Southern Italy Tours & Trips
Visit the beautiful towns along the Amalfi Coast, from Positano to Ravello. Go to Pompeii, where Roman life is still preserved, and enjoy world-famous pizza in Naples, the very birthplace of pizza. Head to Taormina to explore ancient ruins and admire stunning views of Mount Etna in the distance. Get ready for southern Italy!
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Tiffany • traveled in July
Loved it! The Amalfi Coast is an absolute gem and is worth seeing if you have the opportunity. I am really glad I chose to explore this beautiful coastline with Italy on a Budget Tours. I am a solo traveller so I really enjoyed getting to meet new people and not having to worry about organising transport, accomodation etc. The group I was with comprised of 17 people from Australia and New Zealand. They were all friendly and were so much fun to be around. The tour guides were fantastic. Funny, caring and very knowledgeable. They were more than happy to hang out with our tour group and made the experience all the more enjoyable. Breakfast provided. Comfortable transport. The accommodation is in a camping village which means for the budget option you get communal showers, bugs and no fans or airconditioning. It is probably worth the upgrade if camping isn't your thing. Great tour. Beautiful Scenery. Awesome people. Thanks Italy on a Budget Tours!
Amalfi Coast Experience - Small Group Tour (Age 21 To 41 ) - J
John • traveled in August
The tour guides were amazing very knowledgeable
Sicilian Secrets - Tour of Sicily 10 days from Palermo - V
Vera • traveled in September
The hotels were great. The evening meals were sometimes disappointing. The buses were ,immaculate and comfortable. Our guide was a delight(Placido). His knowledge of Sicily and his love of his country made him a good guide. His sense of humour made his information much more compatible and interesting. The trip,was good value. I did think some of the days were pretty long and I would have enjoyed more free time but I would not have wanted to miss anything of what we saw. Maybe a longer more leisurely tour?
New Tour of Sicily from Palermo 10 Days
Table of contents
- The best South Italy tour packages
- Travel South Italy your way
- Best tour companies for South Italy tours
- Popular South Italy Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your South Italy tour
- Discover South Italy tours for every budget
- South Italy tours for every type of group
- Top South Italy travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit South Italy
- Contact our South Italy travel experts
- What our customers ask about Southern Italy Tours & Trips
The best South Italy tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouth Italy travel expert at TourRadar
Amalfi Coast Experience - Small Group Tour (Age 21 To 41 )
185 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“You truly get an authentic experience and learn more than you'd think while having a lot of fun!”
johnny, traveled in July
The coastal gems of South Italy unfold from Pompeii's ancient ruins to Positano's beaches. Sorrento's Camping Village serves as home base for ventures along Amalfi Coast's winding roads and Capri Island's Blue Grotto. Features Naples pizza tasting, Mount Vesuvius views, and ancient Roman pool swims. Suitable for ages 18+.
Duration 4 days Destinations Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Amalfi, Positano Age Range Ages 21-41 Operator Italy on a Budget Tours From $1,112
15% Off- NZ$945You save $167
Best of Sicily - 8 Days (Small Group Tour)
27 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Lovely tour. Great hotels, perfect itinerary.”
Nina, traveled in April
Southern Italy's iconic sites come alive, from Mount Etna's volcanic terrain to Taormina's Greek Theatre. Premium accommodations at Hotel Ariston offer sea views, while visits to UNESCO-listed Temple Valley and charming Marzamemi village showcase local culture. Rich with authentic Sicilian dining and expert-guided tours.
Duration 8 days Destinations Catania, Taormina, Savoca, Forza d'Agro, Mount Etna, Noto, Marzamemi, Syracuse, Island of Ortigia, AgrigentoSee all destinations Age Range Ages 9+ Operator Click Tours From $8,063
36% Off- NZ$5,161You save $2,903
Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Tour (Maximum 8 Guests)
91 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a dream vacation, absolutely incredible fairytale experience. The hotels they included were perfect, and always very convenient central locations.”
Lana, traveled in September
Taormina's ancient Greek theater and Mount Etna's volcanic slopes headline this intimate tour. Approx. $470 per day includes cooking lessons in family trattorias, wine tastings at Gambino and Pupillo estates, baroque Noto visits, and Palermo's street food culture, all in small groups of 8.
Duration 8 days Destinations Catania, Taormina, Mount Etna, Noto, Marzamemi, Syracuse, Island of Ortigia, Palermo Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Sicily Activities From
36% Off- NZ$3,995
New Tour of Sicily from Palermo 10 Days
68 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour is moderate to fast pace which was just fine with me. Overall it was a good trip.”
