10 Days South Italy Itinerary - Best of Southern Italy Tours

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Planning a trip to Southern Italy means diving headfirst into a region rich in history, coastal beauty, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering food. This South Italy Itinerary will take you from Naples to the Amalfi Coast, the ruins of Pompeii, the lesser-known gem of Matera, and the sunny heel of Italy—Puglia—before finishing in Sicily.

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South Italy Itinerary – Trip to Southern Italy – Southern Italy Tours

Whether you’re a romantic, a foodie, a history lover, or a laid-back beachgoer, this Southern Italy itinerary for 10 days wraps it all into one unforgettable experience.

Days 1–2: Naples – Welcome to the Soul of the South

Naples is the chaotic, colorful heartbeat of the south—an exhilarating assault on your senses. You won’t find polished perfection here, but raw authenticity, ancient history, and a sense of place that feels deeply rooted and real.

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This city is full of surprises and uniqueness, like elegant piazzas next to graffiti-covered alleys, gourmet pastries sold beside roaring Vespas, and 2,000-year-old ruins below your feet.

Distance & Route – Fly into Naples International Airport (Capodichino). It’s well-connected to most major European cities. If you come from Rome, it’s just 1 hour and 15 minutes by high-speed train (Frecciarossa).

Things to Do in Naples

Begin with a stroll down Spaccanapoli, the narrow street slicing through the historic center. Stop at small family-run bakeries for sfogliatella and espresso,
Visit the underground Naples Sotterranea for a glimpse of ancient Roman aqueducts.
Don’t miss the National Archaeological Museum—it houses original artifacts from Pompeii.
And of course, indulge in the world’s best pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele or Sorbillo.

Naples gives you a raw, authentic introduction to Southern Italy. It’s the birthplace of pizza, home to passionate locals, and a launching point to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.

Overnight Stay – Stay at Hotel Piazza Bellini & Apartments in the heart of Naples. It’s a mid-budget boutique hotel with artistic flair and views of Mount Vesuvius.

Tours to Book in Naples

Naples Underground Tour with skip-the-line access.
Street Food Walking Tour to explore Neapolitan culinary secrets.

Day 3: Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius – Time Travel in a Day

There are few places in the world where history feels as alive—and haunting—as it does in Pompeii—walking through the ruts of Roman cart tracks, reading ancient graffiti on villa walls, and seeing a city frozen in time after a catastrophic eruption offers a poignant, almost eerie glimpse into everyday life 2,000 years ago.

Then there’s Mount Vesuvius, quietly rumbling in the background—a symbol of nature’s power and unpredictability. The view from its crater across the Bay of Naples is worth every step. Pompeii and Vesuvius form a duo of profound natural and historical awe, impossible to replicate elsewhere.

Distance & Route – Naples to Pompeii: 25 km (40 minutes by Circumvesuviana train).

Add another 30 minutes by bus or taxi from Pompeii to the Vesuvius crater.

Things to Do in Pompeii

Wander the ancient streets of Pompeii, a Roman city frozen in time.
Visit the Forum, the amphitheater, and well-preserved houses with original frescoes.
Afterward, hike Mount Vesuvius to look into the smoldering crater and take sweeping views of the Bay of Naples.

Nowhere else is a powerful reminder of nature’s force and history’s fragility. It’s moving, humbling, and surprisingly walkable.

Overnight Stay – Return to Naples or stay in Hotel Forum Pompei, a charming mid-range hotel just outside the archaeological site.

Tours to Book

Guided Pompeii Ruins Tour with an archaeologist.
Vesuvius Hike with Wine Tasting on the volcanic slopes.

Days 4–5: Amalfi Coast – Italy’s Most Glamorous Coastline

The Amalfi Coast is Italy in its most cinematic form—dramatic cliffs plunging into turquoise seas, terraced lemon groves clinging to hillsides, and pastel villages that look like they belong in a fairytale. But it’s not just about the views (though they are truly breathtaking); it’s the feeling you get as you sip limoncello at sunset, or when a local fisherman sings to himself as he fixes his boat. It’s luxury wrapped in authenticity.

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Distance & Route

Naples to Sorrento: 1 hour 15 minutes by train.

Sorrento to Positano or Amalfi: 1–1.5 hours by ferry or bus.

Things to Do

Base yourself in Positano or Amalfi. Rent a Vespa, take scenic drives along the cliff-hugging SS163, and hop between pastel-painted villages like Ravello and Praiano.
Enjoy limoncello tastings, sunbathe at Spiaggia Grande, or take a boat ride into the Emerald Grotto.

Take a day trip to Capri for the famous Blue Grotto or explore Villa San Michele’s terraced gardens.

The Amalfi Coast is postcard-perfect with winding roads, Mediterranean views, and luxe charm. It’s where la dolce vita becomes real life. This part of southern Italy is the Italy of dreams, of honeymoons and holiday romances, where every turn of the road is more stunning than the last. It’s a place to slow down, breathe deep, and remember how beautiful life can be.

Overnight Stay – In Positano, stay at Hotel Savoia – a classic mid-range hotel with balconies overlooking the sea. In Amalfi, Hotel Marina Riviera blends charm and comfort.

Tours to Book

Capri Full-Day Boat Tour with snorkel stops.
Cooking Class in Positano featuring lemon pasta and tiramisu.

Day 6: Matera – The Stone City of Dreams

Matera is a place that feels suspended in time. Its stone-carved homes and labyrinthine alleyways make you feel like you’ve wandered into a biblical movie set (in fact, many were filmed here). But Matera isn’t just visually striking—it tells a deeper story of resilience.

Distance & Route

Amalfi to Matera: Approx. 250 km (4.5 hours by car).

You can also take a train to Salerno, then change to a FlixBus, or take a train to Matera.

