Tony Tardio has been a constant on Melbourne radio for over 40 years. He works as a journalist for 3AW, part of the Nine media company. Tony has covered Federal and State elections, crime, Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and every major story in Melbourne since 1982. Tony was born in Melbourne, grew up on a banana plantation in Coffs Harbour and began his radio career in Alice Springs. His family hails from the beautiful region of Puglia in Italy, famous for its beaches, history and food. Tony presents a radio program on the Rete Italia radio network which broadcasts around Australia to the Italian community and people who love Italy. In 2021 he was awarded a knighthood from the Italian government for services to the Italian community. He speaks Italian and has been to Italy at least a dozen times since first visiting in 1986, setting foot in every region in Italy except for Sardegna. He loves nothing more than wandering off the usual tourist track and exploring beautiful and often unknown Italian towns. Lecarra Friddi where Frank Sinatra hails from, Isola Delle Femina the home town of Joe Di Maggio and Castellaneta the little town in Puglia where an 18 year-old Rudolph Valentino left to go the United States and becoming the biggest silent movie star of his era. Tony especially loves Palazzo Adriano, a picturesque town in central Sicily where the Oscar-winning movie Cinema Paradiso was filmed and where almost the entire towns people appeared as extras in the film. During his journeys Tony has accumulated many anecdotes, information and knowledge about Italy and its amazing history. He looks forward to sharing all this with you!
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Sunday 7 June 2026
Rome, Italy
Meet at our group hotel in Rome where we stay for
two nights. We will have an included group dinner
this evening to meet Tony Tardio and welcome
everyone on the tour.
DAY 2 Monday 8 June 2026
Rome
Today we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Rome
with a local guide. We will see the famous
Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona,
the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, where you
can throw two coins over your shoulder into the
fountain and wish to return to Rome. We will also
stop at St Peter’s Square to see the Vatican, home
of the Pope and St Pauls Basilica.
DAY 3 Tuesday 9 June 2026
Lecce, Puglia, Italy
We depart Rome and take a short flight to Bari,
the capital of Puglia. We then travel south to the
heart of Puglia and Lecce, our base for the next
four nights.
DAY 4 Wednesday 10 June 2026
Puglia
Lecce is over 2000 years-old and has a long
affinity with Greek culture. This morning will have
a tour of the town and visit Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the
big civic heart of the town. We will visit the Roman
theatre and its museum in the centre of Lecce,
as well as the principal archaeological museum,
the Museo Provinciale. There will be free time to
wander through little lanes to find the more farflung
baroque churches.
DAY 5 Thursday 11 June 2026
Puglia
Today we travel to the seaside village of Castro
on the eastern coast and visit the beautiful
Grotto of Zinzulusa. We wander through the town
before heading south towards Santa Maria di Leuca, the most southerly point on the “heal” of
Italy. There will be time for an included lunch in
Masseria with the local music, La Pizzica, before
returning to Lecce.
DAY 6 Friday 12 June 2026
Puglia
Today we will take a short coach trip to the town
of Gallipoli, situated on the west coast of the
Salento Peninsula in the Gulf of Taranto. We will
have a tour of Gallipoli’s Old Town and stroll
through its maze of alleys. The 17th-century
Baroque Sant’ Agata Cathedral is in the centre
of the town. The walls and bastions surrounding
the old town are believed to have been built in
the 15th century to fend off attacks, especially
from pirates. Castello Angiono stands near the
entrance to the old town, built on old Byzantine
fortifications, originating in the 11th century. The
fortress guarded the old port, once part of an
important trade route, and was connected to
the mainland by a drawbridge. After free time
for lunch, we will enjoy a wine tasting in nearby
Catania Coppola before returning to our hotel.
DAY 7 Saturday 13 June 2026 Matera, Italy Today we travel to Matera for a two-night stay. The town lies in a small canyon and contains ancient cave dwellings. Matera was one of the 2019 European Capitals of Culture. On the way we stop in Castellaneta, birthplace of Rudolf Valentino the famous silent film actor.
DAY 8 Sunday 14 June 2026
Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Italy
In the morning, we will enjoy a walking tour of
Matera with a local guide. We will visit the world-famous ancient cave dwellings known as “Sassi,”
which are carved into limestone and have been
inhabited for thousands of years. This UNESCO
World Heritage site offers visitors a unique glimpse
into history, with its labyrinthine streets, rockhewn
churches, and stunning views of the Gravina
Gorge. We continue on to Sorrento.
