Self-Guided Tours & Trips in South Italy
Explore a wide diversity of self-guided tours through South Italy. We have 121 adventures that vary from 3 days to 15 days. With the greatest number of departures in May, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best self-guided South Italy tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouth Italy travel expert at TourRadar
- 4 Day Self Guided Palermo, Italy
- Amalfi Coast: 2 Weeks - Self Guided Rail Tour
- Paris & South of Italy
- Pompeii & Vesuvius: Between Fire & Ashes
- Sicilian Adventure: Volcanoes, Sea and Hidden Treasures
- Aeolian Islands Tour: The 7 pearls of Sicily
- Italy in a Week - Covering Naples and Rome
- Island Escape: Overnight in Ischia from Sorrento
- Island Escape: Overnight in Ischia from Naples
- South-Oriental Sicily Beauty, Self-Drive
Duration 4 days Destinations Palermo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,190
30% Off- NZ$833You save $357
Your independent Southern Italy rail journey connects Naples, Sorrento, and Capri. Visit Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii ruins, then follow the coastline to Positano's Spiaggia Grande beach. Central hotels serve as your base while visiting Amalfi's Paper Museum and Salerno's medieval Castello di Arechi at your own pace.
Duration 14 days Destinations Naples, Sorrento, Capri, Positano, Amalfi, Salerno Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Euroventure Travel From
30% Off- NZ$7,672
Paris & South of Italy
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a wonderful trip! It was just perfect for us and everyone who took care of us did a fantastic job.”
MELINDA, traveled in April
South Italy opens up with pre-arranged UNESCO Pompeii access and Capri ferry tickets. The Michelangelo 4* Sorrento serves as your base for Sorrentine Coast adventures. Authentic Neapolitan pizza lunch and Blue Grotto excursion options available.
Duration 11 days Destinations Paris, Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wingbuddy From
30% Off- NZ$4,206
Duration 4 days Destinations Naples, Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
30% Off- NZ$439
Your South Italian island base at Hotel Bougainville 4* awaits. Choose when to enjoy Vulcano's mud baths, Salina's capers tasting, and Stromboli's evening shows. Daily boat excursions and breakfast included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Catania, Milazzo, Lipari, Salina, Panarea Island, Stromboli, Vulcano, Isola Alicudi, Filicudi Island Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Dimensione Sicilia - Dimsi Incoming Operator Srl From
30% Off- NZ$1,904
Duration 7 days Destinations Naples, Rome Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator WiseYatra From $2,833
30% Off- NZ$1,983You save $850
Duration 3 days Destinations Sorrento, Ischia, Forio Age Range Ages 12+ Operator IAMME IA - Gray Line Amalfi Coast From
30% Off- NZ$1,033
Duration 3 days Destinations Naples, Ischia, Forio Age Range Ages 12+ Operator IAMME IA - Gray Line Amalfi Coast From
30% Off- NZ$1,033
South-Oriental Sicily Beauty, Self-Drive
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“South Sicily is a must visit at least once in your lifetime. The food and especially the seafood was exceptional fresh, flavorful, and authentic.”
Erich, traveled in May
Your South Italian adventure starts from around $700. The route winds through Baroque towns like Scicli and Modica, Syracuse's Neapolis Archaeological Park, and charming Marzamemi. Includes unlimited mileage Lancia Ypsilon rental and premium hotel stays.
Duration 7 days Destinations Catania, Syracuse, Scicli, Marzamemi, Modica, Ragusa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator TUI Italia From $1,623
10% Off- NZ$1,461You save $162
What our customers ask about Self-Guided Tours & Trips in South Italy
What are the best regions to explore on a self-guided tour in South Italy?
South Italy's three standout regions for self-guided exploration are Sicily Puglia and the Amalfi Coast. Sicily delivers archaeological wonders from Mount Etna's slopes to Syracuse's ancient streets and Agrigento's Valley of Temples. Puglia's landscape is dotted with the distinctive cone-shaped trulli houses of Alberobello and ornate baroque buildings in Lecce while coastal Monopoli offers Mediterranean charm. The Amalfi Coast connects postcard-perfect towns like Positano Amalfi and Ravello through well-marked walking paths with accommodations such as the Bastione Spasimo Boutique Hotel. A TourRadar traveler noted, "The Sicily Self Drive tour is a near-perfect blend of adventure and autonomy with breathtaking landscapes and rich authentic cuisine making for an unforgettable experience."
What's the best time of year for a self-guided tour in South Italy?
South Italy welcomes self-guided tourists from April through October. Taormina and the Amalfi Coast shine brightest in May and June when temperatures hover at 75°F with lighter tourist traffic. Puglia's September climate at 80°F coincides with wine harvest festivities. Early October brings optimal hiking conditions around Sicily's Mount Etna. According to a TourRadar traveler, "The weather in September was perfect for exploring the Amalfi Coast's stunning views and coastal charm."
How reliable is public transportation for self-guided tours in South Italy?
South Italy's public transit system serves travelers well particularly in Campania. Regular train service connects Naples to Sorrento while buses and ferries link Amalfi Coast destinations including Positano Amalfi and Ravello. The Hotel Naples offers convenient access to transit connections. One TourRadar traveler advises: "Be aware that in high season public buses in Amalfi can be very busy therefore arrive at the bus stop at least 15 minutes before scheduled departure."
What type of accommodation can I expect on a self-guided tour in South Italy?
Accommodations range from 3-4 star hotels to family-run B&Bs and distinctive local properties. Visitors can sleep in authentic trullo houses in Alberobello or cave dwellings like Hotel Belvedere in Matera. The NH Catania Centro represents the coastal properties offering sea views. A TourRadar traveler reports, "The accommodations were outstanding on this bike tour. Friendly and comfortable." Properties are selected for their location character and proximity to attractions.
How does luggage transfer work on self-guided tours in South Italy?
Tour operators handle daily luggage transfers between hotels letting travelers walk or cycle with just essentials. One bag per person (max 20kg) moves ahead to the next stop such as from Hotel Villa Angela in Taormina to Hotel Una One in Syracuse. Local services complete transfers before guests arrive at their next accommodation. A TourRadar traveler confirms "The tour was well-organized with seamless luggage transfers."
How far in advance should I book a self-guided tour in South Italy?
Planning should start 4-6 months before travel especially for summer visits from June through September when sought-after spots like the Amalfi Coast fill quickly. Popular hotels including Grand Hotel Oriente in Bari and Hotel Mediterranean in Rome often reach capacity early. Booking data shows successful trips average 144 days between initial inquiry and departure date.