The Very Best of Southern Italy
Discover the extraordinary flavours, landscapes, history and culture of Southern Italy on an unforgettable journey from Naples to the Amalfi Coast and deep into Puglia and Basilicata. We’ll explore the vibrant streets and incredible food of Naples, wander through the whitewashed villages of Alberobello and the elegant streets of Lecce, experience the spectacular ancient cave city of Matera, and savour the beautiful coastline of Puglia. Along the way, we’ll visit the legendary ruins of Pompeii, relax in Sorrento and experience the breathtaking Amalfi Coast—all while enjoying the delicious food, wine and local experiences that make Southern Italy so special. This is Southern Italy at its very best: authentic, beautiful, historic and, above all, delicious.
Book your Very Best of Southern Italy Tour now!
Highlights
- Naples
- Bari
- Monopoli
- Polignano a Mare
- Lecce
- Alberobello
- Matera
- Paestum
- Amalfi Coast
- Sorrento
- Capri
- Pompeii
- Authentic local food and drink
- History and culture
- Joyful experiences every day
- Free time to explore
June 26 – July 7, 2027
$5450
Per Person + Air Based on Double Occupancy All prices in US dollars. Payment in other currencies possible – contact us.
Very Best of Southern Italy
Day 1: Welcome to Naples
Welcome to Naples, the vibrant and fascinating heart of Southern Italy! We’ll begin our adventure with a late afternoon guided tour of the city, exploring its historic streets and getting our first taste of what makes Naples so unique. We’ll finish our first day with a delicious dinner at one of Naples’ local favourites — the perfect way to kick off our Southern Italian adventure!
Sleep: Naples (1 night) / Bus: None / Walking: Moderate
Meals provided: Dinner
Day 2: Bari & Monopoli
This morning, we’ll meet our driver and cross Southern Italy to the beautiful Adriatic coast. Our destination is Bari, the lively capital of Puglia, where we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour through the atmospheric old town, discovering its winding streets, ancient churches, and local traditions. From Bari, we’ll continue along the coast to the gorgeous seaside town of Monopoli, our home for the evening. After settling in, we’ll enjoy a wonderful dinner near the sea, surrounded by the relaxed atmosphere of coastal Puglia.
Sleep: Monopoli (2 nights) / Bus: 4.25 hours / Walking: Moderate
Meals provided: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3: The Coast of Puglia by Boat
Today, we take to the water! Aboard our private boat, we’ll explore the spectacular Puglian coastline, discovering hidden coves and secluded swimming spots along the way. We’ll cruise to the stunning cliffside town of Polignano a Mare, famous for its beautiful sea caves and crystal-clear waters. With time to explore the town, swim, relax, and enjoy the scenery, this promises to be one of the most memorable days of our Puglian adventure.
Sleep: Monopoli / Bus: None / Walking: Light
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 4: Lecce & A Taste of Puglian Cooking
Today we’ll head south to Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South.” With its beautiful Baroque architecture, golden stone, and charming historic centre, Lecce is one of Puglia’s most captivating cities. Our private guided tour will introduce us to the history and beauty of this remarkable city. Tonight, we’ll be put to work with a fun, hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare traditional dishes before sitting down together to enjoy the meal we’ve created — accompanied, of course, by some local wine!
Sleep: Lecce (1 night) / Bus: 1.5 hours / Walking: Moderate with stairs
Meals provided: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: Trulli and Sassi!
Today we’ll discover two of Puglia’s most fascinating attractions. First, we’ll visit Alberobello, famous for its enchanting trulli — the distinctive whitewashed stone houses with their unique conical roofs. A guided tour will introduce us to the history and traditions behind these remarkable homes. We’ll then head to a local winery for an exclusive tour and tasting accompanied by local cheese, olive oil, and traditional Apulian dishes. Then we continue on to the one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, Matera. We’ll check into our incredible sassi cave hotel and enjoy a special dinner in this unforgettable setting.
Sleep: Matera (2 nights) / Bus: 3.5 hours / Walking: Moderate
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Discovering Matera
This morning, a local guide will introduce us to the extraordinary city of Matera. We’ll explore the ancient Sassi, the remarkable cave dwellings carved into the rock, and visit Matera’s beautiful Baroque Cathedral, perched above the ancient city. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Matera at your own pace. Wander the atmospheric streets, discover ancient cave churches, browse the shops, or simply find a terrace and enjoy a drink while taking in the spectacular views.
