Tour Code: 28SIT
Tour Manager: Terry Giansanti
Tour Leaders: Terry Giansanti & Serafino Timeo
Group Size: 8 - 14
Activity level: Moderate
Discover the highlights of Southern Italy on this 14-day journey from Apulia to Sicily. Start in Bari with historic city walks and local culinary delights, then explore the fairy-tale trulli of Alberobello and coastal Polignano a Mare. Visit a deaf-owned olive oil mill in Andria and the iconic Castel del Monte before experiencing the unique Sassi cave dwellings of Matera. Continue to Reggio Calabria and cross to Sicily to visit Taormina, Catania, and the majestic Mount Etna. Explore Syracuse and Ortigia, admire the baroque towns of Noto, Ragusa, and Modica, and end in Palermo and Monreale, rich in history and culture.
Friday, October 20
Arrival in Bari. Time to rest and recover from jet lag. Welcome dinner in the evening. Stay in Bari for 3 nights.
Saturday, October 21
Meet our local deaf guide for a walking tour of historic Bari, including the Church of St. Nicholas (the original “Santa Claus”). Sample the famous local specialty known as “assassin’s spaghetti.”
Sunday, October 22
Explore the highlights of Puglia, including the iconic trulli houses of Alberobello and the beautiful seaside town of Polignano a Mare. Return to Bari for the evening.
Monday, October 23
Travel to Andria to visit a deaf-owned olive oil mill. Continue to Castel del Monte for a guided visit. Afterwards, drive to Matera and settle into our B&B in the historic “Sassi” district. Stay in Matera for 2 nights.
Tuesday, October 24
A free day to relax and enjoy Matera’s unique atmosphere. Explore the ancient cave dwellings, scenic viewpoints, and charming streets at your own pace.
Wednesday, October 25
Depart for Reggio Calabria with a possible stop in Tropea. In the evening, enjoy a traditional “passeggiata” along the main boulevard of Reggio Calabria, with views of Sicily across the Strait of Messina. Overnight in Reggio Calabria.
Thursday, October 26
Cross the Strait of Messina by ferry to Sicily. Visit the elegant resort town of Taormina. Continue to Catania. Stay in Catania for 2 nights.
Friday, October 27
Explore central Catania, including the Cathedral of St. Agata and the famous Elephant Statue. Later, travel up Mount Etna for breathtaking views of Europe’s highest active volcano.
Saturday, October 28
Travel to Syracuse and visit the Archaeological Park, including the Greek Theater and the Ear of Dionysius. Explore the Catacombs and the Church of the Weeping Madonna. Sleep in Syracuse for 2 nights.
Sunday, October 29
Enjoy a relaxed day exploring Ortigia Island, the historic heart of Syracuse. Take in the beautiful sea views, baroque architecture, and lively piazzas.
Monday, October 30
Depart for southeastern Sicily to visit the baroque towns of Noto, Ragusa, and Modica. Continue to Agrigento for the evening. Overnight in Agrigento.
Tuesday, October 31
Visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Afterwards, travel to Palermo. Stay in Palermo for 2 nights.
Wednesday, November 1
Full-day exploration of Palermo, including Palermo Cathedral, Ballarò Market, and the Palatine Chapel. Learn about the city’s rich and layered history.
Thursday, November 2
Check out of the hotel and visit Monreale Cathedral. Enjoy a leisurely farewell lunch before transferring to Palermo Airport for evening departure flights.
Terry, a deaf American with Italian bloodlines who now lives in Rome, Italy. After graduating from Gallaudet University, he came here in search of “la dolce vita” (the sweet life). In 2002 he established Hands On Travel to share his love of Europe with deaf travelers. His passions are traveling, reading, food, and sports.
Serafino, a deaf Italian born and raised in Turin, in the northwest part of Italy. Serafino has worked with Hands On Travel since 2004 and has provided countless memories for all participants on our tours with thanks to his wide knowledge and experience of Italian history and culture. Be sure to learn his famous tiramisu recipe while you are on his tour!
13 nights in 3/4-star accommodations.
15 meals: Breakfast (12), Dinner (2)
Services of a deaf Tour Leader on call 24 hours a day.
Services of local deaf guides.
All transportation expenses.
All city and/or tourist taxes.
Airport transfers at beginning and end of tour.
All admission fees for attractions and museums mentioned in the itinerary.
Informative travel preparation packet.
$100 Repeat Customer Discount per person on your next regular tour.
Domestic and/or international airfares.
All other meals not mentioned in the itinerary and personal expenses.
Travel Insurance.
All types of transit and tourist visas (if applicable) - e.g. ETIAS.
Tips for your Tour Leader, Tour Assistant(s) and/or Local Guides
Tour begins in Bari, Italy and ends in Palermo, Italy.
Tour will be confirmed when we meet the minimum number of participants.
When the tour is confirmed, additional deposits/payments may be required.
Significant walking expected during the tour. Moderate physical fitness is required. All participants will be expected to be able to carry their own luggage.
Hands on Travel recommends that you purchase a travel insurance plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.
We're here to help you plan the perfect adventure! For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out:
Email: terry@handson.travel
With this tour confirmation, your $500 deposit is now non-refundable in any event you need to back out. However, it may be transferable to a future tour.
All tour itineraries and prices are subject to change, and such change is not cause for refund. We also reserve the right to amend typos and misprints in pricing and other trip information.