DAY 9 Monday 15 June 2026
Amalfi Coast
This morning, we will visit the town of Ravello,
known as the City of Music which sits high
up above the Amalfi Coast. Here we can visit
the famous Villa Cimbrone. From its terrace,
nicknamed Terrace of Infinity, you can enjoy
incredible views of the Amalfi Coast. Later we
will visit Positano, which enjoys an unsurpassed
position along the Amalfi Coast, where delightful
white and pastel-coloured houses litter the hillside.
Along with the beautiful beaches, its ancient
fishing port, the splendid majolica dome of the
church of Santa Maria Assunta and artisan shops,
you’ll enjoy a taste of the dolce vita as you enjoy a
wonderful day tour of the Amalfi Coast. We return
to Sorrento by ferry late afternoon.
DAY 10 Tuesday 16 June 2026
Amalfi Coast
Today we catch the ferry to the island of Capri. We
will board a boat on arrival and cruise around the
island, hopefully entering Capri’s famous “Grotto
Azzurra“, the Blue Grotto (weather permitting). The
afternoon will be free to wander the picturesque
paths, shop, or enjoy a cappuccino and some
people-watching in the famous Piazzetta. We
return to Sorrento late afternoon.
DAY 11 Wednesday 17 June 2026
Amalfi Coast
A highlight of the tour, today we will visit the
ancient ruins of Herculaneum, the Roman
city destroyed by an eruption of the volcano,
Vesuvius in 79AD. The impressive ruins help us to
understand what life was like at the height of the
Roman Empire, 2000 years ago. We will have a
guided tour of this ancient city with a local expert.
We will see two-story domus homes with the
internal architecture and décor intact, including
features in wood and marble, decorations,
jewellery, and even organic remains like food,
providing a unique view into the daily lives of the
ancient population of Herculaneum.
DAY 12 Thursday 18 June 2026
Taormina, Sicily
This morning we travel to the famous resort town
of Taormina, where we will spend the next three
nights. On the way we drive up the side of the
spectacular volcano, Mt Etna, powdered with the
grey ash left by many eruptions. We will see the
fertile citrus plantations, vineyards and recent
lava flows, with views of the snow-topped Mt
Etna. Taormina is spectacularly located high on a 200-metre rocky outcrop, surveying the mountain.
The town, founded by the Ancient Greeks, has an
ancient theatre that also overlooks Mt Etna. Since
the 18th century, Taormina has been a popular
travel destination.
DAY 13 Friday 19 June 2026
Taormina, Sicily
This morning we will have a tour of Taormina with a
local guide, walk around the medieval centre and
see the terrace, Piazza IX April, with its views of Mt
Etna and the sea. We will visit Torre dell’Orologio,
a restored 12th-century clock tower and the
famous ancient Greek theatre founded in the 3rd
century BC, rebuilt by the Romans at the end of
the 1st century. This afternoon we visit Messina,
known as the gateway to Sicily. Just five kilometres
separate Messina from mainland Italy. It’s hard to
imagine that a devastating earthquake levelled
Messina in 1908. During World War II the town was
subjected to several intensive bombing raids.
DAY 14 Saturday 20 June 2026
Taormina
A free day to enjoy some independent
sightseeing, relax or do some shopping.
DAY 15 Sunday 21 June 2026
Palermo, Sicily
Today we continue on to the city of Palermo. Along
the way we travel to the charming city of Piazza
Armerina, where we will stop at Villa Romana
del Casale. It is the richest, largest and most
complex collection of late Roman mosaics in the
world. The Villa Romana del Casale is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site (some areas are closed for
renovations). We continue on to Palazzo Adriano
the setting for the film Cinema Paradiso, before
arriving in Palermo late afternoon.
DAY 16 Monday 22 June 2026
Palermo
Founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century
BC, Palermo has been home to numerous
settlers including the Greeks, Romans,
Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Germans and
Spanish, before finally becoming part of a
unified Italy in 1860. This morning we have a
sightseeing tour of the city with a local guide.
