Private Tour Highlights
- Stroll through the ancient cave dwellings and stone streets on a private walking tour of Matera.
- Explore Ostuni, Locorotondo, and Cisternino in one unforgettable day trip through Puglia’s charming white towns.
- Discover the iconic trulli houses of Alberobello on a private guided walking tour through its fairytale streets.
- Enjoy panoramic views and ancient ruins during a guided walking tour of Taormina, Sicily’s most scenic town.
- Sip fine wines and sample local bites on a vineyard visit overlooking the volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna.
- Marvel at Catania’s Baroque architecture and visit the dramatic Cyclops Coast and scenic hilltop Castelmola.
- Join a hands-on Sicilian cooking class in Taormina and savor a delicious four-course lunch you helped prepare.
- Relax with seamless private transfers, charming accommodations, and a perfect mix of guided tours and free time.
Tour Overview
Experience the captivating beauty and cultural richness of Southern Italy and Sicily on this unforgettable journey from the whitewashed villages of Puglia to the sun-drenched coastlines of Sicily. Begin your adventure in the ancient city of Matera, known for its stunning cave dwellings, before winding your way through picturesque towns like Ostuni, Locorotondo, and Alberobello, each offering a unique glimpse into Italy’s timeless charm.
Known as the breadbasket of Italy, Apulia is famed for producing some of the country’s best olive oil and durum wheat, an essential part of the region’s culinary identity. Along the way, enjoy guided walking tours, scenic drives, and moments of leisure to truly soak in the atmosphere.
Then, fly south to Sicily where dramatic landscapes, baroque architecture, and culinary delights await. Explore the historic treasures of Taormina and Catania, sample local wines on the slopes of Mount Etna, and learn the secrets of Sicilian cooking in a private villa. With every step, this immersive itinerary brings you closer to the heart of Southern Italy, its flavors, stories, and unforgettable views.
Inclusions
Exclusions
International airfare (be sure to book your international flights into Bari & home form Catania), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, any hotel taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, visa stamping fees, travel insurance, meals not mentioned as included, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, other personal items or services not mentioned.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Flight to Italy
Today, you will make your own way to the airport where you will check into your overnight, international flight to Bari, Italy.
Today, you will make your own way to the airport where you will check into your overnight, international flight to Bari, Italy.

Arrival into Bari, Italy
Upon arrival, you will be met by a private transfer driver at the Bari Airport and transferred to your hotel in Matera.
You will check in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Upon arrival, you will be met by a private transfer driver at the Bari Airport and transferred to your hotel in Matera.
You will check in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Private walking tour of Matera City
This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel to enjoy a 2-hour tour, showing you the highlights of the city.
After, you have the rest of the day to relax and soak up the stunning atmosphere.
This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel to enjoy a 2-hour tour, showing you the highlights of the city.
After, you have the rest of the day to relax and soak up the stunning atmosphere.

Full day Private exploration including Ostuni City, Locorotondo, Cisternino, ending in Alberobello
This morning, your driver will pick you up from your hotel.
You will drive to Ostuni, the "white village," where you will meet your licensed guide and enjoy 2-hour tour, showing you the highlights.
After your tour, you will enjoy some time on your own before continuing to Alberobello for the night.
You have the car/driver at your disposal for 8 hours today, ending with transferring you to your accommodations in Alberobello.
This morning, your driver will pick you up from your hotel.
You will drive to Ostuni, the "white village," where you will meet your licensed guide and enjoy 2-hour tour, showing you the highlights.
After your tour, you will enjoy some time on your own before continuing to Alberobello for the night.
You have the car/driver at your disposal for 8 hours today, ending with transferring you to your accommodations in Alberobello.

Private Walking tour of Alberobello City
This morning, your licensed guide will meet you and take you on a 2-hour walking tour, showing you the highlights.
After your tour, you will enjoy the rest of the day relaxing or exploring on your own.
This morning, your licensed guide will meet you and take you on a 2-hour walking tour, showing you the highlights.
After your tour, you will enjoy the rest of the day relaxing or exploring on your own.

Travelling from Bari to Catania
This morning, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you back to the airport where you will check into your flight to Catania Sicily.
Upon arrival into Catania, you will be met and privately transferred to your hotel where you will check in and have the remainder of the day at your leisure.
This morning, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you back to the airport where you will check into your flight to Catania Sicily.
Upon arrival into Catania, you will be met and privately transferred to your hotel where you will check in and have the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Private Half Day Walking Tour of the Charming Taormina
Your read more...
Your licensed guide will meet you at your hotel in Taormina. From there, you will enjoy a 3-hour walking tour where you will discover the typical Sicilian life.
The visit to the ancient theatre of Taormina is definitely a must. Built by the Greeks and transformed by the Romans you will see the various transformations it had gone during the centuries from a theatre to an arena. You will enjoy a breathtaking view: the remains of the Roman stage frames Mount Etna and the with the bay of Naxos. You will also see Palazzo Corvaja, a splendid example of Gothic-Catalan art, piazza IX Aprile with its priceless view of Etna and piazza Duomo where some important buildings are situated like the Cathedral, the Municipality Palace and the City Hall. ...read less

