Southern Italy: Sicily, Puglia & the Amalfi Coast

Arrive in Palermo, Sicily's lively capital, and transfer to your hotel located in the city's historic centre. Sicily has a long history of stubborn independence from the political forces of mainland Italy, and today remains an autonomous region with its own distinct history and culture. Join your Resident Tour Director tonight for a welcome dinner. Stay: Grand Hotel et Des Palmes (D)

Join a local guide for a walk through a ninth-century Norman Royal Palace with its glittering, mosaic-laden chapel. Still in use today as the headquarters of Sicily's Parliament, the palace is the oldest royal residence in all of Europe. Then, journey to the hillside town of Monreale and enter its extravagant cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dating from 1170, it is perhaps the finest surviving example of Norman architecture anywhere in the world, and its mosaic-lined walls are breathtaking to behold. Return to Palermo with the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore more of this unique port city. Later, enjoy an A&K-exclusive visit to the beautiful Palazzo Francavilla for a private tour and an apéritif with the owner. Stay: Grand Hotel et Des Palmes (B)

Today, travel across Sicily's rugged, mountainous countryside to the southern coast. Stop in the small village of Corleone, birthplace of several Mafia bosses (including fictional characters in The Godfather). The Mafia — or, as its members call it, Cosa Nostra (literally, “our thing”) — has vexed Sicily for well over a century, thriving in this land so famously resistant to official authority.

Learn more about this troubled aspect of Sicilian history from a local expert. Proceeding to coastal Agrigento, discover the ancient Valley of the Temples, which includes the Temple of Concord, a superb example of classical sacred architecture. Explore the ruins before checking in to your hotel in nearby Favara. Stay: Alba Palace (B/L/D)

Journey east to Piazza Armerina, a graceful countryside town, where you visit the incomparable Villa Romana del Casale. A prime example of a luxurious Roman villa, this UNESCO World Heritage Site houses breathtaking mosaics originally laid in the fourth century. Continue to the east coast of Sicily and up to the 1,828-metre-plus heights of smouldering Mount Etna, taking in panoramic views of the landscape and coast. Later, arrive at your lush resort above the sparkling coast. Conclude your day of exploration with a refreshing Scenic Sundowner. Stay: Donna Carmela (B/L/D)

Transfer to charming Taormina, where you begin your day with a private cooking class in a villa overlooking the sea, enjoying what you've created for lunch, for a lively Chef 's Table experience. Afterward, join a local expert who introduces you to the town's spectacular Greek amphitheatre, set high above the sea. Still in use as an arts venue today, its permanent “show” is its extraordinary view of Mount Etna, rising in the far distance beyond the stage. Return to your resort to relax. Stay: Donna Carmela (B/L)

Rise early for the journey to Messina, where you board a ferry to cross the strait between Sicily and the Italian mainland. Disembark in Villa San Giovanni in Calabria, and drive into Basilicata and to Matera, the ancient Città Sotterranea (Underground City) carved into the Apennine Mountains. Then, settle in to your hotel in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay: Palazzo Gattini (B/D)

Explore Matera, thought to be one of the oldest cities in the world, walking its narrow, jagged lanes with a guide to get a feel for the daily life of locals. Then, explore a bakery that preserves the artisanal traditions of the local bread. Stay: Palazzo Gattini (B)

Journey into Puglia to nearby Locorotondo, one of Italy's most beautiful towns, for a walking tour. Meet an olive oil producer for a private tasting, followed by a lunch featuring local products. Later, visit Alberobello and its rows of fantastic trulli houses, conical limestone dwellings unique to this province of Bari. Stay: Palazzo Gattini (B/L)

Depart for the sparkling Amalfi Coast area. Stop en route in Paestum, an ancient Greek city known for its well-preserved temples; see them after a tour and lunch at a nearby mozzarella-making farm. Arrive in Naples and check in to your hotel by the harbour. Tonight, enjoy an iconic Neapolitan specialty at a traditional pizzeria. Stay: ROMEO Hotel (B/L/D)

Drive to Sorrento to visit a lemon nursery and learn about this iconic fruit of the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy a demonstration of traditional Neopolitan cooking, followed by lunch. Then, drive the Amalfi Coast to Positano to take in the stunning views and continue via Amafli to Ravello for an engaging photo stop. Return to Naples. Stay: ROMEO Hotel (B/L)

This morning, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

• Join a Guide to Tour Herculaneum, a Roman settlement destroyed by the lava flows of nearby Vesuvius in AD 79.
• Explore the Flavors of “Hidden Naples” on a foodies' walking tour of this charming city noted for its cuisine.
• Cruise to the Isle of Capri, where you discover the charms of this sun-kissed paradise.

Tonight, celebrate your journey with a special farewell dinner. Stay: ROMEO Hotel (B/D)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)