Southern Italy Tours

Every southern Italy tour begins in Rome — the Eternal City and one of the world's greatest cities, where 2,000 years of fascinating history unfold at every corner. Explore the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, visit Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica, and enjoy a guided walking tour of the cobbled streets of Trastevere with knowledgeable local experts. An orientation walk through Rome's historic center is included on day one — from the Tiber river at Castel Sant'Angelo to the grand piazzas of the city center. From Rome, head south to Naples — southern Italy's passionate city, the birthplace of authentic Neapolitan pizza, and home to the Naples National Archaeological Museum. Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the ill-fated town frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Tours feature guided walking tours in historic towns like Pompeii where local guides bring the ancient city's fascinating history to life. Mount Vesuvius offers a rare opportunity to stand on the crater edge above the Bay of Naples, while Paestum's ancient Greek temples south of Naples are among the best-preserved in the world.

The breathtaking Amalfi Coast is southern Italy's most celebrated destination — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of spectacular clifftop villages, crystal-clear sea, and lemon groves. The dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast are a major tourist attraction — drive through Positano and Ravello for stunning sea views that take the breath away. Sorrento is the perfect base for exploring the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and Capri — famous for its lovely gardens and hands-on Neapolitan cooking lessons. A boat cruise to the Isle of Capri is one of the most iconic southern Italy experiences — Capri is known as the isle of sirens in Greek mythology, and the famous Blue Grotto is a magical sea cave lit by ethereal blue light. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Sorrento or Capri with fellow travelers, savoring delicious cuisine and local wine with the warmth of southern Italian hospitality. Many tours include culinary experiences like cooking classes — dinner at a family-owned lemon farm showcases Sicilian hospitality at its finest. Visit Polignano a Mare on the Adriatic coast and explore the trulli houses of Alberobello (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) — Alberobello is famous for its conical-roofed trulli houses unique to Puglia. Lecce is known as the Florence of the South for its baroque architecture, and wine tasting tours are common in the Basilicata region of Italy.

Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cave dwellings — one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth. Walk the cobbled streets, explore cave churches, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant carved into the ancient rock. Matera's Sassi are UNESCO World Heritage Sites of extraordinary beauty and fascinating history. Sicily is southern Italy's most extraordinary island — exploring the Mediterranean's largest island is popular among travelers who love ancient ruins, baroque cities, and Sicilian cuisine. Sicilian cuisine blends Italian, Arabic, and African influences — savor arancini, pasta alla Norma, and fresh seafood at local restaurants throughout Sicily. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento features well-preserved Doric temples dating back to the 5th century BCE — one of the most remarkable archaeological sites on earth. The ancient Greek theater in Taormina dates to the 3rd century BCE and offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian sea. Mount Etna's fertile landscape supports citrus groves and vineyards — excursions to the slopes are a wonderful optional experience. Southern Italy is known for its exceptional local wines, and wine tasting is a highlight of any escorted tour through the Campania and Basilicata regions.