Private Half Day wine tasting and light lunch
This read more...
This morning, you will meet your licensed guide at your hotel in Taormina. After 40 min ride you will reach the Wine Estate.
You will be welcomed by the staff on the panoramic terrace overlooking the Taormina coast, where it is also possible to admire the vineyards which are a pleasure for the eyes, as they represent one of the best examples of high-altitude Etna vineyards
After enjoying a first welcome glass, you will be accompanied to the room. Afterwards, with the assistance of the sommeliers, you will proceed to the tasting of wines accompanied by samples of typical products from the territorir.
The visit to the cellar usually takes place at the end of the tasting
At the end of your journey, you will be driven to your hotel in Taormina. ...read less

Private Full-day Tour of The Cyclops Coast & Baroque Catania
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This morning, your driver and licensed guide will meet you at your hotel.
You will be escorted to the city of Catania where visiting its Baroque center. You will see the Cathedral square and the symbol of the city, the black elephant. During a brief walking tour, you will get a chance to appreciate this lively city. Afterward you will route to the nearby coast of Aci Trezza that is characterized by its tumbled black lava and the rocks of Cyclops.
After a light lunch you will continue to the small hilltop village Castelmola, one of the most evocative places in Sicily. Castelmola is well known for being the city of Almond wine. It has a large number of attractions worthy of attention like the Castel of Mola, the symbol of the city, and the gorgeous Church of St. George. At the end of your journey you will be driven to your hotel in Taormina. ...read less

Sicilian Cooking Experience.
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This morning, you will walk to the pre-arranged meeting point to begin a private Sicilian Cooking Experience at Villa in Taormina.
Included will be a menu created around your preferred foods and dietary requirements. You will enjoy an Aperitif with Sicilian Champagne and Sicilian finger food from the chef. As you enjoy the 90-minute hands-on cooking experience, you will be making 3 different dishes; a starter, a main pasta dish and a second course. After creating the meal, you will enjoy the 4-course lunch (dessert will be included) accompanied with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You will be given the recipes of each dish to take home with you.
After this lovely experience, you will have the rest of the day at your leisure to relax. ...read less

Flight home
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport where you will board your flight home.
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport where you will board your flight home.

Places You'll See
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Bari
A port city along the Adriatic Sea, Bari’s traditional harbor and old town, coupled with some of Italy’s best beaches and an outstanding food scene makes the city a can’t miss destination. Visitors will love the winding streets, sea breeze from the pristine beaches and historic sites such as Basilica di San Nicola, a pilgrimage site that holds the remains of St. Nicholas.
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Matera
Once a place of poverty, Matera’s Sassi area is a complex of ancient cave dwellings carved into the mountainside that has since been refitted from what were considered shameful slums into hotels, bars, restaurants, and homes. Visitors will enjoy losing themselves in the labyrinth of alleyways and taking in one of the oldest cities in history. Visit the MUSMA modern art museum with modern sculptures strewn through a 17th-century cave palace and visit The Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario to see how people once lived in these cave dwellings.
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Ostuni
Discover Ostuni, a captivating town in Italy that transports you back in time with its enchanting medieval ambiance. Nestled on a picturesque hill, Ostuni unveils a circular fairyland-like setting, truly a sight to behold. With a rich historical tapestry, this town’s story stretches far into the past, starting from prehistoric times when it was inhabited by ancient tribes. Ravaged by Hannibal but resilient, Ostuni was revived by the Greeks, who bestowed upon it the name “Astu neo” or New Town. Throughout the ages, it witnessed the rule of various civilizations, including the Romans, Ostrogoths, Lombards, Saracens, Byzantines, Normans, Hohenstaufens, Angevins, and Aragonese, until finally falling under the reign of the Bourbons. Explore the layers of Ostuni’s past and immerse yourself in its fascinating history.
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Alberobello
Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Italy’s Puglia region, is world-renowned for its fairytale-like trulli—whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs. These iconic structures, some dating back to the 14th century, create a one-of-a-kind village atmosphere that feels both timeless and enchanting. Strolling through the narrow, winding streets of Rione Monti and Aia Piccola, visitors can explore charming artisan shops, cozy cafes, and historic homes while soaking in the unique architectural heritage and southern Italian charm that make Alberobello a must-visit destination.
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Catania
Catania, nestled on Sicily’s eastern coast at the foot of Mount Etna, is a vibrant city where ancient history and lively street culture collide. Known for its dramatic Baroque architecture built from black lava stone, Catania offers a unique charm—from the bustling Piazza del Duomo with its iconic elephant fountain to colorful local markets like La Pescheria. Travelers can explore Roman ruins, sip espresso in elegant squares, and enjoy views of the smoldering volcano in the distance. Rich in character, food, and heritage, Catania is a captivating gateway to Sicily’s eastern wonders.
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Testimonials
Mary
Traveled May 2024
Honeymoon in Italy
Jose planned our Honeymoon to Italy in May 2024. We visited Milan, Portofino, Santa Margherita, Porto Venere, Cinque Terre, Florence, Tuscany and Lake Como. Jose and his team are phenomenal. We really had nothing to worry about. They set up everything. The private tour guides were all very well informed and knowledgeable. Our private transfers were in luxury vehicles with expert drivers, and we were able to rest comfortably. The hotel selections were all in great locations and were perfect. Grand Hotel Portovenere should not be missed if traveling to Portovenere. Jose and his team (Natalia) communicated with us throughout the trip and made everything very easy and smooth. We really appreciate all of your help in planning our perfect honeymoon. Wish we could do it every year! Thank you!
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