Rick Steves Home > 2008 Tours > Italy

Best of South Italy in 13 Days

$3,395 + air • 24-28 people • Begins in Rome and ends in Naples

Our newest tour takes you through the slice of Italy that's richest in contrasts, from cities to farms, forests to beaches, rugged to glamorous, and historic to hip.

We'll kick things off in the eternal city of Rome, then cross Italy's boot, discovering the wild beauty of the Gargano Peninsula and the Adriatic Sea. Then we'll meander through untouristed country where the espresso pours thick and the mozzarella is fresh from the buffalo. The final half of our adventure is a rich mix of must-see historic sights (Paestum and Pompeii), jaw-dropping vistas (Amalfi and Sorrento) and raw, untamed energy (Vesuvius and Naples).

Rick likes to say that if you've enjoyed Italy north of Rome — you'll love diving into the south! He's right, and here's your chance.

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 0: Depart USA

Remember, you'll arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA.

Day 1: Welcome to Italy

We'll gather at our hotel in Rome at around 4 p.m. where you will meet your guide and new tour buddies. After an introduction meeting, we'll take an evening stroll through the Trastevere neighborhood for a taste of medieval-village Rome, followed by dinner together. Sleep in Rome (2 nights). No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 2: The Renaissance's Forgotten Rome

This morning a local guide will take us on an eye-opening walk through Rome's historic Jewish neighborhood. We'll continue time-tripping through Rome with a tour of the world's oldest museum on Capitoline Hill. The rest of the day is yours to sift through Ancient Rome or make a modern-day pilgrimage to St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican City. No bus. Walking: strenuous

Day 3: Tivoli and the Adriatic

Today we'll get an early start and visit Hadrian's monumental villa at Tivoli.  After we see what life was like for a Roman Emperor, we'll stop and see what life is like today in the region of Abruzzo. Our destination this evening is seaside Vieste on the rugged Gargano Peninsula, one of the most beautiful areas of Southern Italy. We'll settle in to our hotel and enjoy dinner together. Sleep in Vieste (2 nights). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 4: Vieste and the Gargano Peninsula

Today is perfect for a cruise (weather permitting) along the dramatic Gargano coast, admiring the hidden coves, sheer limestone cliffs, coastal rock formations and caves that make this dramatic coastline deservedly famous.  We'll return to Vieste with plenty of time to wander, enjoy the sun-drenched vistas or simply luxuriate on the beach. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 5: Ancient Alberobello and Matera

Today we'll head south into the untouristed Basilicata region, stopping in Alberobello, where cone-shaped, stone trulli houses await our exploration. We'll end our day in surreal Matera, sleeping in the Sassi, a neighborhood of stone-and-cave dwellings that's been used to recreate ancient locations in Biblical films.  Sleep in Matera (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 6: The Wonders of Matera

We'll spend this morning discovering the wonders of the Sassi with a local guide, giving you insights into the history of this unique town. You'll have the rest of the day free to explore the Sassi and Matera on your own. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 7: Greek Paestum and Positano

This morning we'll drive into the Campania region. Our destination is Paestum, where we'll explore Europe's best-preserved collection of Ancient Greek temples. After lunch together we are off to the Amalfi Coast, where we'll follow the cliff-clinging road that winds above the sea to Positano. Sleep in Positano (2 nights). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 8: Free Day to Enjoy the Amalfi Coast

The day is all yours. Take a local bus along the twisting roads and wild beauty of the Amalfi Coast to discover the charming towns of Amalfi or Ravello, roam the narrow streets of Positano, or just find a beach and relax. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 9: Mount Vesuvius and Serene Sorrento

This morning we'll board our bus and head to the very top of Naples' most famous resident, Mount Vesuvius (weather permitting). After a short climb, we'll take a peek into the steaming crater and marvel over the majestic view of the entire bay of Naples. Then we are off to Sorrento, our cliff-hugging home set amongst the lemon groves. Sleep in Sorrento (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 10:  Surrender to Sorrento

Today is for il dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing). Ride the ferry to Capri, take a boat ride to Capri's deservedly-famous Blue Grotto, explore the back streets of Sorrento, or just relax. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 11: Unlucky Pompeii and Lively Naples

This morning we'll have a guided tour of Pompeii, where you will get a look at everyday life, frozen in time, two millennia ago. After free time and lunch, we are off to the urban jungle of Naples. We'll check into our hotel and head out for a slice-of-Neapolitan-life walking tour through the heart of this chaotic, memorable city. Sleep in Naples (2 nights). Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 12: All Day in Naples

Today we'll discover some of the best treasures of Pompeii on a guided tour of Naples' world-class Archaeological Museum. This afternoon you'll be free to make some discoveries on your own. Tonight we'll get together for dinner, and toast to new friends and travel memories.  No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 13: Tour over after breakfast

It's a breeze to reach Naples' airport by taxi or bus. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Grazie e ciao!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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Recommended reading and viewing list for this tour

 

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