Southern Italy Itinerary

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

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.

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 centres. 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.

    Day one

  • Arrival in Naples
  • Overnight in Naples

    Day two

  • Naples walking tour + street food
  • Overnight in Naples

    Day three

  • Pompeii & Vesuvius with wine tasting or pizza lunch
  • Overnight in Naples

    Day four

  • Arrival in Positano & stop in Sorrento
  • Overnight in Positano

    Day five

  • Day at leisure: enjoy the beach
  • Overnight in Positano

    Day six

  • Amalfi coast boat tour
  • Overnight in Positano

    Day seven

  • Arrival in Capri
  • Overnight in Capri

    Day eight

  • Day at leisure & sunset boat tour
  • Overnight in Capri

    Day nine

  • Half-day walking tour with a guide
  • Overnight in Capri

    Day ten

  • Departure 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

Colourful 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. 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.

    Day one

  • Rome arrival
  • Overnight in Rome

    Day two

  • Free day in Rome
  • Overnight in Rome

    Day three

  • Naples city tour
  • Overnight in Naples

    Day four

  • Free day in Naples
  • Overnight in Naples

    Day five

  • Pompeii and Herculaneum
  • Overnight in Naples

    Day six

  • Mount Vesuvius and Sorrento
  • Overnight in Sorrento

    Day seven

  • Day trip to Capri
  • Overnight in Sorrento

    Day eight

  • Amalfi Coast day trip
  • Overnight in Sorrento

    Day nine

  • Return to Rome
  • Overnight in Rome

    Day ten

  • Rome departure

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

Sorrento-italy-shutterstock_682757335

Sorrento, Italy @ Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: Wonders of Rome and the Amalfi Coast

From the narrow streets of Rome to the colourful 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 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. On day four, 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, 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.

    Day one

  • Arrival and Rome city bus tour
  • Overnight in Rome

    Day two

  • Rome fountains & Vatican City
  • Overnight in Rome

    Day three

  • Colosseum
  • Overnight in Rome

    Day four

  • Naples historic city tour
  • Overnight in Sorrento

    Day five

  • Capri & Anacapri select
  • Overnight in Sorrento

    Day six

  • Private Pompeii half day
  • Overnight in Sorrento

    Day seven

  • Amalfi Coast sharing tour
  • Overnight in Sorrento

    Day eight

  • Departure from Naples

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

Savour 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.

    Day one

  • Arrival and transfer in Rome
  • Overnight in Rome

    Day two

  • Treasure hunt adventure in Rome
  • Overnight in Rome

    Day three

  • Campo de' Fiori cookery class
  • Overnight in Rome

    Day four

  • Flight to Sicily and tour of Syracuse
  • Overnight in Syracuse

    Day five

  • Guided tour of Noto
  • Overnight in Syracuse

    Day six

  • Modica chocolate tasting and Ragusa walking tour
  • Overnight in Favara

    Day seven

  • Mount Etna and pistachio farm tour
  • Overnight in Favara

    Day eight

  • Flight to Naples and Amalfi Coast transfer
  • Overnight in Praiano

    Day nine

  • Limoncello workshop in Capri
  • Overnight in Praiano

    Day ten

  • Amalfi coast and town tour
  • Overnight in Praiano

    Day eleven

  • Transfer 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. Day two takes you to Castel del Monte. 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. 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 centre 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.

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

Itinerary overview

Check this overview of the Southern Italy itinerary.

    Day one

  • Arrival in Bari
  • Overnight in Bari

    Day two

  • Drive to Castel del Monte and street food tour
  • Overnight in Bari

    Day three

  • Walking tour in Ostuni and Alberobello
  • Overnight in Bari

    Day four

  • Day at leisure
  • Overnight in Bari

    Day five

  • Guided trekking Torre Guaceto natural reserve
  • Overnight in Bari

    Day six

  • Drive to Taranto
  • Overnight in Taranto

    Day seven

  • Taras and dolphins
  • Overnight in Taranta

    Day eight

  • a trip to Lecce with a street food tour
  • Overnight in Taranta

    Day nine

  • Orecchiette cooking class
  • Overnight in Taranto

    Day ten

  • Departure 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 customisable Italy itineraries or talk to our local Italy experts.

Rough Guides Editors

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 20.07.2023

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