Southern Italy Itinerary

Welcome to the enchanting region of Southern Italy, where history, culture, and natural beauty come together to create an unforgettable experience. Embark on an adventure like no other in history with our carefully selected Southern Italy itineraries. From the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the historic charm of Naples, these five itineraries promise to uncover the hidden treasures of this captivating part of Italy.

Whether you're looking for a few options for purchasing tickets and traveling to destinations, our itineraries provide detailed alternatives to suit your needs. The final destination of your itinerary could include key locales like the Amalfi Coast and Siracusa, highlighting their significance and appeal.

See our itineraries below, or get inspired by duration: 5 days - 7 days - 10 days - 14 days - North Italy

Itinerary #1: Fascinating Southern Italy: Naples, Sorrento and Capri

Experience this fabulous 10-day journey through Southern Italy, where the charming towns of the Amalfi Coast are waiting to be discovered.

On day one in Naples, you will meet your private driver at the airport and head to the hotel for check-in. Day two offers a guided tour of Naples. Don't miss the historic old town, known for its rich cultural significance and stunning architecture.

Day three is dedicated to visiting Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. On day four, you'll be picked up for a private walking tour of Sorrento. Optional food tasting is available. After the tour, your driver takes you to Positano for check-in and free time.

Day five offers leisure time in Positano, a picturesque town on the Amalfi Coast. Day six is an exciting sail along the Amalfi Coast, stopping at beautiful bays for swimming and exploring grottoes and caves.

Day seven takes you to Capri by hydrofoil, where you'll have free time in the afternoon. Day eight includes an exclusive private boat tour around Capri.

On day nine, your guide will accompany you through Anacapri and Capri town centers. You can visit Augustus Gardens or take a chairlift up to Mt. Solaro. The tour ends around lunchtime.

Finally, on day ten, you'll have a private transfer to the airport for your preferred afternoon flight, concluding your unforgettable Amalfi Coast and Capri experience. Read more.

naples-italy-shutterstock_211433854

Naples, Italy @ Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check this overview of the Southern Italy itinerary.

DayDestinationOvernight
1Arrival in NaplesNaples
2Naples walking tour + street foodNaples
3Pompeii & Vesuvius with wine tasting or pizza lunchNaples
4Arrival in Positano & stop in SorrentoPositano
5Day at leisure: enjoy the beachPositano
6Amalfi coast boat tourPositano
7Arrival in CapriCapri
8Day at leisure & sunset boat tourCapri
9Half-day walking tour with a guideCapri
10Departure from Naples airport-

Feeling curious? Take a step forward and book this trip now.

Giardini di Augusto in Capri, Italy © Natalia Macheda/Shutterstock

Giardini di Augusto in Capri, Italy © Natalia Macheda/Shutterstock

Itinerary #2: Best of South Italy: Rome, Naples, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

Colorful villages draped over steep cliffs, cities steeped in culture and history, crystal-clear warm waters, and cities frozen in time – South Italy has a lot to offer. Experience it for yourself with this exciting Southern Italy trip.

Day one starts with your arrival at Rome International Airport, where you'll be greeted and transported to your hotel in the city. Day two grants you free time to explore Rome at your leisure after breakfast.

Day three is followed by check-out and a high-speed train ride to Naples. Later, a private guide will accompany you on a tour of Naples.

On day four, you have the freedom to explore Naples on your own and day five takes you on a fascinating day trip from Naples to Pompeii.

Day six brings an exciting excursion to Mount Vesuvius, where you can hike to the summit and enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples. The day continues with a guided tour of Sorrento.

Day seven promises an unforgettable trip to Capri Island. On day eight, embark on a scenic Amalfi Coast tour, discovering the picturesque towns of Positano, Ravello, Scala, and Amalfi. Absorb the local history and culture during this exploration.

Enjoy the morning at your leisure in Sorrento on day nine before heading back to Rome via train. On the final day, after breakfast, you will be transferred to Rome International Airport for your onward flight. Read more.

Positano, italy. Amalfi Coast © iacomino FRiMAGES/Shutterstock

Positano, Italy. Amalfi Coast © iacomino FRiMAGES/Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check this overview of the Southern Italy itinerary. 

DayDestinationOvernight
1Rome arrivalRome
2Free day in RomeRome
3Naples city tourNaples
4Free day in NaplesNaples
5Pompeii and HerculaneumNaples
6Mount Vesuvius and SorrentoSorrento
7Day trip to CapriSorrento
8Amalfi Coast day tripSorrento
9Return to RomeRome
10Rome departure-

Ready to embark on an adventure? Book your trip now.

Sorrento in Italy © Shutterstock

Sorrento, Italy @ Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: Wonders of Rome and the Amalfi Coast

From the narrow streets of Rome to the colorful houses perched on the Sorrento Peninsula, the charm and elegance of Southern Italy are seductive. On this unique 8-day trip, you will experience spectacular sites and breathtaking views in both iconic destinations.

Day one begins with your arrival at Rome International Airport, where you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Rome.

On day two, the city tour starts at the Spanish Steps and continues to the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. In the afternoon, visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

Day three takes you to the Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, and on day four you'll board a train to Naples and embark on a full-day historical tour of the city.

Day five is dedicated to the enchanting island of Capri. Take a boat ride around the island, visiting stunning caves and coves.

Day six takes you to Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll explore the ancient ruins frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Return to Sorrento for a leisurely afternoon.

Day seven brings a breathtaking road trip along the Amalfi Coast, where you'll witness some of Italy's most captivating scenery and make stops at various points of interest.

