Overview
Explore Italy’s southernmost regions—from striking Sicily to the “boot heel” of Apulia and the breathtaking Amalfi Coast—where each region reflects a unique history, architecture, and cuisine. Begin with four days in Sicily staying in lovely Taormina. Explore the renowned Greek Theater and learn about Mt. Etna, then traverse through Agrigento’s “Valley of the Temples,” which dates back to the 5th century B.C.
Travel by ferry to the mainland region of Calabria, and arrive at Matera, whose historic troglodyte churches and dwellings are designated as a World Heritage site. Here you’ll stay in unique accommodations, a renovated cave dwelling close to Matera’s historic district. While in Apulia, discover Lecce, the “Florence of the South,” visit Alberobello, famous for their 400 trulli (conical houses with grey-stone roofs), and enjoy lunch and a walking tour of Bari. Then travel to the stunning Amalfi Coast to tour Pompeii and gather for a hands-on Neapolitan cooking lesson in Naples. You’ll also take a breathtaking drive that clings to the coastal cliffs and visit the storied isle of Capri, a popular resort since Roman times.Special Value
This tour is specially designed for a small group of 16 to 24 Smithsonian travelers and offers outstanding travel value. Prices include airfare, airline taxes, fuel surcharges, and departure fees.Smithsonian Experts
Throughout this tour, travel in the company of an exceptional Smithsonian Study Leader. David Gariff is a senior lecturer at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. and an adjunct professor of art history at The Catholic University of America. David will lead the April departure. Christina Penn-Goetsch is a professor of art history at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, where she teaches courses on the arts of ancient Rome and the Italian Renaissance and Baroque. Christina will lead the September departure.Special Highlights
Savor a Sicilian lunch at a family-run working farm set amid citrus groves and vineyards.Traverse the “Valley of the Temples” in Agrigento with temples dating to the 5th century B.C.Ascend to Mt. Etna for an up-close look of this active giant and visit the Greek theater in nearby Taormina.Enjoy a two-night stay in the World Heritage site of Matera known for its cave and church dwellings.Visit Alberobello known for its trulli houses, whitewashed conical houses with grey-stone roofs.Discover Lecce, “Florence of the South” including visits to ports on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.Tour the ancient ruins of Pompeii, set below the looming Mt. Vesuvius.Enjoy the enchanting Isle of Capri with a visit to the terraced Gardens of Augustus.Embark on a breathtaking drive along the winding cliff-top Amalfi Coast.Don't forget to check out our photo slide show to glimpse the excitement of this special program!
View photos by clicking "Next Photo" at top of page!World Heritage Sites
This tour features the following World Heritage sites in Italy: - Archaeological site of Pompeii
- Historic troglodyte churches and cave dwellings of Matera
- Historic trulli (whitewashed conical houses) of Alberobello
See a complete list of all Smithsonian tours featuring World Heritage sites.
