have the option of paying for any Owner Adventure with annual, biennial, borrowed and rented Points, a credit card or any combination of these.*
Call (800) 459-1597 now to learn more about this or other exciting Owner Adventure Trips!*
Please Note: International visitor entry requirements are subject to change at any time. In addition to passport and visa requirements, some countries may require proof of Covid-19 vaccination, negative test for COVID-19 and other communicable diseases and proof of travel insurance with specific coverage requirements. Any requirements imposed by countries visited are the responsibility of each traveler and Bluegreen Travel Services cannot be held responsible for failure to comply or qualify for entry.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. By participating in an Owner Adventure, you knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
*TRAVELER PLUS POINTS-FOR-TRAVEL BENEFIT TERMS & CONDITIONS: In order to apply any combination of annual, biennial, borrowed or rented Bluegreen Vacations Points for payment, Owner Adventures vacation price, including base fare and taxes must total a minimum of $1,000.00. Points values applied under the points-for-travel benefit are subject to change and may vary based on ownership level. Benefit applies only to active Traveler Plus members.
1GLOBUS DETAILS OF PARTICIPATION: Prices and accommodations based on availability, per person double occupancy and subject to change without notice. Globus tour inclusions are accommodations; some meals; gratuities for wait staff for included meals; admission to attractions; and hotel baggage handling; Fares shown are in U.S. dollars for new reservations only and are subject to availability. Not included: airfare; airline baggage fees; airport or departure taxes; vacation insurance; gratuities for hotel housekeepers, tour manager, local guides and driver; alcohol, food and beverages outside of the contracted Globus menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant; optional excursions; passports; items of a personal nature; and any incidental charges. Cancellation fees apply.
2GREAT VACATION DESTINATIONS, INC. DETAILS OF PARTICIPATION: Price is per person based on double occupancy and includes the Globus tour inclusions noted above plus these additional inclusions: Neapolitan Experience and Charming Positano excursions in Sorrento; Polignano A Mare: Picturesque Fishing Village On The Sea excursion in Bari; Italian Fairytale: Apulian Farm Dinner & Music excursion in Alberobello Area; A Taste of Sicily Dinner and Excursion to Syracuse and Ortigia in Taormina Riviera; Dinner by the Sea in Palermo; airport transfers in Rome on May 14th and Palermo on May 27th; gratuities for Globus tour director, local guides and driver; and taxes. All participants are required to sign the Bluegreen Owner Adventures Release and to complete the Globus Guest Acknowledgement process as a condition of booking confirmation. Travel insurance is the sole responsibility of the traveler to purchase and to carefully review the terms of (and exclusions from) any such policy(ies) purchased. Participants are subject to vaccination requirements of the countries visited and the tour operator at the time of travel. Currently vaccinations are not required by Globus or for entry into Italy. Participants are encouraged to follow CDC recommendations for Covid-19 vaccinations and booster shots. A passport valid for six months past the ending date of this adventure is required for all guests. Entry VISAs are not required for US residents but may be required for other nationalities. VISA requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the responsibility of the guest to verify their individual entry requirements and obtain any necessary entry documents in advance of the commencement of travel. Starting on May 3, 2023, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Please refer to https://www.dhs.gov/real-id for additional information. Reservations must be booked by December 2, 2022. Nonrefundable, non-transferrable deposit of $500 per person is due at time of booking. Final payment due by February 24, 2023. Arrival and departure transfers are included on the tour start and end dates, provided that guest arrival and departure flight or alternative travel details are received at least 60 days prior to tour commencement. Prices, additional fees, itineraries, and availability are subject to change without notice. Certain terms, conditions, and restrictions may apply. Cancellation fees apply. Please call us at 800.459.1597 for additional information. Fares shown are in U.S. dollars for new reservations only and are subject to availability. Great Vacation Destinations, Inc doing business as Bluegreen Travel Services, is the seller of these trips and is located at 4960 Conference Way North Suite 100, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Great Vacation Destinations is a Washington Seller of Travel No. 602-283-711; Florida Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) registration No. 15-72225-4, California Seller of travel registration No. 2068362 (Registration as a Seller of Travel does not constitute approval by the State of California). Void where prohibited or restricted by law and/or where state registration and/or licensing requirements have not been met. In the event of a conflict between the terms of Great Vacations Destinations’ Details of Participation and Globus’s (or an otherwise applicable alternate tour provider’s Details of Participation), Globus’s (or the otherwise applicable tour provider’s) Details of Participation will govern.
This is a Globus provided tour. Reservations and pricing are subject to change.