Fly & Drive Calabrië, Apulië en Sicilië

About the destination: Naples is the regional capital of Campania and the third-largest city of Italy, after Rome and Milan, with a population of 967,069 within the city's administrative limits as of 2017. Its province-level municipality is the third-most populous metropolitan city in Italy with a population of 3,115,320 residents, and its metropolitan area (that stretches beyond the boundaries of the Metropolitan City of Naples) is the second-most populous metropolitan area in Italy and the 7th-most populous urban area in the European Union. First settled by Greeks in the first millennium BC, Naples is one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world. In the ninth century BC, a colony known as Parthenope or Παρθενόπη was established on the Island of Megaride. In the 6th century BC, it was refounded as Neápolis. The city was an important part of Magna Graecia, played a major role in the merging of Greek and Roman society, and was a significant cultural centre under the Romans. It served as the capital of the Duchy of Naples (661–1139), then of the Kingdom of Naples (1282–1816), and finally of the Two Sicilies until the unification of Italy in 1861. Naples is also considered a capital of the Baroque, beginning with the artist Caravaggio's career in the 17th century, and the artistic revolution he inspired. Due to poverty and lack of opportunity, waves of Italians emigrated from Naples in the late 19th and early 20th century, with most going to the United States, where they settled in industrial cities. Between 1925 and 1936, Naples was expanded and upgraded by Benito Mussolini's government. During the later years of World War II, it sustained severe damage from Allied bombing as they invaded the peninsula. The city received extensive post-1945 reconstruction work. Since the late 20th century, Naples has had significant economic growth, helped by the construction of the Centro Direzionale business district and an advanced transportation network, which includes the Alta Velocità high-speed rail link to Rome and Salerno and an expanded subway network. Naples is the third-largest urban economy in Italy, after Milan and Rome. The Port of Naples is one of the most important in Europe. In addition to commercial activities, it is home to the Allied Joint Force Command Naples, the NATO body that oversees North Africa, the Sahel and Middle East. Naples' historic city centre is the largest in Europe and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A wide range of culturally and historically significant sites are nearby, including the Palace of Caserta and the Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Naples is also known for its natural beauties, such as Posillipo, Phlegraean Fields, Nisida, and Vesuvius. Neapolitan cuisine is noted for its association with pizza, which originated in the city, as well as numerous other local dishes. Naples' restaurants have earned the most stars from the Michelin Guide of any Italian city. The best-known sports team in Naples is the Serie A club S.S.C. Napoli, two-time Italian champions who play football at the San Paolo Stadium in the southwest of the city, in the Fuorigrotta quarter.

About the destination: The province of Matera is a province in the Basilicata region of Italy. Its capital is the city of Matera. It has an area of 3,447 square kilometres (1,331 sq mi) and a total population of 201,133; the city Matera has a population of 56,204. There are 31 comunes (Italian: comuni) in the province (see Comunes of the Province of Matera). The province of Matera is bordered by the province of Potenza in the west and south, the region of Calabria also to the south, the region of Apulia to the east and north, and by the Ionian Sea to the southeast. The history of settlement in the region dates back to the Palaeolithic Period and the first instance of organised settlement was in 251 BCE, when Roman Republic consul Lucius Caecilius Metellus founded the town as Matera. Matera was sacked multiple times; initially by the Franks, then by Roman Emperor Louis II of Italy, and then by invading Muslims during the 10th century. Following this, the town was owned by the Capetian House of Anjou and the Crown of Aragon and was sold multiple times to successive wealthy families.

About the destination: Alberobello is a small town and comune of the Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia, southern Italy. It has 10,735 inhabitants and is famous for its unique trullo buildings. The trulli of Alberobello have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.

About the destination: The beautiful city of Tropea, in the Calabria region, is an excellent destination for summer in Italy. Tropea is known for its beaches, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola, its historic center and the "red onion IGP" (cipolla rossa di Tropea). Tropea is located on the Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods), famous throughout Italy for the beauty of its beaches and the color of the sea. Besides Tropea, you can visit and stay in Capo Vaticano, Parghelia, Zambrone, Pizzo, Vibo Valentia. A few kilometers from Tropea, in the mountains, you can visit the town of Spilinga, famous for the Nduja calabrese, a typical Calabrian salume particularly spicy. You can also visit the village of Zungri and its rock art.

About the destination: Messina is in the northeast of Sicily, Italy. It is only 5 km across the Straits of Messina to the region of Calabria on the mainland. It is the 3rd largest city on the island of Sicily. Excursions over land and sea allow for the discovery of every corner and angle of the Aeolian Islands, rich in beaches and tiny coves where one can stop to explore, even if just for a few hours. The active volcano Mt. Etna, dominates over the landscape and reveals a vegetation interrupted by trails of black, solidified lava flows. Caves and different environments alternate along its slopes; traverse them in order to reach the peak, where a great “mouth of fire” awaits. One definite must is Pollara Beach on the island of Salina; Pollara was the result of a crater formed by the six volcanoes making up Salina, around 13,000 years ago. The Ancient Theatre, one of the greatest of the Greek-Roman epoch, is immersed in an expanse of olives, oranges and almond groves that fill the air with their exotic perfumes.

