Tour Code: 27SIG
Tour Manager: Terry Giansanti
Group Size: 8 - 14
Activity level: Moderate

This unique tour will encompass the best of Greece and Southern Italy. We start by focusing on classical Athens and other archaeological sites in the Peloponnese Peninsula on mainland Greece before moving on to Puglia and Sicily in southern Italy for its highlights.

Wednesday, October 6
Arrival in Athens today. Day to rest and recover from jet lag. Welcome dinner. Stay in Athens for 3 nights.

Thursday, October 7
Start our tour in the morning with our local deaf guide. We visit the world-famous Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum. In the evening stroll around the Plaka district.

Friday, October 8
Visit the Temple of Zeus, Olympic Stadium, Changing of the Guard at the Parliament, and stroll around central Athens.

Saturday, October 9
Pick up our van and drive to Delphi, known as the navel of the world. In the afternoon, visit the Delphi Archaelogical Museum and the site of the famous Delphi Oracle. Sleep in Delphi for 1 night.

Sunday, October 10
Drive to Olympia, stopping by Galaxidi and Nafpaktos. In the afternoon, visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. Sleep in Olympia for 1 night.

Monday, October 11
Visit the site of the ancient Olympic Games. Drive to Nafplion. Evening orientation walk around the beautiful town of Nafplion. Stay in Nafplion for 2 nights.

Tuesday, October 12
Visit the best-preserved ancient Greek theatre in the country at Epidarus. Take the boat to Spetses, a traditional and historic Greek island. Have a dip in the deep blue Greek waters if weather permits! Beachside dinner in the evening near Nafplion.

Wednesday, October 13
Stop by Mycenae to visit the famous Lion's Gate and Agamemnon's Tomb. Drive to Patras where we catch the overnight ferry from Patras to Bari in Italy, arriving the next morning.

Thursday, October 14
Arrival in Bari. With our local deaf guide we take a walking tour around old Bari and its famous sights, including the church of St. Nicholas. We sample the famous local dish known as assassin’s spaghetti. Sleep in Bari for two nights.

Friday, October 15
Visit Puglia's highlights including the trulli of Alberobello and the beachfront town of Polignano a Mare.

Saturday, October 16
Go up to Andria to visit a deaf-owned olive oil mill, then continue on to Castel del Monte. Afterwards, drive to Matera and settle into our B&B in the “Sassi” part of town. Stay 2 nights in Matera.

Sunday, October 17
Day free to rest and recharge our batteries for the last leg of the trip! Enjoy the scenery and atmosphere of Matera all day long.

Monday, October 18
Depart for Reggio Calabria. Possible stopover in Tropea. Evening “passeggiata” on the main street of Reggio Calabria, seeing Sicily across the Strait of Messina.  Overnight in Reggio Calabria.

Tuesday, October 19
Cross the Strait of Messina via ferry. Visit the swanky resort town of Taormina. Then go up to Mount Etna, Sicily’s highest mountain and still an active volcano. Stay in Syracuse for 2 nights.

Wednesday, October 20
Visit the Archeological center of Syracuse, including its Greek Theater and Dionysius’ Ear. Explore the Catacombs and the church of the weeping Mary. Afternoon side trip to Noto. Evening to roam and explore the atmospheric Ortygia Island, the oldest part of Syracuse.

Thursday, October 21
Depart for Catania. Stop by to visit the center of Catania including the Duomo and the famous fish market. Move on to Cefalu for a brief walk around the seaside town. Arrive in Palermo. Stay in Palermo for 2 nights.

Friday, October 22
Grand tour of the city all day including Palermo Cathedral, Ballarò Market, Palatine Chapel and learn more about the rich history of Palermo. Farewell dinner.

Saturday, October 23
Transfer to Palermo airport for your flights back home.

Updated as of 11/2/2025

Terry is a deaf American with Italian bloodlines who now lives in Rome, Italy. After graduating from Gallaudet University, he came to Europe 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.

• 15 nights in 3/4-star accommodations.

• 1 night on the ferry boat from Greece to Italy, private room and bathroom

• 16 meals: Breakfast (14), 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 Athens, Greece and ends in Palermo, Italy.

• Tour will be confirmed when we meet the minimum number of participants

• When the tour is confirmed, additional deposits or payments may be required

• Significant walking is expected during the tour, and moderate physical fitness is required

• Hands On Travel recommends purchasing a travel insurance plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected

• Last but not least, please read Hands On Travel's Terms & Conditions.

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.