Hero Image
Sicilian Coast

Southern Italy & Sicily with Apulia & the Amalfi Coast

Trip Dates
May 5-19, 2025
Trip Tags
Land Program
Europe
May
Spring
Activity Level
Countries Visited
Italy
Body

Sold Out! Waitlist Only.

Feat. Sayuri Guthrie Shimizu, Professor of History; Dunlevie Family Chair

Delight in a special exploration of Italy’s southern climes, from striking Sicily and the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to Apulia, the alluring “boot heel” where a vivid history, unique architecture, and distinctive traditions join the sun and sea in creating a prized (and crowd-free) region. Enjoy Italian hospitality, outstanding cuisine, and unique hotels with your small group – limited to 24 travelers – on this 15-day journey. First, experience Sicily’s intriguing cultural heritage during a four-night stay in charming Taormina, with its spectacular ancient Greek theater and grand Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. An excursion to Agrigento’s remarkable “Valley of the Temples” is highlighted by the stunning, well-preserved Temple of Concordia. After visiting Europe’s largest active volcano, Mt. Etna, enjoy a small group highlight: lunch and Sicilian wines at a family-run farm. Departing Sicily for the mainland, spend two nights in one of Matera’s ancient Sassi cave dwellings renovated as a hotel. Explore Matera’s Sassi and Alberobello’s white-washed trulli houses, both UNESCO sites. Then discover Lecce, the “Florence of the South,” with its unique ornate architecture. A three-night stay here includes excursions to beautiful Otranto, overlooking the Adriatic, and a local winery. With the final four nights in lively seaside Sorrento, highlights include touring evocative Pompeii and a Neapolitan cuisine cooking lesson. Boarding a hydrofoil, cruise to the storied Isle of Capri for exploration. Embark on a glorious drive along the winding, cliff-top Amalfi Coast road before bidding “arrivederci” to Italy at a farewell dinner. Explore eternal Rome independently on an optional 4-day/3-night post-tour extension.

Please contact Odysseys Unlimited at 888-370-6765 to reserve today!

Price
From $6,774
Tour Operator
Odysseys Unlimited
Brochure URL
https://alumni.rice.edu/sites/g/files/bxs3301/files/2024-08/Rice%20University_Southern%20Italy%20%26%20Sicily_050525.pdf

Traveling Owls

The Rice Alumni Traveling Owls program serves as a catalyst for lifelong learning and strengthens bonds between Rice University alumni and friends. With a commitment to education, engagement, exploration and excellence, the Traveling Owls program is designed to create exciting intellectual itineraries unlike any other travel opportunities, while sustaining enthusiasm for knowledge and building relationships among fellow Owls.