Sleep: Matera / Bus: None / Walking: Strenuous (hills and stairs)
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 7: Paestum & the Amalfi Coast
Today we’ll make our way back toward the west coast, stopping in Paestum to explore its magnificent Greek temples, some of the best preserved anywhere in the world. It’s another fascinating glimpse into the ancient history of Southern Italy. From Paestum, we’ll continue to the Amalfi Coast and settle into our beautiful seaside village. Tonight, we’ll dine like the locals, enjoying delicious regional food and the relaxed atmosphere of life on the coast.
Sleep: Amalfi Coast (2 nights) / Bus: 5 hours / Walking: Moderate
Meals provided: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8: A Free Day on the Amalfi Coast
Today is all about enjoying the Amalfi Coast at your own pace. Use the local buses or boats to explore the charming villages along the coastline, stopping for lunch, gelato, or a drink overlooking the Mediterranean. Or simply spend the day at the beach, swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the sunshine. There’s no schedule today — just the Amalfi Coast and the freedom to make the day your own!
Sleep: Amalfi Coast / Bus: None / Walking: Your choice
Meals provided: Dinner
Day 9: Pompeii & Sorrento
This morning, we’ll take a short drive to Pompeii, where our local guide will bring this incredible archaeological site to life. Walking through the ancient streets, we’ll discover the homes, shops, temples, and stories of the people who lived here nearly 2,000 years ago. From Pompeii, we’ll continue to Sorrento, our home for the next two nights. Tonight, we’ll celebrate our arrival with a special Sorrento dining experience, enjoying wonderful local food, wine, and the warm atmosphere of a Southern Italian evening.
Sleep: Sorrento (2 nights) / Bus: 2 hours / Walking: Moderate
Meals provided: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10: Sorrento or Capri
Today is yours to experience the Sorrento Peninsula however you choose. Spend the day exploring Sorrento’s charming streets, enjoying a leisurely lunch, shopping, or simply taking in the views across the Bay of Naples. Or hop on a ferry to the glamorous island of Capri, where you can explore the villages and dramatic coastline and perhaps take a boat trip into the famous Blue Grotto. The choice is yours!
Sleep: Sorrento / Bus: None / Walking: Your choice
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 11: Back to Naples & Farewell Dinner
All good things must come to an end! Today we’ll return to Naples, where our adventure began, and visit the National Archaeological Museum with our local guide. With its incredible collection of treasures from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, it’s the perfect final chapter to our journey. Then we’ll come together for our final meal, raising a glass to the incredible places we’ve visited, the food and wine we’ve shared, and the memories we’ve made along the way. A perfect farewell to our Very Best of Southern Italy Tour!
Sleep: Naples / Bus: 1.5 hours / Walking: Moderate
Meals provided: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12: Arrivederci!
The tour is officially over after breakfast this morning. Whether you are extending your stay in Europe or heading home, Naples is well connected and your tour director will be happy to give you any advice you might need for your onward journey. Arrivederci!
The Fine Print – What You Get:
Not so much fine print: We believe in up front pricing, not a hard-to-read long list of extra costs. Group Size: We run small group tours, less than half the size of a normal big bus tour. Our average group size is 12 travellers, plus a tour director and a driver.
Transportation: Transportation is by chartered coach. Transportation to and from the airport is your responsibility. Naples is well served by transit connections to the airport. Activity level: This tour is suitable to people with a good fitness level. You will need to carry your own bags, climb hotel stairs, and keep a moderate pace on group walks. This trip is suitable for adults. It is not suitable for young children. Accommodations: We choose generally smaller, family-run hotels, in the 3-4 star category, that are close to the action, rather than large impersonal hotels in some industrial park outside of town. All rooms have private ensuite bathrooms with shower or bathtub. Most rooms are doubles.
- Solo travelers: You may choose to pay extra for one of the limited number of single private rooms, or you can room with another solo traveler in the group of the same gender and skip the extra fee. See the registration form for specific prices.
- Couples: Couples will usually share a room with one double or queen bed (large King beds are not common in Europe).
- Two friends traveling together: Two friends or siblings traveling together will be roomed together with two beds in a twin room. Note: some European twin beds share one headboard but they will always have separate sheets.
- Triple room: A typical triple room will be one double bed and one single bed.
Sightseeing tours and attractions: This is the main reason you are in Southern Italy, and we understand this! Led by your tour director, and local guides when appropriate. Entrance fees to all group attractions are included. Meals: Breakfasts are always included. Note that because we stay in characteristic local hotels, breakfasts will reflect regional preferences . Many lunches/dinners are on us – the rest are up to you. See itinerary for breakdown. Gratuities: Unlike most tour companies who ask you to pay a “mandatory” tip to the driver and guide, with us tipping is not required.