On day eight, bid farewell to Italy as you're transferred to Naples Airport for your departure flight. Read more.

Night view over fountain di Trevi in Rome ©  trabantos/Shutterstock

Night view over Fountain di Trevi in Rome © trabantos/Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check this overview of the Southern Italy itinerary.

DayDestinationOvernight
1Arrival in NaplesNaples
2Naples walking tour + street foodNaples
3Pompeii & Vesuvius with wine tasting or pizza lunchNaples
4Arrival in Positano & stop in SorrentoPositano
5Day at leisure: enjoy the beachPositano
6Amalfi coast boat tourPositano
7Arrival in CapriCapri
8Day at leisure & sunset boat tourCapri
9Half-day walking tour with a guideCapri
10Departure from Naples airport-

Fascinated by the itinerary? Don't wait, book this trip now.

Inside the old Colosseum (Coliseum), Rome, Italy © Viacheslav Lopatin/Shutterstock

Inside the old Colosseum (Coliseum), Rome, Italy © Viacheslav Lopatin/Shutterstock

Itinerary #4: An Italian dream trip: Rome, Sicily and the Amalfi Coast

Savor la dolce vita on this fantastic 11-day trip to the real Italy. Day one welcomes you to Rome, where a private transfer takes you to the hotel.

Day two starts with breakfast, followed by an exciting treasure hunt guided by a private expert. On day three, enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Rome. In the afternoon, take a private transfer to Campo de’ Fiori for a cookery class in an aristocratic family's apartment, followed by a delightful dinner on the terrace.

Day four takes you to Sicily. After breakfast, catch a flight to Catania. Explore the Neapolis Archaeological Park and the historic city centre in the afternoon.

Day five begins with a half-day guided tour of Noto. Day six includes a visit to a renowned workshop in Modica to learn about the city's chocolate-making history.

Day seven takes you to the iconic Mount Etna, where you'll explore inactive volcanic craters and enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at a prestigious cellar. On day eight, travel to the Amalfi Coast.

Day nine features a visit to Capri for a lesson in making limoncello. Day ten brings a full-day tour of the Amalfi Coast, starting in Ravello and passing through the 'Iron Valley' to Amalfi.

Day eleven marks the end of the journey. Enjoy some leisure time before a private transfer to Rome's Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport. Read more.

The stage of Taormina's Greek Theater with the Etna in the background, Taormina, Sicily ©  K. Roy Zerloch/Shutterstock

The stage of Taormina's Greek Theater with the Etna in the background, Taormina, Sicily © K. Roy Zerloch/Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check this overview of the Southern Italy itinerary.

DayDestinationOvernight
1Arrival and transfer in RomeRome
2Treasure hunt adventure in RomeRome
3Campo de' Fiori cookery classRome
4Flight to Sicily and tour of SyracuseSyracuse
5Guided tour of NotoSyracuse
6Modica chocolate tasting and Ragusa walking tourFavara
7Mount Etna and pistachio farm tourFavara
8Flight to Naples and Amalfi Coast transferPraiano
9Limoncello workshop in CapriPraiano
10Amalfi coast and town tourPraiano
11Transfer and departure from Rome-

Excited to discover? Don't waste time and book this journey now.

Amalfi, Italy © proslgn/Shutterstock

Amalfi, Italy © proslgn/Shutterstock

Itinerary #5: Dive into Apulia - cuisine & culture

Take this 10-day adventure through the southern Italian region of Apulia with a rental car.

Day one begins with your arrival at Bari Airport, where you'll pick up a rental car and check in at your hotel. Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is your first stop, known for its historical significance and unique architecture on day two. Later, return to Bari for a delightful 3-hour guided street food tour.

On day three, set off in your rental car to visit the beautiful towns of Ostuni and Alberobello, a lovely town known for its charm and appeal. Day four is perfect for beach relaxation between Polignano a Mare and Monopoli.

Day five holds a surprise as you venture into the Reserve, surrounded by olive trees and the scents of Apulian land. Day six takes you to Taranto, the "city of two seas". Explore its ancient center with noble mansions and underground gems.

On day seven, enjoy a 2-hour boat tour in Taranto marina, witnessing the land of dolphins and whales, followed by a delightful aperitif on board. Day eight leads to Lecce, where you can join a walking street food tour with a guide and further explore hidden gems and historic alleys.

Day nine brings a delightful cooking class with a professional chef, learning the ancient art of homemade orecchiette and indulging in local products and drinks.

On day ten, return to Bari Airport to drop off your rental car, bidding farewell to the enchanting region of Puglia. Read more.

Scenic sight in Lecce, Puglia (Apulia), southern Italy © Shutterstock

Scenic sight in Lecce, Puglia (Apulia), southern Italy.

Itinerary overview

Check this overview of the Southern Italy itinerary.

DayDestinationOvernight
1Arrival in BariBari
2Drive to Castel del Monte and street food tourBari
3Walking tour in Ostuni and AlberobelloBari
4Day at leisureBari
5Guided trekking Torre Guaceto natural reserveBari
6Drive to TarantoTaranto
7Taras and dolphinsTaranto
8A trip to Lecce with a street food tourTaranto
9Orecchiette cooking classTaranto
10Departure from Bari airport-

Captivated by the possibilities? Book this trip now.

Torre-Guaceto-Puglia-shutterstock_1400003546

Torre Guaceto, Puglia @ Shutterstock

You might also want to browse our customizable Italy itineraries or talk to our local Italy experts.

Want to explore Europe even more? We have prepared the most convenient European itineraries for you to explore the continent.

Rough Guides Editors

written by
Rough Guides Editors

updated 10.06.2024

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