Lea, traveled in June
South Italy's highlights range from Palermo's Arab-Norman treasures to Agrigento's ancient temples. 4-star hotels including Mercure Palermo Centro provide comfort, while traditional tastings at Florio Cellars and visits to medieval towns like Erice above Trapani create authentic experiences.
Duration 10 days Destinations Palermo, Monreale, Cefalu, Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina, Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa, ModicaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 14+ Operator Soleto Travel From
36% Off- NZ$4,524
Taste of Salento-Authentic Culinary Experience
78 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Perfect tour. Just what I wanted.”
Robbie, traveled in October
South Italy's charm radiates from a traditional farmhouse 33km from Gallipoli. The itinerary covers 8 historic towns including baroque Lecce and coastal Otranto, with expert guides rated 4.9/5, featuring authentic cooking classes, wine tastings, and farm-to-table dining prepared by Chef Emilio using organic ingredients from their 11-hectare estate.
Duration 7 days Destinations Brindisi, Santa Maria di Leuca, Gallipoli, Lecce, Alberobello, Ostuni, Maglie, Otranto Age Range Ages 20+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Soleto Travel From $4,328
20% Off- NZ$3,462You save $866
Southern Italy
50 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Italy is a fantastic place to travel because there are so many historically significant locations and attractions to see.”
Patricia, traveled in February
Southern Italy's treasures range from Pompeii ruins to Mount Etna. Four-star accommodations at Michelangelo in Sorrento and Hotel Splendid in Taormina provide luxury bases. UNESCO sites, Marsala wine tasting, and expert local guides complete the experience.
Duration 11 days Destinations Rome, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Palermo, Erice, Agrigento, Ragusa, Noto, SyracuseSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Portuguese, Spanish Operator Eskapas From $7,667
3% Off- NZ$7,437You save $230
Magical Sicily - 7 Days
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was well organized and well thought out. The destinations were interesting and fun.”
WILLIAM, traveled in April
Sicily's historic streets of Palermo lead to Mount Etna's majestic summit. UNESCO sites like Monreale Cathedral and Valley of Temples showcase the island's heritage, complemented by wine tasting in Marsala. Four-star hotels including Hotel Mercure and Hotel Splendid provide comfortable stays.
Duration 7 days Destinations Palermo, Monreale, Erice, Marsala, Agrigento, Ragusa, Noto, Mount Etna, Taormina Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours From $5,324
36% Off- NZ$3,407You save $1,917
5 Day Naples including Sorrento, Amalfi, Capri Island, Pompeii & Vesuvius.
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was super well organised. Communication was excellent.”
LYNDA, traveled in August
The elegant Hotel Vergilius Billia serves as your base to uncover Pompeii's ancient ruins, reach Mount Vesuvius's crater, sail Capri's coastline, and wander through charming Amalfi Coast towns with expert guides.
Duration 5 days Destinations Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano, Capri, Anacapri, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,457
30% Off- NZ$1,720You save $737
Campania Region Highlights, Private Tour
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Every connection was on time and in just the right place, making it easy to enjoy our itinerary.”
Kenneth, traveled in October
Eight nights of luxury await at premium hotels like Hotel Naples and Hotel Reginna Palace. Seven destinations including Pompeii ruins, Capri's Gardens of Augustus, and Naples' historic center unfold through expert-guided tours and culinary experiences. Popular among couples (50+ reviews).
Duration 9 days Destinations Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Amalfi, Minori, Mount Vesuvius Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Operator TUI Italia From $6,417
10% Off- NZ$5,775You save $642
Apulia & Lecce, Self-Drive
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The suggestions for the itinerary and the choice and quality of the accommodations were excellent.”
