Insight Vacations

Country Roads of Southern Italy & Sicily Reviews

6 Country Roads of Southern Italy & Sicily reviews from past travellers that booked with Global Journeys.
4.33
AVG. RATING 4.33 / 5
6 Reviews
5 Star
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4 Star
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Country Roads of Southern Italy 9 , VIC, Australia, Oct 2018
The itinerary of this tour gave a comprehensive coverage of Southern Italy and Sicily that could be achieved comfortably in 14 days. In Rome we particularly enjoyed visiting the Pantheon and then the Sistine Chapel with a taste of other areas of the Vatican Museum. Then south to Puglia via other well-known towns and sites to the area around Alberobello ...read more with their unique, conicle-roofed houses. The agricultural emphasis in Puglia was an interesting variation to many other areas of Italy. And the history of previous civilisations was showcased throughout our tour and was different as we journeyed along.

From Puglia it was on to Sicily with its evidence of the early habitation by the Moors and Greeks. We appreciated the sightseeing at Taormina, Syracusa and Agrigento as examples. As Sicily had experienced heavy rain, our tour director, Margaret, changed the itinerary enabling us to safely see all our planned sights. Personally, we would have liked to reach the top of Mt Etna; but maybe another day. Margaret also ensured we all enjoyed our tour. The coach was very comfortable and always spotless. Our driver, Massimo with his excellent driving skills, made us feel safe and was always there to provide assistance off the coach as required. Thankyou Margaret and Massimo! This tour was filled with great variety, excellent direction and comes highly recommended.
Southern Italy and Sicily 3 , SA, Australia, Sep 2018
Enjoyed the tour and saw some amazing places and met some great people. Had a few hiccups due to weather and a landslide on the Amalfi Coast and earth tremor in Sicily. Tour director was OK but not as good as ones I have had on other trips.
Great tour 4 , QLD, Australia, May 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed the tour especially Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, Materas extraordinary 'Sassi' - troglodyte dwellings, the Puglia region including the Trulli of Alberobello and Ostuni with its stark, white-washed buildings, narrow cobbled streets and arched stairways. A highlight was the vist to Maratea and the drive up to the Christ the Redeemer ...read more Statue, apparently it was the first time the bus has actually driven up there. Then on to Sicily and the Greek theatre at Taormina. At Syracuse we visited the Archaeological Park of Neapolis which was a disappointment as it was quite dirty and overgrown with weeds etc. However the island of Ortigia is definitely worth the visit. Also the optional visit to Mt Etna was also great. Agrigento and the Valley Of The Temples was a favorite, great sights and the local tour guide was brilliant. Palermo was everything we hoped for so much to see and do but not enough time. We stayed an extra 2 days in a B&B in the Old Quarter and had a fantastic time exploring all the alleyways and street food outlets at night.

Accommodation was generally good although the Hilton in Giardini Naxos was a disappointment mainly because it was not in a very central location and appeared to be due for an overhaul. The Grand Hotel La Chiusa Di Chietri, Alberobello was also some distance from the town (approx 6-7kms) however the accommodation was good. The Grand Hotel Di Maratea Pianetamaratea, Maratea although a little dated was great especially for the views and being a slightly older hotel the room was actually one of the larger ones we had. Our tour guide (Chris Beck) was great and very knowledgeable and our driver (Sabatino) was fantastic. The places he maneuvered the coach through were amazing especially through the very narrow streets. What ever he is paid it is no where near enough. (GJ: I'm sure he'd agree! :)
Had a great time 6 , Australia, Aug 2015
Had a great time but tour could have more of the smaller towns included. That way, we would see more of local culture in that region.
Enjoyed everything about this itinerary 3 , QLD, Australia, May 2015
We thoroughly enjoyed everything about this itinerary and the services of Insight Vacations. Our tour director, Anne Kennedy, was outstanding and went beyond the call of duty particularly with the end of tour flights changes from the impact of the Rome airport fire. Roserio, our driver, was amazing and so professional and attentive to customer needs. ...read more This is only our second tour with Insight Vacations and will no doubt not be our last. This is our first experience with Global Journeys, and the service provided was simple, stress free, timely, and professional. Thank you Michelle.
Exceptional tour 3 , Australia, May 2012
We found the tour chosen was exceptional. The Tour Director and Driver could not do enough to ensure that our tour was enjoyable. When anyone was ill, they both did more than the call of duty. The Coach was clean, passengers had ample leg space as this coach was a 40 seater allowing for more room. The coach was cleaned daily and the driver took a pride ...read more in his coach. The group was excellent. Would recommend this tour company to anyone anticipating this tour.
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