Ultimate Puglia Itinerary 7 Days – Best Things To Do in Puglia, Italy

Things to Do in Matera

Explore the Sassi di Matera—cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs.
Visit Casa Grotta to see what ancient homes looked like, and don’t miss the sunset at Piazza Duomo.
The old churches like Santa Maria de Idris and the rock-hewn crypts are haunting and beautiful.

Matera feels otherworldly. It’s one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and was once considered Italy’s shame—now it’s a UNESCO site and European Capital of Culture.

Overnight Stay – Stay at Le Dodici Lune, a cozy boutique cave hotel that gives you a taste of Matera’s unique charm without breaking the bank.

Staying in a cave hotel here isn’t a gimmick—it’s an immersive journey into Italy’s ancient heart. Matera is poetic, moving, and unlike anywhere else you’ll visit on your Southern Italy trip.

Tours to Book

Sassi Walking Tour with Local Guide.
Matera at Night Tour—the city glows in moonlight.

Days 7–8: Alberobello & Polignano a Mare – The Heart of Puglia

Puglia feels like Italy’s best-kept secret, and this region captures its magic perfectly. Alberobello’s trulli are architectural oddities that charm everyone who sees them—walking among them feels like being inside a storybook. Meanwhile, Polignano a Mare is a sun-drenched jewel perched above crystal-clear waters, offering cliffside views that rival the Amalfi Coast but without the crowds.

Distance & Route

Matera to Alberobello: 70 km (1.5 hours by car or train).

Alberobello to Polignano a Mare: 35 km (1 hour drive/train).

Things to Do

In Alberobello, wander through Rione Monti with its 1,500 white-washed trulli houses. These conical-roofed homes are like stepping into a fairytale.
Next, head to Polignano a Mare—one of Puglia’s most scenic coastal towns. Swim in hidden coves, jump off cliffs (safely!), and enjoy local food on a balcony over the sea.

This region offers a slower, sun-kissed pace of life. Trulli architecture is unique to Puglia, and the Adriatic waters here are pristine and inviting. It’s Southern Italy at its most soulful, with just the right mix of whimsy, beauty, and serenity.

Overnight Stay – Stay in a trullo at Tipico Resort in Alberobello – rustic charm with modern comforts. Check out Giovi Relais, a boutique hotel with a sea view close to the old town of Polignano.

Tours to Book

Trulli and Olive Oil Tasting Tour in the countryside.
Boat Tour of Polignano’s Caves.

Days 9–10: Catania & Taormina, Sicily

Sicily is where Southern Italy gets even deeper, richer, and more layered. Catania is gritty, bold, and energetic—a melting pot of Greek, Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences.

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Distance & Route

Polignano a Mare to Bari Airport: 1 hour.

Fly to Catania (1.5 hours flight).

Catania to Taormina: 55 km (1 hour by car/train).

Things to Do

Catania is lively and raw—perfect for wandering its baroque streets, eating arancini, and exploring the bustling market.
Then escape to Taormina, a hilltop town with ancient Greek ruins and views of Mount Etna.
The Teatro Antico di Taormina is a showstopper at sunset.
Spend your final evening sipping Etna wine as the volcano smolders in the background.

Ending your trip to Southern Italy in Sicily adds a wild, volcanic edge to your journey. It’s a land of layered cultures and intense natural beauty. Sicily wraps up your journey with drama, depth, and beauty, leaving you wanting more.

Overnight Stay – In Taormina, book Hotel Villa Diodoro, a mid-budget classic with poolside views over the Ionian Sea.

Tours to Book

Etna Volcano Jeep Tour with lava caves and craters.
Taormina Walking Tour with Greek Theatre Entry.

Helpful Tips – Southern Italy Itinerary – Trip to Southern Italy

Best Time to Visit: April–June or September–October for fewer crowds and great weather.
Transport: Use Italy’s high-speed trains for long routes. For Puglia and the Amalfi Coast, rent a small car for flexibility. In cities, rely on walking or local buses.
Food to Try: Pizza Napoletana, sfogliatella, orecchiette, fresh seafood, cannoli, and limoncello.
Pack Light: Many towns have cobbled streets and stairs—think comfortable shoes and backpacks.
Driving Tips: Roads in the Amalfi Coast are narrow. Confident drivers only, or consider hiring a local driver.

FAQs – Southern Italy Tours – Southern Italy Itinerary 10 Days

Q: Is 10 days enough planning South Italy Itinerary?

A: 10 days is ideal to see the highlights—Naples, Amalfi, Matera, Puglia, and Sicily—without feeling rushed.

Q: Is it safe to travel in Southern Italy?

A: Yes, generally safe. Just stay aware in cities like Naples, especially around train stations.

Q: Should I rent a car?

A: For Puglia and Matera, yes. For Naples and Amalfi, use trains, buses, or ferries.

Q: Are English speakers common?

A: In tourist areas, yes. But in rural towns, not as much. Knowing a few Italian phrases goes a long way.

This Southern Italy Itinerary for 10 days is a perfect mix of everything Italy does best—ancient ruins, sparkling seas, unforgettable food, and raw natural beauty. Whether hiking volcanic slopes in Sicily, wandering trulli towns in Puglia, or sailing around the Amalfi cliffs, your trip to Southern Italy will be filled with unforgettable memories and picture-perfect moments.

From chaotic Naples to poetic Taormina, this Southern Italy itinerary 10 days lets you feel the rhythm of Italy’s deep south—untamed, warm, and unforgettable. The kind of trip you’ll be reminiscing over pasta and wine for years.

10 Days South Italy Itinerary – Best of Southern Italy Tours

South Italy Itinerary – Trip to Southern Italy – Southern Italy Tours