Tony, traveled in April
South Italy's treasures range from Alberobello's UNESCO-protected trulli to Lecce's baroque masterpieces. The route encompasses Castellana's dramatic caves, Otranto's historic cathedral, and Matera's ancient Sassi districts, with 4-star stays at Hotel Ramapendula and Hotel Vittoria.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bari, Brindisi, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Trani, Castel del Monte, Altamura, Matera, Martina Franca, OstuniSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator TUI Italia From $2,211
10% Off- NZ$1,990You save $221
Travel South Italy your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for South Italy tours
Looking at Italy on a Budget Tours, our travelers keep telling us great things about their guides - especially Irene and Jess who really know their stuff and make the trips run smoothly. The price point is solid for what you get, though keep in mind the hotels are pretty basic. That's usually the trade-off when you're trying to keep costs down.If you're after something more upscale, Dimensione Sicilia does a fantastic job with the details and puts together some unique food and wine experiences. Their attention to the small things really sets them apart.G Adventures hits a sweet spot between the two - not too expensive but still quite comfortable. Their guides Giuseppe and Elisabetta get lots of mentions in the feedback we receive; they're flexible with plans and really understand the areas they work in. The accommodations are reliably good and the food gets high marks from pretty much everyone who travels with them.Each company has its own approach - Italy on a Budget keeps things simple and affordable, Dimensione Sicilia goes for that higher-end experience and G Adventures finds the middle ground with solid value and quality.
Popular South Italy Cruise Ships
Best places to start your South Italy tour
You've got five main cities to start your Southern Italian trip from. Catania tops the list with 22 departure options, Rome follows with 19, Palermo gives you 16 starting points, Naples has 13 choices and then there's Bari with 8 options. Our data shows booking about 5 months ahead - 148 days to be exact - gives you the best shot at getting your preferred dates, which really matters if you're looking at coastal routes or peak season trips. Small group tours with 16 or fewer people tend to work best according to our past guests - you'll get into those family restaurants more easily and the whole experience feels more personal. The best trips we see mix coastal spots with some inland gems, like staying in traditional masserias in Puglia or exploring Matera's ancient cave homes. Our travelers keep telling us that local market visits and cooking classes end up being trip highlights - there's nothing quite like learning to cook from an Italian nonna.
Discover South Italy tours for every budget
South Italy tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top South Italy travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Solo Travelers508 tours- Couples458 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)17 tours
- Seniors (50+)214 tours
Best time to visit South Italy
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter in South Italy offers unique cultural rewards, with several excellent tour options blending cultural experiences and comfort. Our most requested 10-day journey begins in Venice before heading south where winter creates perfect conditions for wandering Pompeii's ancient streets without summer crowds. TourRadar customers appreciate how these tours balance guided visits with personal time - you might explore archaeological sites in the morning, then join afternoon cooking classes in Sorrento where local chefs share authentic pizza-making techniques. Another popular choice explores Sicily's food scene over 7-8 days, with market visits and hands-on classes teaching you fresh pasta and traditional bread making. Winter months work perfectly for these culinary experiences, as you can connect with producers and visit family wineries without peak season crowds. For those interested in cultural immersion, the 9-day Puglia routes get excellent feedback from our travelers who value the intimate access to trulli houses in Alberobello and also ancient cave homes in Matera - both sites feel more genuine without summer tourist flows. Many tours include distinctive winter activities like visiting olive oil producers, exploring underground cave systems in Castellana, and joining local families for traditional festival celebrations.
- 115 tours
- 126 tours
- popular 141 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring brings out the best in South Italy's coastal tours. Our travelers particularly love the walking tours that combine stays in family-run agriturismos with daily hikes along ancient paths. You'll find excellent options running 7-8 days where morning walks take you through fragrant lemon groves and past small farms cultivating olives and fruits. TourRadar customers tell us the mix of walking and culture works perfectly - you might spend your morning exploring the Path of the Gods with its coastal views, then join an afternoon cooking class to learn proper mozzarella making. The spring weather makes those uphill climbs to places like Ravello much more pleasant and you'll get better photos without summer's haze. The walking routes are well planned with most daily distances around 10 kilometers, though you can often add extra walks if you're feeling energetic. Local guides really know their stuff and bring walking poles for anyone who needs them. Our travelers especially appreciate how these tours mix up the pace - one day you're hiking limestone steps down to Amalfi, the next you're taking a boat to Capri for an easier coastal walk. Spring tours include lots of cultural stops too, with optional visits to Pompeii and also cooking demonstrations in local villages.
- 254 tours
- 423 tours
- popular 464 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer down in South Italy has its own special rhythm. You'll find 7-day trips starting in Rome where guides get you to ancient sites early, before the real heat kicks in. Then it's south to the Amalfi Coast where you can jump into clear waters whenever you need to cool off. The groups stay small, usually 8-17 people, which means you can duck into those little family restaurants and also reach swimming spots bigger groups just can't access. The seaside camps above Sorrento are pretty basic but our travelers love them - nothing beats waking up to views over the Bay of Naples with Vesuvius in the distance. Smart timing makes all the difference here; guides know exactly when to visit places like Positano beach to dodge the crowds, and they've got a knack for finding those perfect spots for evening swims in old Roman pools. You'll get proper cultural visits too - Pompeii in the morning coolness followed by lazy afternoons floating in those lovely emerald pools near Sorrento or exploring the quiet corners of Capri that most visitors miss.