About the destination: When it comes to seeing the sights in Cefalu, every corner holds nothing but beauty and absolute grace. The fishing port that is actually quite ancient is dominated by a magnificent Norman cathedral that is huddled right below the Rocca, which is a large limestone crag. Cefalu has something that everyone can enjoy, whether it’s a day at the beach watching the water, or wandering around taking in all the sights. One of the best things to see in Cefalu in the Festa di San Salvatore that takes place during the first weekend of August, from the 4th to the 6th. Hundreds of men participate in the traditional barefoot dash, the Corsa degil Scalzi, between San Salvatore and Cabras. The run itself is spread over a two day period, and commemorates the episode during 1506, where all the townspeople rushed to save a statue in San Salvatore. This statue was from the Moorish sea raiders, and was the Holy Savior. There are many traditions in Cefalu, Italy, but the most popular one is the Ntinna a Mari. This is one of the most exciting things to see while in Cefalu, because all of the residents love participating. Cefalu is famous for their fishing ports, which is something to see in itself, but this tradition is something that should never be missed while visiting or living there. These events begin on the Saturday, everyone participating is dressed in white and barefoot, and accompany the statue that is along eight kilometers of paths that leads to San Salvatore. However, this portion is just the halfway point. The day after, they go backwards and take the statue all the way back to Cabras, so it can be kept safe in the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta. This festival is extremely important to the people of Cefalu, and is not one that should be missed

About the destination: Life in Palermo is intense. People and buildings are tightly crammed into every available space and chaotic markets render the narrow sidewalks impassable. Lush gardens exist along poor narrow streets, and drying laundry resembles the festive banners of a public festivity. Stroll along via Roma up to Corso Vittorio Emanuele, admiring the squares and the exuberant cathedral. The Palazzo dei Normani is an extraordinary fusion of styles, its Byzantine mosaics are a reminder of the city's Golden Age. The ruins of the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti stand around the corner, with its pink domes shielding an exotic cloister garden. The National Gallery of Sicily, housed in the Palazzo Abatellis, has a superb collection of paintings and sculpture. In the mornings, don’t miss the massive open-air Capo market. Most of Palermo’s nightlife occurs in the beach district of Mondello. There you can join the strolling crowds of young Italians sampling fish from seaside kitchen stalls and eating gelato.

About the destination: Agrigento is charming city on the southern coast of Sicily. Agrigento is famous for its Temple Valley, the best preserved Greek ruins outside of Greece. The city has a beautiful old town centre and is a place of great historical and architectural importance. The Valley of the Temples is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and in 1997 it was named a UNESCO World heritage site and is one of the most mesmerising sites in the Mediterranean. The temples, a dozen of them, erected in 5 BC, are located on the ridge to the south of the town. Back in town, explore the maze of tiny alleys, piazzas and side-streets, see the Norman Duomo of Saint Gerlando, the Church of Santa Maria dei Greci built on the steps of a Greek temple and the Church and Convent of Santo Spirito where you can taste almond sweets made by the local Cistercian cloister nuns. The wonderful Doric monuments, the cobalt-blue sky, the salubrious climate at the peerless view make Agrigento a desirable place were a long stay is delightful.

About the destination: Syracuse was the greatest of Sicily’s Grecian cities, at one time rivalled only by Athens. Its sites are better than many in Greece. Hot and dry, this provincial capital encapsulates Sicily's timeless beauty. Go to the island of Ortigia, the lovely historic centre, for the Temples of Apollo and Athena. The latter, now the city’s cathedral, has a richly embellished baroque façade, added in the 18th century. Across the street, the Museo Archeologico Nozionale has some exceptional Greek vases. Another museum in the Palazzo Bellomo has a superb collection of paintings and sculpture, amid miniature courtyards, fountains and elegant stairways. For the big sights, travel across town to the archaeological park, Neapolis. Here is the Greek theatre, where classical Greek plays still perform. The many well-preserved reminders of its ancient glory make Syracuse a city of lingering and romance.

About the destination: Taormina is a charming hillside town on the east coast of Sicily, Italy and is one of the island's main tourist resorts. Taormina has been a very popular tourist destination since the 19th century. It has popular beaches (accessible via an aerial tramway) on the Ionian Sea, which is remarkably warm and has a high salt content. Since the opening of the first hotel in 1874, Taormina has become one of the world top tourist destinations where visitors can experience a perfect combination of old times charming atmosphere, preservation of history and culture, an elegant and lively way of life to be enjoyed in relaxing walks through the old town pedestrian areas. The tourist has a lot to do and see: top level art performances at the Greek theatre, several painting exhibitions held in local palazzi and churches, fine elegant shopping along the famous “Corso Umberto” with its classical music coffees and pastry shops. Or visiting local art museums, taking naturalistic walks in the surrounding countryside, golfing at the nearby 18-holes green, enjoying the fantastic beaches at easy reach, where the mild Mediterranean climate allows to practice all water sports as swimming, scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, or just sunbathing for nearly eight months a year and even more.

About the destination: The Metropolitan City of Catania is a metropolitan city in Sicily, southern Italy. Its capital is the city of Catania. It replaced the Province of Catania and comprises the city of Catania and other 57 municipalities (comuni). It was first created by the reform of local authorities (Law 142/1990) and then established by the regional law 15 August 2015. The metropolitan city borders with the Metropolitan City of Messina (the former Province of Messina), the Province of Enna, the Province of Syracuse, the Province of Ragusa and the Province of Caltanissetta. Part of its territory includes the Metropolitan area of Catania. The Metropolitan City faces the Ionian Sea to the east, the Metropolitan City of Messina to the north, the Province of Enna and the Province of Caltanissetta to the west, the Province of Siracusa and the Province of Ragusa to the south. Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, is located in the province.