Southern Italy Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best South Italy tour packages
- What people love about South Italy Tours
- 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
Sicilian Secrets - Tour of Sicily and Malta 11 days
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Catania was a very pleasant surprise with the piazza and the singers at night. The many restaurants and cafes are amazing with lots of choices.”
Rose, traveled in September
Sicily's UNESCO heritage spans Palermo's Arab-Norman cathedral to Mount Etna's volcanic landscapes. Artisanal experiences include Modica's chocolate crafting and wine tasting at Marsala's Florio Cellars. Taormina's ancient Greek theater and 4-star accommodations round out this cultural immersion.
Duration 11 days Destinations Catania, Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Piazza Armerina, Agrigento, Marsala, Monreale, PalermoSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Dimensione Sicilia - Dimsi Incoming Operator Srl From
- NZ$5,486
Amalfi Coast Experience - Small Group Tour
185 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great to be able to be first on the boat and get the best seats.”
Alison, traveled in August
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
- NZ$1,109
Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Tour (Maximum 8 Guests)
91 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very well organized. Well informed and punctual leaders and drivers overall.”
Cynthia, traveled in March
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
- NZ$3,995
Best of Sicily - 8 Days (Small Group Tour)
27 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotels were nice, clean, well located, good breakfasts. I would recommend this to anyone.”
Maria, traveled in May
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 $8,101
36% Off- NZ$5,185You save $2,916
New Tour of Sicily from Palermo 10 Days
68 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent organization. Good food above our expectations. Superb assistance received from Soleto.”
Garth, traveled in October
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$4,598
What people love about South Italy Tours
- Amalfi Coast Experience - Small Group Tour
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!
- New Tour of Sicily from Palermo 10 Days
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?
- Sicilian Secrets - Tour of Sicily and Malta 11 days
Pace of the tour was great. Hotels were in excellent locations. Angelo our tour guide was sentational. Would recommend adding an extra night on Agrigento so time could be allocated to use beach and hotel facilities.
Travel South Italy your way
Along the Amalfi Coast you'll find some really excellent walking routes, with limestone paths and old stone stairways that wind through the landscape. Our travelers keep telling us about their great experiences on the paths from San Lazzaro, which take you through lemon groves and small farms before heading down into Amalfi town. The "Walk of the Gods" is definitely worth doing - it's an 11km moderate trek that gives you fantastic views across the Bay of Salerno and also Capri. Some people like to mix their hiking with culture, and the tours that combine Pompeii visits with coastal walks tend to work really well. Most days you'll cover about 10km on moderate trails, though TourRadar customers often mention that the stone steps can be tough going and suggest bringing hiking poles. You'll stay in lovely family hotels or agriturismos where they'll teach you traditional pizza-making in the evenings.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursPuglia's active tours give you a great mix of culture and movement. The routes run from Bari to Lecce, stopping at fascinating places like the UNESCO-listed trulli houses in Alberobello and the ancient cave homes of Matera. Our travelers really like how the days flow between guided visits and free time to explore places like Trani's waterfront cathedral or Monopoli's old town streets. These 9-day trips include visits to olive oil makers, local wineries and cooking demonstrations where you can learn from local experts. TourRadar customers say that while you won't be doing any intense hiking, good walking shoes are a must for the old town centers with their uneven streets.
Puglia's cycling routes really showcase the region's character, taking you through endless olive groves and along spectacular sea cliffs. Most tours run 6-7 days with daily rides of 35-45 kilometers, which gives you plenty of time to actually experience the places you visit. The Valle d'Itria section is a favorite among our travelers - you'll pedal past the unique trulli houses and old stone farmhouses, stopping at local cheese makers, olive mills and also vineyards for tastings. The coastal stretch between Monopoli and Polignano a Mare is particularly special; you can cool off in hidden coves after your ride. More and more of our customers are choosing e-bikes these days, especially for those uphill sections around Locorotondo and Ostuni - they say it really lets them enjoy the views without worrying about the climbs.
See all Bicycle toursExplore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through South Italy. We have 81 adventures that vary from 3 days to 37 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
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
Southern Italy's budget tours include some real gems that pack in lots of value. There's a 9-day Apulia trip where you'll start in Bari's historic quarter before heading to Castel del Monte and ancient Matera. Our travelers consistently mention how much they love the local guide Angela - she knows every hidden corner and takes you to authentic local spots for amazing food. If you're short on time, there's a solid 6-day Puglia option where you'll stay in nice 4-star hotels in Bari and Lecce while exploring the white-washed towns and coast. Want to mix Rome with some beach time? A 7-day trip combines expert walks through Rome's ancient sites with laid-back days on the Amalfi Coast. TourRadar customers especially like how it balances guided tours and free time to wander.
South Italy budget tours- South Italy luxury tours
South Italy tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
556 tours in South ItalyExplore a wide diversity of group tours through South Italy. We have 556 adventures that vary from 3 days to 37 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
171 tours in South ItalyThe small group experiences in Southern Italy really shine when keeping numbers intimate. A standout 9-day Puglia tour maintains small groups under 12 people, though our customers note you should confirm this detail when booking as some departures may combine with larger groups. Another excellent option is a 6-day exploration where travelers particularly praise the personal attention from local guides in Alberobello and Lecce. The small group size means you can actually get into those tiny trulli houses and also squeeze into popular local restaurants that larger groups simply can't access.
