Explore Southern Italy Itinerary

Make tracks to southern Italy and discover Bari, a charming city by the sea with its own unique dialect and where the relics and legend of Saint Nicholas are revered. Wander labyrinthine portside streets, explore Romanesque churches or sit back with an espresso and soak up the relaxing Italian atmosphere.

Journey onwards to Matera, one of the most fascinating cities in Italy. Carved into cliffs and natural grottoes from as early as the 8th-century BC, the sassi dwellings are a compelling place to explore - and the restaurants here make for a unique dining experience. Learn about the sites tumultuous history at the Casa-Grotta di Vico Solitario and wind down dramatic stairways and alleys for unique photo opportunities.

Explore the quaint trulli (limestone houses) of southern Italy's Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander around a town like no other with its domed skyline and friendly locals proudly welcoming the curious in to see the whitewashed interiors of these charming buildings.

Discover a wealth of baroque architecture and well-preserved ancient ruins in Lecce. Explore the restored Roman amphitheatre, wander the Piazza del Duomo or check out the Basilica Di Santa Croce cutting a dominant figure with its intricately carved facade. Try not to leave without trying pasticciotto, a delicious custard pie typical of this region.

Experience Polignano, a town built on rugged coastal cliffs with buildings that loom dramatically over the sea. Swim lazily in the clear water, explore caves or wander the charming medieval streets. Then take a train ride up the stunning coast to Trani, another little-known Italian city. See the mysterious Castel del Monte, the seaside Swabian Castle and the dramatic Catedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino before perhaps relaxing with a moscato di Trani after a long day of sightseeing.

Traipse through this raucous city that overflows with passion, tradition and gastronomy, being sure to inspect the evocative, World Heritage-listed old centre. Discover original Pompeii artefacts in the National Archaeological Museum and succumb to the temptation of the city’s original Neapolitan pizza. Then, travel to Pompeii - a time capsule quite unlike any other ruined city in the world – and hear tales of the city’s fate on a guided tour.

Ascend to the summit of Mt Vesuvius for staggering views over the Bay of Naples. See firsthand the awesome power of the volcano that engulfed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79AD. Afterwards, make tracks to the picturesque resort town of Sorrento, set invitingly atop dramatic cliffs over sparkling, blue waters. In free time, go celeb-spotting on a day trip to Capri, taking the opportunity to visit the beautiful Blue Grotto.

Negotiate the rocky coastline, whitewashed villages and lemon groves of the Amalfi Coast while hiking along its well-worn trails. Then, clock up some quality hours of rest and relaxation on the beach or perhaps toast the conclusion of this short but sweet trip with a delicious limoncello liqueur.