- popular 440 tours
- 364 tours
- 375 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Autumn sees our travelers gravitating toward tours that combine the Amalfi Coast's hiking paths with cultural immersion. Walking tours based in family-run agriturismos earn high praise during this season, with daily routes covering 10 kilometers through fragrant lemon groves and ancient farming communities. Our customers tell us September and October offer perfect temperatures for tackling those coastal climbs up to spots like Ravello, without summer's heat or haze affecting the views. Several top tours mix morning walks along the Path of the Gods with afternoon cooking demonstrations in local villages - you'll learn proper mozzarella-making techniques after working up an appetite on the trails. The guides bring walking poles and adjust the pace thoughtfully, especially on those limestone staircases leading down to Amalfi. Many tours include boat trips to Capri for gentler coastal walks, plus optional visits to Pompeii, timed perfectly in autumn's cooler weather. TourRadar customers particularly value how these tours balance daily hiking with cultural experiences - one day you're navigating ancient paths above Positano, and the next you're learning traditional cooking methods from local families in San Lazzaro village.
- popular 462 tours
- 449 tours
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Contact our South Italy travel experts
George
Expert in South Italy at TourRadar
George is one of our seasoned South Italy Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about South Italy tours answered!
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Call us
+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Southern Italy Tours & Trips
"How can I really experience authentic Southern Italian culture?"
You'll find Southern Italy absolutely buzzing with ways to connect with local life. When it comes to food and wine you can jump into cooking classes using fresh ingredients from places like Taormina's local market in Sicily. Love wine? Head to Marsala for amazing dessert wines or explore Mount Etna's volcanic varieties. There's this incredible chocolate experience in Modica where they've been making it for centuries and in Salento Puglia you can actually learn pasta-making with Chef Emilio who'll show you the secrets of pasta salentina. For places to stay you've got some really special options. Ever thought about staying in a masseria? These traditional Puglian farmhouses are incredible or you could experience those unique trulli houses in Alberobello with their distinctive cone-shaped roofs they're actually UNESCO listed. If you want something really authentic try Luna d'Agerola it's this lovely family-run agriturismo above the Amalfi Coast with just 11 rooms each with private bathrooms and such a warm welcome.
"What's the best way to get around Southern Italy?"
Getting around Southern Italy is actually pretty straightforward. The trains are great for connecting major cities like Rome Naples and Bari. You've got high-speed options but honestly the regional trains give you these amazing views and a chance to really take it all in. If you want something more personal our private tours are fantastic - the drivers know all the local spots and can share some great recommendations. Like on our Taste of Salento tour Clara and Emilio personally drive you around Puglia showing you incredible places.
"Where are those hidden gems I shouldn't miss in Southern Italy?"
Let me tell you about some amazing spots tourists often miss. There's San Lazzaro this authentic village hanging above the Amalfi Coast where you can escape the crowds and get these incredible views. Take the local bus up there it's worth it. Then there's Erice this medieval town sitting right on top of Mount San Giuliano in Sicily with these winding streets and views that'll take your breath away. You can even take a cable car down to Trapani.
"What natural wonders can I explore beyond the cities?"
Southern Italy's natural side will absolutely blow you away. The Path of the Gods along the Amalfi Coast gives you these incredible views over Positano and Praiano or take a boat to find hidden coves you can't reach by land. Mount Etna's pretty special too Europe's largest active volcano where you can take cable cars and jeeps up to 3000 meters and see the crater area up close. The Castellana Caves are fascinating 70 meters underground with all these amazing formations and don't miss the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento where ancient Greek temples sit among almond groves.
"Which local dishes should I definitely try and where can I find the best ones?"
The food here is something else. You've got to try real Neapolitan pizza right where it was born look for places using traditional wood-fired ovens. In Sicily grab some arancini these amazing rice balls you'll find them everywhere or better yet take a cooking class in Syracuse to learn how to make them yourself. Along the coast the seafood's incredible try spaghetti alle vongole or fritto misto especially in Marzamemi this charming fishing village. In Puglia don't miss orecchiette with cime di rapa it's their signature pasta dish and finish any meal on the Amalfi Coast with limoncello made from local lemons it's the perfect way to end your day.