Private / Personalized
169 tours in South ItalyPrivate tours in Southern Italy give you room to really explore at your own speed. The 10-day Venice-to-Amalfi journey pairs you with local experts in each major stop - Venice, Rome and along the coast. Our travelers love being able to spend extra time where it matters, whether that's getting the perfect canal photo in Venice or finding quiet corners in Positano. Down in Sorrento, you'll get your own guide for Pompeii plus private boats for coastal exploring. Food lovers should check out the Salento private tour - you'll get personal cooking lessons and visits to olive farms where it's just you and the producers. TourRadar customers tell us these intimate chats over tastings are often trip highlights.
Top South Italy travel itineraries to fit your plans
For quick Italian getaways, our most popular 3-day excursions focus on Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast region. These tours typically start in Naples with authentic Neapolitan pizza before heading to Pompeii's remarkably preserved streets and ruins. TourRadar customers particularly enjoy having professional guides explain daily Roman life while walking past ancient villas, temples and bathhouses. The second day often centers around Capri, where you can visit the Blue Grotto (weather permitting) and explore the island's elegant streets at your own pace. Many tours include overnight stays in Sorrento, giving you chances to taste local limoncello and enjoy dinners at family restaurants. Our travelers mention that while these tours move quickly, they provide a good mix of guided activities and free time for personal exploration.
Week-long tours in South Italy come in several compelling varieties. Some focus purely on Sicily, starting in Palermo with visits to the Norman Cathedral in Monreale and also traditional food markets. Others combine Rome and the Amalfi Coast, mixing ancient history with coastal charm. The Puglia-focused tours are gaining popularity, taking small groups through Bari's historic center, Alberobello's trulli houses and Matera's ancient cave dwellings. TourRadar customers particularly love tours that include cooking classes at organic lemon farms near Sorrento, learning to make pizza and pasta from local chefs. Many tours include special experiences like wine tasting in Marsala's historic cellars or boat trips along the Amalfi Coast to spots like Positano and Amalfi town.
Ten-day explorations give you time to really understand Southern Italy's character. The most comprehensive Sicily circuits start in Palermo, heading east through Cefalù's medieval streets and up to Mount Etna's volcanic landscapes. Other popular routes combine Venice, Rome and the Amalfi Coast, letting you experience Italy's diversity. TourRadar customers often mention how much they enjoy having enough time in each location - whether it's wandering through Ragusa's baroque streets, taking cooking classes in Syracuse or exploring Lecce's architectural treasures. Many tours include unique experiences like visiting traditional olive oil producers, touring underground cave systems in Castellana and also taking guided walks through the Salento peninsula's lesser-known coastal towns.
Demographics
Solo travelers have several excellent options in Southern Italy that really cater to independent exploration. Our customers particularly love the 4-day Amalfi Coast tours where they consistently mention making great friends in small groups of 8-17 people. The guides get high marks for creating a welcoming atmosphere - they'll take you to local spots for limoncello tastings and show you where to find the best pizza by the meter in Sorrento. Another popular choice runs 7 days from Rome down through Pompeii and along the coast. TourRadar customers tell us the camping villages above Sorrento are perfect for meeting other travelers, with communal spaces and group dinners that make solo travel feel less solitary. The walking tours based in San Lazzaro village work well for solo travelers too - you'll share home-cooked meals at the agriturismo and join optional cooking classes between daily hikes.You'll find plenty to love about the coastal routes if you're a young adult looking to mix culture, beach time and social vibes. The 4-day Amalfi trip hits all the right notes - spend your days exploring Pompeii or swimming in hidden Roman pools, then join the guides for nights out in Sorrento's local hangouts. There's also a solid 7-day Rome and Amalfi Coast combo where you'll wander Rome's back streets before ending up on Capri's beaches. Our younger travelers tell us they really appreciate being able to join group activities or do their own thing. The hostels and camping spots aren't just about those Bay of Naples views (though they're pretty great) - they're actually really social places to stay. If you're up for some movement, the walking tours cover about 10 kilometers daily with other young travelers, and yes there are gelato stops in Positano, Amalfi and other spots along the way.Senior travelers consistently give high marks to the walking tours that combine cultural insights with manageable trails. The week-long agriturismo-based trip near the Amalfi Coast offers a perfect mix - you'll walk 4-13 kilometers daily at a comfortable pace with plenty of stops to admire the views. Our older travelers especially appreciate how the guides adjust the walking speed and take care on those coastal steps. Another excellent choice explores Sicily over 7 days, staying in nice hotels while visiting spots like Monreale's Cathedral and Marsala's wine country. These tours use private buses between locations which our customers say makes a big difference for comfort. Small group sizes of 8-12 people mean everyone can hear the guide's explanations and also get personal attention at sites like Pompeii or Syracuse's ancient quarter.
- Solo Travelers496 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples447 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)17 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)209 tours All tours for Seniors
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.
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- 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.
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- popular 455 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 429 tours
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- 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.
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Contact our South Italy travel experts
Giovanna
Expert in South Italy at TourRadar
Giovanna 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.