We will visit the medieval Cassaro Quarter
which contains the cathedral, 14th-century
palazzos and gardens. We will also visit the La
Kalsa Quarter which is in the old Islamic area,
the centre of the city when it was ruled by the
Arab emirs. This afternoon we travel to the
beautiful medieval town of Monreale in the
hills behind Palermo. If the weather is clear,
we will have a panoramic view of the city and,
beyond, to the sea. Monreale is also known
for its Norman abbey, which is famous for its
spectacular mosaics. In Monreale there will
be time for lunch and a leisurely walk through
the town. We will return to Palermo via Isola
Delle Femina, a picturesque beachfront town
and the birthplace of Joe Di Maggio. This
evening we have an included Farewell dinner
to celebrate a wonderful tour.
DAY 17 Tuesday 23 June 2026
Departure
Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.
| TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE |
|---|---|
| $9,590 | $11,990 |
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without assistance from others.
Tour Operator
Travelrite International Pty Ltd, (ABN 64
005 817 078) is the tour operator.
Tour Costs
The tour prices are based on general
transport, accommodation and other costs at foreign
exchange rates at 1 May 2025. Travelrite International
reserves the right to alter the tour price or modify the tour
if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that
has booked the right to withdraw with a full refund of
monies paid if the price increase is greater than 10% of the
original price. No alteration to the tour price will be made
within 60 days of departure from Australia.
Deposit and Payment
A non-refundable deposit
of $900 per person is required at the time of booking. Full
payment will be required 60 days before departure. An
administrative fee of 1.5% will be added to each payment
made by credit card.
Cancellations
Cancellation more than 60 days
from the date of departure from Australia will incur a
cancellation fee of $900 per person. Cancellations 60 days
or less from the date of departure will result in the loss of
all monies paid. Travel insurance is strongly recommended
to cover the cost of cancellation fees that could result from
a death in the family, illness, etc.
Minimum Tour Numbers
The tour has been priced
on the basis of a minimum number of passengers having
booked 60 days prior to the date of departure. Travelrite
International reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving
a full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to
proceed with the tour at a modified price.
Refunds
The tour is based on arrangements that
do not allow for any refunds in respect to sightseeing,
accommodation, meals, or other services not utilised after
the tour has commenced.
Travel Documents
All passengers will need to be
in possession of a valid passport. No visa is required for
Australian passport holders.
Baggage
Baggage is at own risk throughout the tour.
Tour Participation
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Change To The Tour Itinerary
Travelrite
International reserves the right to make changes to the
tour itinerary to fit in with operational requirements.
Any change to the itinerary will be replaced with similar
arrangements with an equal or greater value.
Responsibilities
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ATAS
No. A10538) is the tour organiser. Travelrite International
acts only as an agent in making arrangements with carriers,
hoteliers and others for the tour. As a result, we cannot
accept liability for any act or omission whatsoever, whether
negligent or otherwise of those carriers, hoteliers or other
persons providing services in connection with the tour
over whom we have no direct or exclusive control. We
do not accept responsibility for any injury, damage, loss,
delay, change of schedule or any other events which are
beyond our direct control, such as, but not limited to, war,
terrorism, flood, fire, civil disturbance, acts of God, acts
of government, or any other authorities, accidents to or
failure of machinery or equipment, or industrial action. The
passage contract in use by the carriers concerned, when
issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the
transportation companies or firms and the purchasers of
these tours. The contract shall be construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Victoria and any legal action
must be taken in the State of Victoria.
Delays and Unforeseen Events
You engage
Travelrite to book this tour on your behalf and you
acknowledge that Travelrite acts as your agent for the
purpose of making contracts between you and the various
providers of accommodation, transportation and other
services that comprise the tour. Travelrite may without
reference to you provide or make available to you, or may
as your agent engage any third party to provide or make
available to you, any good or service which Travelrite
reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise
accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances
in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any
reason. You appoint Travelrite your attorney for this
purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite any cost thereof and
you indemnify Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in
this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance
generally including in respect of the risk that any such
good or service may become required.
How to Book:
Bookings can be made by sending full
names and addresses of intending tour members with a
non-refundable deposit of $900 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty. Ltd.
423 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free 1800 630 343
Phone: (03) 8803 6868
Email: sales@travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite
International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established
family-owned business that’s been operating
in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs for more than 40 years.
Travelrite International is a full member of the Australian
Travel Industry Association (ATIA), is fully Accredited with
ATAS (A10538) and IATA. As such they directly represent
the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and
international hotel, tour and transport operators.
“My third Travelrite tour and I have never been disappointed.”
“I had a wonderful time on the tour. Really enjoyed the whole two weeks. Great group of people.”
